The Australian Optimist Sailing Team (AOST) programme, which was introduced in 2006, encompasses specialised coaching throughout the year at AOST nominated regattas; these include State, National and International regattas. With the assistance of Yachting Australia (YA) funding, we can optimise the spread of the fund dollars beyond the five Optimist Worlds’ Team sailors who may be about to leave or age out of the class.

By spreading it over fifteen sailors we can focus this coaching, not only on the top five, but on up and coming sailors who are likely to continue in the class for several more seasons. With the AOST programme we are lifting the standard in the Optimist class, not only lifting the sailors, as they move on to 420’s or other classes.

The AOST in its first year has worked well. AOST sailors have formed into a tight knit group transcending State borders. They are eager to travel, to sail and train against and with their friends, who, like them are working hard at improving their own skills. They are also becoming aware that they are a part of something special and are gaining the respect of many other class associations, be they Junior, Youth or Senior. AOST members have competed in up to 4 or 5 high level regattas since the Nationals. This is the equivalent of sailing 2 or 3 seasons had they only been doing the Nationals and their home States. How can they not be better sailors!

AOST is not about burning out our young sailors or even creating Olympic Medallists and World Champions. Even so, we have many outstanding Optimist sailors and undoubtedly some of our AOST members will indeed go on to be Champions. AOST is about training and developing their sailing skills, using their initiative, thinking and acting for themselves, and above all enjoying the sport of sailing. Belinda Stowell, Olympic gold medallist, Sydney 2000, began sailing in Optimists.

To quote the words of one of our most dedicated sporting sailing and coaching icons, Huck (Malcolm) Scott, Olympic silver medallist, Melbourne, 1956, “if you’re not having fun you’re not doing it right”. The benefit for each state is to have those sailors lead by example when they return from AOST training. Their focus will be directed to acknowledge and share their experience with their home state friends.

Click here to download a printable brochure on the AOST

AOST moving forward with…