Somewhere out there, possibly in your back garden, is a small type of Optimist dinghy that could change somebody’s life.
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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.
Read More420 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
Read MoreItaltile 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.
Read MoreMoving 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.
Read MoreThe 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 – where BIG things are to come!!
Read MoreHIIT 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 Christmas these teddies will be delivered to kids around Cape...
Read MoreLearners 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. The excitement was palpable as they arrived at the dock,...
Read MoreLetters 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.
Read MoreArshay 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 of rowing, motivational speaker, and activist, particularly around issues of...
Read MoreThe 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 famous boat kept hope afloat in a splash pool,...
Read MoreBoatica 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 us for an unforgettable experience of sailing, visiting the Aquarium,...
Read MoreHeideveld 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 dance party and sending us the best ‘Thank You’ video...
Read MoreAstra 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 walls and applying a fresh new coat of paint....
Read MoreLittle 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 development projects. The event will take place at the Boatica...
Read MoreLocal 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 take up its new challenge. For the past six years, The...
Read MoreHeideveld 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.
Read MoreCricket 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 the enthusiastic cricketers spent the day sailing, exploring interactive...
Read MoreOcean 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 our canals and ensure a healthier marine ecosystem. On the...
Read MoreHeideveld 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 the Centre is in need of a few renovations....
Read MoreDelft 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 women traded in their pom-poms for life jackets and...
Read MoreCelebrating 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, enjoying the thrill of navigating the waters and bonding with...
Read MoreUniting 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 as they discovered the thrill of sailing. With expert guidance,...
Read MoreThe 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 Sailing Academy. “The opportunity to go on the boats and...
Read MoreBroadening 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 programs for at-risk children and youth in coastal communities; and...
Read MoreSailing 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 Optimist Trust wins top grant We are absolutely delighted to...
Read MoreThe 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 Initiative, launched to promote the social impact legacy of the...
Read MoreBrainstorming 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 creating a logic model together as a team, that made...
Read MoreLaureus 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 of a series of workshops that formed part of...
Read MoreBridging 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 interconnectedness, the program uses the ocean as a classroom. Sailing...
Read MoreGreg 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 the inspiring documentary chronicling Bertish’s audacious journey around the Cape...
Read MoreInspiring 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 Speakers Series, expressed her gratitude for Greg’s impactful presentation. She...
Read MoreSpreading 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 the joy of storytelling and leave a lasting impression on...
Read MoreLittle 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 be invited by JICS to Catkin High School to host...
Read MoreWorld 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 only the sixth woman ever to win the World Champion...
Read MoreEpic 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 past Saturday, we threw an epic bash for Logan, and...
Read MoreGreg 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 Clubs Winter Wednesday evening. It was a packed room and...
Read MoreA 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! We’re thrilled to announce the winner of our exciting colour-in...
Read MoreAhoy, 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 young adults on board (or should we say, on boat!)...
Read MoreSetting 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 Little Optimist Sailing Academy, and it was an experience filled...
Read MoreDay 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 things are going swimmingly (pun intended!). Yesterday was all about...
Read MoreSetting 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 young sailors arrived, eager to explore the beauty of the...
Read MoreSailing 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 condition, Bertish turned adversity into opportunity, using his love for...
Read MoreA 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 love for our precious oceans in the hearts of our...
Read MoreAhoy, 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 right here on our waterfront, it was a day filled...
Read MoreA 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! The event celebrated the release of Greg Bertish’s captivating children’s...
Read MoreHeideveld 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, they were building their own mini sailboats! Laughter filled the...
Read MoreDive 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 launch event. Get ready to celebrate the release of Greg...
Read MoreNo 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 a special group of young adventurers: a group of children...
Read MoreSetting 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 for a fantastic day. One son had a taste of...
Read MoreNeuschäfer 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 grueling Golden Globe Race. Sponsored by a team of champions...
Read MoreLittle 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 sailing, a feeling that the Little Optimist organization wants everyone...
Read MoreLittle Optimist Makes Waves in the News: A Tale of Inspiring School Bathroom Renovation
Ahoy, mateys! We’re excited to announce that Little Optimist recently charted a course for positive change and landed a fantastic feature on Good Things Guy! This feature spotlights our impactful school bathroom renovation project, undertaken in partnership with the incredible...
Read MoreLittle Optimists Set Sail with River Church!
The Little Optimist Sailing Academy was buzzing with excitement last Saturday, May 11th, as we welcomed a fantastic group of young sailors from River Church Cape Town! Led by our very own instructor, Josh, these future captains got their first...
Read MoreMaking Waves: Movie Night At Jack Black’s Brewery
We dove headfirst into a fascinating movie night and panel discussion at Jack Black’s Brewery. The documentary “Wade in the Water” took centre stage, exploring the multifaceted relationship between Black people and water throughout history. Sure, surfing is a major...
Read MoreSetting Sail with Inspiration at The Little Optimist
The Little Optimist buzzed with activity today as we welcomed Astra Special School for a day filled with fun and inspiration! The children were captivated by Greg Bertish’s creative “Little Optimist” cartoon, its message of perseverance and teamwork resonating brightly....
Read MoreLaureus Sports for Good – Incubation Hub
The Little Optimist Academy & Trust is honoured to have been selected as one of the Laureus Sports for Good Incubation Hub delegates. This is a platform for collaboration, growth, learning and development as a non-profit organisation using sports as...
Read MoreCape Town Adventure Film Festival
On opening night – 12 April, documentary – OPTIMIST – was screened along with 2 other films. Academy Award winning Director Pippa Ehrlich (My Octopus Teacher), filmmaker and storyteller Bryan Little, local documentary filmmaker Dean Leslie along with our Founder...
Read MoreJosh takes 2nd place!
Congratulations to Josh September, Senior sailing Instructor, who placed 2nd in Western Cape Sailing Champs. Josh has been a part of The Little Optimist team for a few years and is a mentor and ambassador to the kids at our...
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