Sailing into Smiles: A Day on the Water with Our Young Friends
Today was an unforgettable day at our sailing academy as we welcomed a group of enthusiastic kids from Sentinel Oceans Alliance for a fun-filled sailing experience.
Going for GOLD
Our first multi-day program for our Broadening Horizons 2025 Project, The Going For Gold Programme in collaboration with Roxy Foundation and Ocean Pledge has commenced.
Sentinel Ocean Alliance Inspiration Talk
Our founder was invited to speak to the kids starting a new programme at Sentinel Ocean on 7 February.
Read Aloud Day 2025 at the Heidveld Baptist Church crèche
On 31 January, Dawnay and Aneeqah, The Little Optimist Sailing Academy staff, visited the Heidveld Baptist church creche.
Read Aloud Day 2025 at Kommetjie Primary
On World Read Aloud Day, Greg visited the Kommetjie Library.
boot Düsseldorf 2025, Germany (18–26 January 2025)
Our founder, Greg Bertish, was invited to be a guest speaker at boot Düsseldorf, the biggest marine/boat show in the world.
Welcome YES candidates
We are excited to introduce our three new YES program candidates – kindly sponsored by Laurium Capital.
The Great Optimist Challenge 2024
The Great Optimist Challenge was a GREAT success, thanks to you!
The Search for the Missing Optimists
Somewhere out there, possibly in your back garden, is a small type of Optimist dinghy that could change somebody’s life.
Two Oceans Aquarium activation
Two Oceans Aquarium activation On the 17th and 18th of December The Aquarium Optimist boat set up at the I&J exhibit. Kids enjoyed floating in the boat for charity surrounded by the vast marine life.
420 South African champs
Optimist Sailing Academy Manager, Amir, and Sailing Instructor, Renton – sailed in the 420 SA champs and retained their title in 1st place! We are super proud of them and look forward to many more accomplishments in 2025
Italtile in-store activation
Italtile in-store activation On the 14th and 15th of December the Italtile Optimist boat was front and centre at the Northgate Italtile store. Customers were given the opportunity to float in the boat for charity and make a small difference.
Moving Tactics – Year End Amazing Race Team Build
Moving Tactics – Year End Amazing Race Team Build The Little Optimist Sailing Academy was one of the stops on the Moving Tactics Amazing Race year end Team Building experience.
The Little Optimist Team Year End Lunch
The Little Optimist Team took some much needed time out to celebrate a successful year.The team as grown this year in people and knowledge and we look forward to 2025…
HIIT Fitness Annual Teddy bear drive
Once again HIIT Fitness has blown us away with their clients generosity and festive spirit. The donation box, which lives permanently at HIIT, is over flowing with plush toys. Before…
Learners from Bergvliet Swop Cycling For Sailing
On the 10th of December , The Little Optimist recently hosted a group of young boys from JAG foundation, Bergvliet Primary, who had never set foot on a sailboat before.…
Letters of gratitude from Simon’s Town learners
The Little Optimist Trust received these wonderful letters of gratitude from Simon’s Town learners. We are delighted to hear these kind and thoughtful words.
Arshay Cooper – Inspiration evening – 20 November 2024
ARSHAY COOPER is a Rower, Benjamin Franklin award-winning author, the protagonist of the critically acclaimed film “A Most Beautiful Thing,” a Golden Oar recipient for his contributions to the sport…
The Little Optimist at Kommetjie Festival 16 November 2024
The Kommetjie Festival is an annual highlight in the South Peninsula. This year did not disappoint. The Little Optimist Trust presented The Great Optimist Challenge in collaboration with Komsurf Surfshop.Our…
Boatica 2024
This year, we hosted four amazing groups of kids from Heideveld, Bonteheuwel, Simon's Town and the Benjamin Project at the Boatica Boat Show held at the V&A Waterfront. They joined…
Heideveld Youth Centre
The Heideveld Youth Centre refurb is complete (for now!). They have a fresh coast of paint and a brand new bathroom with a shower. The kids celebrated by having a…
Astra Special School’s library revamp starts Phase 1
Scrape, paint, draw, colour in – this is what The Little Optimist and Flyfleet teams accomplished in four days.The Little Optimist Sailing Academy team started the week by scraping the…
Little Optimist Trust set to hold sixth annual boat sailing competition
Written by: Jan-Hendrik De Villiers Cape Town non-profit organization (NPO), The Little Optimist Trust, is set to hold its sixth annual boat sailing competition to raise funds for its various…
Local Charity Keeps Hope Afloat with Fund-Raising Challenge
Written by: GoodThingsGuy A Cape Town charity’s annual fund-raising campaign is going global and attracting international attention, with an invitation to South Africa and the rest of the world to…
Heideveld Reno Update
Construction continues at Heideveld Youth Centre!The tilers have been busy bee’s getting the bathroom walls tiled and grouted.Thank you to Italtile for these beautiful tiles.
Cricket group catches wind at The Little Optimist
Thanks to Marcelle from Sophumelela Sport Centre for partnering with us to invite Hanover Cricket Club for an inspiration day at The Little Optimist Sailing Academy.On the 25th of September…
Ocean pledge sets sails for canal cleanup
Exciting news! The little optimist is thrilled to announce it's partnership with Ocean pledge, a dynamic initiative dedicated to protecting our oceans . Together, we're taking action to clean up…
Heideveld Youth Centre Reno Project
Heideveld Youth Centre is a place where children of the area go to feel safe, do their homework, get a meal and get support.In order to continue serving the community…
Delft High Cheerleaders Take to the Water!
On the 7th of September at the Little Optimist Sailing Academy was buzzing with excitement as the Delft High Cheerleaders arrived for their first-ever sailing experience!These energetic and spirited young…
Celebrating Women’s Day on the Water
On 31 of August, the Little Optimist Sailing Academy hosted a special Women's Day event for Delft Grade 12 students. These inspiring young women embarked on their first-ever sailing experience,…
Uniting on the Water: River Youth Group’s First Sailing Experience
On the 17th of August at the Little Optimist Sailing Academy welcomed a vibrant group of young people from various communities for their inaugural sailing experience. Excitement filled the air…
The River Church Cape Town Youth Group
Kids from areas such as Parkwood, Lavender Hill, Seawinds, Pelican Park and Mitchell's Plain who all attend the River Church Youth Group had an exciting outing to The Little Optimist…
Broadening Horizons with 9 Miles Project
9Miles Project is a community-based non-profit organization that was founded in Cape Town in 2013.Using surfing as a form of engagement and empowerment, 9Miles provides safe spaces and structured afterschool…
Sailing Therapy Academy awarded IOC Sustained Insight and Impact Initiative grant
Oranjekloof kids learning to sail with The Little Optimist Sailing Therapy Academy We would like to thank Independent Online for their article: Underprivileged children to reap reward as The Little…
The Little Optimist Trust Wins Top Grant to Expand Sailing Therapy for Underprivileged Children
The Little Optimist Trust, a non-profit organization in Cape Town, has received a €26,000 (R516,087) grant from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as part of the Sustained Insight and Impact…
Brainstorming with the Crew
Brainstorming with the CrewIt is important for us at The Little Optimist to give every team member an opportunity to share their ideas and ask questions.Our recent discussion was about…
Laureus Sports for Good M&E workshop
Erica and Adrienne from The Little Optimist, attended the Monitoring and Evaluation workshop at Laureus Sports for Good in Stellenbosch on the 30 and 31 of July.This was the last…
Bridging Cultures Through Sailing
A San Francisco program is empowering young Guatemalan and Mexican teens through sailing and structured activities. @tiscsailing is fostering mental health, growth mindset, and connection. Inspired by the idea of…
Greg Bertish Inspires San Francisco with Tale of Resilience and Optimism.
Renowned adventurer and philanthropist, Greg Bertish, captivated a San Francisco audience yesterday with his extraordinary tale of courage and resilience. The event at Hook Fish Co. featured a screening of…
Inspiring Talk at the St. Francis Yacht Club
Yesterday, the prestigious St. Francis Yacht Club hosted a memorable “Wednesday Yachting Luncheon,” featuring an inspiring talk by Greg. Kathy Trafton, Vice Chair of the Wednesday Yachting Luncheon and Special…
Spreading Smiles on Mandela Day: A Heartwarming Hout Bay Story
This Mandela Day, one of our very own team members, Adrienne, embraced the spirit of giving and embarked on a special mission to Hout Bay Educare. Her goal? To share…
Little Optimist Sails into Catkin High for Crime Awareness Campaign!
Yesterday, the Little Optimist team set off on an adventure that wasn't on the water – but it was definitely all about making a positive impact! We were thrilled to…
World Champion Shares Public Speaking Secrets with Little Optimists!
This Monday, the Little Optimist Trust got an electrifying boost when Verity Price, the renowned public speaking champion, graced us with her presence! Ms. Price, the first South African and…
Epic Water Fights and Giggles Galore: The Little Optimist Trust Makes Logan’s Birthday Unforgettable
Planning a birthday party that keeps the little ones entertained and the grown-ups stress-free? Sounds like a challenge, but for The Little Optimist Trust, it's what we do best! This…
Greg Bertish Inspires at Royal Cape Yacht Club’s Winter Wednesday Event
12 June – Royal Cape Yacht Club , Cape Town It was an honour for our founder, Greg Bertish, to be invited as the guest speaker at Royal Cape Yacht…
A Splash of Colour at the Little Optimist Trust Book Launch
The Little Optimist Trust recently hosted a vibrant book launch event at the Two Oceans Aquarium, filled with not just fascinating marine life, but also a creative explosion of colour!…
Ahoy, Mateys! Setting Sail with Laureus Sports’ Grade 10s on June 25
On June 25th, the Little Optimist Academy transformed into a seafaring haven for a fantastic group of Grade 10s from Laureus Sports! It was a joy to have these enthusiastic…
Setting Sail with Smiles: A Successful Multi-Day Program at Little Optimist!
Ahoy there, sailing enthusiasts! We're thrilled to share the incredible journey we recently embarked on with the fantastic team at Marsh Memorial. This marked our first-ever multi-day program at the…
Day Two on the Water: Sunshine, Smiles, and Sails!
Ahoy, mateys! We're back with another update from Little Optimist Sailing Academy's multi-day sailing program! Today marks day two on the water with the fantastic kids from Marsh Memorial, and…
Setting Sail with Marsh Memorial at Little Optimist!
The Little Optimist Sailing Academy set sail on a new adventure today, kicking off a multi-day program with the fantastic team from Marsh Memorial! The excitement was palpable as our…
Sailing Through Life’s Storms: Greg Bertish’s Inspiring Journey with The Little Optimist Trust
Greg Bertish's recent interview with Fine Music Radio 101.3 FM shed light on his remarkable journey from professional sailor to founder of The Little Optimist Trust. Facing a life-threatening heart…
A Splashing Success! Celebrating World Oceans Day with The Little Optimist
On June 8th, the Two Oceans Aquarium buzzed with excitement as we at the Little Optimist Trust joined the global celebration of World Oceans Day! Our mission? To spark a…
Ahoy, Maties! Little Optimist Trust Sets Sail for Dragon Boat Fun!
Calling all Little Optimist adventurers! This past Saturday, June 8th, the Little Optimist Trust Sailing Academy traded in our trusty sailboats for a taste of fierce dragon boat racing! Held…
A Fin-tastic Launch: The Little Optimist Trust Splashes into Success at the Two Oceans Aquarium
Calling all ocean adventurers! The Little Optimist Trust and the Two Oceans Aquarium joined forces for a splashtastic book launch event on June 1st, and it was a resounding success!…
Heideveld Kids Become Mini Skippers at Little Optimists!
The Little Optimist Sailing Academy was buzzing again with the return of a familiar crew – the enthusiastic young sailors from Heideveld! This time, they weren't just learning the ropes,…
Dive into a Sea of Fun! The Little Optimist Trust and Two Oceans Aquarium Partner for Book Launch Event
Calling all young ocean enthusiasts! The Little Optimist Trust, a non-profit focused on youth development and ocean conservation, is teaming up with the Two Oceans Aquarium for a fin-tastic book…
No Pirates, Just Fun! Durbanville Kids Set Sail with Little Optimists!
Ahoy, mateys! Here at the Little Optimist Sailing Academy, we're all about fostering a love for the water and the thrill of sailing. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming…
Setting Sail with the Little Optimists: A Fun Family Adventure!
Ahoy, mateys! The Little Optimist Sailing Academy crew here, sharing another sunny adventure on the canals! Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming the French Consulate, and her two sons…
Neuschäfer Captivates Audience with Epic Golden Globe Race Journey
On Wednesday evening, 15 May, The Little Optimist Sailing Academy set the stage for an unforgettable evening, hosting a captivating talk with Kirsten Neuschäfer, the first woman to win the…
Little Optimist & Shonaquip Social Enterprise Partner on Accessible Sailing for All
The wind whips through your hair, the spray of the ocean kisses your face, and the thrill of gliding across the water fills you with joy. That's the magic of…