Articles

The Northerly

The predominant breeze in Shilshoe Bay is a Northerly. Our sailors rely on it to keep them sailing year round. Similarly, we hope our Northerly helps you learn the tricks and tips of Opti sailing to keep them sailing.

Alex Samano
April 30, 2025

Ultimate Guide to Performance Opti Rigging

Learn what types of line you need where, including recommendations to optimize for performance in varying wind conditions.
Alex Samano
April 2, 2023

What makes Opti sailing so special?

There are over 400K Optis and 150K active sailors in 110 countries around the world. The Opti and its ecosystem are an unbeatable learning machine.
Alex Samano
April 2, 2023

Where to buy your sailing gear

Whether you got some time or you are in a rush, here is our favorite list of trustworthy and well-stocked suppliers of sailing gear.
Alex Samano
April 2, 2023

My child is interested in sailing, now what?

A quick overview of available programs for your new sailor based on their age, weight, and interests.
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Alex Samano
April 2, 2023

What makes Opti sailing so special?

There are over 400K Optis and 150K active sailors in 110 countries around the world. The Opti and its ecosystem are an unbeatable learning machine.
Racing
Optimist
Alex Samano
April 2, 2023

Where to buy your sailing gear

Whether you got some time or you are in a rush, here is our favorite list of trustworthy and well-stocked suppliers of sailing gear.
Gear
Optimist
ILCA
Alex Samano
April 8, 2025

Our Freakonomics Radio pitch for an Opti sailing episode

This letter proposes a Freakonomics podcast on Optimist sailing, the surprising starting point for nearly all Olympic sailors, highlighting the unexpected challenges facing its ecosystem.
Other
Optimist
Alex Samano
March 26, 2025

Optimist Class Qualification Overview

Get an overview of the national and international qualification process for the Optimist class. Learn what regattas to attend, their structure, gender restrictions, and costs.
Optimist
Racing
Alex Samano
March 26, 2025

ILCA Class Qualification Overview

An overview of the ILCA North America's system for international qualification. Learn how to earn qualification through specific regattas or by ranking in the ILCA-NA Grand Prix.
Racing
ILCA
Alex Samano
October 13, 2024

Growth spurts: Navigating change to stay competitive

Optimist sailing happens to fall during a period when kids change A LOT. As you can imagine, that has BIG implications on the development of Opti sailors that can not be ignored.
Progression
Gear
Optimist
Alex Samano
December 5, 2023

Finishing Gel Coat to a nice shine

This guide outlines the materials and tools needed to repair boat gelcoat, focusing on unwaxed gelcoat for layering and waxed for the final coat.
Gear
Optimist
ILCA
Alex Samano
April 18, 2023

How to replace sail numbers to specifications

Chances are that at some point you will need to change numbers on a sail. This article explains how to remove and put new sail numbers that meet the IODA requirements.
Gear
Optimist
Alex Samano
April 6, 2023

Sailing: A Natural Fit for Dyslexic Processors

Sailing offers a unique and powerful opportunity for children with dyslexia to harness their inherent strengths, build confidence, and truly excel in an activity that celebrates their distinct way of thinking.
Progression
ILCA
Optimist