Optimists or "Optis" are 8 ½’ beginner boats with 1 sail and 1
sailor for kids age 8-15. Kids larger than about 5'4” and 115 lbs
will be better off in a double handed boat. For kids who can fit into
them, it is far better to start out in an Opti because it’s simpler
and easier to sail and the kids learn more quickly because they have
no one else in the boat to depend on.