The Optimist is the Australian Sailing recommended class for junior sailors. It is a single-handed class to suit a weight range of 30 to 52kg for sailors between 7 and 14yrs. Its size and forgiving nature make it a great boat for introducing sailing at an early age. It is technical enough to provide all of the challenges both physically and mentally for sailors to develop their skills to the highest level of competition. The Optimist is sailed in over 110 countries and offers the most extensive foundation for sailors to take their sailing to any level they choose.
Optimist Levels
INTERMEDIATE FLEET TRAINING
Prerequisite: completion of Optimist Green Fleet.
The intermediate fleet introduces sailors to the fiberglass Optimist and Club Racing. Intermediate sailors are invited to compete in Inter-Club, State and Nationals Regattas and Training Camps organised by the clubs together with the WA Team Association (WAIODA). The coach will work with the parents to educate them on the opportunities if sailors are interested in more competitions and training as part of the State Team.
The club owns 6 fiberglass Optimists to lease out to sailors transitioning into the fleet. Once they are confident they want to continue the training you will need to purchase your own boat. There are many quality second-hand boats available for $1000 to $2000 that hold their resale value. Boats for sale are advertised here.
Sailors usually train in the intermediate fleet for 1 – 2 years before progressing into the Open Fleet.
SoPYC has club-owned fibreglass Optimists available for five week charter as sailors transition into Intermediate fleet. Enquire to and pay below once approved.
Charter Periods – Summer 2019 – 2020:
Block 1 – 13 Oct to 17 Nov 2019
Block 2 – 24 Nov to 22 Dec 2019
Block 3 – 19 Jan to 16 Feb 2020
Block 4 – 23 Feb to 22 Mar 2020
Block 5 – 29 Mar to 19 Apr 2020
OPEN FLEET TRAINING
Prerequisite: completion of Intermediate Fleet.
Sailors start to train in the Open Fleet when they have developed the skills to be confident with longer club races and can handle the boat in strong wind. The training intensity builds as the coaches teach the sailors more refined skills and racing strategies.
WEEKLY TRAINING TIMES FOR BOTH FLEETS
Tuesday 1600 – 1900
Sunday 0900 – 1200
CLUB RACING
Summer Season Club Racing is on a Sunday afternoon.
To train or race in either fleets you need to be a junior member of the club.
Membership Information
Membership Application Form
Western Australian International Optimist Dinghy Association (WAIODA)
Australian International Optimist Dinghy Association (AIODA)
International Optimist Class Association