OPTI RACE TEAM

By Invitation ONLY, please contact the Director or Head Coach for qualification requirements.
ABOUT RACE TEAM
​Are you ready to learn advanced boat handling skills, build more confidence or just know how to get every last tenth of a knot out of your boat’s speed? Does your sailor have dreams of sailing in high school or college?  Racing a sailboat builds camaraderie and teamwork, encourages travel to new destinations with friends and family, strengthens confidence and creates passion for a lifelong sport.  Don't be afraid to dream BIG when you join our race team!
SEASON
DATES
PRACTICE TIMES
SPRING 2025
Jan 3rd - May 19th
(No Classes 4/14-4/18)
FRI 3:30pm-6:30pm
SAT & SUN 1:00pm-5:00pm
FALL 2025
Sep 7th - Dec 17th
TBD

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OPTI RACING

Optimist Racing is the Number One Junior Sailing Fleet in the World.  Sailors are divided into either Green Fleet or Champ Fleet depending on age and skill.  Every Opti sailor gains confidence and independence in this single-handed dinghy.  KHYF provides coaching for both fleets at all regattas on our calendar. 

Green Fleet is the entry level learn-to-race program. The practices and regattas are tailored to meet the needs of beginner level racers.  The Green Fleet program lays the foundation for lifelong sailing skills and countless days filled with adventure!  Being part of a sailing team builds camaraderie and teaches children important skills like critical thinking, self-reliance and discipline.  At KHYF we understand that our future is GREEN!  That means all Green Fleet sailors get the same expert coaching as the Champ Fleet Team.  We do not ask our Green Team sailors to travel very far often, but we strongly encourage some local regattas for experience and unforgettable memories,  The Opti Race Team Coach will lead the Green Fleet Sailors and their families through an introductory sailing campaign and will remain focused on providing a positive learning environment.

​Champ Fleet is the more advanced-level racing program that sailors can progress to after about a year of competing at the Green Fleet level.   Champ Fleet offers three levels of competition (Red, White, and Blue fleets) and sailors can compete locally or nationally depending on the desires of the family.  KHYF is dedicated to the education and training of these young athletes and have sought out the best coaching for this program. Sailors competing on the Champ Fleet level will find tougher competition and more challenging courses out in the open ocean.  It’s a rewarding fleet that offers amazing opportunities that can extend to a national and international level.  

PARENT PARTICIPATION

Parent Volunteers are a Critical Part of the Team
It takes a village to ensure our sailors are successful so we need regular support from ALL team parents.  There are multiple ways you can volunteer which allows you to choose the role that suits your strengths and availability:
  • Tow a trailer with race boats or coach boats to and from regattas.
  • Become a Team Parent to help organize regattas for the group.
  • Help support KHYF hosted regattas at King Harbor Yacht Club:
              - Check-in and Registration, purchase food, prepare snacks for sailors, sell food or KHYF merchandise
              - Ramp Supervisor at dock, help children launch boats, clear away dollies
  • ​Join fundraising committees to help organize events and secure auction items, etc. 
  • Help get the word out about KHYF to gain support and donors.
  
​Sailing Organization Membership
We strongly encourage all race team members to join both US Sailing and the United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA). These are great organizations to support and membership may be required at some regattas.  ​

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

Please use the link below to get important documents including waivers, consent forms, equipment checklists and more!