Rigging an Optimist with training sail

TarfHead

We recently bought a second-hand Optimist and there are a couple of rigging issues I'm struggling with.

What we bought includes a racing mast/sail/boom/sprit, as well as training versions of same. As we'll be won't be racing it, I'm focusing on rigging using the training kit.

First issue is the absence of an outhaul. The boom has no fittings or cleats to support outhaul tension. Is this something to change, or is outhaul irrelevant for leisure sailing ?

Second is the absence of a kicker (vang ?). Again, on a training sail, is this something to be concerned about ?

Finally, on the boom, there are some small (button shaped) black fittings, two of which are used to secure the traveller. Should these 'point' up, or down ?

Thanks

WaterRat

It may look like a bathtub but they are a great little boat for kids to learn it. Have a look at the following YouTube videos -
http://youtu.be/dKdwBRb-iow
http://youtu.be/u78wSCkP2nY
http://youtu.be/lyRntiR1xP0

TarfHead

Thanks
I've seen those, and similar, videos, but they don't address the issues/questions in my post.

WaterRat

There are a number of Optimist rigging manuals online. McLaughlin Optimist Dinghy have a good manual at http://www.optistuff.com/info/faq/manuals/OptimistOwnersManual.pdf which should show you how to rig the outhaul and kicker. Here are a few other rigging guides -

• http://www.cautionwater.com/uploads/PDF/cw-optimist_rigging_guide.pdf
• http://www.scyc-nj.org/waterfront/images/OptiRiggingLR.pdf
• http://www.iodai.com/media/i/Optimistsailsetup07.pdf

If you still have questions, then the Irish Optimist Association may be able to assist. Alternatively, why not contact your nearest sailing club and ask to see one of their members rigging an oppie. Here are a list of some of the clubs where optimists are raced -

• Dingle Sailing Club
• Howth YC
• Kinsale YC Co. Cork
• Lough Derg YC
• Lough Ree YC, Athlone
• Malahide YC
• National YC Dun Laoghaire
• RCYC Crosshaven
• Royal St. George Dun Laoghaire
• Sutton Dinghy Club
• Skerries Sailing Club
• Tralee Bay Sailing Club
• Wexford Harbour Boat and Tennis Club
• Waterford Harbour Sailing Club

TarfHead

Thanks for that.

I had a chat with one of the guys in the local dinghy shop.

Upshot is ..

• for a training rig, an outhaul isn't important (especially when OptiParts don't stock a boom outhaul plug for that size (diameter) of boom !)
• a kicker/vang is needed, and they were able to supply one. It hooks around a 'spud' on the boom and secures off a cleat on the mast.