The **Optimist** class (often affectionately called “Opti”) is one of the most popular sailing classes among children. The design is tailored for beginners in the world of sailing and is recognized as a school class for children by the World Sailing Organization.
The main features of the Optimist are:
– A small single-handed boat for children aged approximately 8 to 15 years. The rig is simple, with a single mainsail, making it easy to handle. The boat is stable and allows for learning the basics of sailing, as well as the tactical and strategic components of the sport.
– The class has strict design rules, and all boats have the same specifications, ensuring fair competition and focusing on the development of sailing skills among young sailors.
– The class is widespread in over 120 countries, with more than 360,000 children sailing in Optimists.
The **Optimist** class, as you mentioned, is incredibly popular and widely recognized among young sailors worldwide. It provides the perfect foundation for beginners, allowing children to learn the basics and more advanced tactics of the sport while having fun and developing their skills.
Children who are at least 6 years old, can swim, and wish to start sailing can join the sailing school. However, the best results have been seen when children join after completing the 1st grade of elementary school. The class limits sailing until the year in which the child turns 15.
The cadet sailing at JK Split is under the guidance of Željko Vojvodić, known as Žele, the most decorated Croatian coach in the Optimist class. Under his leadership, medals have been won at World and European Championships throughout his many years of experience.
The Optimist class is a fun little sailboat with which children take their first steps in sailing. Sailing in an Optimist, kids learn nautical skills, boat maintenance, about the sea, winds, meteorology, and become true little sea wolves.
After the sailing school and pre-competitive group, led by Edo Smoljanović, the little sea wolves join Žele in the competitive group. The Optimist class is excellent for children’s socialization and mastering all the necessary skills for future progress in sailing, as well as for enjoying the sport and socializing. During sailing in this class, children establish strong connections with kids from other Croatian coastal cities.
World Championship Team Race 2023 – 4th place (Jakić JK Split, Bertolino JK Split, Grabar JK Uljanik, Jurman JK Uljanik, Duplančić JK Labud)
European Championship 2023 – Smirčić 7th place overall
World Championship Team Race 2023 – 5th place (Jakić JK Split, Marušić JK Split, Barišić JK Split, Mohač JD Crikvenica, Duplančić JK Labud)
World Championship 2024 – Nina Marušić, 3rd place girls, 15th place overall
Croatian Championship 2023 – Jakić 2nd place individual
Croatian Championship 2024 – Nina Marušić 2nd overall, 1st girl
National Championship U12 2023 – David Palinić 2nd place overall
National Championship U12 2024 – Branko Muštra 3rd overall
National Championship Team Race 2023 – 2nd place (Jakić, Bertolino, Barišić, Lolić, Smirčić)
National Championship Team Race 2024 – 2nd place (Jakić, Bertolino, Barišić, Marušić, Palinić)
World Championship 2002 – 2nd place overall Stipe Česić (1st place Filip Matika) – Coach Željko Vojvodić
World Championship Team Race 2000 – 3rd place (Stipe Česić, Petar Lošić, Bojan Ive – JK Split)
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