FAQ’s

Is this a decision I may live to regret?

No comment

What is an Optimist Dinghy?

It’s the most popular sailing boat in the world and simply the best dinghy for kids to learn in and race tactically. Click here for more.

At what age should I start sailing an Opti?

Kids should start sailing as soon as they are confident near water, usually it’s around 8 or 9 but there are six year olds sailing Opti’s in Australia.

How long can I sail an Optimist?

A skipper can only race Optimists until December 31 in the year they turn 15. On December 31 of that year, they are what’s called ‘aged out’ of the Optimist Class and can no longer race the boat, unless the regatta they are competing commenced on or before the 31st of December.

Sound complicated, it’s not really ……………………

What is AIODA and why should I join?

AIODA is an acronym for the Australian International Optimist Dinghy Association. This is the national body that governs Optimist racing in Australia.

The aims of AIODA are:

  • Promote the Optimist dinghy to yacht clubs, kids and parents considering the Optimist as boat to train young people
  • Arrange training and development opportunities for sailors
  • Host an all inclusive fun filled and well managed national championships
  • Liaise with the international and state Optimist organisations

Join your state association and support the people who are supporting your child to get the most out of this wonderful life experience

Membership forms available on the State web site.

What kind of Optimist should I buy and how much will it cost?

When you’re just getting started you don’t need to buy the latest and greatest, in fact a good 2nd hand GRP (fibreglass) or Timber Opti will get you out on the water and see if you enjoy it enough to get ………………

Where can I get a boat?

Check the noticeboard at your local club, families that have outgrown their Opti usually try and keep them within the club to build numbers, otherwise there’s a number of new Optimist suppliers ……………..

Optimist Suppliers

Where can I sail my Optimist?

The number of clubs sailing Optimists in Australia is growing quickly…

Check out your fleet at the top of this page

What is Green Fleet?

Green Fleet is to encourage novice sailors, it’s a fleet that gets special attention from Optiparents and green fleeters can be any age up to 15.

How do I know that IODA has endorsed the manufacturer of my boat?

Each boat manufactured by an IODA endorsed manufacturer will have a plate attached to or a moulded number on the bow or mast thwart (the piece of fibreglass at the front of the boat that mast is mounted into) bearing the IODA insignia and an eleven figure alphanumeric code.

The boat will also have an ISAF sticker on the mast thwart that proves that the builders fee has been paid and corresponds with the number in a booklet entitled “International Optimist Dinghy Association Registration & Measurement Book” with the unique number of your boat. It is most important that you keep this booklet in a safe place and are able to produce it at national event if you choose to take your boat with you. You will also need this booklet when it comes time to sell your Optimist.

How do I get my boat registered with AIODA and why is it important?

It is important to have your boat registered in the name of the current owner by the registrar of the national association AIODA for you to compete at State and National events

In your Registration & Measurement Book there is a page provided for your name and address details on the reverse side of the page detailing the registration numbers of your boat. Fill in your details.

Send the booklet and a cheque for $15 made out to AIODA and addressed to the current AIODA registrar

Your book will be signed by the AIODA Registrar and mailed back to you indicating that your boat is now registered with the national association under the name provided

The current AIODA Registrar is:

Howard Knight
52 Victoria Avenue
Claremont WA 6010

How do I get my sail number registered with AIODA?

If your boat did not come with an AIODA registered sail number you will need to formally apply for one.

Fill in the Sail Number Registration form

Send the form, your Registration & Measurement Book and a cheque for $15 made out to AIODA and addressed to the current registrar of AIODA

A Good book and CD/DVD for new Optimist sailors and their parents?

The following books and CD/DVD’s are highly recommended for sailors and parents alike and are available from the Optishop.

  • OPTISAILORS.COM DVD Advanced Boat Speed
  • OPTISAILORS.COM DVD Advanced Boat Handling
  • OPTICOACH CD ROM
  • How to be a successful Optiparent

Where can I get a trolley for my Optimist?

You can make a trolley out of poly pipe by copying the design that you will see at all the clubs sailing Optimists or you can purchase a deluxe aluminium trolley for around $300 from:

OziOpti and its distributors see www.oziopti.com.au

Who are the Australian based Optimist sail makers and how much do these odd shaped pieces of exotic cloth cost?

Rob Brewer
Price: around $600
M: (0411) 357 470
E: rob@raceway.com.au

Any other options for getting a sail?

Speak to the Optimist sailors at your yacht club. The top sailors often have old sails that they looking to sell after they purchase a new sail.

Most of the major sailmakers produce Optimist Sails, check out their websites.

Where do I go for Optimist parts and accessories (great new word ‘chandlery’)?

Your local chandlery will most likely stock parts for Optimist dinghies.

OziOpti is the Australian importer of Optiparts (the worlds largest supplier) with distributors near most Opti fleets, they also have an on-line shop with special offers for AIODA members. See www.oziopti.com.au

How do I rig and tune an Optimist?

Speak to the Optimist sailors at your yacht club. The top sailors at your club will be happy to share the basics with you.

Check out the following web sites

Know of any good web sites to check out?

What clubs in Australia sail Optimists and when do they sail?

The list of clubs is growing fast and you will find the names of the current Optimist representatives on the state web site, look for your fleet.

Will my child recover from sailing an Optimist?

No and its all positive