Optimist
8 Seasons
The Optimist was designed in 1947 by American Clark Mills at the request of the Clearwater Florida Optimist service club following a proposal by Major Clifford McKay to offer low-cost sailing for young people. The Optimist Club ran a soap box derby, but wanted more than a single-day event. Thus they were looking for a low-cost equivalent for sailing. He designed a simple pram that could be built from two 4′ x 8′ sheets of plywood, and donated the plan to the Optimists. The design was slightly modified and introduced to Europe by Axel Damgaard, and spread outwards across Europe from Scandinavia.
The design was standardised in 1960 and became a strict One-Design in 1995.
The Optimist is sailed in over 120 countries and it is one of only two yachts approved by the International Sailing Federation exclusively for sailors under 16.
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2017 Australian & Open Optimist Championship
Episode 1
The 2017 Australian and Open Optimist Championship was held at Largs Bay Sailing Club and was a great event had by all with over 33 International entries!
Video Producer: Harnett Media
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RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show 2017 - International Optimist
Episode 2
The VR Sport Media Crew visited the UK's Dinghy Show to interview some of the exhibitors. Mark "Corky" Rhodes chatted with two Opti sailors, Gabby and Flo, about the International Optimist and the celebration planned for it's 70th anniversary in Weymouth, UK.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
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03:24Episode 322nd ORA Cup ORA 2017 - Day One
Episode 3
Huge Optimist regatta hosted by Circolo Vela Arco - welcome to Day One of the 22nd ORA Cup ORA!
Video Producer: Emilio Santinelli
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03:00Episode 422nd ORA Cup ORA 2017 - Day Two
Episode 4
Huge Optimist regatta hosted by Circolo Vela Arco - welcome to Day Two of the 22nd ORA Cup ORA!
Video Producer: Emilio Santinelli
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03:10Episode 522nd ORA Cup ORA 2017 - Final Day
Episode 5
Huge Optimist regatta hosted by Circolo Vela Arco - welcome to the Final Day of the 22nd ORA Cup ORA!
Video Producer: Emilio Santinelli
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RYA Zone Champs 2017 - London & South East Wrap Up
Episode 6
Every year the Royal Yachting Association holds regional Zone Championships for all of the junior sailors around the UK. The London & South East Champs was hosted by Datchet Water SC with Optimist, Topper, RS Feva XL, Windsurfer and beginner Regatta fleets showcasing the fun factor in the sport. ...
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IOCA UK Winter Championships - Launching 188 Optimists
Episode 7
IOCA UK Winter Championships - Launching 188 Optimists at Datchet Water Sailing Club.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
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IOCA UK Optimist Winter Championships 2017
Episode 8
188 Optimists took over Datchet Water Sailing Club, just outside London, for the 2017 IOCA (UK) Winter Champs. Cold and wet conditions with back to back races for all of the junior competitors in both the Main and Regatta fleets but their smiles and thumbs up tell a different story.
Video Pro...
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04:16Episode 9IOCA UK Optimist Tech Talk
Episode 9
IOCA UK's Optimist Tech Talk with some of the leading sailors and head coach, Sarah McGovern's Top Tips.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
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04:01Episode 10IOCA UK Optimist - Girl Power
Episode 10
IOCA UK's Optimist Girl Power - showcasing why the Oppie is a great class for the girls.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
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02:35Episode 11IOCA UK Optimist - Highlights From 2017
Episode 11
IOCA UK's highlights from 2017 and what is in store for 2018.
Video Producer: VR Sport Media
