Optimist

The Optimist is a 7’9” long, single-handed sailing pram, with a sprit rig. It is used for beginners but sailors can race them up 15 years of age. The Optimist is the biggest youth racing class in the world, with world and continent championships, attended by a total of over 850 sailors a year.

EYC owns 18 Optimists, which are used extensively for the beginner sailing program, as well as for fleet racing.

Fleet Activities

Fleet activities have included a “Mom-gatta”, with mothers racing in Optis, and pot luck lunch with the Optimist Regatta. Additional opportunities, such as rigging / launching training for Opti parents and travel to outside Opti regattas could be coordinated by interested parents. Our Opti Fleet Captain is Abby O’Rourke, who can be reached at [email protected].

Weekly Series

There are two fleets, divided by age. The Optimist Blue Fleet series is limited to competitors who have not yet reached their 12th birthday as of July 1, of the sailing season. The Optimist Red Fleet series is limited to competitors who have reached their 12th birthday but have not yet reached their 16th birthday as of July 1, of the sailing season. The Opti Red and Blue fleets race together on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:00 p.m.. starting in mid-June through mid-August. There is one throw-out for every four races held; trophies for 1st – 3rd for both the Red and Blue Fleets are awarded at the Commodore’s Party at the conclusion of the season.

Regattas and Clinics

There is an annual Optimist Regatta, typically held in early July. Regattas are open to non-club members; however, you must be a club member to be eligible for the EYC-owned boat draw. In 2023, the regatta will be held on July 08th – 09th.