Registration for Oshkosh Yacht Club : 2024 Opti Learn to Sail and Race Program

Learn to Sail and Race

The Oshkosh Yacht Club Sailing School provides a value priced community sailing opportunity for youth who have completed 2nd grade through age 13.

 Students sail the International Optimist Dinghy.  The “Opti,” is the perfect youth boat because it is simple in design for the new sailor, while at the same time it can be fine-tuned for the more advanced skipper.  Our programs focus on racing and the enjoyment of sailing as a lifetime and community activity.  While on the water, students develop problem solving skills while incorporating STEM concepts into the decision making.  Parents are urged to be hands off while classes are in session. 

At each level our certified U.S. Sailing Level 1 instructors provide a sailing experience which focuses on water safety, sailing terminology, boat handling, rules of the sea, skill performance and racing techniques.

All class participants will use Oshkosh Yacht Club boats.  Participants are required to bring a coast guard approved life jacket and wear water shoes and clothes that can get wet.  

The OYC has been in existence since 1869 and is a 501c3 not for profit organization.

Our home, The Waters, provides a setting to gather, spectate and celebrate while keeping family experiences and camaraderie in the forefront.  

Come mark your place in history.

Shape

  Check out our videos to see what’s in store!

ALL CLASSES ARE FILLED ON A FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED BASIS.  CLASSES ARE HELD RAIN OR SHINE AT THE OYC HARBOR AND CLUB HOUSE AT THE WATERS, 1393 WASHINGTON AVENUE, OSHKOSH WI  54901

Learn to Sail Camp – Beginner     $100

The beginner camp is designed to teach kids from 8 to 11 the fundamentals of sailing. Basic boat handling is taught through drills and games on and off the water. This camp is for newcomers and those who are returning to master basic skills before they move on to the Learn 2 Race camp. The main goal is to have fun, grow comfortable on the sailboat, and learn about water safety all while acquiring a lifetime skill and passion. Use of a club boat for the camp is included. Classes are held Monday through Thursday.

Camp #1 – 12:30 – 2:30 June 3 - June 13

Camp #2 - 3:00 – 5:00 June 3 - June 13
Camp #3 – 12:30 – 2:30 June 17 - June 27
Camp #4 - 3:00 – 5:00 Jun3 17 - June 27
Camp #5 – 12:30 – 2:30 July 8 - July 18
Camp #6 - 3:00 – 5:00 July 8 - July 18

OYC membership is not required but encouraged. 

 Learn 2 Race Camp – Intermediate  

The intermediate camp is for sailors ages 9 to12 who have mastered basic sailing skills and are comfortable sailing alone. This camp focuses on self-reliance and decision-making by introducing more advanced boat and sail handling skills. Sailors develop confidence while having fun managing their boat in a wide variety of wind situations and will start to build an understanding of racing strategy. Use of a club boat for camp is included in the fee.

This class is held in conjunction with the Team Opti advanced class. This will allow for a larger racing group during class and nimble opportunities for the Learn2Race student to advance.

The first session will be a three-week session and the second session will be a two-week session.

Requirements: Completion of Opti Camp or similar skill level class. 

Classes are held Monday through Thursday.

L2R #1 (3 weeks) 8:30 – 11:30 June 10 - June 27 $225
L2R #2 (2 weeks) 8:30 – 11:30 July 8 - July 19 $150

You are invited to attend the following introductory training regattas:

Monday – No Tears Regatta July 22 at Lake Beulah (Coaching provided)
August 4 - Pram Power Aug 1at North Lake in Hartland (Coaching provided)

Regatta fees not included. More information on how to sign up will be forthcoming.

OYC membership is not required but encouraged.

Opti Race – Advanced Traveling Team

This challenging class is for sailors ages 9-13 and focuses on racing skills and competitive sailing events both at home and nearby lakes. Advanced sailing drills, classroom debriefs, and video feedback give the student the tools needed to advance their racing performance. OYC weekly race series, with season cumulative scores, will be included in the Thursday class schedule. Students are encouraged to travel to regattas hosted by sailing clubs in our region. Use of club boat for class and events listed below is included.

Requirements: Successful completion of Opti L2R program and coach recommendation. Must be a family or junior member of the OYC.         

Class and Regatta Coaching - $310

Class: June 10 through July 18 from 8:30 – 11:30, Monday through Thursday on those days when an Opti or X Boat regatta is not scheduled. See specific day schedule on next line.

Schedule: Class: June 10,11,12,13,17,25,26,27, July 17, 18
To enourage racing participation, coaching will be included for the following off lake regattas:

Lake Beulah Sailing School Regatta on Lake Beulah, June 24
Training Regatta at Cedar on Cedar Lake, June 28
Geneva Lake Sailing School on Lake Geneva, July 10 and 11
ILYA Opti Championship on Cedar Lake, July 28 - 30

See website for regatta registration information. Coaches will coordinate transportation of the Optis to the regatta.

Opti Fleet Racing. $50

Great news! Opti fleet racing is returning back to Monday evenings. Races will begin at 6:00 each Monday from June 12 through August 12. Rules regarding the number of throw out races and points given while attending other Opti regattas will be available prior to the season. Race finish points will be cumulative throughout the season. The trophy will be awarded at Cup Night, our annual awards presentation, in October.

Must be a family or junior member of the OYC.

Spring and Fall Opti Lease Program – For non-OYC sponsored events

Training and sailing opportunities exist in the spring and fall season for seasoned Opti sailors. While we want our sailors to have every opportunity possible, we also recognize that boat use outside of our classes incurs more wear and tear on our Opti fleet. We have set up a lease fee that is in line with other regatta lease programs in hopes that we can keep our fleet up to date and viable. The following guidelines have been implemented for the 2022 season.

The rental fee will be $1350 for the spring series and $1350 for the fall series
Current year OYC membership is required. Membership ends in December
Must be enrolled in the upcoming sailing school season
Leasee is responsible for all repairs
A signed waiver and proof of insurance is required

Requests will go before the OYC Sailing School Committee
Charter Agreement HERE

Additional questions?  Contact Beth at info@oshkoshyachtclub.org or 920-410-4843

OPTI CLASS WEBSITE

http://www.optiworld.com

Parent Association Website

www.ilya.org

Thursdays are race days. Sailors will compete for an OYC trophy awarded for the session

Medical Release and Authorization

I understand that acceptance into this class is without assumption of responsibility of any kind by the Oshkosh Yacht Club Sailing School, the Oshkosh Yacht Club, sailing school instructors, the members of club or the volunteers of the club. In consideration of the acceptance of my entry into the class, I do forever release and discharge the foregoing from any and all claims of damage, losses, or injuries that I may suffer in connection with the aforementioned class.

Further, I empower and grant to the Sailing School, in the event that the parent or guardian can not be contacted through reasonable efforts, it’s authorized adult, permission to consent to and authorize medical and hospital care and treatment for their above child. We do hereby indemnify and hold harmless the physician, hospital and other persons who act in reliance upon this authorization;

Parent/Guardian Concussion and Head Injury Acknowledgement

As a parent or Guardian of a child participating in a youth athletic activity, it is important to recognize the signs, symptoms and behaviors of concussions. By signing this form you are stating that you understand the importance of recognizing and responding to concussion and head injuries per the information provided by the OYC sailing school and the Wisconsin State Statue 118.293

I have read Wisconsin State Statute 118.293 and information provided to me by the OYC Sailing School on concussions and head injuries and understand the important to recognize the signs, symptoms and behavior of a Concussion or head injury.

I agree that if it appears that my child may have sustained a concussion or head injury that he/she is to removed from the OYC Sailing School, high school racing team or OYC races until such time that and appropriate health care provider can examine and approve their “return to “play”. In such case, I understand that I am to provide a written clearance for my child to return to OYC or OYC sailing school activities.

I understand the possible consequences of my child returning “to play” too soon.

I agree to the above:

Parent/Guardian Name: