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Opti Racing Explained

Getting started.

​ Opti Green Fleet is a great entry level experience for novice racers. When is a sailor ready for Green Fleet? Generally if they can get around two buoys with minimal assistance they're ready for Green Fleet. 

All  Northwest Youth Racing Circuit events include an Opti Green Fleet, with the exception of the WIND Regatta. Green Fleet racing often takes place on a separate race course that is smaller and more protected. Green fleet usually enjoys a shorter day on the water and/or a lunch break mid way through racing. Coaching is permitted during racing for the back half of the fleet, and coaches are encouraged to coach everyone, not just their sailors. Many regatta hosts provide Optis free of charge, and/or offer a reduced entry fee for Green Fleet sailors. At some regattas it can be as easy as just showing up with a lifejacket and positive attitude! 

There are no prizes or trophies for Green Fleet, instead sailors are given participation awards. Most Green Fleet sailors are between the ages 7-10. The only age restriction is that sailors must be younger than 15. Sailors generally do Green Fleet for one year, or until they are near the top of the fleet, before moving up to Championship Fleet. Switching back and forth between Green Fleet and Championship Fleet is discouraged. Click here to read the USODA Green Fleet Policy Statement .

In addition to the NWYRC Green Fleet events, there are other local green fleet style events to attend. The Milfoil Dodger series is popular among Seattle area sailing programs. They are casual one day regattas with an emphasis on fun and learning. Many novice racers will participate in both the Milfoils and Green Fleet at the NWYRC regattas. Milfoils are a great way to gain confidence and experience. The Milfoil Dodger Calendar is below...

Championship Fleet

When sailors are ready to move out of Green Fleet they move into the  "Opti Championship Fleet." T o make Optimist racing in the United States as fair as possible, the class puts each skipper into an age group or fleet.  White Fleet is for skippers who are ages 10 and under. Blue Fleet is for skippers who are 11 or 12. Red Fleet is for skippers who are 13-15. At  Northwest Youth Racing Circuit  regattas white, blue, and red fleets are combined. However, overall series results are broken down into age groups. At the end of the summer the NWYRC recognizes the top finishers in each age group, plus an overall series champion.

"Aging Out" or "Sizing Out?"

On their 16th birthday sailors "age out" of the Optimist and are no longer allowed to compete in the class. However, most sailors "size out" before they "age out." Sailors will start to outgrow the Opti around 110lbs. For some sailors this happens sooner than others. Those who are very competitive may stick it out until they are 115lbs, but being competitive becomes increasingly difficult once you exceed this weight. My advice is to stay in the Opti as long as you are still having fun and feeling competitive. It's no fun to be the biggest sailor and get passed by everyone in light or medium wind. Before that happens, start thinking about what's next. Maybe that's the Laser with a smaller 4.7 rig or sailing an FJ with a friend. 

Class Association

The United States Optimist Dinghy Association oversees Opti racing here in the US. The USODA is in charge of enforcing class rules, overseeing national/qualifying regattas, and selecting the US National Team. The USODA adheres to the rules and guidelines set forth by the International Optimist Dinghy Association . Opti sailors are strongly encouraged to join the USODA. Although USODA membership is not required for NWYRC events, it is required for championships, qualifiers, and team-trials. Membership is also a good way to support the class that supports you! On the USODA website you'll find lots of great resources!

The US National Team

The US National Team is run by the USODA. The purpose of the USNT is to improve the level of Optimist sailing in the United States, by providing high level training to top US Optimist sailors who compete internationally. The team receives the best coaching available and practices against the best sailors in the country. The team also tries to improve the fitness of sailors. It is funded by parents of participating sailors and does not impact the USODA budget. A sailor must first qualify for Team Trials by finishing in the top 20% of the USODA NW Championships or one of the country's other regional Opti championships. Team trials is arguably the most competitive Opti regatta in nation, since the best sailors from each region are all in attendance. The top forty-five (45) finishers at Team Trials are selected to the US National Team, which is an elite travel group that participates in international Opti regattas all over the globe.

For Parents

• Opti Parent Guide - Part 1
• Opti Parent Guide - Part 2
• ​ An Open Letter to Parents
• Opti Fiberglass/Gel Coat Repairs
• How to Transport an Opti

United States Optimist Dinghy Association

Class contact information.

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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

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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. -->

About the boat

The Optimist dinghy is a design classic with an enduring appeal and wide support in the UK and around the world. It is one of only a handful of classes recognised by British Youth Sailing for their junior pathway for sailors from ~6 to 16 years old. See here for details of the opportunities for training ,  racing  and overseas team events .

The distinctive design dates back 75 years, becoming an international one design class in 1995 with a strict specification laid down for boat builders and sail makers. This gives the Optimist class a level playing field for competition, maintains a good second hand market for boats, while also allowing some choice for sailors as they grow and gain experience, for example moving to a sail with a fuller cut.

Top 6 Reasons to Sail an Optimist

1. stable yet responsive.

The shape of the hull and the sprit-rigged sail provide a stable platform for children learning to sail as well as a responsive boat, which handles well, for those who want to take their sailing to the highest level.

In a moderate breeze, this stability allows even the younger and lighter sailors to get out on the water without being overpowered and not miss a session. In a fresh breeze, the more experienced sailors can have a blast and for the most part avoid a capsize.

If they do capsize, there will be some bailing to do (there are no self-bailers) but the boat sits low in the water, is easy to get back into and doesn’t blow away.

2. Adjustable Rig

It is fair to say that tying sail ties to mast and boom is pretty fiddly but once this is done most sailors don’t touch them week to week. The sprit-rig can also appear unfamiliar to those used to a Bermuda rig but the low centre of effort that it brings is key to the boat’s stability.

While the Optimist may not be easy to rig, it can be rigged relatively quickly - from arriving at an event with the boat on the roof to having it rigged and ready to launch can be as little as 15 minutes. The beauty of the rig though is that it is fully adjustable and with that, over time, the young sailor learns much about tuning a boat which will be invaluable in the future, in whatever boat they sail.

3. Supports a wide range of ages and body weights

There’s no lower age limit to sailing an Optimist but a child can only compete until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 15 years. The ability to use sails cut for lighter or heavier sailors, extends the weight range, so that most Optimist sailors fall between 30-55kg. While most sailors will choose the standard flex options, there is a choice when it comes to mast, sprit, boom and foils (daggerboard and rudder) for the more serious racer.

Some children will outgrow an Optimist and transition to another boat but most are able to enjoy racing until they have to move on. At 14yrs, 75% of children in the UK are under 55kg, so still in the competitive weight range for an Optimist.

4. Easily Transportable

An Optimist’s fibreglass hull is strong, stiff and light - weighing just 35kg. If you just have one Optimist to transport then carrying it upside down on standard roof bars is probably easiest. The foil bag will lie flat in the boot with the collapsed trolley, while the mast bag (containing mast, boom and sails) will fit in the car interior.

With wide roof bars (135cm) you can carry the boat and a Rigtube and avoid having the mast bag in the car. If you have more than one boat to transpor,t then a box trailer with racks for two or more boats is probably the way to go - these can be picked up second hand.

5. Affordable

You can pick up an old boat, suitable for a beginner for a few hundred pounds.  Sound, second-hand boats suitable for racing at club, regional and national level are available from around £900-£1,500. While boats that are only a year or two old and come with a good sail, may sell for over £2,500.

A good source of second-hand boats is the UK Optimist Boats, Parts and Kit facebook group .

6. Competitive racing in large fleets

Whilst an Optimist is easy to sail, it is relatively difficult to sail well.  This allows young sailors to continue to hone sailing skills and racing tactics on which they will be able to rely througout their lives. It is no coincidence that so many of the current, top UK sailors started out in the Optimist fleet and we believe that the class today is the where the stars of tomorrow can be found, competing on start lines that other classes can only dream of - regularly 90 boats in the UK and, at the annual Easter regatta on Lake Garda (which currently holds the Guinness World Record for the largest regatta in the world) you can find yourself on a start line of nearly 200 boats - quite an experience!

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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 through their first season of comeptitve racing.

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Guide to optimist racing spars.

by Roger Scott | Apr 27, 2020 | equipment

McLaughlin Boat Works is the North American importer of all major brands of Optimist racing spars. In combination with being the largest Opti charter provider worldwide, we see spar sets in action in a variety of sailing conditions.

Because we know that there are a lot of options for you to choose from when selecting a spar set, in this guide we will discuss spar materials and construction, product lines, how bend in each part of a spar can affect sail shape, and how to care for your spars.

If you have any questions after reading this article, please feel free to contact us , or give us a call at 800.784.6478.

While there are many producers of Optimist racing spars, in this article we are going to focus on the most popular brands in the United States: E.G. Optiparts, BlackGold, and Optimax spars.

All are made from extruded aluminum. Extrusion is a process where a billet of material is pushed at high pressure through a jig, creating a variety of unique shapes. (Picture 1)

Aluminum extrusions are denoted by a four-digit code, indicating which alloy they are and what strength they may have. For example, racing spars need to be a 6000 or 7000 series extrusion. And while they are similar, they have different wear, strength, and corrosion abilities.

Look for quality…

Remember, not all similar diameter spars are made with the same quality metal, or have the same wall thickness and strength. To ensure you are receiving a high quality spar, be sure to purchase one from a reputable producer with long-standing results.

In the United States, we have two main spar product lines, BlackGold and Optimax. However, while there is quite a bit of discussion about each set’s characteristics, most people are unaware that they are sister product lines.

Firstly, Optimax has been a staple of European sailing. BlackGold was developed in the United States by McLaughlin Boat Works.

Using the Optimax spars as a basis, McLaughlin made tweaks to the spars. Most notable among the tweaks were a high profile Delrin heel plug to help the spars rotate in the mast cup more easily, stainless steel fittings, and initially, a lower sprit cleat position to accommodate the US market.   (Pictures 2-3)

Today Optimax and BlackGold run parallel “sister” product lines. As you can see in the chart below, there are similar extrusions and materials in both products.

Spar Bend — What does it do?

Any aluminum spar product, when put under the stresses of sailing, will bend.

What that bend looks like can be affected by the diameter and wall thickness of that particular aluminum tube, however, we need to understand what the bending of each piece of the spar does to our sail shape, pointing ability, and speed.

Mast- Mast bend will fall off to leeward during high wind conditions, as well as to aft while pulling your mainsheet in hard.

This will typically open up the top leech (the back edge of the sail) and flatten the front of the sail. The positive effect of the open top leech and flattened front more than offsets the leeward bend.

There are currently 4 flexibility rankings of mast in the US. In order of most flex to least: First Silver, then MKIIIFlex/Blacklite, next MKIII, and lastly BlackGold/MKIV.

Sprit- The sprit is currently the “hottest” item to bend to affect sail shape. As you can see in the chart above, there are more sprit options available than ever before.

Sprit bend opens the peak of the sail, allowing unusable power out, and keeping the boat flat and pointing high.

There are currently 4 flexibilities of sprit. In order of most flex to least: 28mm Hyperflex, 26.6 Flex and BG Flex, 27mm MKIII and BG, 29mm MKIV and BG Power.

Boom- In our pursuit to get the most speed out of our Optimists, there has been an evolution in spar flexibility, and a change in focus on which spar needs to flex to keep the best sail shape.

You will see many different thicknesses of booms on the market. Boom flex can open up the lower leech of the sail, consequently moving the power aft.

This may give you more power on certain angles of sail, but will not help as much in pointing.

There are currently 4 boom sizes on the market. In order of most flex to least: 32mm Silver, 40mm BG and Optimax, 45mm BG and Optimax, and 55mm BG.

Optimist Racing Spars Set Comparison Chart

As you can see from our chart above, each spar set is recommended for a weight range. This is primarily based off of the mast, but can be affected by the boom and sprit combination.

For example, the MKIII and BlackGold have a weight range of 77-99 pounds. Within that range, a sailor can choose a combination of sprit and boom to be most effective at the lower or higher end of the range.

This is an effective option, as you are replacing one or two pieces of a spar set instead of the entire set as your child grows, and their sailing skills and technique improve.

Alumnium — Stress, Wear and Maintenance

Aluminum Opti spars are a study in durability. They are put through some of the harshest corrosive conditions, abused constantly by the sailing environment as well as the sailor, and are expected to have a useful life of 10-20 years.

A large part of their durability comes from the aluminum extrusion chosen by the manufacturer. However, all aluminum will fatigue over time, and can suffer from corrosion if not taken care of correctly. Here’s a few watch items:

Wear and Corrosion- The care and maintenance of your spars is critical. Almost every failure we have seen is directly due to lack of maintenance.

Thankfully, maintenance for your spars is very simple. Thoroughly rinse your spar set after sailing every time you come in. Focus intently on any fittings, screws, or holes in the mast, where salt or dirt may hide.

In addition, at the end of every regatta, or once a week during your sailing season, wash with a mild soap like Dawn®, to cut into any corrosion that may be beginning.

This is something we do here at McLaughlin after every regatta to ensure that our chartered spars are cared for appropriately. Always make sure your spars are dry before you put them away. Follow these simple steps, and your spars will last throughout your Opti career and beyond.

Optimist Racing Spars — Which set is right for you?

We hope this guide has presented you with information you need to decide on the right spar set for you. Be sure to choose a set that is correct for your weight range.

A previously chartered spar set is a great cost effective option for your first racing spar set. Most charter companies will have quite a few lightly used sets in stock, as well as your local Optiparts dealers. In addition, don’t forget to take advantage of the best additional resource for helping in your spar selection, your coach!

Your coach knows a sailor’s particular skill level and sailing style , and can help you find the perfect combination to fit. Thank you for taking the time to read this Guide to Racing Spars, and as always, if you have any questions, please give us a call.

Every sailor wants to have an edge when it comes time to compete, and now you know how to get it.

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Class info TECHNICAL Class Rules

• Class Rules

The object of the class is to provide racing for young people at low cost. 

The Optimist is a One-Design Class Dinghy.  Except where the Class Rules specifically permit variations, boats shall be alike in hull form, constructions, weight & weight distribution, rigging spars and sail plan. 

For any interpretations of the Class Rules, please send your inquires to [email protected].

2024 Class Rules

2024 Class Rules Changes

Optimist class rules 2023 - amended 16/04/23, optimist class rules 2022, optimist class rules 2021, optimist class rules 2020, optimist class rules 2019, optimist class rules 2018.

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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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OPTIMIST RACE TEAM

AGES : 9-13 SCHEDULE: One-week sessions are Monday-Friday Two-week sessions are Monday-Thursday DURATION: There is a mix of one-week and two-week sessions throughout the summer. See the schedule below for the dates of each. PUBLIC: 1 Week $365 2 Weeks $585 MEMBER: 1 Week $255 2 Weeks $410

WHO ARE OPTIMIST RACERS? Optimist Racers are youth ages 9-13, who want to learn about the exciting sport of sailboat racing. The Optimist Race Team is an exciting opportunity to fully experience the fun and challenge of sailing at a higher level. Opti Racers have taken the Opti Cruisers Class, have shown the ability to handle the boat independently, and are interested in sailboat racing.

MORE SPECIFICS: Students will improve racing concepts including starts, upwind and downwind sailing, as well as boat trim for speed, racing rules, strategy, tactics, and more.

We encourage sailors to register for multiple sessions and participate in the popular Twin Cities Youth Sailing regattas on Fridays. MSC provides Optis and coach support for the TCYS regattas. Regatta entry fees and transportation are not included.

WHAT’S NEXT? Opti racers should stay in Opti race camp until they are ready for 420 Cruisers or 420 Intro to Race.

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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

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National Team

Development Team

Horizon Program

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Green Fleet Medal Order Form

Boat Registration

Sail # Assignments (for Builders/Vendors)

Sailor Code of Conduct

Boat Self-Certification Safety Checklist

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Optimist Boats for sale

2014 Optimist 7 ft.

Oriental, North Carolina

Make Optimist

Model 7 Ft.

Category Sailboats

Posted Over 1 Month

2014 Optimist 7 ft. 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).  THIS BOAT IS STILL IN THE BOX AND HAS NEVER BEEN SAILED!!

2014 Mc Laughlin Optimist

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Make Mc Laughlin

Model Optimist

Category Tenders And Dinghies

McLaughlin Opti in perfect condition, ready to race. 2 sails, rigging, dolly, covers. Everything included.

Optimist Sailing Dinghy

Miami, Florida

Make Winner

Winner 11Ti top spec boat, all new upgraded blocks, sheets etc two top covers from magic marine, undercover, Black spars, Green Foils from England, rare New Zealand North Sail for light weigh helms in strong winds. Recent J Sail. Dolly all the go fast goodies etc. etc. Lightly sailed and had lots of TLC for one season. Very Fast boat.

Vanguard Optimist sailboat

Milford, Connecticut

I have a fully rigged Opti, Vanguard Dragon with new sail bag and blade bag, dolly, airbags, praddle, bailers, bumper, canvas cover etc. boat is in great shape. 100% rigged and ready to sail. Comes with a great practice sail and also a crisp newer sail. $2000 complete with everything mentioned. $1900 without dolly. Keep in mind what you are getting here when pricing boats. Not only are you getting a fully rigged and ready boat but multiple sails, dolly as well as new blade and sail bags. You don't need to buy anything else. Everything "extra" required by your sailing program right town to the tow line is included. Plop it in and go. Boat has been lightly sailed 8 weeks per year and maintained by a sailing instructor (my son). Reason for the sale is my daughter is moving out of the Opti class. In person cash sale. No shipping. Local delivery possible. This ad was posted with the eBay Classifieds mobile app.

2019 McLaughlin Optimist Pro Racer Optimist Pro Racer

Fairfield, Connecticut

Make McLaughlin Optimist Pro Racer

Model Optimist Pro Racer

Category Racing Sailboats

Fully loaded and regatta ready. Used in very few regattas in 2019 and only used once in 2020 due to COVID-19. The boat has been stored inside; like brand new. Includes (NEW): DSK Blades, J Sail Blue, Black Gold Spars, Padded hiking straps, 3 & 4:1 Mainsheet, Mast Lock, Paddle / Bowline , Optiparts Blade bag, Optiparts Top Cover and Padded Bottom Cover, Dolly. Will throw in spare parts bag. Practice sail. And will throw in spare parts bag.

Optimist sailboat McLaughlin 2010

Bricktown, New Jersey

Make McLaughlin

sail is in excellent condition Black Gold mast and boombladesblade bagsail bagfloat baghull top cover

2018 Winner OPTIMIST 3D STAR

Coral Gables, Florida

Model OPTIMIST 3D STAR

Category Daysailer Sailboats

Optimist 2018 3D star winner boat in very good condition. Full cover set by winner. DC Sail, J blue diamond 2.0 and Olympic green. MK4 boom, sprit and mast. DSK Atlas and flex centre board. Boat comes ready to race with trolley, bailers, paddle, mast clamp and winner hiking strap.

Optimist sailboat McLaughlin 2010 in Brick NJ

located in Brick, NJsail is in excellent condition Black Gold mast and boombladesblade bagsail bagfloat baghull top cover

2019 Mc Laughlin Optimist - World Championship Hull - Complete ready to sail

Davie, Florida

Model Optimist - World Championship Hull - Complete Ready To Sail

McLaughlin is the most technologically advanced Optimist sailboat in the world, specifically engineered for speed and a proven champion – our Optimist sailboat has never been beaten in World Championship competition. It is like new. These boats carry Factory full warranty. Each boat sold comes with a year’s subscription to the class magazine. Chartered . Complete with 3 Airbags, Paddes Hiking Straps, Mainsheet, Bowline, and Blocks . MK4 Optimax Spars with 45mm Boom- Includes OX25B4 Rigging Pack. DSK Blade . Set Sail, Optimax Uno ( under 100 Lbs.) NEW PRODUCT Optipart Blade Bag. Class Legal Sail OPTIMAX UNO . ( new product) . 2 Bailers Optipart Dolly with Optiflex-lite Solid Wheels. Can be customize. This Boat is ready to sail . This product DO NOT qualify for FREE SHIPPING except for South Florida.

2007 Com-Pac Picnic Cat

St. Petersburg, Florida

Make Com-Pac

Model Picnic Cat

2007 Com-Pac Picnic Cat 2009 COM-PAC Picnic Cat with trailer, The Picnic Cat is from the drawing board of Clark Mills, designer of our former 16 CB and our 23/3, and well known also as the designer of the Optimist Pram and the Windmill One Design. Unlike her sister Com-Pac's the Picnic Cat has a centerboard rather than a keel. With her centerboard up she is beach able. Her broad hull form and the low center-of-effort of her gaff-rigged sail make her very stable. And her huge self-bailing cockpit and ample stowage offer unsurpassed comfort in a small, easily handled package. She's built of solid, hand-laid glass, with aluminum spars and stainless centerboard. In addition, the exclusive Mastendr mast raising system revolutionizes the trailer-boating experience.   options include Minn Kota Endura pro 32 lbs. thrust electric motor with 12v gel battery Teak cockpit grate Full deck cover Request Information Call Now

12' Skipper Sailboat with Trailer

Sharpsburg, Georgia

Make Skipper

12' Skipper Sailboat with Trailer. Boat comes complete with Jib, Main Sail, Rudder, and Daggerboard. Boat also has a motor mount for outboard/trolling motor. Boat is in good condition. Trailer is a Venture Trailer and is in excellent shape. Very roomy for a 12', fits 3 adults and is a great way to learn how to sail. Skipper's are made in England and are hard to find in the States. Hull has (2) spots where the fiberglass has been repaired, but it is water tight. Located 30 min South of Atlanta $950 Cash. Call or Text 404-788-1026.Sunfish, sail boat, dinghy, laser, optimist, snark.

2017 Com-Pac Picnic Cat

2017 Com-Pac Picnic Cat 2017 COM-PAC Picnic Cat, The Picnic Cat is from the drawing board of Clark Mills, designer of our former 16 CB and our 23/3, and well known also as the designer of the Optimist Pram and the Windmill One Design. Unlike her sister Com-Pacs the Picnic Cat has a centreboard rather than a keel. With her centerboard up she is beachable. Her broad hull form and the low center-of-effort of her gaff-rigged sail make her very stable. And her huge self-bailing cockpit and ample stowage offer unsurpassed comfort in a small, easily handled package. She's built of solid, hand-laid glass, with aluminum spars and stainless centerboard. In addition, the exclusive Mastendr mast raising system revolutionizes the trailer-boating experience. Price reflects base boat w/ standard features. Does not include freight and commissioning, or any optional equipment. Please Email or call for a custom quote prices subject to change.

2014 Com-Pac Picnic Cat

2014 Com-Pac Picnic Cat 2014 COM-PAC Picnic Cat, with Trailer and Honda 2.3hp Motor. The Picnic Cat is from the drawing board of Clark Mills, designer of our former 16 CB and our 23/3, and well known also as the designer of the Optimist Pram and the Windmill One Design. Unlike her sister Com-Pacs the Picnic Cat has a centreboard rather than a keel. With her centerboard up she is beachable. Her broad hull form and the low center-of-effort of her gaff-rigged sail make her very stable. And her huge self-bailing cockpit and ample stowage offer unsurpassed comfort in a small, easily handled package. She's built of solid, hand-laid glass, with aluminum spars and stainless centerboard. In addition, the exclusive Mastendr mast raising system revolutionizes the trailer-boating experience optional equipment includes Mooring Deck cover  --  Mainsail and tiller cover  --  Compass  --  Basic Safety Equipment Honda 2.3 hp outboard motor  --  Magic tilt Trailer. .

Force 5 F5 Racing Dighny Sailboat Complete

Patchogue, New York

Make Force 5

Model Force 5

Category Racer Boats

Length 14.0

70's Force 5 Sailboat Complete All rigging and sails always stored indoors and in great condition. Hull in nice shape has original blue gel coat topside. Someone at sometime painted the bottom and side which could stand to be refreshed. Currently stored outside upside down. It's all there ready to sail. Call, email, or txt Brian six three one five one three one three five six Like a sunfish laser optimist opti 420

2010 Com-Pac Picnic Cat

Orlando, Florida

2010 Com-Pac Picnic Cat 2010 Com-Pac Picnic Cat with Electric Trolling motor. Package is equipped with Main sail cover,Tiller cover, custom sails, and transom boarding ladder. This gaff-rigged cat-boat is a delight to sail and easy to trailer. Excellent condition – lightly sailed! Trailer sold separately. The Picnic Cat is from the drawing board of Clark Mills, designer of many of the boats in the Com-Pac line, also well known as the designer of the Optimist Pram and the Windmill One Design. The Picnic Cat has a centerboard rather than a keel. With her centerboard up she is beachable. Her broad hull form & the low center-of-effort of her gaff-rigged sail make her very stable. The huge self-bailing cockpit plus ample stowage offer unsurpassed comfort in a small yet stable and easily handled package. She's built of solid, hand-laid glass, with aluminum spars and stainless steel centerboard which retracts into a stainless steel trunk. In addition, the exclusive Mastendr mast raising system revolutionizes the trailer-boating experience, making it easy to rig & launch the boat in as little as 5 minutes. This great boat makes sailing a breeze!

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