CLASS DESCRIPTIONS​​

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Optimist 7, 9:00 - 11:00 T,Th

Beginner Opti class for 7-year-olds only (must be 7 years old when program begins). 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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Optimist 1, 8:30 - 11:00 M,W,F 

The Opti 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 when program begins. Each participant must either use his/her own Opti or pay the Opti boat usage fee. Enrollment is limited.

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Optimist 2, 8:30 - 11:00 T,TH and 12:00 - 2:30 F

The Opti 2 Sailing class is for independent sailors who have successfully completed Opti 1 and/or 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 session, racing in Green Fleet regattas is encouraged but not mandatory. Sailors seeking promotion to Opti Racing must successfully participate in at least two Green Fleet regattas and 3 LBIYRA interclubs and must have the Head Instructor’s approval. 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. Boat ownership is requested at this level, but boat rental is available. Enrollment is limited.

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Optimist 3, 12:00-2:30 M,T,TH and Race Day Wednesday

The Optimist 3 Sailing class is for independent sailors who have successfully completed Opti 2 and/or 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. Boat ownership is required at this level. Enrollment is limited.

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Adventure Sailing, 12:30 - 4:00 M,T,Th

Adventure sailing is designed for enthusiastic sailors 12 or older who have successfully competed Opti 2 or have some sailing experience. In addition, the Head Instructor's approval is needed. Sailors continue the fun by being introduced to the basics of the 420, Sunfish, and Laser classes 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. Head Instructor’s permission is required. Enrollment is limited. 

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Optimist Racing, 11:30 - 4:00 M,T,TH,F, and Race Day 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/or has the recommendation of the Head Instructor. 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. Boat ownership is required at this level. Sailors are expected to participate in all LBIYRA events and encouraged to participate in off island regattas as scheduled by the Head Instructor. Enrollment is limited.

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420 Racing, 11:30 - 4:00 M,T,TH,F and Race Day Wednesday

The 420 racing class is for the advanced sailor/racer in this two-person 420 boat. In this class, sailors learn to fine-tune all aspects of sailing: roll tacking/jibing, advanced sail trim at all points of sail and racing tactics; and they learn new skills involving the spinnaker and trapeze. Participants are expected to race in the weekly LBIYRA interclubs. Sailors are also encouraged to participate in other island and off-island regattas as scheduled by the Head Instructor. Head Instructor’s permission is required to enroll.  Each participant must own a boat. 420 racers must be at least 12 years old and a minimum of 100 lbs each with a combined 420 minimum of 230 lbs. Enrollment is limited. 

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Laser Racing, 11:30 - 4:00 M,T,TH,F and Race Day Wednesday 

The Laser racing class is for the advanced sailor/racer in the Laser 4.7 or Laser Radial. In this class, sailors learn to fine-tune all aspects of sailing: roll tacking/jibing, advanced sail rim at all points of sail and racing tactics. Participants are expected to race in the weekly LBIYRA interclubs. Sailors are encouraged to participate in other island and off-island regattas as scheduled by the Head Instructor. Head Instructor’s permission is required to enroll. Participant must own a Laser and must be at least 12 years old and a minimum of 100 lbs. Enrollment is limited. 

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