Optimist       : one-man swordboat    2.30    3.5    45    -      -
Since 1973 the Optimist has been recognized as an international one-
man swordboat for young people. The boat has been developed in 1948
by the American architect Clark Mills.
The Optimist is a hard chine yawl, cat-rigged with lugsail and yard.
Because of its looks the boat often has a bad reputation. This is
not rightly, because the Optimist has excellent sailing qualities.
The Optimist is well suited to learn sailing. Because of the low 
sail plan and the right length-width relation, the boat for its size
is very stable. Due to a bouyancy of ninety litres the boat will not
sink.

Technical data:

Length overall                   2.30 m
Length waterline                 2.15 m
Width overall                    1.13 m
Width waterline                  1.13 m
Draught sword lowered            0.80 m
Draught sword raised             0.10 m
Displacement                    45    kg
Area mainsail                    3.5  m^2
Speed rating (IYRU, KNWV)       SW = 170
