OCS Race Teams

Youth sailboat racing is a nation-wide sport! It is co-ed with zero gender bias - men and women compete together equally. It is a sport that promotes confidence, teamwork, self-reliance, leadership, and grit. Sailors are critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and rise to the occasion regardless of the challenge.

OCS Race Team sailors have the opportunity to travel locally throughout the PNW to compete in some of the world's most beautiful and dynamic playing fields: our oceans, lakes, and rivers! Teams practice regularly throughout their respective seasons and attend regattas throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Read below for more information on our Race Team programs, and see which Team is the right fit for you!

New to sailing and trying to find the right team to start on?
Opti Green Team - under 115lbs
FJ Race Team - over 115lbs

Looking for the High School Race Team?

Opti Green Team

Beginner youth under 100lbs

The Opti Green Team is designed for sailors that have “graduated” from summer learn-to-sail camps but still want to learn more and be a part of a fun, inclusive community. It is a model that is found at many sailing programs around the country and is designed to help ease budding sailors into the sport and life-long activity of sailing. The team focuses on building up foundational sailing knowledge and skills that will carry forward to the rest of their sailing career: The Opti Green Team aims to:

  • Build confidence in the boat and challenge comfort zones in a safe and healthy way

  • Build up basic seamanship and sailing skills to promote independence

  • Introduce racing and support sailors in forming a healthy relationship with recreational competition

  • Age: 9-12, but can be younger if motivated!
    Skill Level: basic sailing skills: tacking, gybing, steering with tiller extension. Completion of a Beginner Youth Sailing summer camp will satisfy this requirement!
    Size: under 100lbs
    Equipment: OCS provides club level Optis for all Opti Green sailors!

    The Opti Green Team focuses on fun, growth, and preparing sailors for the skills they’ll use as they mature and eventually join our more competitive Opti Race Team. On the team sailors will continue to build up their foundation of sailing and seamanship skills.

    On the Green Team, attitude is key. If your sailor is eager to get on the water and learn, they will have a great time on the Opti Green Team!

    If you have questions about whether the Opti Green Team is right for you, contact Coach Sarah (executivedirector@olympiacommunitysailing.org)

  • Opti Green Team practices April through October, with periodic breaks. Practices and regattas are broken into “blocks” with each block containing a series of practices leading up to a regatta (competition). This model helps sailors grow as they achieve common goals and have a fun, exciting event to work towards!

    Spring Block typically runs mid-April (after spring break) through mid-May with 2-3 regattas.

    Summer is typically broken into two blocks, each with 2-3 regattas.

    Fall Block typically runs Sept-Oct (start of school year) with 1-2 regattas. This is our transition season where we focus on onboarding new sailors, building confidence in the boat, and introducing the basics of sailboat racing.

    Sailors practice 1-2 days a week during the season. Practices are designed to build skills towards attending regattas (competitions), where sailors implement what they learned and have fun racing against their teammates and sailors from around the region. Attending regattas is an essential part of being on a race team!

  • Practices: sailors will keep building on the foundation of skills and knowledge learned in their Summer Camp Classes. They will practice maneuvers, go on adventures, and learn other fun maritime skills and activities: knot tying, swimming (if it’s warm), long distance sails, games, land games on no-wind days, etc. Once sailors are confident in the boat, can sail in a variety of wind conditions, and have good boathandling, we will introduce the concepts of racing and work with sailors to develop a healthy relationship with recreational competition.

    Regattas: Opti Green sailors do go to regattas! Regattas are what we call sailing competitions. Regattas are the coolest experience of being on a sailing race team. Our program travels up and down the PNW, all the way from the San Juan Islands to the Columbia River Gorge to attend regattas. Sailors get to compete in some of the most beautiful places in the world: our rivers, lakes, and oceans.

    Opti Green regattas are sailor-first events that are focused on FUN. Regattas are two day-events (you never know whether there will be wind on any given day!) where sailors are on the water for four to six hours, with a lunch/snack break on shore in between. On the water, sailors will complete races on short courses designed for younger, beginner racers and coaches are allowed to assist and coach sailors while they are racing, to ensure no one gets frustrated.

    On shore, the fanfare is generally very high, and it is common for sailors to go home with fun swag like prizes, stickers, snacks, etc. Sailors get to hang out and make friends with sailors from across the PNW region, and it’s typical for sailors to have friends in other cities that they are excited to see every event!

  • What Do Regattas Look Like?
    Regattas with the Opti Green Team look different from our other Race Teams. Opti Green regattas are designed to be fun, casual events to help sailors develop a positive association with competition.

    Regattas are typically two day events. Sailors are on the water for most of the day, and coaches join them on the water in a safety powerboat. Sailors will race for a few hours, take a lunch/snack break on shore, and then sail for a few more hours, as long as the wind is good!

    Coaches are allowed to assist and coach while racing is happening, to ensure that sailors are learning and no one is getting frustrated.

    The first day of the event there is typically not a specified end time (unless there is a planned dinner/social event). This is because we never know when the wind might fill in! Racing can go into the early evening if the wind fills in late, but Race Committee knows that Opti Green sailors are young and have less stamina, so they try not to push it. At the start of the day, Race Committee will often indicate their general plan for the day’s end at the Competitor’s Meeting, but all plans are subject to the wind. The second day of the event generally has a specified end time for the sailing portion, followed by awards and loading boats.

    Equipment Transportation
    Sailors are expected to transport their own equipment to and from events. For Opti sailors, this means towing, car-topping, or putting an Opti in the bed of a truck.

    OCS sailors also support each other by assisting towing the coach’s powerboat to and from events. We do our best to share the load and rotate who is towing the powerboat.

    Regatta & Clinic Fees
    Regatta fees are not covered as part of race team dues. Regattas typically have a small fee ranging from $20-100 per sailor, which covers the cost of running the event. Most regatta fees include a sailor dinner, and sometimes swag, prizes, raffle items, and/or a lunch.

    Clinic fees tend to be higher as they hire advanced coaches to come and coach sailors. The sailor to coach ratio is quite high, and sailors are being coached for many hours.

    Regatta Sign Up & Registration
    OCS requires sailors to sign up for regattas internally, which indicates to us you plan to attend an event and want coaching at it.

    Sailors are responsible for registering with the host themselves. This is where they pay their regatta fee and ensure their spot on the start line.

    To participate at local NW events, sailors must become a member of the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit (NWYRC), which is a one-time, FREE process: http://nwyouthsailing.org/racing/noon

  • The Opti Champs Team is a competitive race program for young sailors with intermediate to advanced sailing skills. This team is the next step for Opti Green sailors that have developed a healthy relationship with recreational competition. Some Green Team sailors will transition to Champs Team after one year on the Green Team, while other sailors will stick on the Green Team for longer.

    The transition to Champs team is guided by coaches, and for many sailors will occur mid summer. We do our best to transition sailors in groups, so they can maintain the bonds they made with their fellow sailors. Green sailors are required to attend 2-3 regattas before they transition. Some indicators that a Green sailors is ready to transition are:

    • Internal desire to challenge themselves in varying wind conditions (even if nervous)

    • Desire to attend regattas and compete (even if nervous)

    • Attending at least three regattas in Green Fleet

    • Ability to sail upwind in varying conditions without direct guidance from coach

    • Getting bored at Green Team practices

Opti Champs Team

Intermediate - Advanced Youth under 120lbs

The Opti Champs Team is a competitive program for intermediate to advanced young sailors. The Opti is heralded around the world for being a great racing boat, allowing sailors to learn advanced techniques that they carry with them throughout their entire sailing career. Opti Champs sailors learn independence, critical thinking, and self-reliance at a young age as they compete solo in their boats. The Opti Champs team aims to:

  • Support youth in forming a healthy relationship with recreational competition

  • Support sailors in building seamanship, boathandling, teamwork, and social-emotional skills relating to recreational competition

  • Support sailors in forming goals and values related to sailboat racing and provide the skills/knowledge to pursue them

  • Provide sailors and parents with the skills/knowledge needed to attend higher-level regattas that OCS may not be able to directly support

  • Age: 10-15 years old
    Skill Level: intermediate-advanced racing skills: sail upwind without coaching, start sequence, roll tacking. Green sailors that have attended two to three regattas will generally have these skills.
    Size: sailors start to size out of the Opti around 110lbs, but can still compete until they are around 120lbs.
    Equipment: Opti Champ sailors should be working towards owning their own used or new race-level Opti. OCS does not have race-ready Optis for use. See Equipment Requirements for more info.

    Opti Champs sailors need to have higher level sailing skills, a love for competition, and self-reliance. They are typically older youth, ages 12-15. Sailors should have prior racing experience, be able to sail upwind in 12kts without coaching, and be excited to attend regattas and race.

    Opti Champs sailors also need to be under the age of 15. Typically, sailors will “size out” (hitting around 115lbs) before they “age out” but some Opti sailors will remain on Champs team into High School.

    If you have questions about whether the Opti Champs Team is right for you, contact Coach Sarah (executivedirector@olympiacommunitysailing.org)

  • Boat ownership is an important component of the Opti Champs Team.

    OCS only has basic club-level equipment for use. This equipment is great for beginner level sailors, but by the time sailors have graduated to the Opti Champs team they will have outgrown these boats skill-wise. A race-ready Opti can be tuned for an individual sailor’s weight, skill, and the weather and sailors will notice a significant difference in their performance with the right equipment.

    There is a robust used Opti market locally, and Optis that have been cared for maintain their value quite well. Sailors looking to invest in an Opti should monitor Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, as boats sell quickly. Boats are listed most frequently in the spring and late summer.

    Owning a boat at a young age is a great skill and experience for youth. They learn to care for equipment, travel with it, and will learn the nuances of rigging. Opti equipment retains its value rather well, and used race-worthy equipment can be found throughout the region. Sailors considering investing in their own boat or equipment that want support or guidance should contact coach Niki (education@olympiacommunitysailing.org)

  • Opti Champs Team practices April through October, with periodic breaks. Practices and regattas are broken into “blocks” with each block containing a series of practices leading up to a regatta (competition). This model helps sailors grow as they achieve common goals and have a fun, exciting event to work towards!

    Spring Block typically runs mid-April (after spring break) through mid-May with 2-3 regattas.

    Summer is typically broken into two blocks, each with 2-3 regattas.

    Fall Block typically runs Sept-Oct (start of school year) with 1-2 regattas. This is our transition season where we focus on onboarding new sailors, building confidence in the boat, and introducing the basics of sailboat racing.

    Sailors practice 1-2 days a week throughout the season. Practices are designed to build towards regattas, where sailors implement what they learned at practices. Attending regattas is an essential part of being on a race team!

  • What Do Regattas Look Like?
    Regattas are typically two day events. Sailors are on the water the entire day, and coaches join them on the water in a safety powerboat. If the wind is good, Race Committee tries to run between 4-6 races each day for every class of boat, with races lasting around an hour each.

    The first day of the event there is typically not a specified end time (unless there is a planned dinner/social event). This is because we never know when the wind might fill in! Racing can go into the early evening if the wind fills in late, especially if it is a qualifier regatta. At the start of the day, Race Committee will often indicate their general plan for the day’s end at the Competitor’s Meeting, but all plans are subject to the wind. The second day of the event generally has a specified end time for the sailing portion, followed by awards and loading boats.

    Equipment Transportation
    Sailors are expected to transport their own equipment to and from events. For Opti sailors, this means towing, car-topping, or putting an Opti in the bed of a truck.

    OCS sailors also support each other by assisting towing the coach’s powerboat to and from events. We do our best to share the load and rotate who is towing the powerboat.

    Regatta & Clinic Fees
    Regatta fees are not covered as part of race team dues. Regattas typically have a small fee ranging from $20-100 per sailor, which covers the cost of running the event. Most regatta fees include a sailor dinner, and sometimes swag, prizes, raffle items, and/or a lunch.

    Clinic fees tend to be higher as they hire advanced coaches to come and coach sailors. The sailor to coach ratio is quite high, and sailors are being coached for many hours.

    Regatta Sign Up & Registration
    OCS requires sailors to sign up for regattas internally, which indicates to us you plan to attend an event and want coaching at it.

    Sailors are responsible for registering with the host themselves. This is where they pay their regatta fee and ensure their spot on the start line.

    To participate at local NW events, sailors must become a member of the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit (NWYRC), which is a one-time, FREE process: http://nwyouthsailing.org/racing/no

Laser Race Team

Beginner - Advanced Youth over 115lbs

The Laser Race Team is a competitive program that races throughout the PNW and beyond. Also sailed in the Olympics, the ILCA Dinghy (formerly known as the Laser) is a physically demanding boat that sails fast, surfs well, and can be sailed by sailors of many sizes. In the PNW, the Laser fleet typically sees upwards of 40 boats on the line, making it one of the most challenging (and fun!) boats to sail. The Laser Race Team aims to:

  • Support youth in forming a healthy relationship with recreational competition

  • Support sailors in building seamanship, boathandling, teamwork, and social-emotional skills relating to recreational competition

  • Support sailors in pursuing competitive goals in the PNW and beyond

  • Provide sailors and parents with the skills/knowledge needed to attend higher-level regattas that OCS may not be able to directly support

  • Age: 12-18 years old

    Skill Level: beginner-advanced racing skills. Sailors that have spent one year on the Opti or High School Team and have attended 3-4 regattas will generally have the skills to start on the Laser Race Team.

    Size: sailors should weigh at least 115lbs to start on the Laser Race Team. The ILCA Dinghy has three different setups, each designed for a different weight class. See “Classes” for more information regarding what setup you need.

    Equipment: Laser sailors need to have their own ILCA Dinghy. OCS does not provide any boats for this team. See “Equipment Requirements” for more info.

    Fitness: The Laser is physically demanding, and sailors will notice that a regular fitness routine will improve their scores.

  • OCS does not currently offer any Laser charters. Sailors on the Laser race team must own and care for their own equipment.

    There is a robust used Laser/ILCA Dinghy market in the PNW. Boats of varying conditions and prices can be purchased year-round, and a well-maintained boat can be resold without losing value.

    Owning a boat at a young age is a great skill and experience for youth. They learn to care for equipment, travel with it, and will learn the nuances of rigging. Laser equipment retains its value rather well if taken care of, and used race-worthy equipment can be found throughout the region. Sailors considering investing in their own boat or equipment that want support or guidance should contact coach Sarah (executivedirector@olympiacommunitysailing.org)

  • The Laser sailboat has recently undergone a class name change. Now called the ILCA Dinghy (International Laser Class Association), there are three different classes.

    Each class uses the same hull, blades, and mast top section, but has a different mast bottom section and sail size. This allows the ILCA dinghy to be sailed by people of all sizes, and for young sailors to continue competing as they grow.

    ILCA 7 (formerly Laser Standard) is ideal for sailors 155-210lbs.
    ILCA 6 (formerly Laser Radial) is ideal for sailors 120-170lbs.
    ILCA 4 (formerly Laser 4.7) is ideal for sailors 100-130lbs.

    A sailor that starts in the ILCA 4 can transition to the ILCA 6 (et cetera) for the minimal cost of a new sail and mast bottom section. This makes the Laser an incredibly versatile boat, and many people sail Lasers their entire lives.

  • The Laser Race Team practices spring through fall in one long season. The season typically starts in late spring (early June) and runs through mid-fall (October) with a handful of post-season events in late fall and early winter that OCS sometimes sponsors, if enough sailors are interested.

    The Laser Race Team practices 1-2 days a week throughout the season. Practices are designed to build towards regattas, where sailors are able to implement what they learned at practice and receive immediate feedback regarding their performance. Attending regattas is an essential part of being on a race team!

  • What Do Regattas Look Like
    Regattas are typically two day events. Sailors are on the water the entire day, and coaches join them on the water in a safety powerboat. If the wind is good, Race Committee tries to run between 4-6 races each day for every class of boat, with races lasting around an hour each.

    The first day of the event there is typically not a specified end time (unless there is a planned dinner/social event). This is because we never know when the wind might fill in! Racing can go into the early evening if the wind fills in late, especially if it is a qualifier regatta. At the start of the day, Race Committee will often indicate their general plan for the day’s end at the Competitor’s Meeting, but all plans are subject to the wind. The second day of the event generally has a specified end time for the sailing portion, followed by awards and loading boats.

    Equipment Transportation
    Sailors are expected to transport their own equipment to and from events. For Laser sailors, this means either towing or car-topping their Laser.

    OCS sailors also support each other by assisting towing the coach’s powerboat to and from events. We do our best to share the load and rotate who is towing the powerboat.

    Regatta & Clinic Fees
    Regatta fees are not covered as part of race team dues. Regattas typically have a small fee ranging from $20-100 per sailor, which covers the cost of running the event. Most regatta fees include a sailor dinner, and sometimes swag, prizes, raffle items, and/or a lunch.

    Clinic fees tend to be higher as they hire advanced coaches to come and coach sailors. The sailor to coach ratio is quite high, and sailors are being coached for many hours.

    Regatta Sign Up & Registration
    OCS requires sailors to sign up for regattas internally, which indicates to us you plan to attend an event and want coaching at it.

    Sailors are responsible for registering with the host themselves. This is where they pay their regatta fee and ensure their spot on the start line.

    To participate at local NW events, sailors must become a member of the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit (NWYRC), which is a one-time, FREE process: http://nwyouthsailing.org/racing/no

c420 Race Team

Intermediate - Advanced Youth over 115lbs

The c420 Race Team is a doublehanded program that races a thrilling Olympic Development class. Sailors that enjoy having a partner onboard, sailing fast, and the technical aspect of sailing will love this boat. The c420 is a blossoming class in the PNW, with 10-20 boats seen at most regattas and a growing number of clinics throughout the region and nation. The c420 Race Team aims to:

  • Support youth in forming a healthy relationship with recreational competition

  • Support sailors in building seamanship, boathandling, teamwork, and social-emotional skills relating to recreational competition

  • Support sailors in pursuing competitive goals in the PNW and beyond

  • Provide sailors and parents with the skills/knowledge needed to attend higher-level regattas that OCS may not be able to directly support

  • Age: 12-18 years old

    Skill Level: intermediate-advanced racing skills and intermediate-advanced boathandling skills in a doublehanded boat. Sailors that have spent one full year competitively sailing doublehanded boats will often have the skills necessary to join the c420 Race Team.

    Size: sailors should weigh at least 115lbs to start on the c420 Race Team. Smaller sailors (under 150lbs) will start in the boat as skippers. Ideal crews are tall and slim, providing leverage in the boat.

    Equipment: crews are expected to purchase and maintain their own trapeze harness.

  • OCS currently has six new c420 boats in racing condition and three beginner club level boats for sailors to use. Boat use at regattas is on a first-come, first-served basis.

    c420 crews are expected to invest in their own trapeze harness. Both skippers and crews are expected to have a safety knife on their person while sailing.

  • The c420 Race Team season runs from late spring (early June) through late summer (September). There are several post season regattas available that sailors may be able to practice for and attend if there is enough interest.

    Sailors practice 1-2 days a week, with practices building towards events. The goal of the program is to support sailors in their competitive endeavors, and coaches structure practices around building skills that will benefit sailors at their next competition.

  • What Do Regattas Look Like?
    Regattas are typically two day events. Sailors are on the water the entire day, and coaches join them on the water in a safety powerboat. If the wind is good, Race Committee tries to run between 4-6 races each day for every class of boat, with races lasting around an hour each.

    The first day of the event there is typically not a specified end time (unless there is a planned dinner/social event). This is because we never know when the wind might fill in! Racing can go into the early evening if the wind fills in late, especially if it is a qualifier regatta. At the start of the day, Race Committee will often indicate their general plan for the day’s end at the Competitor’s Meeting, but all plans are subject to the wind. The second day of the event generally has a specified end time for the sailing portion, followed by awards and loading boats.

    Equipment Transportation
    Sailors are expected to transport their own equipment to and from events. For c420 sailors, this means towing a c420 on an OCS-owned trailer.

    OCS trailers can transport 3 boats at a time, meaning c420 sailors are able to share the load of transport by switching off which regattas they are towing to.

    OCS sailors also support each other by assisting towing the coach’s powerboat to and from events. We do our best to share the load and rotate who is towing the powerboat.

    Regatta & Clinic Fees
    Regatta fees are not covered as part of race team dues. Regattas typically have a small fee ranging from $20-100 per sailor, which covers the cost of running the event. Most regatta fees include a sailor dinner, and sometimes swag, prizes, raffle items, and/or a lunch.

    Clinic fees tend to be higher as they hire advanced coaches to come and coach sailors. The sailor to coach ratio is quite high, and sailors are being coached for many hours.

    Regatta Sign Up & Registration
    OCS requires sailors to sign up for regattas internally, which indicates to us you plan to attend an event and want coaching at it.

    Sailors are responsible for registering with the host themselves. This is where they pay their regatta fee and ensure their spot on the start line.

    To participate at local NW events, sailors must become a member of the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit (NWYRC), which is a one-time, FREE process: http://nwyouthsailing.org/racing/northwest-youth-racing-circuit-nwyrc/

FJ Race Team

Beginner - Intermediate Youth over 115lbs

The FJ Race Team is designed for larger youth and teens that are new to the sport of sailing. This team focuses on building solid foundational boathandling and racing skills that will carry forward for the rest of their sailing career. The FJ Race Team aims to:

  • Support youth in forming a healthy relationship with recreational competition

  • Support sailors in building seamanship, boathandling, teamwork, and social-emotional skills relating to recreational competition

  • Build a solid foundation of racing skills so they are ready to transition to more competitive/harder boats

  • Age: 12-18 years old

    Skill Level: beginner - intermediate sailing or racing skills. Sailors that have been racing for less than a year should consider this team.

    Size: sailors should weigh at least 115lbs to start on the FJ Race Team. Sailors smaller than 115lbs should join the Opti Green or Champs Team.

  • OCS currently has six new FJs and three travel FJs for sailors to use at practices and regattas.

  • The FJ Race Team season runs from late spring (early June) through late summer (September).

    Sailors practice 1-2 days a week, with practices building towards events. The goal of the program is to support sailors in their competitive endeavors, and coaches structure practices around building skills that will benefit sailors at their next competition.

  • What Do Regattas Look Like?
    Regattas are typically two day events. Sailors are on the water the entire day, and coaches join them on the water in a safety powerboat. If the wind is good, Race Committee tries to run between 4-6 races each day for every class of boat, with races lasting around an hour each.

    The first day of the event there is typically not a specified end time (unless there is a planned dinner/social event). This is because we never know when the wind might fill in! Racing can go into the early evening if the wind fills in late, especially if it is a qualifier regatta. At the start of the day, Race Committee will often indicate their general plan for the day’s end at the Competitor’s Meeting, but all plans are subject to the wind. The second day of the event generally has a specified end time for the sailing portion, followed by awards and loading boats.

    Equipment Transportation
    Sailors are expected to transport their own equipment to and from events. For FJ sailors, this means towing a FJ on an OCS-owned trailer.

    OCS trailers can transport 3 boats at a time, meaning FJ sailors are able to share the load of transport by switching off which regattas they are towing to.

    OCS sailors also support each other by assisting towing the coach’s powerboat to and from events. We do our best to share the load and rotate who is towing the powerboat.

    Regatta & Clinic Fees
    Regatta fees are not covered as part of race team dues. Regattas typically have a small fee ranging from $20-100 per sailor, which covers the cost of running the event. Most regatta fees include a sailor dinner, and sometimes swag, prizes, raffle items, and/or a lunch.

    Clinic fees tend to be higher as they hire advanced coaches to come and coach sailors. The sailor to coach ratio is quite high, and sailors are being coached for many hours.

    Regatta Sign Up & Registration
    OCS requires sailors to sign up for regattas internally, which indicates to us you plan to attend an event and want coaching at it.

    Sailors are responsible for registering with the host themselves. This is where they pay their regatta fee and ensure their spot on the start line.

    To participate at local NW events, sailors must become a member of the Northwest Youth Racing Circuit (NWYRC), which is a one-time, FREE process: http://nwyouthsailing.org/racing/northwest-youth-racing-circuit-nwyrc/