OPTIMIST PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Our Optimist Program offers a comprehensive learn-to-sail curriculum designed for sailors of all experience levels. Through a building-block approach, we guide students from complete beginners to confident sailors, fostering a love for the water and a strong foundation in sailing principles.

After completion of this program, sailors who are interested in competitive sailing can seamlessly transition to the Green Fleet. Here, they'll refine their racing skills, delve into racing rules, and gain valuable experience participating in actual regattas.

Optimist LTS 1

Description

Start your sailing journey with our Optimist Learn-to-Sail 1 course! This course is perfect for beginners or for sailors who have had a few lessons with their parents.

In this eight-week course, you'll learn everything you need to know to sail an Optimist independently, from rigging your boat to steering and trimming your sails. Our experienced coaches will teach you in a safe and fun environment, and they'll help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed.

Once you've completed the LTS 1 course, you'll be ready to move on to the next level (Optimist LTS 2). Our coaches will work with you to create a personalized sailing pathway that meets your individual needs and goals.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for our Optimist Learn-to-Sail 1 course today and start your sailing adventure!

Please before you sign up, make sure to read our Admissions Policy

Optimist LTS 2

Description

The Optimist Level 2 Course is designed for children who have completed the Optimist Level 1 Course or have equivalent sailing experience. The course focuses on developing more advanced sailing skills, such as:

Docking and undocking
Trimming the sails
Sailing in a variety of wind conditions
Gybing

The course also includes more in-depth instruction on sailing theory, such as:

The rules of the road
Weather forecasting
Boat maintenance

In this eight-week course, you'll learn everything you need to know to sail an Optimist independently, from rigging your boat to steering and trimming your sails. Our experienced coaches will teach you in a safe and fun environment, and they'll help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed.

Once you've completed the LTS 2 course, you'll be ready to move on to the next level (Optimist LTS 3). Our coaches will work with you to create a personalized sailing pathway that meets your individual needs and goals.

Please before you sign up, make sure to read our Admissions Policy

Optimist LTS 3

Description

The Optimist Level 3 Course is an eight-week course for intermediate sailors who have completed Level 2 and are ready to start preparing for Green Fleet. The course will introduce some new and more complex concepts, such as:

Advanced boat handling skills
Racing theory
Starting and racing techniques
Weather forecasting and route planning
Boat maintenance and repair
Racing tactics

Students will also have the opportunity to practice their skills in a variety of conditions, including light winds, strong winds, and currents.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Sail independently in a variety of conditions
Start and race in regattas
Use weather forecasts and route planning to make informed sailing decisions
Perform basic maintenance and repairs on their Optimist dinghy

By the end of this course, sailors will be ready to move up to Green Fleet racing.

Please before you sign up, make sure to read our Admissions Policy

2024 PROGRAM ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

Details:

12-week Program for each level
Please be informed that all junior students are required to pay an annual enrollment fee of $150 upon applying to participate in a sailing course except Sailing Camp. Benefits of paying the annual enrollment fee:
- Annual membership to SMAP Club
- Annual membership to OPTIMIST SAILING PANAMA, the national member of Panama to IODA-International Optimist Dinghy Association, for those interested in racing.
All options include afterschool and weekend practices
All of the options below are valid for both SMAP installations: Ocean Reef WSC and Shelter Bay Marina
There is a $10 daily charge for transportation to Shelter Bay Marina when practices are there.