NCS Program Details

The All-Island Opti Race Team is the most advanced class for young Opti sailors on-island. The mission is to enhance the experience and skill level of Nantucket Opti racers by improving opportunities for high-level instruction, training and competition. Admittance to the team will be based upon skill level, commitment, maturity and desire to improve and will be by invitation only (by the student's home Program Director). The All-Island Opti Race Team will run two sessions. The first session will be a two-week session that will focus on boat-handling and boat speed to re-acclimate sailors to the boat and shake off the winter rust. The second session will be a six-week session where the bulk of regattas and racing will take place.

The All-Island Opti Race Team focuses on the more advanced aspects of racing, such as performance boat handling, acceleration, upwind strategies, mark-rounding, downwind and reaching tactics, advanced tacking and gybing techniques, tactical finishes, sailing rules, etc. Students in the class are considered members of a team. Once on the team, sailors are strongly encouraged to continue in the Opti until they "age out'' or "weigh out", meaning they either turn 16 or weigh over 125 pounds.

Practices will run from 1:00PM - 5:00PM Monday - Friday, and will be held at the Nantucket Yacht Club Boathouse. Full day practices may be scheduled. On Thursday afternoons, students will compete in the All-Island Race Day. Other on-island events include an Opti Race Clinic, a Saturday Race Day and Nantucket Race Week in August, which the All-Island Opti Race Team members are encouraged to participate in. The All-Island Opti Race Team is a travel team, competing in several off-island regattas along the southern Massachusetts coast. All-Island Opti Race Team members can anticipate sailing in two off-island regattas during the summer season. It is recommended that All-Island Opti Race Team commit to the full summer or at least the 6-week session.

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 All-Island Opti Race Team 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.