Green Fleet
Green Fleet fits in between learn to sail or Tackers programs and Open Fleet racing. Green fleet sailors are learning to race and are coached on the race course, using simplified rules of racing and a shorter race course.
At some IODASA events you will see the option of an Orange fleet. This fleet class accommodates our most recent tackers graduates.
Introductory Rules of Racing
Green fleets are run by local off the beach sailing clubs clubs. Find a club near me.
When stepping into Green fleet out of a Tackers programm- sailors will need to lease and or purchase aboat. Green fleet boats are generally of fibreglass construction. Tackers boats are typically manufactured from sturdy (heavy) plastic construciton- built to take knocks. Tackers plastic boats are generally not sailed in green fleets due to the potential damage they can inflict on the lighter fibreglass opti boats. Your local club Youth Representative will be able to direct you to suitable boats for purchase or lease at the club.
unfortunately IODASA do no have boats for lease at this time.
Which Fleet in Big Regattas?
Entries for Optimists in regattas are often divided into 3 fleets - Open Fleet, Intermediate Fleet and Green Fleet:
OPEN FLEET
The Open Fleet may be scheduled to sail more races and spend longer on the water than other divisions depending on regatta conditions and scheduling. The target wind conditions are approx. 4kts to 25 plus kts. Boats that do not finish in the time limit will be scored DNF. By entering the Open Fleet a sailor is accepting a challenge to test their skills not only against the best sailors at the event but also in the conditions, which may be variable and physically demanding.
Open Fleet Time on Water: Approx. 4-5 Hours
Open Fleet Wind Limit: 25+ knots
INTERMEDIATE FLEET
The Intermediate Fleet is intended to provide a full race experience for developing sailors without the physical demands of Open Fleet or the frustration of being scored “Did Not Finish”.
The Intermediate Fleet will race under the full Racing Rules of Sailing. The Intermediate Fleet will be scheduled to sail up to 3 races on any day depending on regatta conditions and scheduling. The target maximum wind threshold is approximately 20 knots.
Who should think about entering the Intermediate Fleet?
- Developing sailors (any age) who have raced in Open Fleet before and regularly either “timed out” or have consistently finished in the back 25% of Open Fleet at other Optimist regattas.
- Perhaps consider the best Optimist sailors at your Club and think about whether you are able to finish within 10 minutes of them in all wind conditions in particular very light (<6kts) or heavy (>18kts).
- Emerging sailors who have sailed in Green Fleet at other regattas and are looking to transition to the Open Fleet.
- Younger sailors who may be more experienced but find the long days in Open Fleet too demanding.
Intermediate Fleet Time on Water: Approx. 3-4 Hours
Intermediate Wind Limit: 20 knots
GREEN FLEET
Green Fleet is where our junior sailors start their big-regatta experience. All children start at different ages and progress at different levels. The green fleet is not a learn to sail program, rather it is structured to coach, encourage and most of all provide a soft introduction to regatta life, along with great fun and safe holiday experience. Green Fleet will be using the ISAF Introductory Rules of Sailing and limited on-water coaching to assist sailors’ build their confidence and boat handling skills.
Green Fleet Time on Water: Approx. 2-3 Hours
Green Fleet Wind Limit: 15 knots
