Opti Squad
Opti Squad is the home for sailors that have graduated from LTS 1 & 2.
Opti Squad has superseded the clubs previous seasons LTS 3, Green and Opti Open Fleets. These fleets are now covered by the Opti Squad.
The primary aim is to develop junior sailors and grow their confidence and sailing skill base so that they are able to sail competently in a variety of conditions.
There are different skill levels in the squad which are catered for and as sailors progress through the squad different techniques and skills are introduced as they move forward.
Opti Squad is based around Yachting New Zealand's Learn to Race syllabus and although this is the underlying theme the club understands that not all sailors are keen on racing.
Our focus is getting the sailors to a level that they can competently sail an optimist around a course and progress to a more advanced level of sailing.
For more advanced sailors who want to race we cater for this by splitting into groups and offering more advanced coaching, both during the day and outside of Sundays.
Sailors in Opti Squad use either their own boats or leased fibreglass Optimist dinghies. The club has a limited number of beginner Opti squad boats available for hire and can provide advice for those needing to purchase a boat privately.
The Opti Squad Program Covers:
- Race Course Management
- Destination Sailing
- Boat Set Up
- Mark Roundings
- Race Starts
- Race Rules
- Flags and Signals
- Fleet Racing
- Competing at Regattas
On completion of this course sailors will be able to complete at regattas as Green Fleet sailors and will graduate to be an Opti Squad advanced member.
Opti Squad Extra
This is an extra Opti Squad training session that is run on Tuesday Evenings 5pm to 7-30pm
Opti Squad Extra is primarily for Optisquad members who have had one season in OptiSquad. However all sailors new to Optisquad may participate depending on their skill levels.
Opti Squad Extra is designed to enhance and accelerate skills in a competitive environment and to build on already learned racing skills that will progress them through the Opti White and Open fleets.
Opti Squad members training in Extra are expected to either train with the Opti Squad or be competing at regattas on Sundays. This is not an alternative day to Sundays.
Family Support
As a club, we rely on support from the sailor's family for launching and retrieving of our RHIBs as well as the children in their boats. We also require assistance for the running of our BBQ on the Sundays to provide our sailors and support crew with a lunch option (there is a minimal cost for lunch).
For safety reasons, we require the sailors parent or guardian to remain on site at the club while the children are sailing.
Opti Squad Training Days
Sailors at this level are expected eventually to look after and to be able to rig, launch , retrieve and wash their own boats with a minimum of help from their parents.
Please be ready to go rigged, changed and ready to go straight away at the start time
Sundays 9.00 am to 3.30 pm
Wednesdays - OptiSquad Extra Rigged, Changed and Ready- 5pm to 7.30pm
Boats.
You must provide your own fibreglass Optimist Dinghy for Optisquad.
There are a few club ones available to hire for the September -January Season 2025 and are available on a first in first served basis. For the second half of te season the hire boats will be offered to new members before existing Opti Squad members
If you want to hire a boat please contact Grant before registering at lts@maraetaisailingclub.org.nz
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