We are proud to offer instruction for the Optimist class of sailboats at CLYC! The Opti's are the largest one design racing fleet in the world and the international standard in junior instruction! The boat’s simplicity and stability make it ideal for teaching young beginners, while the popularity of the Optimist class makes it challenging for pre-teen racers, too. CLYC owns a fleet of 12 club boats for use within our sailing school program for Beginner and Intermediate students. Most of our Advanced racers who travel off-lake and compete at regattas own their own boats.

A skipper can race Optimists until they turn 15 years old. On December 31st of that year, they age out of Optimists and can no longer race the boat. To promote participation across a wide range of skill levels and ages, CLYC offers Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Optimist classes. Additionally, at Optimist racing events, sailors are divided into fleets: Green and Red/White/Blue. The Green fleet is a special fleet for newer Opti sailors. This group competes relatively close to shore and on shorter courses. The focus for the Green fleet is learning and fun. The Red/White/Blue fleet is the next level for competitive regatta sailors in which more skill and strategy are applied to racing tactics. These sailors compete on longer courses and are proficient with boat handling.

Beginner Optis

The Beginner Opti class is designed for first year and second year sailors to get them comfortable on the water. This is a fun, enjoyable class where the students are taught in Optimist Dinghys. Our beginners will sail primarily with one other student until comfortable sailing on their own. This class will help your child learn sailing safety, boat parts and rigging, along with terminology. They will learn how to steer, tack, and navigate the wind. The goal is to enable students to sail independently and introduce them to a racecourse through M & M races and the TRAC regatta at CLYC. 

*CLYC Membership is not required for these classes. Life jackets are required. (Recommended Age 7-14)

Beginner Opti Classes - 

Opti Beginner 1 - Mondays and Tuesdays 1:00 - 2:45pm (June 16 -July 24)

Opti Beginner 2 - Mondays and Tuesdays 3:15 - 5:00pm (June 16 -July 24)

Opti Beginner 3 - Thursdays and Fridays 3:30 - 5:15pm (June 12 - August 1)

*Please check calendar for changes/updates.

Students do not need to own their own boat for Beginner Opti classes.  Please contact Nicole Boemer (414-628-5305) for further information or with any questions.  nlboemer@gmail.com.

Cost: $325
 

Intermediate & Advanced Optis

If your sailor can sail (upwind and downwind) independently and wants to learn how to race, they are ready for the Intermediate/Advanced courses. The Intermediate course will focus on teaching your young skipper how to navigate a racecourse and introduce them to racing rules. Many of our Intermediate sailors enjoy participating in various local regattas while others choose not to compete. Either way, this Intermediate course is full of learning and fun. The Advanced course is focused on teaching additional racing skills, tactics, and strategy. Sailors at this level must be independent on the water and require little instruction as it pertains to basic navigation skills. Additionally, Advanced racers are proficient with racing rules and sailing etiquette. M&M and Championship Series race nights (Tuesday & Thursday evenings) are included with the Intermediate and Advanced classes, however, participation is optional. When your sailors are ready to race, these courses are for them!

*CLYC Jr. Membership (or Family Membership) is required for the Intermediate and Advanced courses. (Recommended Age 7-14)

Opti Intermediate Class -
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 12:45 - 3:00pm (June 12-Aug 1)

Opti Advanced Class -
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 12:45 - 3:00pm (June 12-Aug 1)

*Please check calendar for changes/updates.

Opti Racing 

M&M Series: Tuesdays (Beg 1/Beg 2), Wednesdays (Int/Adv), Thursdays (Beg 3). M&M Cup races take place during class time. A schedule of specific dates/times will be provided to each participant during the first week of classes. (No Fee)

Championship Series: Thursdays at 6:00-7:00pm *5:30pm arrival. (No Fee)

(June 12, June 19, June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17, July 31)

Fall Series: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 6:00-7:00. (No Fee)

(*dates tbd)

Intermediate sailors are not required to own a boat, however, a CLYC boat usage fee ($75) will be incurred with registration for those who wish to utilize a club boat for the season. Advanced sailors must own or rent a boat. 

Cost: $420

Contact for Jr. Sailing Programs

Steven Boemer
414-364-8061
sboemer@sbcglobal.net