FAQ’s: Optimist Highfliers Course

What will you get out of the course?

Over five days on the water and in the classroom you will cover the essential skills to drive your racing skills to the next level.

You will already be winning races at a national level (or certainly be competing there) in order to get any benefit from this course, and it is designed through competition and coaching to take you to the next step.

The Optimist class has long been one of the best ways to get into the international and Olympic racing circuit, and the Highfliers course will help drive you toward those dreams.

How much will the course cost including exam fees?

The course itself will cost €800 (approx. US $910) but you need to factor in flights, food at lunchtime every day, pocket money, and half board accommodation at €35 per day (approx. US $40) for any accompanying adult.

What are your limits on passing the Optimist Highfliers course?

With a course like this, you only get out what you put in.

Do you want to be noticed by your national team’s scouts? Then put your heart and soul into the course, and get everything you can from it. Listen to the instructors, do your homework and compete as fiercely as you can on the water, and you will maximise what you can get from this course.

Is the course theory, practical or both?

A lot of sailing involves tactics, seamanship skills and knowledge of the elements. As such you will do a lot of classroom work covering the high level skills required to take your sail racing to the next level.

You will also spend time on the water both racing and doing exercises in order to get the hard skills you need to win.

Where can you take it?

Have a look at SailCoach.com for information as to the next course dates and locations.

Can you do this highflier course in another country?

Yes, and expect to meet other sailors at the same level as you from around the world. This will introduce you to the international racing circuit if you aren’t at that level already.

Prerequisites - What level of experience do you need before you begin?

You should be an advanced Optimist sailor, regularly winning races at national events. You may have already begun racing at international events.

How long does the Optimist Highfliers course take?

The course itself is five days long but you will you will arrive the day before and leave the day after.

What does the course involve?

This is about honing your racing skills to razor sharp level. Have a look at the SailCoach.com website for detailed information as to what the course entails.

How do I progress after completing this Optimist course?

You should be at a level to race and win at a national or international level. One day you may even receive a medal at the Olympics – many Optimist sailors have gone on to do just that…

Does the Optimist Highfliers course give you international accreditation?

It doesn’t give you a license to sail a yacht in another country, but you will learn to race among the best on the international Optimist racing circuit.

Further Resources:

Click here to see what a typical day entails.