Membership on the Optimist and 420 Race Teams brings junior sailing to a new and exciting level. Racing improves confidence and self-reliance in boats in a fun, team environment. The classes develop and hone competitive sailing skills, tactics and boat handling. Racers may participate in race events at home and/or attend local and regional regattas. Most racers choose to travel to at least two away regattas each season, including Marblehead Race Week. Parent participation is required for race team members. At the beginning of each season, all race team members and at least one parent/guardian must attend the race team meeting.

Optimist Race Team

To join the MSA Opti team, a student must have successfully completed two sessions of the Bo'sun or Ensign class, or one session of Bo'sun II, or demonstrated necessary skills with instructor approval. Opti racers are encouraged to own their own boat and use it in class because this fosters a greater appreciation for the boats through diligent care and handling. Owned boats may be stored at MSA with the Program Director's permission. Those without their own boats may use an MSA boat in class and charter an MSA boat for regattas, based on the needs of the program. Classes meet Monday through Friday, 1:00-4:00. Regattas will require full day participation and some weekends.

Opti Green Fleet: For sailors in their first year of competition, regattas offer a separate "Green Fleet" race course. MSA has a separate Green Fleet class and coach for first time Opti team members. Green Fleet members are usually between the ages of 10 and 12. First time Green Fleeters may register for the first half of the season only (which will include Marblehead Race Week if they choose to attend), or for the whole season. There is no option to register for only the second half of the season.

Opti Championship Fleet: After one season in Green Fleet, most Opti Racers move up to Championship Fleet. Most Championship racers are between the ages of 11 and 15. These racers usually attend Marblehead Race Week and the Mass Bay Junior Regatta, as well as additional local and regional regattas. Participants must register for the whole season.

420 Race Team

Members of the 420 team must be between the ages of 13 and 18, must have completed at least two sessions of MSA's Skipper or Mariner class or the equivalent with instructor approval, or have graduated from the Opti Race Team. Although there is not a separate class, there will be separate instruction for racers new to the 420 team. Sailors need not own their own 420 - MSA 420s are assigned by the Race Coach based on seniority, and become the responsibility of the skipper and crew for the season. Racers may use the MSA 420s free of charge in class and at certain race team events and regattas, and may charter a boat for other regattas based on the needs of the program. Most members participate in Marblehead Race Week and the Mass Bay Junior Regatta. Many also travel to other local and regional events and participate in team race events. Classes meet Monday through Friday 1:00-5:00. Regattas will require full day participation and some weekends. Participants must register for the whole season.