Optimist racing 

Advanced Learning Course

2-Week Half-Day Sessions: Starting June 12, 2023

Schedule: 1pm – 4pm Monday through Friday

Program Cost: $450/student

Who should take this course?
Sailors who have completed 2nd-9th grade (age 8-15), with some sailing experience that have expressed an interest in learning to race.

How are the classes structured?
Optimist racers will train under the racing rules of sailing for practice and will learn to compete in events with other sailors of their talent level in low key learning races (Green Fleet). More advanced students will train to compete in the Red, White and Blue fleets segmented by a sailor’s age. This course will hone each sailors individual talents and also prepare them for moving up into the 420/Laser race course, all while keeping things fun and carefree in a competitive environment.

Where are the races?
Sailors are urged to participate in West Michigan Youth Saling Assocoation (WMYSA) regattas held on Fridays at the various area lakes throughout the summer. For qualified sailors, travel to out of state regattas is also available and encouraged. Tuition fees cover training at the sailing center and coaching at WMYSA regattas. Fees for regattas, travel, etc. are not included.

The Tentative WMYSA Regatta schedule for 2023:

  • June 24, 2023 at Spring Lake Yacht Club
  • July 7, 2023 at Macatawa Bay Yacht Club
  • July 21, 2023 at White Lake Yacht Club
  • July 28, 2023 at Muskegon Yacht Club

Do we need a boat?
Boats will be provided if registering for the (MBJA Boat) option. If you have your own optimist, please register for the (BYO boat) option and we will provide storage space free of charge for the duration of the course.

US Sailing Logo
US Sailing
MBJA is a proud member of US Sailing.

Macatawa Bay Yacht Club
P.O. Box 207 Macatawa 49434

(616) 335-5815

Since 1982, the MBJA Sailing School has operated on the grounds of Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, serving the Holland community as a 501c(3) non-profit sailing school.

Since 1982, the MBJA Sailing School has operated on the grounds of Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, serving the Holland community as a 501c(3) non-profit sailing school.

ABOUT  |  CONTACT  |  DONATE  |  REGISTER

ABOUT  |  CONTACT  |  DONATE  |  REGISTER