Optimist
The Optimist class provides some of the best sailing available for young sailors. Over 50% of Olympic sailors started to sail in this class. Over 150,000 Optimists are sailed worldwide, making it one of the largest classes in sailing. A full training program is available to get juniors started.
Links
The WYA provide support and coaching along with arranging regional events through the Club Youth Racing Circuit (CYRC). The CYRC always has a training fleet, where young sailors new to racing receive coaching from WYA coaches. Llyn Brenig Sailing Club proactively supports these events and training boats can be loaned to enable participation in early events.
The WYA
The International Optimist Class Association (IOCA) website contains a wealth of information for new and experienced sailors. The Association holds national events including the Spring Championships, the Inland Championships, the National Championships, the End of Season Championship and the Winter Championships. At many of the main three championships (Inlands, Nationals and End of Seasons) Regatta fleets enable sailors new to racing to participate. Where Main fleet events have rules applied and sailors are sailing all day; in Regatta fleet, sailors can be assisted by safety boats and usually come in for lunch.
International Optimist Class Association
