Info for New Sailors
Boat
These boats listed below are the common ones found in WA.
XSP - boats that are reasonably priced and are shipped/ sold out of Singapore. Website: http://www.xtremesailing.com
Far East - boats that are made for all sailors and are reasonably priced. It is manufactured in China. The Australian dealer is Binks Marine
Winner - very popular Danish boats for the more competitive racers. Website: https://winneroptimist.dk
Mclaughlin - Built in the USA, McLaughlin is the most technologically advanced Optimist in the world, specifically engineered for speed and a proven champion.
For second hand boats, check out the clubs' noticeboards or waioda's classifieds page
Sail
All the sail makers make sails of different cuts to suit the weight of the sailor. Typically the sails are either cross-cut or radial.
J Sail – Polish originated sail, a great racing sail and there is a range of sails that will fit the weight of the sailor.
Olimpic Sails – An Italian racing sail that is used by sailors at major regattas. There is a wide range of sails that will suit the weight and abilities of the sailor.
North Sails – The only sailmaker to offer bi-radial sail. This is a hybrid of radial and cross-cut combining the advantages of cross-cut and radial sails.
Spars
Spars - Spars that come with a boat may be Blackgold (by Optiparts), Optimax. The Blackgold spars are the most common spars that are found with an Optimist, these spars are black in colour and are very good quality. You will see these spars on most boats (apart from Winners). These spars are recommended by most people for their quality and light weight. The boom that comes in each set is usually 45mm but there is also a 40mm and a 55mm (it depends on weight). The Optimax spars are usually used by more experienced Optimist sailors. They are silver or gold in colour. There is a range of spars to suit sailors of different weight; Mk 3 Flex, Mk 3 & Mk 4
Foil
Some foils may be wooden which are great for beginners as they are not easy to chip and damage, on the other hand the foils may be made of epoxy (these are the most common foils sold with a boat), these foils are racing material. They are very good quality and if your sailor is ready for epoxy foils then it is worth purchasing them. However, if your sailor is at a starter level then wooden or polyester foils is the best way to go.
Mainsheet
Mainsheets range from 3:1 system to 4:1 system.
3:1 system – is 6m long and 6- 8mm thickness, this thickness can differ but 6mm is ideal. These mainsheets are the most common and can be found at many marine chandlery.
4:1 system – is 7-8m long and usually 6-8mm in thickness. This system requires different blocks and it makes sheeting easier especially in strong winds.
Tapered Mainsheet – this mainsheet is available in 3:1 and 4:1. It is the ultimate Optimist mainsheet; thick and soft where it touches your hand, thin and smooth elsewhere for free running control.
Spares Kit
Spare sail ties, both mast and boom; boom ties = 30 cm, mast ties = 50 cm (have about 6 of each spare)
Spare corner ties (these ties are thicker than sail ties) = 50 cm, (have about 6 spare)
Spare wind indicator top, as these tend to come off if not tied to the wind indicator needle
Spare wind indicator
Spare shock cord or elastic for the bailers, paddle, and centreboard case
Spare sprit halyard
Spare vang rope and dynema
Spare airbag
Spare mainsheet
Tools Kit
These are the essential tools:
Tape measure
Electrical tape
Duct tape
Permanent marker
Box cutter
Pliers
Lighter