Oppi Sailing Gear
Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Banter
Forum Discription: For all those non-sailing related discussions
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4074
Printed Date: 18 Aug 25 at 12:52am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Oppi Sailing Gear
Posted By: ptcruiser
Subject: Oppi Sailing Gear
Date Posted: 24 Mar 08 at 5:08pm
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My daughter has just started sailing today...in an Optimist Dinghy...in the snow! She loved it. One of the other kids was wearing oppi stuff - any ideas where this stuff is available? I have checked the class association web site but couldn't see anything... |
Replies:
Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 24 Mar 08 at 5:37pm
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Rooster Sailing is one source www.roostersailing.com Not sure what you mean by Oppi gear though? ------------- |
Posted By: ptcruiser
Date Posted: 24 Mar 08 at 5:39pm
Clothing and all things optimist...you know how it is 
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Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 24 Mar 08 at 5:57pm
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Here'sthe answer - http://www.optiparts.com/ ------------- |
Posted By: laser4000
Date Posted: 24 Mar 08 at 7:10pm
| my nieces who ae keen oppy squaddies swear by rooster kit.. |
Posted By: ptcruiser
Date Posted: 24 Mar 08 at 8:29pm
| thanks for your help |
Posted By: FireballNeil
Date Posted: 24 Mar 08 at 11:03pm
 Anybody at the rutland 29er/49er/B14 open would agree that "oppie kit" should include a firing squad------------- Neil 
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Posted By: tmoore
Date Posted: 25 Mar 08 at 1:28pm
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as will 90% of the youth topper an laser squads having lots of roster kit myself - its very good and warm at a decent price. however it doesnt last that long (boots wore a hole in the bottom after about 2/3 season - but i do drag my boat 1/4mile down the prom each time i sail ------------- Landlocked in Africa RS300 - 410 Firefly F517 - Nutshell Micro Magic RC yacht - Eclipse |
Posted By: ptcruiser
Date Posted: 28 Mar 08 at 6:18pm
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Good to see you are helping to encourage young sailors Why does it always have to turn into some kind of class/boat bashing exercise..even when we are talking about kids starting out sailing...? |
Posted By: olly_love
Date Posted: 28 Mar 08 at 6:45pm
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have nothing against oppie sailors but oppi parents are the worst some clubs have had to enforce a 100m limit that the parents are not alowed in ------------- TWO FRANK-Hunter Impala |
Posted By: chrisarnell1
Date Posted: 28 Mar 08 at 7:25pm
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Is that 100m limit true or urban myth? What clubs have done this? ------------- RS300 393 OK GBR 21 |
Posted By: olly_love
Date Posted: 28 Mar 08 at 7:34pm
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na true saw it in the mag a few years back. it needs it i was racing against a group of oppie and cadet sailors and their partents were in a rib coaching them as we were racing ------------- TWO FRANK-Hunter Impala |
Posted By: ptcruiser
Date Posted: 28 Mar 08 at 9:25pm
| were the parents 'coaching' or just making sure their 8-12 year old children were not being 'bullied' in the water and were safe? |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 10:32am
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There is a major oppi event at Datchet today. Some parts of the club are dreading the influx of the parents. I remember the topper events being the same. Last year I had to help a young boy who was too scared to land his oppi because Dad had spent the whole of the night before sanding and fairing his dagger board. He was in tears, poor thing, because Dad was bellowing 'instructions' from the shore. Who was the bully there I wonder. I love kids sailing - that's why I teach them, but sometimes the parents can be truly awful. I will not let them in my safety boat with me and usually find them something to do well away from the kids. |
Posted By: olly_love
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 10:50am
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i have had to tell a few parents to go away when i am teaching. and they were trying to coach- shame they were telling him things that made him slower ------------- TWO FRANK-Hunter Impala |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 1:08pm
I've never found the Toppers to be nearly as bad - the kids are a bit older and can say "shut up Dad, you're embarrassing me"... After we had an Oppie event at our club some of the parents banded together and vowed never to get their kids Oppies because of the risk of becoming Oppie parents... |
Posted By: olly_love
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 2:07pm
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i still find it brilliant that kids in the uk get stuck in oppis and toppers where in aus they sail baby skiffs( flying ants) or cats from the start. someone should design somthing to give kids that are oppi size somthing a bit more thrilling and keep them interested. (i know the open bic) j ------------- TWO FRANK-Hunter Impala |
Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 2:59pm
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The Topper events too, quite often one parent will turn up in a people carrier towing a trailer toting six or seven boats.
Of course, then there's the problems with Topper squad sailors requiring trips to hospital to get their stomach pumped... Anyway, on the original point about the Oppies at Rutland, the only problem we had with them was they'ed left their sails rigged when they blatently weren't going sailing, which was taking up a heck of a lot of space that we trying to use to derig in the shelter of the clubhouse by the chandlers. |
Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 7:10pm
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Have to agree with the whole Oppi parents thing. I assisted at an Oppi Training event, was only coaching from a boat but dreaded the landing back with the parents asking questions etc. Oh well, good job I have the Mirror for my little bro!! ------------- |
Posted By: ptcruiser
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 8:48pm
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I expect this type of 'pushy' parent invades all forms of sport, however the kids sailing the Oppies are just starting out and are generally very young this should be remembered - so avoid the 'shotgun' comments if possible. I expect there are plenty of parents who are just cocerned that there little boy or girl is completely safe, as this is likely to be the most dangerous thing they have done on their own. As a parent I know how difficult it can be to watch from the side. With regards to the original question...there doesn't seem to be much around in the way of specific Oppie stuff, however I will need to get my daughter a decent wetsuit, spray top etc. - are there any website recommendations? also...long john wetsuit? shortie? or steamer? |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 9:21pm
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Clothing choice depends on where and when she is going to sail. A shortie is really only feasible for a child at the peak of summer - kids get cold much more quickly than adults. But of course buying drysuits etc can be expensive given she will quickly grow out of such things. A wetsuit can't really allow much room for growth - the secret of its success lies in it being close fitting. A drysuit can be great in the winter and allow some room for growth, but doesn't help much in the summer. If I were you I'd be doing the sneaky thing of taking her to a store and seeing what she thinks feels comfortable, while at the same time making a note of sizes, then I'd be trawling ebay, which is always full of second hand kids kit just because kids grow so fast. What you mustn't compromise on is her buoyancy aid - if it's too big it could be lethal by riding up over her head. Make sure it is securely fastened then pull it up by grabbing the shoulder straps. If it rides up above her chin, it's too big. Do be wary of the oppi circuit. Yes, the kids are just starting out, but many of them, and more so their parents, are fiercely competitive. The oppi circuit is the way in to the youth squad and then the olympic circus. Unfortunately oppi parents here throw money into boats, gear etc and fail to recognise their kids aren't having fun any more. |
Posted By: tack'ho
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 9:21pm
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Well the thing is 'Sailing stuff' is rarely specific to a single class, what you're asking for is a bit like asking what are good clothes for driving a Vauxhall Corsa! What time of year will she be sailing? this will have an impact but I would focus my attention on a decent spray/dry top, with growing space. Also i would look at a second hand wetsuit, unless you made of money and enjoy spending it I remember i used to go through wetsuits at a stupid rate. ps. As I hope you are beginning to see it's not Oppie kid sthat tend to wind people up it is some of the parents, so please for the sanity of alot of other people stay sane. If, as I assume you have, you have checked that the centre/club she is learning at is properly accredited/run then leave them to it. Oh and offers to help out with general club duties as opposed to the ones that only apply to your child will probably see your child get looked after around the club if you get what i mean ------------- I might be sailing it, but it's still sh**e! |
Posted By: FireballNeil
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 10:31pm
I'm 16 ------------- Neil
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Posted By: olly_love
Date Posted: 29 Mar 08 at 10:40pm
isnt it 3 stripe trousers and burbary tops and a cap pushed back over your head ------------- TWO FRANK-Hunter Impala |
Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 30 Mar 08 at 12:27am
Ah, so you're one of the annoying 29er kids at Rutland that weekend? 
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Posted By: FireballNeil
Date Posted: 30 Mar 08 at 10:21am
We have a winner! ------------- Neil
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Posted By: Jack Sparrow
Date Posted: 30 Mar 08 at 2:09pm
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Unfortunately with Optimists having some of the biggest turn outs at events of any class you are likely to get a better demographic representation of the UK's population. And so you will get the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in larger amounts. You can find all of these types in all the classes. Except without the added burden of being a parent and all the worries and aspirations you have when you are one. I never sailed Oppy's when I was a Kid. I wish I had more than anything. The class, the event organisation and coaching is second to none. I was just bellowed at by my parent crewing a Mirror and thoroughly put off the whole idea of sailing. The difference being here that it wasn't obvious to others, that doesn't mean it doesn't happen on mass. A trick that is hard to cover up when the same proportion of over zealous parents are several hundred feet away on the shore or in coaching boats. My point is. Don't sl*g off a class of boat for something that is endemic in our society. And don't deny children the opportunity of a fantastic start in sailing because of a narrow minded view. Why not set an example to others and participate in a fantastic class BUT add a positive influence to it and show the way to others. Rather than chuck stones from the crowd (that's meant in the biblical sense). As for Oppy Kit. Most of the Oppy sailors at our club. 70+ on Summer weekends. Wear a range of gear but the most popular is: SUMMER Rooster Hikers Rooster Hot Top Rooster Aqua Fleece Crewsaver BA WINTER Drysuits quite a few Henry Lloyd as well as made to measure suits from various makers. Some made to measure suppliers will add a section to the body to the dry suit to extend the life of the suit after a growing spurt. Other than that there are quite a few outlets for Oppy kit on-line like http://www.pinbax.com/ - Pinnel & Bax http://www.optiparts.com/ - Optiparts One thing though.... buying all the kit dose not make your kid go faster, it just makes you more anxious that they should. I suggest buying it when they needed it. My sons boat is 2060, wooded, but still underweight, he sails in an equally old Typhoon drysuit and is as fast / faster than others with boats and kit that is half / quarter of the age of his. He has only just been bought a new sail after doing well (12th) at our open meeting in a fleet of 60. Hope that helps. EDIT: where I say; 'you', it is a general statement about all. The Oppy circuit can be a fantastic experience for the novice. If fact I would say it is one of the best things about the class. At many open meetings there are REGATTA fleet starts as well as MAIN fleet. REGATTA fleet are NOVICE sailors. They normally race one lap of the MAIN fleet course. Are coached as they sail by rescue boats (not parents) They often are give a SPECIAL briefing by the RO so they understand what is going on i.e: This you start flag etc And also have a RIB to follow around the course. And best of all there are always plenty of prizes, and not just for the winners. In all a great way to learn about racing. ------------- http://www.uk3-7class.org/index.html" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Class Website https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092602470772759/" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Building - Facebook Group |
Posted By: Smight at BBSC
Date Posted: 30 Mar 08 at 6:06pm
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Saw an oppi sailor today racing in really thick socks? Don't know if this is a regular occurrence in the oppi fleet? ------------- RS600 988 |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 30 Mar 08 at 9:19pm
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I can't wait till my daughter is old enough for her first Oppi! How old should kids be when they start in oppi's, i started sailing at 5 is this about right?? When i was a lad there was no such thing as youth squad really, i just had my dad shouting at me from the safety boat! When my little girl is of the youth squad age it will be her choice as to what speed she progresses if at all!!! ------------- |
Posted By: stuarthop
Date Posted: 30 Mar 08 at 11:48pm
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Merlin boy Back in the day I had my first oppy at the age of 4, Sailed it around on the end of a long rope inside pontoons. Started doing my rya level 1+2 ect at 6 (well the ioca version), at 8 i was more than happily club racing, and at 10 i got into the Welsh National Optimist Squad, at this point i went to every event on the calender and more, sailed almost every weekend. When i was 14 i was offered a spt in the national squad but turned it down as i wanted to sail 4.7's. I did the whole oppy thing, all the reggatta's all the training the works. My dad is a sailing instructor and encouraged me at all times. But sailing was always my choice from a young age i became nuts about the sport, all my closest friends sailed and it was what i wanted to do. The squads and national events are what taught me how to race, it wasn't always easy but it was always my choice. My rents were typical oppy parents, dad always watching through bino's mum always fussing that we didn't have enough sun cream on. The thing is at the time i just completly ignored them, let them do what they wanted to do, whilst i had a laugh with my mates. I don't know why anyone can slate the optimist class and its squad systems ect. It gave me the best start in the sport i could have possibly wished for and has generated many many very good sailors. The racing standard is incredible, by far some of the toughest sailing i have ever done but it helped you learn essential racing skills. Anybody who slates the class is an idiot...be all...end all... I've been there, grown up with the system.. I know the truth. ------------- |
Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 7:10am
I guess it depends whether you think that all that is good for the kids and their parents as human beings... There's no doubt that a small percentage of the Oppie kids turn out as world class sailors, but that's not really very important in the grand scheme of things. |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 7:51am
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Cheers Hoppy, Just had a row with the Misses about how much i'm going to spend on my daughters first boat now shes only 2 and a half (my daughter not the misses) She is very small, just like my better half so i may have to wait untill she is 5 or 6! I'mm looking forward to it already though! ------------- |
Posted By: Fans1024
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 12:42pm
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I think most people's point is the whole pushly parent thing. I'm not against oppies, never raced one, sailed one in a F5 and that was a laugh... I was younger and a lot lighter then. Oppies are great boats to learn and get racing, and from what I have seen they have a fanstatic circuit/training. Its just the few pushy parents. There is a huge difference, although a thin line, between supportive and bullying. My family is a horsey family. 'You're a Williams, you should be riding'. My brother and I got the whole time when we started sailing our mirror. When I was a kid I did the whole Pony Club thing. I didn't dislike it, but I was doing at very junior level. But some of the parents there, argh! If the kid fell off, it was more important that they crossed the finish line than if they were ok. My sister completely cycles... again some parents! When my sisters completed in riding. My parents where supportive, driving to events, putting the studs in etc. They were left do most of it themselves, but if they needed help my parents would give it to them. When my brother and I started sailing a lot [we were older, about 15]. We had to everything apart from drive for ourselves. That was simply because my parents didn't know one part of the boat to another. The RS200 'It has no back!' and my byte 'It looks like a surfboard'. However they supported us in their own way. I'm not saying this is the best way, all I'm saying I don't think a 9 yr old kid should be in tears after a club race and try and hide away from his parents. |
Posted By: Jack Sparrow
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 12:53pm
That's true in any situation involving kids. And you can see it in any sport where kids are involved. And as parents we ALL get it wrong sometimes. And as a parent onlookers also get there reading of a situation wrong sometimes. Just give Oppy's a break and don't put off potential Oppy sailors or parents off a great class with small minded views. ------------- http://www.uk3-7class.org/index.html" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Class Website https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092602470772759/" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Building - Facebook Group |
Posted By: winging it
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 1:07pm
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I don' think any of us are sl*gging off the oppi circuit or the class as a whole - there's no doubting that kids go out and have a great time and get a brilliant introduction to racing. What you do get fed up of as a coach and an instructor, is the parent who will completely override whatever you're trying to do with your sailors, spoil the day for everyone and inevitably upset and embarrass their own child. It's very true that not all parents are like this - thank goodness, otherwise there would be a huge shortage of coaches and instructors willing to take on the oppi class, which would be a terrible shame. Before you criticise us because once in a while we do get fed up of the parents, first read the threads carefully so you see what we're actually saying, then just have a look at how hard we work - usually on a voluntary basis - see what we have to contend with on most occasions, and allow us a little moan once in a while.  |
Posted By: FireballNeil
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 2:38pm
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My problem was not with the parents, it was the fact that a group of a bout 20 oppy sailors were shouting extremely loudly so nobody else could have a reasonable conversation, and were ruining the football table as they were picking it up and smashing it around instead of playing properly. ------------- Neil
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Posted By: Jack Sparrow
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 3:13pm
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and much more riotous behaviour doesn't happen in other fleets. Larks Ents 29er's the list could be massive. ------------- http://www.uk3-7class.org/index.html" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Class Website https://www.facebook.com/groups/1092602470772759/" rel="nofollow - Farr 3.7 Building - Facebook Group |
Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 3:48pm
| are you 100% sure they weren't from the Mirror or Feva fleets? They're just kids... |
Posted By: tmoore
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 4:28pm
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have to agree with you there mate. we held this years 29er nationals and during one evening one helm decided to 'take someones mast down' in the dark and in doing so damaged the boat to a point where they had to claim redress and protest them to ensure that insurance would pay for the damage to be repaired. during the protest meeting they then had the cheek to say 'we arent taking this seriously anyway'. that was said to a room full of people who had all taken a week off work and donate it to running a championship in challlengine conditions. if you went to the 29er nationals can we have some feedback please? so that we can keep improving the standard of our championships. ok some oppie parents can be pushy, but you get pushy people in almost every fleet that i have seen - except the rs300 one ------------- Landlocked in Africa RS300 - 410 Firefly F517 - Nutshell Micro Magic RC yacht - Eclipse |
Posted By: FireballNeil
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 5:27pm
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I'm sorry to hear about the incident at the 29er nationals, I didn't go as i had only just got my boat by that point. ------------- Neil
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Posted By: tmoore
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 8:00pm
aaahh right. again, that incident doesnt represent the whole 29er fleet. the 29er fleet seemed great and lots of rather attractive girls there aswell  (im only 18 so its ok) ------------- Landlocked in Africa RS300 - 410 Firefly F517 - Nutshell Micro Magic RC yacht - Eclipse |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 9:30pm
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What i don't get with the 29er and 420 youth fleets is, what are those skinny jeans and floppy hair all about on both boys and girls????!! I'm sorry but NO!
------------- |
Posted By: FireballNeil
Date Posted: 31 Mar 08 at 11:00pm
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I'll have you know I wear real jeans, have short hair that is cut properly and I do not claim to be in touch with my emotions! ------------- Neil
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Posted By: tack'ho
Date Posted: 01 Apr 08 at 8:58am
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Next time you see the hair just picture a playmobile man.....it's uncanny ------------- I might be sailing it, but it's still sh**e! |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 01 Apr 08 at 9:05am
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I'm glad i'm not alone in this, i'm sorry but i may no longer be "down with the kids" but skin tight jeans and a musto snug with team GBR written all over it anda funny silky scarf!!!!!! I mean why? it looks moronic!!! which brings me onto another point why are there so many of them with Team GBR jackets?? how many kids are in this team ???? ------------- |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 01 Apr 08 at 9:39am
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Perhaps i should give them a break James, you are of course of the same generation as me so I'm sure you will remember well the "wedge" or "undercut" or "bowler" or "curtains" as it was called back in the early/mid 90's !!!!! Now that was fashion!!! I looked the Shizz with my Doc martin boots, tie small tale bit on show only, casio calculator or if you were posh TV watch! and an umbro bag with the zippy bottom bit for your boots! Ahh how i miss my old school uniform!
Oh and another thing,girls had to wear skirts to school none of this trouser nonsense! ------------- |
Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 01 Apr 08 at 10:03am
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AHHHHH 20/20 i forgot about that stuff, you couldnt beat a friday night round the back of onestop/co-op with a bottle of white lightening, a bottle of 20/20 & 3 fags between 7 14 year olds (thats all you could steal without your mum noticing) and the night wasnt complete unless you had, had a grope or a fight!!! or if you were really lucky a go round a feild on a stolen moped!
Christ alive i was an early chav!!!!!! ------------- |
Posted By: ptcruiser
Date Posted: 01 Apr 08 at 3:15pm
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Who would have thought a simple question about buying Oppie stuff could have been hijacked into this...
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Posted By: Merlinboy
Date Posted: 01 Apr 08 at 6:11pm
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Its not really hijacked is it? as with most threads on an open discussion forum they morph into other things!! your just lucky it hasnt been swung into posting about Cherubs and I14's!!!
Especially one that is posted in the "Banter" section. ------------- |
Posted By: tmoore
Date Posted: 01 Apr 08 at 6:19pm
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you two are as bad as C*****ers joke ------------- Landlocked in Africa RS300 - 410 Firefly F517 - Nutshell Micro Magic RC yacht - Eclipse |