The International Optimist class is promoted by the Club as an ideal boat to teach children how to sail. Although the club does not put any  age limit on the Optimist, we have found those children that start sailing over 9 years cope best.  At the other end of the scale 13-14 year olds can quickly learn to sail in an Optimist but having learnt the basics will need to move on to a bigger more challenging boat.  Weight and age will determine which class of yacht the sailor should move on to.

Internationally the Optimist is used for sailors under 16 years old and World Championships are held each year.  The NZ Optimist Nationals are held each year over Easter and attracted 250 sailors in 2009 including 23 from overseas.  The top 5 placed sailors are selected to represent NZ (usually aged 13-15).  The 2010 Nationals are being held in Whitianga over Easter.

Attending regattas outside Tauranga is encouraged where many excellent results have been achieved. 

Optimist Measuring.
In practice, only the Nationals require registration and measuring certificates to compete.  Pre 1995 boats have more flexible measuring requirements (allowing the hulls to be home built) but the hulls tend to be not as stiff and not as quick as the post 1995 boats.

Membership of the NZIODA.
All racing Optimists should belong to the NZIODA, this costs $30 per year per family.  The Association produces a quarterly magazine to keep you up to date with the latest Optimist news, results, information etc.