Proven from Sydney Hobart to Tahiti Named Dimension-Polyant cloth Designed in Geelong, shipped worldwide Talk to a sailmaker
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Optimist

Optimist-Medium Plus

dinghy

A touch heavier than our Medium cut, for sailors and venues that sit just above average breeze and crew weight.

LOA
2.3
M
YEAR DESIGNED
1947
DESIGNER
Clark Mills
One-Design Sails

Sails For This Class

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Technical Data

Specifications

LOA
2.3
M
Beam
1.13
M
Draft
0.84
M
Hull Weight
35
KG
Crew Min
1
Crew Max
1
Year Designed
1947
Mainsail Area
3.3
M²
Jib Area
0
M²
Spinnaker Area
0
M²
Class Profile

Class Facts & History

Category
Optimist
Type
dinghy
Designer
Clark Mills
Class Association
International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA)

History

Clark Mills designed the Optimist in 1947 for a junior sailing programme in Clearwater, Florida, built from two sheets of plywood so any family could afford one. The design was standardised in 1960, the class became strict one-design in 1995, and IODA now oversees a class sailed in more than 120 countries with well over 150,000 boats registered, more than any other sailing dinghy in the world.

Sailing Characteristics

Sits between our Medium and Heavy cloth weights, giving sailors a finer option than jumping straight from one to the other. Useful for venues with a consistent moderate to fresh breeze, or crews sitting at the heavier end of the Medium range.

Racing Context

Popular with sailors building a two or three sail wardrobe who want a genuine step between Medium and Heavy rather than a big jump, particularly at venues known for building sea breezes.

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