NCS Program Details

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Opti Blue is a two-week class for students who have sufficiently achieved the goals of the Opti Green class. When the lead Opti Green instructor feels a student has met curriculum goals, the student is invited to participate in our more advanced Opti Blue class. Opti Blue allows students to fine-tune their skills in single-handed sailing. The class will focus on more advanced sailing and racing techniques (such as starting and stopping, landings, capsizing, upwind strategies, tacking and gybing, etc.) Self-sufficiency will be promoted in the Opti Blue class although instruction will remain a key component.

Every Thursday, Opti Blue sailors will join the All-Island Opti Race Team as well as intermediate classes from Nantucket Yacht Club and Great Harbor Yacht Club for an afternoon of racing. Opti Blue sailors are also invited to participate in Saturday Race Days. Sailors are strongly encouraged to participate in on-island racing opportunities. Additionally, Opti Blue sailors in Session 2 will participate in the Coffin Cup at Jetties Sailing Center on Friday, July 18, 2025. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend! It is recommended that Opti Blue sailors sign up for as many continuous sessions as possible (4+ weeks) throughout the summer. More information about on-island racing opportunities will be communicated to Opti Blue families throughout the summer.

NCS offers shore programming on days that it is too windy to sail. If a shore day is necessary, class time may be shortened. NCS will contact parents/guardians directly via email and text regarding any adjustments to pick-up times.

The next step for an Opti Blue sailor is our All-Island Opti Race Team, or alternatively, if the student is 12 years old our 420 Green class. Opti Blue students, who have significant experience, are invited to participate in the Nantucket Race Week Opti event in August.

The Opti Blue class is held at the Jetties Sailing Center Monday - Friday afternoons from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

Please note: NCS recommends four weeks of Opti Blue programming for students to excel through the curricula.

Opti Blue students will wear a life jacket at all times at class (on shore and on the water). Students may bring their own PFD (USCG Type III), should they choose. We ask that students wear appropriate shoes (closed-toe) when participating, Native Footwear, Keen, Crocs and old sneakers all work well. Private lessons may be also be booked on our Jetties Sailing Center website; lessons are offered Monday - Saturday.