BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Twelve-year-old sailor and multi-sport athlete Greyson Burrell has etched his name into the sporting history of St. Kitts and Nevis, becoming the first sailor from the Federation to qualify for and compete in an Optimist North American Championship.
Greyson represented St. Kitts and Nevis at the 2026 Optimist North American Championship, held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, from May 21–28. He competed among 172 of the top young Optimist sailors from across North America and the Caribbean. Following the qualification series, he secured a commendable 20th-place finish in the Bronze Fleet among 57 sailors, gaining valuable international experience against some of the region’s strongest youth competitors.
His achievement is even more remarkable given the challenging conditions. Coming from the warm waters of the Caribbean, Greyson had to quickly adapt to Halifax’s cold temperatures, shifting winds, strong currents, specialised equipment, and unfamiliar racecourse conditions. Demonstrating maturity beyond his years, he embraced the challenge with resilience, discipline, and determination throughout the championship.
This milestone comes just weeks after Greyson earned an impressive second-place finish in a cycling competition in Anguilla, highlighting his versatility as a young athlete.
The St. Kitts and Nevis Sailing Association and the St. Kitts Yacht Club praised Greyson’s historic performance and extended gratitude to his coaches, family, sponsors, supporters, and partners who made the opportunity possible.
At just 12 years old, Greyson Burrell has shown that hard work, courage, and commitment can carry young Kittitian and Nevisian athletes far beyond the shores of home.