The Optimist Dinghy (Opti)
The Optimist Dinghy is a small 7’ 9” sailing craft for sailors age 8-12 and/or weighing less than 115 lbs. Sailors who are 115 lbs or more are eligible to register for the C420 class.
Opti Beginner Class
This class is an introductory class for young new sailors. Students start out sailing in pairs with the goal to end the class sailing independently. Students will learn rigging and basic sailing skills in a fun and hands on environment. To participate students must be 8 years old in the calendar year.
Opti Intermediate Class
This class builds on the foundational skills learned in Opti beginner, including tacking, jibing, and rigging. It is recommended for most students to have completed Opti Beginner twice. Once students demonstrates mastery in steering and sail control simultaneously, they may be offered the opportunity to sail alone.
To read more about the instructional curriculum offered at IJS, click here.
Opti Race Team
Racing students will be introduced to variable sailing conditions, as well as performance sailing skills. There will be a focus on using body weight to accelerate the boat. Racers will continue with more advanced instruction in racing rules, competitive starts, mark rounding, and fine tuning of their boat.
The Club 420 Class Dinghy
The C420 is a two-person high performance dinghy at 13’9” with a centerboard, mainsail, jib, spinnaker, and trapeze. The 420 is for students who weigh more than 115 lbs. This requirement ensures the sailor can safely balance the larger boat. Sailors who weigh less than 115 lbs. should register for an Opti class.
420 Beginner Class
This class is for sailors new to the 420 or new to sailing. Students in this class will learn to both crew and skipper as well as rig and derig the club 420. Students will learn parts of the boat and learn basic on the water techniques.
420 Intermediate Class
This class is for sailors who have mastered the basics of 420 sailing and are ready to improve their 420 skills. The focus will be hands-on fun learning while gaining confidence sailing upwind and downwind independently.
To read more about the instructional curriculum offered at IJS, click here.
420 Race Team
Racing students will be introduced to a variety of sailing conditions, as well as performance sailing skills. There will be a focus on using body weight to accelerate the boat. To better sail in strong wind, sailors will be taught how to use trapeze harnesses as a way to keep the boat flat. In order to have better downwind sailing performance students will learn to set, fly, and douse the spinnaker. Racers will continue with more advanced instruction in racing rules, competitive starts, mark rounding, and fine tuning of their boat.
Water Safety Boats
All on the water activities are patrolled by 5 safety boats operated by a US Sailing Certified Instructor and apprentices. These boats consist of a 17’ Bristol Skiff and a 14’ Maritime and three inflatable boats: 16′ Ribcraft, 16′ Zodiac, and 14′ Zodiac. The Ipswich Bay Harbormaster also patrols the area.
