The Green Fleet Race Team introduces Opti sailors to racing and competition while participating with an entry-level travel team. Sailors develop the techniques needed to sail fast around a racecourse and compete in a circuit of regattas with other new racers. Coaches provide a fun and supportive team environment that sets the foundation for sailor progression into the Opti Champ Fleets and beyond. Our MRYS Opti Race Team is organized into two fleets. The Green Fleet for novice racers and Champ Fleet is for experienced returning team members. Both groups practice together often, but the Green Fleet attends several local events designed just for Green Fleet sailors with lots of support provided to make for a friendly and positive experience. We provide all the training and resources needed for parents to become knowledgeable and comfortable helping to rig the boats and travel with their equipment.
Schedule & Time Commitment:
Our Fall Season begins on Saturday, August 17th and runs through December 1st. We meet for practice sailing sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 4:30pm to 7:30pm and on select Saturdays from 9am to 1pm between events. After daylight savings time ends, we host a series of interactive video reviews, team games, and fun boat rigging sessions on Thursdays and practice on the water most Saturdays. This fall we have scheduled about thirty individual practice sessions and five regattas. Parent participation and assistance with travel logistics such as trailer towing is necessary to attend travel events. While a time commitment is necessary to progress and develop your skills as a sailor, participation in all scheduled travel events is not required. We recommend first year sailors pace their event participation and build up to a full regatta schedule over the course of their first season.
Boats Provided:
We provide a basic boat lease and starter equipment package for Green Fleet Race Team members. This includes the boat, spars, blades, covers, travel dolly, and a club sail. This cost is included with the price of tuition each semester. We also offer a low-cost starter race kit complete with extra sail ties, control lines, airbags, bailers, simple hand tools, tape, and select spare parts. This kit is required for all Opti racers.
Who Can Participate:
The Green Fleet Race Team is open to all sailors ages 8-12 who have completed our Intermediate Pram 2 Learn to Sail Class or have equivalent knowledge and experience. Required Sailing Skills for First-Year Green Fleet Team: [Taught in our Pram 1 & 2 Learn To Sail Classes]
Able to evaluate wind direction and speed.
Demonstrate getting out of irons without assistance.
Tie a bowline, square, and stopper knots.
Jibe safely and control the boom as it crosses sides.
Tack safely from close-hauled to close-hauled.
Turn the boat with the tiller extension and sheet the sail at the same time
Sail a triangle course with trim for each point of sail.
Perform a 360 and 720-degree turn.
Self-rescue after a capsize.
Anticipate and avoid collisions.
Launch and recover their boat from a beach and dock.
Green Fleet Welcome Weekend & Preseason Orientation
Our 2024 fall season will begin with a special Green Fleet Welcome Weekend on August 17th & 18th. Both parents and sailors attend a fully coached orientation workshop learning all the basics needed to participate with our travel team. During the weekend the sailors are introduced to their Opti sailboats, meet their teammates, and sail their first practice sessions. Parents are introduced to the basics of regatta logistics including loading trailers, towing, rigging techniques, and how to successfully prepare for, register, and attend your first regatta. Our Tuesday and Thursday after school practices will begin the following week on August 20th. The first week of practices are designed exclusively as a Pre-Season for Green Fleeters, easing all participants into a practice routine before our returning Champ Fleet sailors join the group the following weekend.