» Optimist

Optimist dinghy

The Optimist dinghy is suitable for sailors aged approximately 7–15. Many successful competitive sailors have started their sailing careers in the Optimist class (for example, Silja Lehtinen and Oskari Muhonen from EPS).

Boats and Equipment

You do not need to own a dinghy to get started. Participants can join the group using the club’s shared boats. The equipment fee is €150 per season for those using a club boat.

As sailors continue with the sport, many choose to purchase their own boat, and reasonably priced used boats are often available. Storing a personal dinghy at EPS requires payment of a storage fee.

Club Membership

Participation in training groups requires EPS membership (junior or crew membership is sufficient), or, by agreement, membership in another sailing club. Weekly coached training sessions are held from early May to mid-October, with a summer break in July.

More Information

Joining a group: linnea.lahtinen[at]espoonpursiseura.fi
Linnea Lahtinen
Junior Manager / Head of the Sailing School and Courses

OPTI “BLUE & GREEN” GROUP

A group for children who are just starting their sailing hobby, where the basics of sailing are learned through approachable exercises, games, and plenty of fun. Most sailors join the group after attending sailing school camps.

The group begins its season at the end of June, after the first courses. Sailors typically spend their first summer in this group, after which they move on to the “Red & Black” group (or older sailors progress to other classes).

Training sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Joining the group: linnea.lahtinen[at]espoonpursiseura.fi

OPTI “RED & BLACK” GROUP

Sailors who have progressed from the “Blue & Green” group and are already able to manage mostly independently on the water. In this group, participants train more advanced and challenging sailing skills and take part in Optimist Challenger and Optimist Cadet regattas.

Sailors may begin in the group using the club’s dinghies, but purchasing a personal boat is encouraged as skills develop.

Training sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

Joining the group: linnea.lahtinen[at]espoonpursiseura.fi

OPTI COMPETITIVE

This group is intended for goal-oriented young sailors who want to develop as far as possible in the sport and succeed in both national and international competitions.

Training sessions are held three times a week.

More information (contact person):
Ilkka Koskenniemi
ilkka.koskenniemi[at]espoonpursiseura.fi

SAILING SCHOOLS

The best way to start a sailing hobby is through our Children’s Sailing Schools held during the summer. After that, continuing in the club’s training groups becomes a natural next step.