International Optimist Dinghy: K1001

$169.00

About International Optimist Dinghy: K1001

International Optimist Dingy | The world’s most popular dinghy class. The popularity of the OPTI dinghy is due to its renown as the “best children’s sail training boat ever designed”.

The International Optimist Dinghy, also known as the Optimist or Opti, is a small, single-handed sailing boat designed specifically for children under the age of 15. It is one of the most popular and widely used sailing dinghies in the world, with over 150,000 boats registered in more than 110 countries. The Optimist was first designed in 1947 by Clark Mills in Florida, United States, and has since undergone various modifications to become the beloved boat it is today.

Our model is based upon the official plans of the United States Optimist Dinghy Association, scaled down to 1’=1″. The kit is designed for the first time wooden boat modeler with detailed step-by-step instructions. This planked model comes complete with everything necessary to build the model: laser-cut basswood and mahogany parts, tools, rigging, fittings, sailcloth, paint, brushes, two kinds of glue, sandpaper, even a needle for attaching the sail ties! It is important to note that some pictured items may have been built with optional items not included as part of standard kits, such as pedestals, bases, cases, paint, etc. If there are any questions about the contents of a particular kit, please contact Bluejacket.

Paint Kit Contents:

Thinner (1 oz)
Clear
Primer
Flat White
Aluminum
Flat Black
Fluorescent Red

LOA: 8.5″

Scale: 1″

View Parts List →

What’s in a Kit? →

About The International Optimist Dinghy

The Optimist Dinghy is an ideal boat for young sailors to learn the fundamentals of sailing. Its simple design and easy handling make it perfect for beginners to gain confidence on the water. The boat is 7 feet 9 inches long, making it small enough for children to handle, yet sturdy enough to withstand challenging weather conditions. It has a single sail and a daggerboard for stability, allowing children to learn the basics of sailing techniques such as tacking and jibing.

One of the unique features of the Optimist Dinghy is its self-bailing design. This means that any water that enters the boat through waves or rain can automatically drain out, keeping the boat light and preventing it from sinking. This feature is particularly important for young sailors who may not have the experience or strength to bail out water manually.

The Optimist Dinghy is also a popular choice for competitive sailing, with many young sailors using it as their first racing boat. The International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) organizes international championships for the Optimist, including the World Championship, which attracts participants from all over the world. These competitions not only provide young sailors with an opportunity to showcase their skills but also promote cultural exchange and friendship among participants from different countries.

Apart from its practical uses, the Optimist Dinghy also holds a special place in the hearts of many sailors due to its sentimental value. Many sailors have fond memories of learning to sail on an Optimist and have gone on to become successful sailors and even Olympians. The boat’s simple design and affordability make it accessible to children from all walks of life, allowing them to discover a love for sailing and the ocean.

In recent years, there have been efforts to make the Optimist Dinghy more environmentally friendly. The IODA has introduced eco-friendly materials for building the boat, and there are initiatives to recycle old Optimist boats to reduce waste. This shows the commitment of the sailing community to protect the environment and promote sustainability.

Join over 5,000 readers of our monthly newsletter!


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Bluejacket Shipcrafters, Inc.. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

International Optimist Dinghy: K1001

$169.00

About

Join over 5,000 readers of our monthly newsletter!


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Bluejacket Shipcrafters, Inc.. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact