Optimist is the most popular sailing class in the world with over 150'000 boats registered.

History

Optimist was designed by American, Clark Milis in 1947. It was designed to offer low-cost sailing  for young people. He designed boat that could be built from two 4' x 8' sheets of plywood. Design was modified by Axel Damgaard - the person who spread design in Europe. The design was finally standardized in 1960 and became One-Design in 1995.

"Soap box"

The hull of optimist is sometimes named "Soap box". That's because of its form. It was designed to be built from plywood so round shapes were not possible. Now hulls are made from Fiberglass, although the angular design did not change.

Who can sail Optimist?

Optimist is used as sailing class for beginners. It's first step in sailing for many people - at the 2016 olympics at least 85% percent of boat skippers were former Optimist sailors. The age limit is 15, but many children start as 7/8 year olds. Best sailors usually weigh 35-55 kg.

Racing

When sailors have basic skills they can start racing in regattas. It is sailing competition where young sailors can compete against others, The biggest regatta takes place on Garda lake in Italy. Last year over 1'300 boats competed in 36. Lake Garda Meeting Optimist .

Also World Championshpis are organized. First Optimist World Chamionships were held in 1962, in Great Britain. There are continental championships too - such as European Championships, Asian Championships, North American Championships and South American Championships.