Most of the world s Olympic sailors learn to sail in these boats. Designed for children, the Optimist is stable, simple to operate, and easy to right if capsized. It is environmentally friendly too - using no gas and making no noise. An Optimist costs more than a canoe, but much less than a personal watercraft. Sailing is fun, and you can enjoy it for a lifetime.
Sailors learn to be good sports, to be self-reliant, and to make quick and reasonable decisions.
Above all, they learn to understand and respect nature s forces - wind, waves, and changing weather. Water Safety Tips Always wear your life jacket. Orange, red, and yellow jackets are most visible. If you capsize, always stay with the boat. Watch the weather and go ashore if you hear thunder or see lightning.