Dinghy Update | The 2022 Optimist State Championships are here!

Together with the Dinghy Committee, the Club has identified the need to better align the classifications of our various optimist fleets with AIODA. Below is a breakdown of the fleets and their updated titles, effective immediately.

Try Sailing Kids
Ages: 7-11 years
Try Sailing Kids is the first step in learning how to sail at Fremantle Sailing Club. Participants don’t need any prior sailing experience and don’t have to be a Member of the Club. This group sails within the protection of the Harbour. All equipment, including the plastic optimist boats are provided.

FSC Blue Fleet (Previously Green Fleet)
Ages: 7-12 years (Learning to race)
Designed for sailors who have completed Try Sailing (or equivalent) and have established they can sail a boat by themselves. This program builds on the foundation skills while developing the sailor’s confidence on the water. This group typically sails within the protection of the Harbour however does venture onto the ocean when conditions allow. All equipment, including the plastic optimist boats are provided.

Green Fleet (Previously Bronze Fleet)
Ages: 7-12 years (Learning to race)
Ideal for sailors who have learned the core values of boat safety in varying conditions. This program is an introduction to racing, with relaxed training programs and regattas scheduled to get kids use to the racing process in a non-competitive environment. These sailors train with a coach developing their skills and racing. The training program caters for sailor building knowledge to advance into the Intermediate Fleet and Club racing. FSC has limited fibreglass optimists it provides for sailors new to the Green Fleet however during their time in this group sailors will need to purchase their own boat.

Intermediate Fleet (Previously Silver Fleet)
Ages: 7-12 years (Learning to race)
A transitional fleet designed to prepare sailors for the move to the more advanced Open Fleet. The mission is for sailors to gain self-reliance and acquire the skills needed to become a successful fleet sailor at local regattas. This program allows kids who have completed Green Fleet to continue practicing their skills under Club coaches.

Open Fleet (Previously Gold Fleet)
Ages: 8-15 years
Sailors in this group focus on developing and refining the critical boat-handling, physical and mental stamina, and boat-turning skills needed to excel in national and international competitions expanding on what was learnt in the Intermediate Fleet program. Longer practices in a wide range of wind and ocean conditions combined with workouts demand high levels of maturity, focus and dedication. Open Fleet sailors will also be developing team racing skills.