Opti Fall race team starts Tuesday September 15th. It is KYC's program for younger sailors who want to learn more about sailing, try out racing, and spend more time on the water. This race team is geared towards sailors aged 7-13
Optimist sailboats are small 1 person sailboats, which are perfect for younger sailors to learn how to sail and race in a small, comfortable, sturdy and stable boat. They learn in a safe and closely monitored environment. This race team is a great way for your kids to catch the sailing bug early!
Opti Race Team Practices Tuesdays 4:15-6:30 in the Fall and Spring, and the kids will attend sailboat racing regattas in the fall, summer and spring.
First year racers may not feel ready to compete in a regatta, and that's okay! But it might be something to look forward to.
Boats are provided, however as Opti Race Team sailors attend more regattas they should consider investing in their own Opti.
This program costs only $100 per month for children of members and $150 per month for children of non-members. This runs every Tuesday from 4:15-6:30 until the end of October (10 weeks total).
The information meeting the race team will be held on Tuesday the 8th at 6:30 pm! Please come by and our wonderful coaches will answer any of your questions.
Below you will find some of my fall sailing/ gear recommendations, and a link to the PDF where I sourced some good quality and affordable wetsuits if you are interested in buying one for your sailor this fall.roper sailing attire is important for your kids to have the best possible sailing experience. It’s fall now, and the weather is getting colder, and being wet and cold is preventable with the right gear, and sufficient spares.
PDF Here! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JcGWHxr2vVWq-cOYn2OJvWDR8QHjugXkTAuzyw2u2_c/edit?usp=sharing
Here are my suggestions for gear
-wetsuit
- fleece, microfiber or wool long johns (thermal layer)
-fleece, microfiber or wool thermal top (thermal layer)
-Fleece sweater, hood prefered (fitted, thick)
- waterproof jacket
- wool socks
-wetsuit booties/socks
-Gloves (cloth/rubber gardening gloves)
-hat (touque)
PLEASE BRING AT LEAST ONE CHANGE OF CLOTHES PER DAY, FOR FULL DAYS PERHAPS TWO!! Your kids will be so much happier if they can change into a dry set of clothing. Due to COVID sanitizing procedures, it is more difficult for us to provide extras for the kids, so please do your best to send extra clothes every day.
I wear thermal underwear, a wetsuit, a fleece, a wetsuit top, and a rain jacket or spray top when I sail along with gloves, booties and a toque. Which may be considered not enough by some standards
NOTE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO BRING ANY COTTON ON THE WATER!!!
Fleece, wool and neoprene will be warm even if they are soaking wet, whereas cotton will not be! It is actually dangerous for the kids to be on the water with cotton, as it will make it very difficult for them to stay warm hypothermia is something we always have to be aware of as sailors! Make sure to check the tags of the clothing you are buying, even some 'thermal layers' are still cotton layers.
Hope to see you Tuesday the 8th for the intro meeting and Tuesday the 15th for the first session.