Optimist and 420
Race Teams
Membership on the Optimist and 420 Race Teams bring Junior sailing to a different and exciting level. There is no better way to learn the life-long joys of sailing than to learn through racing an Opti or 420. Racing improves confidence and self-reliance in boats in a fun setting. The classes develop and hone competitive sailing skills, tactics and boat handling. Racers may participate in race events at home and/or attend regattas outside Manchester Harbor. Most racers do choose to travel to at least two away regattas each season, including Marblehead Race Week. For specific details about each team, see below. For a list of regattas, see our website.
Optimist Race Team
To join the MSA Opti team, a student must have successfully completed two sessions of Bo'sun or Ensign class or one session of Bo'sun II, or demonstrate necessary skills and have instructor approval. Opti racers are encouraged to own their own boat and use it in class because this fosters responsibility and the ability to care for the boat and campaign it at regattas. 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: Regattas offer a separate "Green Fleet" race course for sailors in their first year of competition. MSA has a Green Fleet class and coach for first time Opti team members. Green Fleet members are usually between 10-12 years old. 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 Opti racers are between 11-15. 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 13 and 18 , must have completed at least two sessions of MSA's Skipper or Mariner class, or the equivalent, and have 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. The 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 team race events and regattas and may charter a boat for other regattas based on the needs of the program. Most 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Parent participation is required for race team members. At the beginning of each season, all race team members must attend the Race Team meeting. The meeting is on JUNE 28, there will be a casual dinner starting at 5:00 and an informational meeting at 6:00. We will review requirements and responsibilities for race team members including regatta preparation, transportation of boats and equipment, chartering boats, registering for regattas, required membership in various sailing organizations, and the financial responsibilities inherent in the use of both owned and MSA boats. If you are unable to attend the meeting a parent must meet individually with the child's coach before the child will be allowed to attend a regatta.
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