Gary Jobson is a world-class sailor, ESPN television commentator, and author. A former sailing coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy, he is the winner of ten national titles and three America's Cup campaigns. AUTHOR HOMETOWN: Annapolis, MD

Introduction by Joni Palmer, Executive Director, U.S. Optimist Dinghy Association

Part I: Welcome to Optimist SailingOptimist FunHow the Optimist Came to BePart II: Getting StartedThe Boat and Equipment

Parts of the Boat

Lines and Equipment

SafetyBoating EtiquetteKnots for OptimistsSquare KnotSquare Knot with KeeperBowlineClove HitchOne-Design KnotTying to a CleatStopper KnotTransporting Your DinghyChecklistCare of Boat and RigPart III: Let's Go SailingHow a Boat Sails

The Points of Sailing

Preparation Before Sailing

RiggingChanges in CourseBasic TipsWhere Do You Sit When Sailing?How Do You Hold the Tiller?How Do You Hold the Mainsheet?How Do You Turn the Boat?LaunchingWindward Shore TipsLeeward Shore TipsFinal PreparationOn the WaterSailing on a ReachTackingRunningJibingUpwindLandingAcceleration, Slowing Down, and StoppingSailing Out of the No-Go ZoneWeather AwarenessReading the WindWaves, Current, and TidesWavesCurrentTidesPart IV: Fine-Tuning Your SkillsGoing Faster

Rigging the Racing Rig

Sail Shape

Tying On Your Sail

Sailing to Windward

Sailing on a Reach

Sailing on a Run

Planing

Things to Avoid Downwind

Tacking

Jibing

Meeting an Obstruction

Capsizing

Basic Rules of the RoadStarboard Tack Has Right-of-WayTacking (or Jibing) Boat Must Stay ClearSame Tack--OverlappedSame Tack--Not OverlappedPowerboats Must Stay Clear of Sailboats

Other Rules and Tips

Part V: RacingCompetition

First Race

Fast Starts

Starting in Light Wind

Determining Where to Start

Port-Tack Start

Dip Start

Barging Start

Starting Line Exits

Upwind Tactics

Approaching the Windward Mark

The Reaching Leg

The Run

Rounding the Leeward Mark

Fast Finishes

Dealing with Protests

Subtle Strategies

Your Health and Fitness for Sailing

Physical Fitness

Eating Right

Sleeping RIght

Part VI: Coaching Opti SailingCoaching Young Sailors

Teaching Format

On-the-Water Coaching Techniques

Instructor's Safety Review

Drills to Improve Boat Handling

Drills to Improve Speed

Practice

Practicing Alone

Practicing in Pairs

Practicing in a Fleet

Part VII: For Parents OnlyOptiMania: A Note for Parents

Tips for Parents: Preparing for Opti Regattas

Part VIII: The Eternal OptimistThe Eternal OptimistClassesHandicap Racing/One-Design OffshoreScholastic SailingCollegiate SailingThe OlympicsThe America's Cup and Match RacingTeam RacingDay SailingCruising

Glossary

Acknowledgments

Index

About the Authors