MADISON YOUTH SAILING
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Learn to Race Optimist

Learn to Race Optimist

Are you returning to MYSF for another summer or have experience sailing independently and ready to take your Opti sailing to the next level? Our Learn to Race Optimist class is ideal for kids (ages 8-12) who want to have fun, grow their skills through independent sailing, and learn the basics of racing. This class explores introductory racing concepts like basic racing rules, starting sequences and simplified race courses. For those who feel ready, this class offers the opportunity to travel to local regattas with other youth sailors from around Wisconsin.

Sailors in this class need to be comfortable with the idea of “single-handing” their boat. This involves controlling the sail and steering simultaneously. If your sailor is not quite ready to begin learning to single-hand, consider some more “tiller time” in the Beginner Optimist class before signing up for the Learn to Race Optimist class. 


​There are a few different pricing options for these camps. Each sailor can either sign up for a half summer session or for the full session. A charter fee has been added to registration for those who do not own their own optimist. The boat charter fee will go to support the long-term health of our fleets, including providing competitive racing boats for MYSF sailors for years to come. Each racer will be assigned an Optimist for the session and will be held to the same "ownership" standards as others. If you are interested in purchasing your own Optimist dinghy, please reach out and we'll help guide you through the local market (used, new, etc.).


Recommended Ages:
8-14
Pre-requisites: Beginner Opti, previous summer of Green Fleet, other independent sailing experience

REGISTER HERE

All classes will run Monday - Friday.

June Session - $550/$625*
June 15 - July 3
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
No classes July 4.


July Session - $550/$625*
July 6 - July 24
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

6 Week Session - $995/$1095*
June 15 - July 24
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Campers can be dropped off between 12:30-1PM to begin rigging their Optimist. There will be limited coach involvement during this time as they rotate on lunch breaks. We hope this time will encourage sailors to take a strong independent stance with rigging their own Optimist so class can start right at 1PM.
*see Optimist Boat Charter below

Optimist Boat Charter

There are 2 different pricing options for these camps. A charter fee has been added to registration for those who do not own their own optimist. The boat charter fee will go to support the long-term health of our fleets, including providing competitive racing boats for MYSF sailors for years to come. Each racer will be assigned an Optimist for the session and will be held to the same "ownership" standards as others. If you are interested in purchasing your own Optimist dinghy, please reach out and we'll help guide you through the local market (used, new, etc.).
Images courtesy of parents of MYSF sailor
  • Home
  • ABOUT
    • MYSF Leadership Team
    • Donations
    • Instructor & Junior Instructor
  • Register for Summer 2026
  • MYSF Summer Camps
    • Class Descriptions
    • 2026 Schedule
    • Kinder Pram
    • Beginner Opti
    • Learn to Race Optimist
    • Optimist Race Team
    • STEM Camp
    • Introduction to 420 Racing
    • Anchors Away Adventure Camp
    • Private Lessons
  • Shop Our Gear Store
  • Contact Us