CLASS DESCRIPTIONS​​

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Opti 7 - 9:00 – 11:00 T, Th

Beginner Optimist class for 7-year-olds only (must be 7 years old by start of program). No experience necessary. This class is designed as an introduction to sailing with an emphasis on fun. Participants move slowly from working with the boat on land to growing accustomed to the boat in the water, all with an eye to safety, comfort and confidence. Club boats are used. No boat usage fee is required at this level. Enrollment is limited.

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Opti 1 - 8:30 – 11:00 M, W, F 

The Optimist 1 class is designed to teach the beginning sailor the basics: nautical terms, points of sail, sail trim, knots, capsize recovery and docking. Our experienced coaches will teach with an array of activities which will focus on mastering the basics with an eye on safety and fun. Participation in this course may extend beyond one summer. A sailor is ready to move on to Opti 2 when they have attained the skills required in the US Sailing guidelines. Must be 8 years or older by start of program. Each participant must either use his/her own Opti or pay the Opti boat usage fee. Enrollment is limited.

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Opti 2 (Green Fleet) - 8:30 – 11:00 T, TH, and 8:30 – 11:00 F (unless there is a Friday Green Fleet regatta, which sailors are encouraged to attend)

The Optimist 2 Sailing class is for independent sailors who have successfully completed Opti 1 and have met the US Sailing guidelines for the class. This class is designed to further build confidence on the water, hone the skills of sailing and to introduce the basics of racing. This includes upwind sailing, sail trim, tacking techniques, starting techniques, mark rounding and the basic rules of racing. After completing one four week session, racing in Green Fleet regattas is encouraged but not mandatory. With an emphasis on the mastery of intermediate sailing and introductory racing skills while building confidence, participation in this course may extend beyond one summer. Sailors are encouraged to make best efforts to be rigged and ready prior to the start of class as the session progresses. Boat ownership is requested at this level, but boat rental may be available. Enrollment is limited.

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Opti 3 (Red, White and Blue Fleet) - 1:00 – 4:00 M, T, F, and Interclub Regattas on Wednesday

The Optimist 3 Sailing class is for independent sailors who have successfully completed Opti 2 and have met the US Sailing guidelines for the class. This class is designed to further build confidence on the water, hone the skills of sailing with a focus on advanced boat handling techniques and race strategy and tactics. This includes upwind sailing, sail trim, tacking techniques, starting techniques, mark rounding and the rules of racing.  The classes will emphasize learning with some practice for race-day included. Sailors should be rigged and ready at class start time. Racing in Wednesday interclub regattas is encouraged but not mandatory. When schedules permit, Friday sessions will be a club race series combining Opti 3, Opti Race Team and Intro to 420 classes. Boat ownership is required at this level. This is an 8 week course and enrollment is limited.

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Adventure Sailing - 12:30 – 3:30 M, T

Adventure sailing is designed for enthusiastic sailors 12 or older who have successfully completed Opti 2 or have met the US Sailing guidelines for the class. In addition, a Director’s approval is needed. Sailors continue the fun by being introduced to the basics on a variety of club-owned sailboats in a relaxed format. This course is not only for those who want to be out on the water having fun, but also for those who may want to try a boat before transitioning to one of the club’s race teams. The club’s 420s, Sunfish and Lasers will be used for this class, so no boat usage fee is required for this class. Enrollment is limited. 

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Opti Racing - 12:00 – 4:00 M, T, 1:00 – 4:00 F, and Interclub Regattas on Wednesday

The BLYC Race Team is for the confident and enthusiastic Opti sailor who has a strong interest in racing, has successfully completed the Opti 2 and has the recommendation of a Director. The Optimist Race team is an exciting opportunity to fully experience the fun and challenge of sailing at a higher level. Techniques learned are ongoing and include advanced boat handling, sail trim, speed performance, starting techniques, mark rounding rules and tactics, wind shifts and US Sailing Rules of Racing. Sailors should be rigged and ready at class start time. Boat ownership is required at this level. Sailors are expected to participate in all LBIYRA events and encouraged to participate in off island regattas. When schedules permit, Friday sessions will be a club race series combining Opti 3, Opti Race Team and Intro to 420 classes. This is an 8-week course, enrollment is limited, and sailors must be 15 years or younger.

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Intro to 420 - 12:30 – 3:30 W, Th, 1:00 – 4:00 F

Sailor must be a minimum of 12 years old and weigh at least 100 lbs. or have the approval of a Director. Focus is on basic skills of double-handed sailing, including rigging, launching, basic maneuvering and racing tactics. Teamwork of crew and skipper is required. This class is for experienced sailors who have successfully completed the Opti 3 program and/or have the recommendation of a Director. When schedules permit, Friday sessions will be a club race series combining Opti 3, Opti Race Team and Intro to 420 classes. Space is limited, as participants will be using club boats. Participation in this course is limited to one summer season. Thereafter, sailors are encouraged to purchase a 420 and participate in all LBIYRA events and off island regattas. ​

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OPTI REGATTA FEE: In the event that a sailor chooses to participate in a regatta that is outside of their Opti class level or he/she is not currently enrolled in one of BLYC’s sailing classes, a fee in the amount of $100.00, plus applicable credit card fees, shall be due and owing prior to the regatta to cover coaching fees. The sailor’s participation in the regatta is also subject to Director approval.

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