The boat
Closed one-design
IODA class rules say that, except where a variation is allowed, Optimists are alike in hull, construction, weight, spars, and sail plan.
Class hub
The Optimist
A single-handed one-design pram for young sailors, with a sprit sail. The International Optimist Dinghy Association administers the class.
Who races it
Through the year they turn 15
IODA championship eligibility allows a sailor to enter until 31 December of the year in which they turn 15. That is the IODA championship rule.
Class history
From a Florida pram to the International Optimist
1947
Clearwater, Florida
Clark Mills designed the pram for the Optimist Club after Clifford McKay asked for a cheap boat children could build and sail. Mills gave the design away and took no royalties. This is class history, not a SailorPath ranking.
IODA account1958
Denmark
Axel Damgaard took a boat home to Denmark. The rig was modified, and that boat became the International Optimist. This is class history, not a SailorPath ranking.
IODA account
On SailorPath
Singapore Gold and Silver Fleet Ranking. The SailorPath Asian and Oceania Optimist Index is an independent SailorPath initiative, not an official index. It is currently in beta version.