Free Entry for Coached Regatta Fleet at the Optimist End of Season Championships 2025
by Suzie Holland 21 Aug 17:02 UTC
4-5 October 2025
Optimist sailing happiness © Paul Sanwell / OPP
The UK Optimist Class Association (IOCA UK) is offering free entry for all Coached Regatta Fleet sailors at this year's Optimist End of Season Championships, taking place 4-5 October at Parkstone Yacht Club. Places are limited to 36 sailors, so early entry is advised to avoid disappointment.
The Coached Regatta Fleet has become a popular part of the Optimist's national open events over the past few years, designed for younger, less experienced sailors - typically in their first year of travelling to competitions. The fleet offers the perfect blend of fun, coaching and racing, with shorter sessions afloat, plenty of support from experienced coaches, and time ashore for lunch.
A typical day will include coaching in the morning and racing in the afternoon, either on a separate course or on the same course as the Racing Regatta Fleet but with their own start. The focus is on building confidence, improving boat handling, and giving sailors their first taste of racing in a supportive, enjoyable environment.
The fleet is ideally suited to sailors at around RYA Stage 3 level, confident sailing a triangular course in moderate conditions and able to recover from a capsize independently. For those just starting out in racing, there is plenty of on-water support, ensuring a positive first step into Optimist competition.
Usually, entry for the End of Seasons Championship weekend would be £70, but this fee has been waived for Coached Regatta Fleet participants to encourage more sailors to get involved. Sailors will need to be members of IOCA UK (annual membership £45), but membership then opens the door to all other IOCA events for the year - a great-value way to start or continue the journey in Optimist sailing.
The UK Optimist Class is committed to encouraging more young sailors into the fleet and hopes that by making it easier and more welcoming for the entry level sailors, more families will be inspired to get involved. With free entry for Coached Regatta Fleet at this year's End of Seasons, there has never been a better time for new sailors to give it a try.
Enter now via iocauk.ourclubadmin.com
For further information about Optimist sailing in the UK, please visit www.optimist.org.uk or email