IT IS not just the coveted trophies, prestige and bragging rights that the winning sailors will claim at tonight’s prize giving ceremony.
The top placed boy and girl will also each receive a luxurious Italian designer watch, especially engraved in tribute to their momentous feat.
The stunning Locman Montecristo timepieces are a gift from sponsors Locman and regatta organisers.
Blending traditional watch-making with elegant Italian style, Locman is known for its cutting-edge materials, such as titanium and ultralight carbon fibre, and innovative high-tech craftsmanship.
The model is particularly suiting to this year’s event, being hosted for the first time by Antigua and Barbuda, said Carlo Falcone who secured the prizes and is himself a former Olympian sailor and long-term supporter of local regattas.
Named after the Italian island of Montecristo and created by the company founded on the isle of Elba, they will be a cherished keepsake of the 2019 Optimist World Championship held on the Caribbean twin island nation, he explained.
“They will be a really nice memento for the winners for years to come,” Falcone said.
“We are delighted to be able to present these to the top boy and top girl as they add further prestige to the regatta.”
He added: “The engraving means they are completely unique – and the sailors to win them will be champions for life.”
For news and updates on the 2019 Optiworlds, please visit the website – http://2019worlds.optiworld.org