Opti Green Fleet 2023

 

Interested in taking the first step to become a racer? 

The Opti Green Fleet is the best place for kids ages 8-13 to start racing. Using Seattle Yacht Club boats, sailors learn the basics of racing, advanced rigging, and boat handling. Please note this is not Learn-To-Sail or intended to be evening child care. If your child wants to learn to sail, please register them in the Sailing School. 

2023 Practice Schedule

Mondays from 5:00 -7:30 PM
June 26 - Aug 21nd, except Monday the 3rd of July.
Launch from Seattle Yacht Club dock at 5:30
 

Milfoil Dodgers Regattas

Local Regatta

Cost

What is Opti Green Fleet?

The Opti Green Fleet at Seattle Yacht Club is an introductory racing program. Sailors will learn the basics of racing sailboats, advanced rigging, and boat handling techniques. Practices are held Monday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Seattle Yacht Club.

Green Fleet is a special fleet for beginners. The purpose of the Green Fleet is to encourage novice sailors. Participation Awards are provided to all skippers sailing in Green Fleet events. By not crowning a champion, sailors and their parents are encouraged to move to the appropriate age fleet as they become more confident in their abilities.

What is the cost and what is included?

The cost of Green Fleet in 2023 is $350. The program includes coaching and boat charters for all practices, three Milfoil Dodgers, and Jr. Olympics coaching. 

What are Milfoil Dodgers?

Milfoil Dodger events are a series of fun, half-day, novice regattas at various venues around Lake Washington. These events will take place on Saturdays in July and early August. Check-in at 9AM, skippers meeting is at 10 with the first start usually around 11AM. Lunches are provided for all sailors wrapping up around 2pm. Each event is casual, fun-filled, and coaching is encouraged. All Milfoil Dodgers events are free for participants, and they include participation awards and lunch. The name "Milfoil Dodger" comes from sailors avoiding the widespread milfoil (an invasive aquatic plant) in Seattle's lakes. Specific information about each Milfoil Dodger event will be sent to Green Fleet participants prior to each event.

What is the Jr. Olympics Regatta?

The Jr. Olympics Regatta is hosted by Seattle Yacht Club and sailed on Puget Sound in Shilshole Bay from the Corinthian Yacht Club. A separate Opti Green Fleet course will be available. Sailors may also be ready to participate in the "regular" Opti fleet races. The Jr. Olympics has a regatta fee, which generally includes meals, participation awards, and a T-Shirt. Specific information about the regatta will be sent to Green Fleet participants prior to the event.
 

Are there Prerequisites?

Students should have experience sailing the Opti, and be comfortable demonstrating basic sailing maneuvers, such as steering, tacking/gybing, and leaving from/returning to the dock. Those who are lacking sailing experience should take the Overboard Opti class in our Summer Sailing School Program.

Anything else?

We also encourage participants to sign up for the SYC Summer Sailing School Learn-to-Race Camp. This is a one-week immersion in sailing and introductory racing. It is a great supplement to the Opti Green Fleet program. Click here for more info on the Learn-to-Race Camp and other Summer Sailing School programs.