Session 4 - Midday - Beginner Opti - Manchester by the Sea, MA 2026

The Beginner Opti class (ages 8-13) is for sailors who have completed one session of Learn to Sail, have mastered the Sea Urchins class, or can demonstrate similar skills learned outside of MSA. This class will refine previously learned skills and build on that foundation through independent rigging and single-handed sailing in our new Zim Prams, a modernized version of the classic Optimist dinghy. There will be both on- and off-water instruction. This class has a hands-on, learn-to-sail focus. The class will focus on helming and single-handed sailing skills, tacking and jibing in control, trimming a sail, navigating a course, identifying the parts of a sailboat, sailing all points of sail, and doing so confidently and independently. Beginner Opti will prepare sailors for our introductory racing class, the Opti Green Fleet Team. Sailors not interested in racing or who are instead looking to spend more time having fun with their MSA friends are encouraged to register for Adventure Sailing. Most sailors remain in Beginner Opti for an entire summer or two, but after completing one or two sessions, we encourage them to join Adventure Sailing concurrently—our instructors can provide guidance. There, they’ll be able to practice the skills they’ve learned while having a blast exploring Manchester Harbor and nearby bays and islands!