Optimists

Why learn to sail in an Optimist?

It is the most popular dinghy in which the young people of the world learn to sail as it is sailed in over 110 countries and there are over 150,000 boats built.

"A bathtub that breeds the best sailors!" - Former Optimist sailors were over 50% of the dinghy skippers at the last Olympics, this is quite simply because it's safe and simple enough for an 8-year old, yet exciting and technical enough for a 15-year old. It is the only dinghy approved by the International Sailing Federation exclusively for sailors under 16 years of age and we have an enthusiastic and active bunch here at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.

The club has a fleet of its own boats which can be used for cadet evenings on a Friday and also hired to join in our active cadet racing fleet on Sundays.

Last updated 12:18 on 25 March 2024