Optimist (dinghy)

Optimist
Class symbol
Development
LocationInternational
DesignOne-Design
NameOptimist
Boat
Crew1
Draft5 in (130 mm)
2 ft 9 in (0.84 m)
Hull
TypeMonohull
ConstructionFibreglass
Hull weight77 lb (35 kg)
LOA7 ft 9 in (2.36 m)
LWL7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
Beam3 ft 8 in (1.12 m)
Hull appendages
Keel/board typedaggerboard
Rig
Rig typeSprit-Rigged
Mast length7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Sails
Mainsail area35 sq ft (3.3 m2)
Jib/genoa areaNone
Spinnaker areaNone
Racing
D-PN123.6
RYA PN1646
Optimist
Fleet of Optimists
Typical Optimist storage
Rigging on shore
Optimist dinghies waiting to a wind

The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by young people up to the age of 15.

The Optimist is one of the two most popular sailing dinghies in the world, with over 150,000 boats officially registered with the class and many more built but never registered. It is sailed in over 120 countries[1] and it is one of only two sailboats as an International Class by World Sailing exclusively for sailors under 16.[2]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference IODA 2014 Review was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference isaf-optimist was invoked but never defined (see the help page).