Photo credit: St. Kitts Yacht Club
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Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 28, 2026
— The St. Kitts Yacht Club and the St. Kitts and Nevis Sailing Association have congratulated 12-year-old sailor and multi-sport athlete Greyson Burrell following his participation in the 2026 Optimist North American Championship held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, from May 21 to May 28.
According to a statement issued by the St. Kitts Yacht Club, Burrell made history by becoming the first sailor from St. Kitts and Nevis to qualify for and compete in an Optimist North American Championship, marking a significant milestone for sailing in the Federation.
Fresh off a second-place cycling finish in Anguilla, Burrell shifted his focus from the road to the water to represent St. Kitts and Nevis at one of youth sailing’s most prestigious regional events.
The championship attracted 172 Optimist sailors from across North America and the Caribbean. Following the qualification series, competitors were divided into Gold, Silver, and Bronze fleets based on performance. Burrell secured a 20th-place finish in the Bronze Fleet among 57 sailors, gaining valuable experience against some of the region’s strongest young competitors.
The St. Kitts Yacht Club noted that the significance of the achievement extended well beyond the final standings. Competing in Halifax required Burrell to adapt to cold temperatures, shifting winds, strong currents, specialized sailing gear, and race conditions far different from those typically experienced in the Caribbean.
Throughout the week, he demonstrated resilience and determination while competing against sailors with considerably greater exposure to such conditions. The experience tested not only his technical ability but also his adaptability and mental toughness.
His participation serves as an example of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to step beyond one’s comfort zone. Coming from a small island nation with limited sailing resources compared to larger programmes, Burrell’s accomplishment is expected to inspire other young sailors throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Sailing Association also highlighted Burrell’s success as a multi-sport athlete, noting his seamless transition from a cycling podium finish in Anguilla to competing on one of youth sailing’s biggest stages.
Both organizations expressed gratitude to his coaches, family, sponsors, supporters, and the many individuals whose encouragement helped make the opportunity possible. They noted that continued investment in youth development remains essential to creating pathways for young athletes to compete internationally.
While the championship has concluded, the experience, knowledge, and confidence gained in Halifax are expected to contribute significantly to Burrell’s future development and help pave the way for the next generation of sailors in St. Kitts and Nevis.
At just 12 years old, Greyson Burrell’s historic participation represents not only a proud achievement for him and his family, but also an important step forward for the continued growth of sailing in the Federation.
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