Want to stay fast when the breeze comes up big during the race? Learn how to tighten the vang while sailing. Watch the video demonstration below. It looks hard, but after some practice, you’ll get the hang of it. How…

The Winner’s Guide to Optimist Sailing, by Gary Jobson and Jay Kehoe is the most comprehensive Opti reference we’ve found. It’s geared for beginning to intermediate levels. It’s clearly written and is suitable for both sailors and parents. The authors…

Want to help your young beginner opti sailor get started on the right foot? Get a copy of Kiwi Goes Sailing. Rob Coutts’ years as a professional sailing coach in New Zealand inspired this book. Rob saw the need for…

Rudderless Sailing This video from Norman Sailing shows Optis using the sails and body weight to steer the boat. Minimizing use of the rudder is a key racing skill and the techniques apply to all light boats. See the links…

Accelerating Check out this video on accelerating an Opti, with narration and overlays by Shirley Robertson – double Olympic gold medalist. Although this is shown in an Opti, the concepts apply to many other boats. See the links below for…

Optimist Leeward Mark Rounding Check out this video on Optimist leeward mark rounding, narrated by double Olympic gold medalist Shirley Robertson. The related content links provide additional tips. Key Steps Approach wide Daggerboard down Slight heel to leeward Steer smoothly…