Table of Contents

Introduction by Joni Palmer, Executive Director, U.S. Optimist Dinghy AssociationPart I: Welcome to Optimist SailingOptimist FunHow the Optimist Came to BePart II: Getting StartedThe Boat and EquipmentParts of the BoatLines and EquipmentSafetyBoating EtiquetteKnots for OptimistsSquare KnotSquare Knot with KeeperBowlineClove HitchOne-Design KnotTying to a CleatStopper KnotTransporting Your DinghyChecklistCare of Boat and RigPart III: Let's Go SailingHow a Boat SailsThe Points of SailingPreparation Before SailingRiggingChanges in CourseBasic TipsWhere Do You Sit When Sailing?How Do You Hold the Tiller?How Do You Hold the Mainsheet?How Do You Turn the Boat?LaunchingWindward Shore TipsLeeward Shore TipsFinal PreparationOn the WaterSailing on a ReachTackingRunningJibingUpwindLandingAcceleration, Slowing Down, and StoppingSailing Out of the No-Go ZoneWeather AwarenessReading the WindWaves, Current, and TidesWavesCurrentTidesPart IV: Fine-Tuning Your SkillsGoing FasterRigging the Racing RigSail ShapeTying On Your SailSailing to WindwardSailing on a ReachSailing on a RunPlaningThings to Avoid DownwindTackingJibingMeeting an ObstructionCapsizingBasic Rules of the RoadStarboard Tack Has Right-of-WayTacking (or Jibing) Boat Must Stay ClearSame Tack--OverlappedSame Tack--Not OverlappedPowerboats Must Stay Clear of SailboatsOther Rules and TipsPart V: RacingCompetitionFirst RaceFast StartsStarting in Light WindDetermining Where to StartPort-Tack StartDip StartBarging StartStarting Line ExitsUpwind TacticsApproaching the Windward MarkThe Reaching LegThe RunRounding the Leeward MarkFast FinishesDealing with ProtestsSubtle StrategiesYour Health and Fitness for SailingPhysical FitnessEating RightSleeping RIghtPart VI: Coaching Opti SailingCoaching Young SailorsTeaching FormatOn-the-Water Coaching TechniquesInstructor's Safety ReviewDrills to Improve Boat HandlingDrills to Improve SpeedPracticePracticing AlonePracticing in PairsPracticing in a FleetPart VII: For Parents OnlyOptiMania: A Note for ParentsTips for Parents: Preparing for Opti RegattasPart VIII: The Eternal OptimistThe Eternal OptimistClassesHandicap Racing/One-Design OffshoreScholastic SailingCollegiate SailingThe OlympicsThe America's Cup and Match RacingTeam RacingDay SailingCruisingGlossaryAcknowledgmentsIndexAbout the Authors

About the Author

Gary Jobson is a world-class sailor, ESPN television commentator, and author. A former sailing coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy, he is the winner of ten national titles and three America's Cup campaigns. AUTHOR HOMETOWN: Annapolis, MD