Attention Yacht Club regatta organizers...You can buy these fantastic Green Fleet medals. Simply e-mail USODA at usoda@usoda.org
Click here to download the USODA Green Fleet Policy
Green fleet regattas are where it all starts for the new racer. These regattas are just for beginners.
Regattas for Green Fleet start pretty early in the season, before many sailors have sailed for a month. Remember, when you go to a Green Fleet regatta all the other sailors are in the same boat as you -- everything is new to them as well. And, just as important, remember that most parents are new, too. Most have not been to a regatta before. Actually, USODA reports that, on average, 50% of the parents of Optimist sailors have no background in sailing.
Be there right at the beginning; it’s a lot of fun for both you and your child. And, it’s nice for your new sailors to have mom or dad right by them at this first regatta. You get to meet many new people and realize that Optimist sailing actually is just as much fun for the parents as it is for the children.
Pre-Registration:
Normally you can register for the regatta ahead of time. Take a look at the club’s web site and look for what is called a Notice of Race. The Notice of Race tells you when and where and under what rules the regatta will be run. You should ask your sailor’s Coach/Program Director for a registration form. Many times there is a discount if you register early. You can find many of the Notices of Race on the different Yacht Club’s websites, and many even get published in Optinews.
How to get there:
Many programs have a club trailer that takes all the club boats, but most times you are asked to transport your own boat.
You can tie the boat to the roof racks of your vehicle. That is a safe and simple way of getting around. Just make sure that you don’t drive in the garage with the boat on the roof! (yes, that has happened before…)
Some choose to use a trailer. They come in all kinds of sizes and shapes from 1 boat to as many as 25 boats. If you decide to trailer your boat make sure to check the hitch size well before the weekend. You want to make sure that everything fits right.
Registration at the regatta:
Once you arrive at the regatta site you need to let the organizers know that you are there. You should immediately go to the registration desk and register. There you will
need your check book and sailors sail number.
You will get a copy of the Sailing Instructions along with a t-shirt and other “goodies.” Help your child read the Sailing Instructions. They may not make much sense to you, but your child will probably be able to understand them. Most instructors will go through them, with their team.
Competitors’ meeting (Skippers’ meeting):
Before the sailors are let loose on the water, the Race Committee (the people who run the races) will have a meeting. It’s called either the competitors’ meeting or skippers’ meeting. Here the details of the regatta will be explained. It’s very important to be at this meeting as there may be some local information that you need to hear. If there are any questions to the Sailing Instructions this is where to ask.
The sailor should be rigged (have the boat ready to sail) and be fully dressed for sailing at this meeting, because normally the completion of the meeting.
Instructors’/Coaches’ meeting:
Most instructors will have a meeting with their team either right before or just after the Skippers’ meeting. Make sure that your child is there. It’s very important for the team to be together, especially when you are at the first regattas. The coaches will talk about wind, currents and other factors specific to the venue and weather forecast.
Clothing:
Remember that the weather can change very quickly and you need to bring clothes for all kinds of weather.
Water, Sunscreen, hat, and glasses:
A long day on the water is physically demanding and it’s very important that your child drink plenty of water (or like). For hot days, freeze water bottles and the sailor will have cold water for a long time. Sunscreen needs to be applied before you go on the water and if the sun is out it’s a great idea to put on a hat and sun glasses.
The races:
Normally the Green Fleet races are not too long. They are around 15-30 minutes and sailors will sail 3-5 races in a day.
Awards:
At the end of sailing the awards will start. We encourage everyone to stay and cheer on their team mates, as everyone will get a medal. It’s always nice to have someone there clapping when you get a prize. Many programs have team shirts, so make sure that you bring it.
Food:
It can be a long day and nobody functions without food. Find out if lunches will be provided to sailors and make plans accordingly. Provide a lunch for the coach too. That's one less thing he/she has to plan for.
Things to remember/great advice:
· Mark all parts, clothes with name and/or sail number.
· Check all parts of the boat
· Get a cover for the boat, rudder, dagger board and sail (it will last longer this way)
· Bring the whole rig for the regatta.
· Bring extra lines, including sail ties
· Don’t forget the two bailers and a spare.
· Protest flag
· Sailing clothes/gear and life jacket
· Clothes to change into after sailing
· Money for registration
· Food and drinks
· Bring a water proof (garbage bag) to stow wet clothes for the trip home
