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Sku: mc1 mclaughlin optimist.
- Description
The only Optimist hand built in the United States by experts for over 25 years. McLaughlin has built World Champion hulls for years and have put in the hard work to come out on top. With the stiffest hulls available, minimum weight guaranteed, and best rigging options available, these boats are built to last and consistently perform for years to come.
- Harken 3:1 Mainsheet Block System
- Optiparts Padded Hiking Straps
- Adjustable Mast Step
- 3 x Optiparts Airbags
- 2 x Standard Optiparts Bailers
Available Packages
Mclaughlin optimist club racer.
- Standard McLaughlin Hull
- Optiparts Upgraded Club Spars
- New Rule Epoxy Blade Set
- Dinghy Shop Club Sail with Window
McLaughlin Optimist Intermediate Racer
- Optiparts Quick Silver Spar Set
- Dinghy Shop Sweet Blue Race Sail with Window
McLaughlin Optimist Advanced Racer
- Optiparts Black Gold Racing Spar Set
- Choice of Quantum or Olimpic Race Sail
McLaughlin Optimist ProRacer
- Upgraded ProRacer McLaughlin Hull
- 4:1 Harken Mainsheet System with Double Tapered Mainsheet
- 2 x Optiparts Large Bailers
- Optiparts Mast Clamp
- Extra Padded Adjustable Hiking Straps
- Optiparts Black Gold / Giulietti or Optimax MK3 spars
- McLaughlin N1 PRO Foils
- Quantum or Olimpic Race Sail
- Clearance Items
- Covers & Bags
- Hull Fittings
- Dollies & Dolly Parts
- Spar Fittings
- Tillers & Extensions
- Training DVDs
- Training Sails
- Accessories
- Blocks & Cleats
- Boat Packages
- Books, Games, & DVD
- Dollies & Wheels
- Mast Collars & Sleeves
- Models & Keychains
- Rudder Fittings
- Sail Accessories
- Tillers & Extensions
- Andersen Bailers
- Hiking Bench
- Lunch Containers
- Sailing Apparel
- Sailing Bags
- Teflon Polish & Spray
- Timers & Watches
- 420 Equipment
- Sailcube® Parts
- Charter Gear
- Multi Purpose Rib (Coach Boat)
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Optimist Buying Guide
By tom coleman.
The Optimist; at first glance a simple little kids boat…right? The more you get to know this “simple” little kids’ boat, the more you realize it’s not so simple. But little Jimmy starts sailing class in a month and you’re told to provide a fully rigged Optimist for his use. Where do you start? What do you really need and what’s it all gonna cost? Tom “Optiguytom” Coleman, long associated with junior sailing, is considered internationally as an Optimist guru, especially when it comes to getting kids started in racing. In this article he helps parents get started into the world of the Optimist, unraveling the mysteries of understanding, choosing and purchasing an Optimist sailboat.
Optimist Basics
The Opti, or Optimist Dinghy, is relatively unchanged from the first prams designed and built by visionary Clark Mills in Clearwater, FL, 65 years ago. Testament to Mills’ genius, the Opti remains the largest and fastest growing sailboat class in the world, a phenomenon as THE definitive teaching boat for hundreds of thousands of children the world over.
The Opti is not for everyone. It was designed for children. Optis are sailed by kids as young as five* years old and can be officially raced by kids up to age fifteen. Although it’s possible for a parent to sail an Optimist alone or with a small child, realistically adult sized sailors just don’t fit well. That’s part of the magic behind why they work so perfectly for kids.
Mills originally designed the Opti to be garage-built out of $50 worth of materials… hence the “one sheet of plywood” nearly 4’x8’ size. Little did Clark know that one day two Optis could easily slide into the back of a Suburban or mini-van, or that Mom and a teen could lift it onto the car top, or that the spars (mast, boom, and sprit) could be shipped UPS or flown as baggage.
Why Buy Them Their Own Boat?
Many learn-to-sail programs provide Optis for participants, but some have gotten so popular that you will need to supply your own boat. Check with the program and solicit their recommendation on procuring a suitable Optimist. As a rule, Optis hold their value extremely well, making the overall investment quite reasonable. While a brand new, ready to race Optimist will start at less than $3,000, completely rigged Optis suitable for beginners can be had for less than $1,000. Another reason to buy your child their own Opti is the pride of ownership that comes from taking care of their own vessel. It’s a great way to build responsibility and help get them invested in this life-long activity.
What Will They Need to Start?
When we say Optimist, or Opti, we are talking about a complete, ready to sail package. Although there are many possible accessories and upgrades, this is what your child must have:
Hull – it’s the shell or body of the boat, the vessel itself. The vast majority are built of fiberglass. It includes the deck which runs around the top edge and is for sitting on, not standing. The hull also includes the mast thwart, daggerboard trunk and midship frame. These are all permanently attached during manufacture. Every hull has important parts attached mechanically (with screws), or secured by other means. These include hiking straps, ratchet block, dagger board bungee, three flotation bags, mainsheet, mast step (should be adjustable), and bow line.
Blades – sometimes called foils. They are the rudder (with tiller and extension) and the daggerboard.
Sail – usually white, made of Dacron.
Rig – often called spar set; these are the mast, boom, and sprit; the poles that support the sail. The rig includes the lines (ropes) and blocks (pulleys) that control the sail.
Accessories
Bailers – need two in the boat at all times, flimsy plastic bottles don’t work and are NOT safe.
Blade Bag – protects and stores the daggerboard and rudder, makes for easier carrying.
Life jacket – must be USCG Approved and appropriate size.
Whistle – secured to life jacket with a short lanyard.
Bow bumper – protects not only your investment but those of others.
Dolly – for dockside transport, launching, sometimes storage. Some programs require them.
Covers – depending on how boat will be stored a top or bottom cover may be a good investment.
Praddle – one handed paddle. Regular canoe or telescopic paddles DO NOT WORK!
New, Used, Chartered?
New complete Opti packages start at around $2700 while used Optis range from $500 on up depending on age, condition, and accessories. A third option is called a “chartered” or “event” Optimist. Think of these as demos, typically used at a few regattas by good sailors. Often these come with brand new spars and sail, carry new boat warranties, and sell for $200 – 300 below retail.
Club, Intermediate, Advanced, Premium Racer?
Those are names of various Opti packages differentiated by the equipment each comes with. Beginning sailors should be most interested in the “Club” or “Club Racer” version. Besides being the most economical, it’s designed for their level; a little heavier duty with less parts to loose or break. The Intermediate will have some upgrades mainly of interest to racing. The Advanced (read more expensive), are aimed at delivering a product suited exclusively toward competitive sailing and bear no advantage to those starting out. It’s important to know that the hull is really the same in each package and can be upgraded as the sailor progresses with the purchase of different spars, blades, and sails.
Where to Buy
Local Sailing Programs
Check the bulletin boards at local yacht clubs and community sailing centers and you’re likely to find at least a couple of formerly sailed Optis available. Ask around, during weekend and after school Opti classes (yes, most have already started), and you may uncover some unadvertised bargains.
Friendly Neighborhood Dealer
Shopping new or used Optis at your local dealership is perhaps the easiest way to obtain the right boat for your child. Typical small boat sales staff, as a rule, are local sailors and have insight on the surrounding programs and what each expects. You’ll find them to be very knowledgeable, highly enthusiastic, but not pushy.
The best deals can be found at the many spring open houses, boat swaps, or Opti auctions. You’ll be able to compare $600 fixer-uppers and $1,000 bargains (privately owned, taken in on commission) to used, chartered and brand new Optis, all at one location. The dealer can fix you up with necessary accessories, including roof racks to transport the newest addition to your family.
Online shopping can produce some real bargains, but has its limitations. eBay and Craig’s List occasionally have listings, but the drawback of buying sight unseen or traveling a long distance to see only one boat may not prove prudent. A recent search produced only one Opti on ebay and five scattered from New Jersey to Rhode Island.
JSALIS.org has a page of used Optis and equipment for sale as does the Opti Class at usoda.org.
Yes, but is it “Class legal”?
Class legal means that the hull, spars, sail and blades (and some accessories) meet certain rigid requirements pertaining to materials, measurements and construction. These requirements keep the Optimist safe for your child while ensuring that every Opti is virtually the same and one doesn’t have a significant advantage over another on the race course. Your Opti may be class legal if it has a sticker with a unique ISAF number or if very old, an IYRU number. The best guarantee is if you have the measurement papers issued by USODA (United States Optimist Dinghy Association) that came with the boat.
…and is it Necessary?
It’s only necessary if those holding the race say it is. Within your program it shouldn’t matter and most green fleet regattas (for beginners) are only concerned that it is safe and a reasonable facsimile. As your child progresses and begins to do more racing (regionally, nationally and even internationally), having a class legal Optimist is an “Opti-must”.
* It’s generally agreed that most kids are not developmentally ready for formal sailing instruction until 8 years of age.
Tom “OPTIGUYTOM” Coleman has been associated with the Optimist Class as a coach and instructor trainer for over a decade. He was Marketing Manager for McLaughlin Boat Works for nearly fifteen years. In 2004 he was chosen by the US Olympic Committee as Developmental Coach of the Year for Sailing. You’ll find him running the Green Fleet at many top Optimist regattas.
You can reach Tom for clinics and regatta coaching at Optiguytom@yahoo.com .
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Stay informed.
United States Optimist Dinghy Association
Class contact information.
Click below
Class Email
Class Website
One-Design Class Type: Dinghy
Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Youth
Approximately how many class members do you have? 1200
Photo Credit:
About United States Optimist Dinghy Association
USODA is the national class organization for Optimist sailing in the United States.
Our mission is simple: USODA will support and sustain junior sailors, their families, and junior sailing programs with leadership, information, and organization which facilitates the growth of Optimist sailing at all levels. We will accomplish this while promoting fun, safety, self-reliance, and good sportsmanship.
USODA is a 501(c)(3) educational organization, able to receive tax deductible contributions from individuals. Its interest is in promoting a boat, the International Optimist Dinghy (IOD), and promoting sailing across the United States.
Boats Produced: Over 23,000 in the United States
Class boat builder(s):
The Class has multiple builders, with McLaughlin being the sole builder in the United States. The main vendors in the United States for new boats are:
McLaughlin Simmons Boatworks KO Sailing Zim
Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America?
Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:
The Optimist Class is active throughout the US.
Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? No
How many people sail as a crew including the helm? 1
Ideal combined weight of range of crew: 75-110 lbs
Boat Designed in 1947
Length (feet/inches): 7’2″
Beam: 3’8″
Weight of rigged boat without sails: 77 lbs
Draft: 2’9″
Mast Height: 7’5″
Class Rules (PDF Doc)
Back to One-Design Central
Copyright ©2018-2024 United States Sailing Association. All rights reserved. US Sailing is a 501(c)3 organization. Website designed & developed by Design Principles, Inc. -->
McLaughlin Optimist
Relaunching Fall 2023...
May 12, 2023
US One-Design, Inc , a leading importer and reseller of performance one-design dinghies, gear and accessories has acquired North American’s only manufacturer of Optimist Dinghies, McLaughlin Boat Works.
Having pioneered much of the performance technology used on today’s Optimists, McLaughlin Boat Works has been the leading producer of Optimists for over 25 years. Built right here in the United States, McLaughlin Boat Works has earned a worldwide reputation for craftsmanship, speed, and excellence. American made strength, speed, and durability have been the cornerstones of their manufacturing process, and it shows… McLaughlin has produced more championship sailors than any other boat. Their commitment to US Optimist sailors and the broader youth sailing community has been unparalleled. “The Sherman family is eager to begin working closely with Trisha Leaver and her team of highly qualified individuals to produce the same consistent, high quality and the only “Made In The USA” McLaughlin Optimists that the sailing community has come to love.” Steve and Mike Sherman will be overseeing the new production line ensuring North America has the highest quality Optimist manufactured in the World.
US One-Design and McLaughlin Boat Works share a common mission of “giving service beyond anyone’s expectations.” US One-Design is committed to supporting competitive youth sailing and will continue McLaughlin’s legacy of supporting US Optimist sailors on-the-ground with charters, education, and regatta support. Equally important to US One-Design owner, Trisha Leaver, is supporting club and community sailing programs. Often known for saying “every sailor starts in the green fleet,” Leaver’s passion for getting … and keeping … sailors of all ages and abilities out on the water is the foundation upon which US One-Design was built.
McLaughlin Boat Works, in partnership with US One-Design, is open for business and committed to providing the same exceptional sales, service, and support that have made them the top choice for individual Optimist sailors, clubs and community sailing programs across the country for over 25 years. Current inventory coupled with start-up production will assure an adequate supply of Mclaughlin Optimist for 2023 and beyond.
Ex-Charter McLaughlin Pro Racer, Hull Only
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The 5 Best Sailboats For Beginners
Last Updated by
Daniel Wade
December 27, 2023
Sailing is a fun activity for people of all experience levels. In fact, learning to sail a basic boat is relatively easy—in the right environment, you can start cruising with minimal experience.
However, the idea of a beginner commanding a 55-foot ketch in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is a bit ridiculous. Even though virtually everyone can sail, beginners should learn the basics in a controlled environment—and on the correct boat.
Boat size doesn’t necessarily affect its beginner-friendliness, because sailors need to take into account factors such as rig simplicity and handling characteristics.
Many beginners make the mistake of picking the wrong boat to begin with, which can lead to frustration and turn them off of sailing forever.
To mitigate these issues, this article will cover the best sailboats for beginners —so you can get on the water and start sailing safely and comfortably.
Table of contents
Best Rigs for Beginners
There are many types of sailboat rigging , and some are more beginner-friendly than others. Unfortunately, some of the most aesthetically pleasing rigs are also the most complicated.
Eventually, sailors can acquire enough skill to master complex rigs, but it’s best to start simple.
Arguably, one of the simplest sailing rigs is the Lateen Rig. This rig consists of a mast, boom, and spar, along with a single halyard and mainsheet. With only two ropes in its simplest configuration, the Lateen Rig makes an excellent starter sailboat, and it will be featured on this list.
For larger boats, the Bermuda Sloop rig is an excellent choice. This rig is quite common and includes a jib for a larger sail plan.
For those who desire a slightly more robust (but single sail) layout, the gaff-rigged catboat is also an excellent choice. This versatile craft (and rig) has a large and relatively simple single sail, which is easier to handle than multiple sails.
Top Five Sailboats for Beginners
Now, we’ll go over the top five sailboats for beginners . These boats will descend in order from smallest to largest, but not by the level of experience needed.
Remember, just because you’re new to sailing doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boat that’s too small. Beginners can handle larger boats with some training, and some are easier to handle than their smaller counterparts.
The following boats were chosen because of their handling characteristics, low cost-of-ownership, and simplicity, as all of these factors are important for choosing the best beginner sailboat.
5) Sailing Dinghy
The sailing dinghy is the quintessential starter sailboat. These tiny, lightweight, popular, and highly affordable little craft is easy to operate and relatively difficult to capsize. The popular Optimist Sailing Dinghy, while designed for children up to the age of about 15, can be used (sometimes hilariously) by adults as well. An Optimist-style dingy is a great option for beginners over the age of 15, as boats of this style can be found in a variety of sizes. The sailing dinghy is a very popular youth racing sailboat, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom. While it’s not particularly fast, this little boat has wonderful handling characteristics and is relatively difficult to capsize. This open-cockpit boat uses a centerboard and detachable tiller and can be beached or carried atop a car without much hassle. The mast is removable, and all parts are easily stowed. Overall, the Optimist and its copycats are a remarkable little craft, equally useful as a tender for a larger boat or a standalone beginner sailboat.
Dinghy rigs vary between builders, but many use the simple Spirit Rig. The rig consists of a single sail and mainsheet, along with one mast, boom, and spar. The leech is stiffened by battens, and ties along the luff secure it all to the mast. Hoisting and securing the rig is easy, and lines are secured to the boat by a cleat. This simple rig has plenty of sail area for most places, and sailors can secure the mainsheet to a block or simply hold it in their hands.
The price of sailing dinghies can vary widely depending on multiple factors. Professionally-made sailing dinghies start around $3,500 new, and plywood kits are available for around $1,000 to $2,000. Used dinghies (including Optimist sailing dinghies) can be found on Craigslist for as low as a few hundred dollars.
{{boat-info="/boats/vanguard-sunfish"}}
The Sunfish is a brilliant little sailboat, and a very fast boat indeed. This little racing dinghy, while only 13 feet in length, can be an enormous amount of fun for beginners and experienced sailors alike. The best way to describe the handling of a Sunfish is, ‘tender,’ though it’s not difficult to master this little boat. For its size, the Sunfish has a relatively large sail area and a very shallow draft. This boat has a small cockpit and can be controlled easily by a single person. The large sail plan of the Lateen-Rigged Sunfish makes for excellent performance in light winds and amazing speed on windy days. The Sunfish is a lightweight fiberglass boat with a simple rig and is a great step-up from a sailing dinghy. It’s possible to learn how to sail on this boat, but every sailor who’s spent time on a Sunfish will probably recommend bringing a towel. The boat is relatively easy to capsize for beginners and it heels aggressively, but these characteristics can teach sailors some important lessons. The heeling characteristics of the Sunfish can help beginners get accustomed to the feeling and help them understand the limits of a sailboat and how to avoid capsizing.
The Sunfish features a Lateen Rig, which has some shared characteristics with the simple Spirit Rig. The Lateen Rig has a single spar, mast, and boom, and is easy to set up and dismantle. The mast is removable as well, making stowing and transportation relatively easy. The large sail plan of the Sunfish makes it ideal for lakes and other areas where the wind is sporadic or very low, and the boat can be safely handled in many conditions. The boat is great for racing and learning and is also available in a Bermuda rig. The Sunfish is recognizable by the distinctive fish logo in the top corner of the sail, and the classic rainbow sails striping.
The Sunfish is still commercially manufactured. You can purchase one new from the factory for around $5,000 today, and options are available to make the boat your own. While the boat is designed to be sailed by a single person, two adults can purchase this boat and use it together comfortably. Used Sunfish prices vary, but a fully-outfitted boat in good condition can cost upwards of $1,000. They hold their value well, and they’re a great choice for beginners.
{{boat-info="/boats/vanguard-laser"}}
The Laser is considered by many to be the Sunfish’s main competitor. The two boats are the same length (13 feet 9 inches) and share many of the same handling characteristics. However, the boats do have some notable differences. Many people consider the Laser to be a step-up from the Sunfish in difficulty, as the boat handles much more like a racer. The Laser has been used in the Olympics for racing. The laser is small and simple enough for beginners but requires skill to operate. Beginners can learn a lot from sailing a Laser and have an enormous amount of fun in the process. This fast little boat is simple and easy to set up but handles like a racecar. If you’re a beginner on a laser, you’ll probably capsize at some point—which isn’t always a problem if you’re in a controlled environment, as the boat can be righted easily.
The laser is a Cat Rigged boat. This means it has only one mainsail and no headsails. The simple rig has a mast and a boom and is very easy to set up. The sail area of the laser is relatively large and designed for speed in high winds. The rig combined with the overall design of the sailboat makes it handle tenderly, which may be off-putting to some beginners. Regardless, it’s still a blast to sail for beginners with some experience.
New Laser sailboats start around $6,000 which is slightly more than the Sunfish. This simple centerboard cruiser is constructed as a race boat, which can explain some of the price increase. Used Laser sailboats are available on the market, though usually not as common as the Sunfish. Used Laser prices vary widely.
2) Gaff-Rigged Catboat
The gaff-rigged catboat isn’t a brand of boat—it’s a style of a sailboat that was once a popular workboat on the New England coast. This boat, which has only one mainsail and no headsails, is available in a wide range of designs. Catboats are famous for their handling and power and make a great sailboat for beginners. These vessels are available with centerboards, keels, cabins, and in open designs. Most catboats range from 15 to 19-feet long and can be built from wood or fiberglass. Catboats are easy to handle, and one who learns on a small catboat can easily transition to a larger one. Besides being one of the most easily recognizable sailboats, catboats are also some of the most versatile. A catboat can be just as suitable for lake cruising as it is for coastal waters.
The most common type of catboat rig is the Gaff Rig. This classic and robust rig is more complex than the simple Spirit and Lateen rig, but it’s more suitable for a ‘proper ship.’ The Gaff Rig can provide similar power as an equivalent Bermuda Rig, with much more elegance and a shorter mast. Many sailors prefer the classic Gaff Rig for its handling characteristics and durability.
It’s impossible to specify the price of catboats because they vary so much in design and size. New catboats (between 15 and 25-feet) can be purchased for less than $20,000, and used boats are numerous and varied. Cabin catboats tend to cost more, especially new—some run for more than $50,000 with a high level of amenities, including a head and galley. Numerous catboat plans are available online, and sailors report constructing them (usually of plywood) for just a few thousand dollars.
1) West Wight Potter 19
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The West Wight Potter 19 is a fiberglass sailboat designed for safety, easy handling, and beginner-friendliness. This 19-foot trailer-sailor features a cabin with a vee-berth, a simple rig, and a retractable keel. The West Wight Potter 19 could potentially be the best cabin sailboat for beginners, and certainly one of the safest—the West Wight Potter 19, according to the manufacturer, is quite literally unsinkable. The hull is filled with buoyant materials, allowing the boat to be flooded and remain afloat. However, unsinkability isn’t the only characteristic of this boat that makes it ideal for beginners. The rig is simple and easy to set up, and the handling characteristics are excellent. The boat is not prone to aggressive heeling and handles confidently in a variety of conditions. While one generally wouldn’t consider it to be a blue-water cruiser, it’s still extremely capable—one sailor even sailed this vessel from California to Hawaii , which is over 2,000 nautical miles. The theoretical hull speed of this boat is around 5.4 knots, but it actually has a tendency to plane and achieve higher speeds. It’s a flat-bottomed cruiser, making it easy to beach and transport with its retractable keel and removable rudder. The West Wight Potter 19 is a great introduction to large sailboats and carries amenities normally reserved for boats at least 1/3 larger.
The West Wight Potter 19 is a Bermuda-Rigged sloop. The sail plan is sufficiently large to propel the boat in a variety of conditions, but not so large that it overpowers the boat. Sailors can single-hand the boat with ease, and set up and takedown are easy and require no special tools. The boat handles well in a variety of conditions and is well-known for its superior stability. The rig comes apart easily and can be stowed and trailered by one person.
The West Wight Potter 19 has been produced and sold commercially since the 1970s, and the used market has plenty of boats available, generally starting around $5,000. New West Wight Potter 19 sailboats are remarkably affordable compared to other boats with comparable characteristics. The West Wight Potter 19 is manufactured by International Marine in California. New sailboats start at just shy of $25,000. Owners can add an enormous range of extra features to their boats, including a hull-strengthening ‘blue water’ package, a stove, a head, electrical power, spare parts, and much more. The boats are highly customizable and can be outfitted for weekender sailing or long-term liveaboard cruising.
How to Pick a Sailboat
Picking a sailboat for beginners doesn’t have to be difficult. Before deciding on a boat, consider your experience level and location.
If you only have access to rough ocean, it may not be the best idea to get an open dinghy.
If you live near a lake, a Sunfish could be a great way to start.
Also, consider your budget. If you’re looking for a $50 sailboat, you can probably find one, but it won’t be ideal.
If you have just a few thousand dollars to spend, you can set yourself up nicely with a little research .
Also, consider what you want to do with the sailboat. Recreation, fishing , cruising , and exploration are options, and require different kinds of boats.
Whichever you end up choosing, make sure you try it out and can sail it comfortably.
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OPTIMIST DINGHY SPEED GUIDE
North Sails class leaders Zeke Horowitz and Juan Carlos Romero answer your International Optimist Dinghy speed and boathandling questions.
Who sails an Optimist Dinghy?
The pram-style Optimist is a great starter boat for learning to sail and later learning to race, and youth sailors can literally take their Optimist Dinghy to whatever level they want. Any motivated young Optimist sailor will develop both confidence and dinghy sailing skills, from boathandling techniques to big-fleet strategy and tactics; some will go on to race at the highest levels. The sailors who do best in the class are those who spend the most time sailing their boats, usually with a good coach, strong sailing program, and ample resources. The International Optimist Dinghy Association is the biggest one-design class in the world.
Top young Optimist sailors line up on the starting line at a clinic held on Miami's Biscayne Bay.
Who is the ideal Optimist sailor physically?
Sailors should be fit and agile, able to move gracefully and hike out for extended periods. Those who do best are usually 12 to 14 years old and weigh up to 110 pounds. Regionally, top sailors can still compete at 115 or even 120 pounds. Girls sail equally with boys, and it’s common to see three or four girls in the top 10 at any regatta.
What are three top Optimist speed tips?
- Find a good coach and team.
- Focus hard while you’re on the water.
- Do well in school so you can miss days while off sailing.
What should buyers know when choosing an Optimist Dinghy?
Any sailor’s first boat is typically a used boat, to allow for collisions due to inexperience with dock landings and being in close quarters with other boats. Competitive sailors will normally move up to new boats as they reach higher levels. Older boats can remain competitive, but heavy travel and racing schedules put a fair amount of wear and tear on the boats. As a result, used boats may need gelcoat dings and scratches repaired. A fully outfitted new boat may run $5,500, while a good used boat costs 30 to 40 percent less. Keep in mind that you can purchase different sizes of boom section with different stiffness, although most sailors stick with a mid-range version. As a sailor grows, a stiffer boom may be preferred. If your mast is extremely bendy, it may also help to replace it with a stiffer one as experience and size merit.
How do you move an Optimist Dinghy around?
An Optimist weighs only 35 kilograms (77 pounds), which makes it easy to put on top of a car. There are also many trailering options; some teams own trailers that carry up to 18 boats, plus a coach boat!
How long does it take to rig an Optimist Dinghy?
Rigging time depends on how focused the sailor is on the task, but it’s not hard to have a boat ready in 40 minutes. What’s most time-consuming is attaching the sail to the spars, which in the Optimist requires tying knots in a way that’s carefully prescribed by the rules (see the North Sails Optimist Tuning Guide ). The goal is to match the luff curve with how much the mast will bend in a given condition, which varies depending on a sailor’s weight.
How many sails are allowed?
Top sailors will take two sails to a regatta, but just one sail is allowed for the duration of the event; the other is a backup in case of a breakdown. There is some nuance to selecting Optimist sails, but North presents a good choice of radial or crosscut sails of different size depending on the sailor’s weight. Read more about what North offers , from a crossover sail for beginners, to two crosscut and four radial-cut racing sails.
International Optimist Dinghy Tuning
What are the keys to rig set-up.
Properly eased outhaul tension shows wrinkles at each sail tie giving ample power to the lower part of the sail.
What control systems are unique to the Optimist?
A modest wrinkle from the top of the mast extending toward the end of the boom indicates correct sprit tension.
Optimist Dinghy Upwind Sailing
How do you trim the sail upwind in light air.
Shown sailing in a clinic (without sail numbers), these Optimist Dinghies show off the design’s distinct profile with sprit rig and squared off bow and stern.
When sailing in medium winds, how should the sail be trimmed upwind?
Move the mast rake back to your base setting when you move to the rail, and in choppy conditions, pull the outhaul tight enough so the vertical creases at the boom sail ties extend only up to the first seam. Smooth out the wrinkles in the luff by removing one twist in your boom preventer, so you achieve a round, deep nice shape for the entry. You want moderate luff tension, but you don’t want it tight. Trim the sprit so the sail is very smooth, and trim the mainsheet so the boom is right over the corner or just inside the corner of the transom.
In hiking mode or heavy air upwind, how do you trim the sail?
When hiking, rake the mast a bit forward from your base setting to compensate for how the mast will bend. Have your outhaul tight enough that a crease shows in the foot, until you fill the sail with wind. Take another twist off the boom preventer to get good tension on the luff. Sprit pole tension should still be tight and the sail, smooth. When trimming, ease the boom to the corner of the boat and sometimes just outside the corner.
When the Optimist is sailing upwind, overpowered, how should the sail be trimmed?
Demonstrating good upwind sail trim, this Optimist sailor is flying her leech telltales and has the boom trimmed at or near the transom corner.
What are the key gear changes in an Optimist when sailing upwind?
The Optimist sailor’s focus when sailing upwind is primarily on body movement, mainsheet trim, and steering the boat. None of the sail controls are adjusted. When there are choppy conditions or a big wave, bear off and ease the sail to stay powered up. In a flat spot, trim harder to improve your pointing. Because the Optimist is a hard-chine boat, keeping the boat flat is critical—the boat makes leeway and the rudder works like a brake when you allow heel.
What else is important upwind?
One important technique to learn is “sailing and bailing.” Two buckets are attached to the boat with bungee cords, and the technique is to scoot aft and squeeze the bailer bucket between your front leg and the bulkhead, rocking the boat to windward to fill the bailer by feathering the boat up and hiking at the right time. Move your mainsheet and tiller extension to the same hand and use your free hand to toss the water in the bailer overboard. Don't forget that a full bailer of water weighs 8 pounds, which is quite a bit of weight working against you when it’s sloshing around the floor of your boat.
Optimist Dinghy Downwind Sailing
Where do you sit when sailing the optimist downwind.
Heading downwind, you always sit on the rail, heeling a little to windward to lift the leeward chine out of the water and to tilt the sail a little higher. In light air and until you’re surfing, stay forward, with your shins against the bulkhead. Effectively, you’re staying in the middle of the boat. In surf and big waves, move aft quite a bit to avoid submarining the bow under a wave and then move forward again. The amount of fore-and-aft body movement is greater in an Optimist than in some other singlehanders because the bow is blunt, so in waves you need to work hard to keep it above water.
How do you trim downwind?
This sailor’s downwind trim shows slight windward heel, mainsheet eased to 90 degrees, and daggerboard fully raised.
How much pumping of the main is fast downwind?
Pumping the main is fast any time there’s good wind and waves. Top sailors grab the sheet at the ratchet block and pump it by extending their hand up over their heads. You are allowed one pump per wave, and at major regattas there are on-water judges keeping count.
How do you shift gears when sailing an Optimist downwind?
Think about how far in or out you have the boom, and think about how much you should be moving fore and aft. In max light air, the daggerboard is up, the boom is out past 90 degrees, and you’re focused on keeping the boat as quiet and at as steady an angle of heel as possible. In 20 knots, it’s completely different—the board is only two-thirds of the way up, you are pumping on every wave, and you are moving all over the place.
Optimist Dinghy Boathandling
What are the keys to starting well in an optimist.
It’s important to get into the front row and hold your position on the line in advance of the start. It’s also key not to get flagged for sculling with your rudder. This takes practice, always keeping the boat moving but at the slowest speed possible. You want just enough flow across the leech of your main to hold your spot. The boats tack quickly, so we recommend that you learn to do a quick double-tack; sometimes when there’s space to windward, you can tack twice and gain valuable room on your lee side for acceleration.
What are the keys to tacking an Optimist well?
Steering from behind your back, move what was your forward, mainsheet hand aft to hold the tiller extension as well, then bring your other hand around and take the mainsheet. In all conditions, over-trim the mainsheet when you start your tack until head to wind so you maintain flow on your sail, then ease it through rest of the process and finally trim the sheet afterwards, usually after the boat has been flattened. In medium air, you make the same move, but it happens faster and you’re moving from rail to rail. The main trim is the same. When it’s windy, you hardly roll the boat and simply move quickly across, grabbing the rail with one hand to get there. Ease the main during the tack once you pass head to wind and then trim when fully hiked.
What are the worst mistakes in tacking an Optimist?
Over-rolling the boat and filling it with water is easily the worst mistake. In light air, be sure not to use too much rudder. That’s slow, and so is not getting enough roll. We have one word to describe finding the right amount of roll for each condition—practice!
What are the keys to jibing an Optimist well?
In light air, keep it smooth. Have the boat rocked to weather already, then just lean in and grab the parts of the mainsheet, lean out, and pull the sail over. Stand up and walk across the boat to avoid a big splash, then transition to heel the boat again to windward. In medium winds, your roll jibe is the same but involves a quick hop across the boat (as you would in a tack). In heavy air, the jibe is different. Your main goal is “Don’t flip over.” Try to pull the boom across while surfing a big wave because your sail will be less loaded and you’ll be more in control; however, you’ll often find the boom still has enough load on it to require a strong pull. A common mistake is to get stuck—you’ve turned the boat part way, but the main is too loaded to come across. When you are ready to jibe, jibe with confidence by making a decisive turn at the same time that you pull the main over. As the sail comes over, cross the boat quickly to the rail and steer back to leeward on the new jibe. Make sure the main doesn’t get eased beyond 90 degrees as you jibe, or you’ll surely flip.
Do you have any other suggestions for jibing in heavy air?
The chicken jibe (also known as “tacking”) is popular when it’s blowing. If you’re a less-experienced heavy-air sailor and not sailing in the top 20, this is a great way to be sure you’ll stay in the race.
Can you recover on your own from capsizing an Optimist?
An Optimist sailor can “self-rescue” because the boat has three air bags. Make sure they are fully inflated so less water gets in the boat. If you flip, right the boat from the windward side and spend at least one minute standing in the boat and bailing hard with both bailers, which are attached to the boat with bungee cords. At that point you can start sailing and bail out the rest as you go.
What boathandling drills do you recommend?
The board is down and the main is powered up for the turn at the leeward mark. A bit of leeward heel would reduce the amount of rudder required.
What are the most common Optimist boathandling mistakes?
Let’s start with not capsizing. It takes practice to learn where the edge is in heavy air. Other mistakes we see include using too much rudder instead of doing smooth roll tacks and roll jibes. This applies to sailing in a straight line, too. For example, avoid using too much rudder downwind. If you start heeling to weather too much, the boat wants to head down. Instead of pushing the tiller to compensate, shift your body weight to leeward and trim the main.
What’s the coolest thing about the International Optimist Dinghy class?
The Opti class is by far the largest and most dynamic one-design class, in part because it has the most variables on the planet. Parents, coaches, and thousand of young sailors, growing up through a super-sensitive time of their lives. The basic strategies and tactics the class requires are a great outlet and an excellent way to learn the values of discipline and conservative decision-making. Whether you travel and learn about getting through airports and how to make friends in other countries, or you simply learn to take care of your own boat and sail on your own, Optimist sailing is a chance for you to learn a whole lot about yourself in a supportive, fun, rewarding environment. The Optimist is sailed all over the world and has a half dozen continental championships. After sailors age out, some go on to contend for Laser Radial and 4.7 world titles, and many become leading competitors in doublehanded classes such as the 420 and 29er. A final testament to the class: the great majority of skippers at the 2016 Olympics got their start in the Optimist class.
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Optimist Fleet of Optimists Typical Optimist storage Rigging on shore Optimist dinghies waiting to a wind. The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by young people up to the age of 15.. The Optimist is one of the two most popular sailing dinghies in the world, with over 150,000 boats officially registered with the class and many more built but never registered.
SKU: MC1 McLaughlin Optimist. McLaughlin Optimist. The only Optimist hand built in the United States by experts for over 25 years. McLaughlin has built World Champion hulls for years and have put in the hard work to come out on top. With the stiffest hulls available, minimum weight guaranteed, and best rigging options available, these boats are ...
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Immensely popular youth trainer, designed for and built by a large number of home builders. The list shown here can only represent a small fraction of past and current professional builders. U.S. Optimist Dinghy Assn. P.O. Box 150127 222 E. Westmonte Dr. #101 Almonte Springs, FL 21401 407-774-7880 Fax: 407-774-6440
In this article he helps parents get started into the world of the Optimist, unraveling the mysteries of understanding, choosing and purchasing an Optimist sailboat. Optimist Basics. The Opti, or Optimist Dinghy, is relatively unchanged from the first prams designed and built by visionary Clark Mills in Clearwater, FL, 65 years ago.
The Optimist dinghy (Opti) is one of the world's most popular sailboats for youth training and racing, with an active regatta circuit and great competition from green fleet to the most competitive world class regattas. Zim Sailing offers race ready Optimist sailboats in a variety of options, including Club and Race spec boats and the regatta winning Pro Opti by Fighter.
Its interest is in promoting a boat, the International Optimist Dinghy (IOD), and promoting sailing across the United States. Design. Boats Produced: Over 23,000 in the United States. Class boat builder(s): The Class has multiple builders, with McLaughlin being the sole builder in the United States. The main vendors in the United States for new ...
The Optimist sailboat, affectionately known as the Opti, is a popular and iconic single-handed dinghy designed specifically for young sailors. Renowned for its simplicity, stability, and ease of use, the Optimist has become a staple in youth sailing programs worldwide. With a distinctive pram-like hull and a single, sprit-rigged sail, this ...
Winner is the most popular Optimist in the world, sailed by more World Champions and more beginners than any other Optimist. The secret to our success, from top to bottom, is quality. For us, it's a happy coincidence that the strength we build into our boats translates equally to better performance and greater durability. The foundation for the ...
The Optimist dinghy is the world's most popular sailboat for children. North Sails offers multiple sail designs to match your sailor's weight and wind conditions. North has two styles of optimist sails. The Crossover Mainsail is an entry-level sail designed for beginners. This mainsail will carry beginners from their first days on the water ...
May 12, 2023. US One-Design, Inc, a leading importer and reseller of performance one-design dinghies, gear and accessories has acquired North American's only manufacturer of Optimist Dinghies, McLaughlin Boat Works. Having pioneered much of the performance technology used on today's Optimists, McLaughlin Boat Works has been the leading ...
The popular Optimist Sailing Dinghy, while designed for children up to the age of about 15, can be used (sometimes hilariously) by adults as well. An Optimist-style dingy is a great option for beginners over the age of 15, as boats of this style can be found in a variety of sizes.
The pram-style Optimist is a great starter boat for learning to sail and later learning to race, and youth sailors can literally take their Optimist Dinghy to whatever level they want. Any motivated young Optimist sailor will develop both confidence and dinghy sailing skills, from boathandling techniques to big-fleet strategy and tactics; some ...
Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Asking: $3,000. Sailboat Added 08-May-2021 More Details. Trailer PVC sail tubes for C420 or optimist trailer PVC locking sail tubes. Length: '. Hull: fiberglass.
Boat Self-Certification Safety Checklist. ABOUT. Leadership. Legal. By Laws. FAQs. ACCOUNT. JOIN/RENEW. My Account. Click below to view your account. ... International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) World Sailing US Sailing ...
Zim Optimist sailboats come with a USODA registration, sail number, and one year membership for new members. A great option for fleet purchases! Specifications. Click Here to Request a Quote. You can also reach us at [email protected] or by calling 503-285-5536 ext2. Resources.
The Optimist dinghy is the most popular type of racing sailboat for juniors up to 15 years of age. The Optimist has been designed to be safe, durable and competitive. The skills that the Optimist fosters can be directly translated into other classes later on. Pricing includes boat, sails, mast, rigging, tiller, dagger board, etc (new boat package).
Optiparts Optimist Practice Sail. Optiparts. $206.40. Basic sail for an Optimist sailboat. Panel cut, simple, and durable for club use. No window, no logo, and no IODA button for racing. Very tough - ideal for institutional and new sailors. Includes sailbag and battens Not class legal for racing.
Oil Painting Elaine Day 29x23" Sailboat Ship Seascape framed. $70. Weymouth TOHATSU 5HP OTBOARD MOTOR. $1,515. KINGSTON Yamaha 3 HP 2 stroke LONG SHAFT - good for sailboat. $375. Hull Marine alcohol stove. $20. Rural Rochester 1987 America's Cup Collection. $475. Quincy ...
Opti Sailboat "Complete" $995. Marina Del Rey free boat 30 footer. $2. Marina Del Rey 1972 Columbia 26 Sailboat. $4,000. Long Beach Marina ... 1978 Catalina 27 Sailboat - 1/4 Share in Partnership - Xlnt Condition! $3,000. Redondo Beach Catalina 30 Mk1 1981. $35,000. San Pedro ...
catamaran; gulet; motorboat; riverboat; sailboat; trimaran; yacht; catamaran. opti sailboats. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter. 216. IMAGES. Optimist Sails
Opti Sailboat Photo Gallery - Detailed photos of rigging and setup, including different upgrades. Opti Line Guide - Recommended line lengths and materials for halyard, mainsheet, and control lines. Opti Owners Manual - Rigging Guide and Owner's Manual from McLaughlin, an Optimist builder.
It's sort of like, you're gonna marry a boat captain and you go, 'Well, I don't like the water.'" ... "But I remain an eternal optimist about love. I believe in love. It's still my ...
2-3)We are found ourselves antifashist, an same time not involved in any politics. We just make jur stand at first for the skinhead culture. And yes some times we have troubles with nazi.
Most villages on the Yukon are only accessible by plane or boat, which elevates the cost of importing food sources. Salmon is a crucial part of native people's culture and diet, especially those ...