Junior Sailing

"Optimist", a small dinghy specially designed for youngsters, is used for teaching basic sailing skills. The dinghy is 2.35 metres long with a sail area of only 3.5 square metres. The small hull and sail area make it easier for youngsters to manoeuvre the dinghy. Even in strong winds or when the hull is full of water, the dingy can still remain stable and continue sailing. The programme is under the Junior Dinghy Programme of the Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, China. The programme content includes Junior Sail 1: Introduction to Junior Sailing, Junior Sail 2: Helmsman, Junior Sail 3: Skipper and Junior Sail 4: Start Racing. Junior Sail 1: Introduction to Junior Sailing is a simple and interesting two-day introductory course on dinghy sailing. Beginners can learn how to steer, balance the dinghy and adjust the sail. Junior Sail 2: Helmsman is designed for participants who have completed Junior Sail 1: Introduction to Junior Sailing. After completing the course, participants will be able to sail a dinghy on their own in all directions under light wind conditions. Junior Sail 3: Skipper is designed for participants who have completed Junior Sail 2: Helmsman. After completing the course, participants will be able to launch and recover a dinghy on their own without assistance and sail on their own around a triangular course under light to moderate wind conditions. Junior Sail 4: Start Racing is designed for participants who have completed Junior Sail 3: Skipper. After completing the course, participants will be able to take part in dinghy races under moderate wind conditions, sail around a simple course and have a basic understanding of setting sail as well as racing techniques and rules. Please refer to the Monthly Sailing Programmes for details.