We have been coaching sailors for over 20 years. One of the things we notice a lot during these last 10 years is sailors racing with wrong equipment. When we say wrong we are not referring to a brand but the model of each brand.
Nowadays there are a lot of companies that provide a lot of different models to facilitate the needs of any opti sailor. If you look at each manufacturer's website you can find all the specifications for a mast or a sail etc but also the weight range to whom each model applies.
So if you are a parent or a new coach that is looking to buy new equipment start by reading the websites more carefully. You are not buying another toy, you are purchasing a piece of equipment that will eventually make you kid/sailor perform better. Or worse if you are wrong.
Parents should ask their coaches what equipment their kids should use. Never forget your coach is out there in the water, he knows your kids weaknesses and pros. He talks with other coaches, suppliers and manufacturers.
On the other hand in some countries sailors don’t have professional coaches and their parents buy equipment on their own.
So look hard on the web pages, talk to the supply dealers or get on board with some training clinics that are happening worldwide.
Here is a small list of the Biggest Brands in our opinion in the optimist industrie. You can easily find your local dealer for each brand on the web.
BOATS
SPARS
FOILS
SAILS
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