The
International Optimist
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The
Optimist Photo: Optimist Association of Ireland |
The Optimist is a single-handed dinghy which is ideal for children who are at first learning to sail, and in which they can then carry on to experience exhilarating racing at all levels, up to the World Championships.
The best way to introduce kids to sailing is through the Optimist class. Optimist sailboats are designed especially for children, with a broad beam for exceptional safety and stability. The boats are simple to operate - just one sail, one line, and one daggerboard. They're also simple to transport - just strap it to the roof of your car or stow it in the back of a van or sport utility vehicle.
Sailed in over 100 countries by over 150,000 young people, it is the ONLY dinghy approved by the International Sailing Federation exclusively for sailors under 16 years of age.
Over 50% of the dinghy skippers at the Sydney Olympics were former
Optimist sailors.
Optimist Class Specifications
| Overall Length | 2.3 m. |
| Beam | 1.1 m. |
| Weight | 35 kg. |
| Construction | Varies generally Fibreglass. |
| Racing Crew | One |
Optimist Class History
| 1947 | Designed by Clark Mills based on the Optimist Pram. |
| 1962 | First World Championships Held |
| 1965 | International Association Formed |
The Optimist Online
| Web Pages: | International Association |
| WA Association |
Clubs Sailing the Optimist
Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club
Royal Perth Yacht Club
Princess Royal Yacht Club
Sandy Bay Sailing Club
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