Part 2 Optimist Skipper

The Optimist Skipper has demonstrated skill in handling the Optimist Sailing Dinghy with minimal assistance.

A. Optimist Knowledge

The Optimist is designed for sailors between 50 and 110 lbs.

1. Identify the following parts of the Optimist:

• head
• peak
• sprit
• mainsheet bridle
• boom jaw
• gudgeon
• pintle
• mast step
• boom preventer

2. Identify and demonstrate the use of the following:

• air bags
• mast tie down
• bailer
• towline

3. Demonstrate the use of the following for basic sail and rig tuning:

• boom vang
• outhaul
• mainsheet
• luff telltails
• leech telltails
• sprit halyard
• mast rake

4. Explain the safety checks for your boat:

Optimist Safety Checks:

1. Mast tied down
2. Rudder secured
3. Daggerboard secured
4. Air bags checked
5. Bailer secured
6. Tow-line in place
7. Life Jacket on

B. Sailing Skills

1. Check the weather and select proper clothing for sailing.
2. Demonstrate how to launch and rig your boat.
3. Safely get into and out of the boat at a dock, in shallow water, and in open water.
4. Properly stow and secure all loose gear and rigging on the boat.
5. Sail the boat by yourself, without coaching:
• Leave a dock, mooring, or beach completely prepared and in control
• Sail an upwind course, tacking at least three times.
• Sail a downwind course, jibing at least three times.
• Return to the dock or mooring using a correct approach at slow speed and in control.

6. On command from the coach, sail each of the points of sail, using proper sail trim:

• Close-hauled
• Close reach
• Beam reach
• Broad reach
• Dead run

7. Demonstrate stopping the boat (safety position): come to a close reach, and then ease the sheets to luff the sail.
8. Place the boat “in irons” (head to wind and not moving) and then sail off in a given direction using proper rudder control and backing the sail.
9. Demonstrate sculling to propel the boat short distances upwind without using sails.
10. Sail a given course using visual marks on land, using proper sail trim.
11. Sail the boat on a given point of sail, steering by the sail.
12. Maintain proper fore and aft trim.
13. Demonstrate reducing excessive heel using:

• weight distribution
• rudder control
• sail trim
• combinations of the above

14. Select a new close hauled course prior to tacking and then hold the new course following the tack.
15. Select a new broad reach course prior to jibing and then hold the new course following the jibe.
16. Steer the boat by the lee for 100 yards without jibing.
17. Steer the boat backwards for 20 yards with sails backed.
18. Demonstrate the Figure 8 method for recovering a crew overboard.
19. Accept and secure a towline with sails up as well as with sails down.
20. Pass on a towline while underway.
21. Capsize your rigged boat and demonstrate safe righting techniques.
22. Securely tie the boat to a dock and mooring.
23. Demonstrate how to properly clean and stow your boat and gear.