Latest News

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.

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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

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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.

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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 Christmas these teddies will be delivered to kids around Cape...

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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 us for an unforgettable experience of sailing, visiting the Aquarium,...

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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 dance party and sending us the best ‘Thank You’ video...

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womens day celebration (2)

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, enjoying the thrill of navigating the waters and bonding with...

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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 programs for at-risk children and youth in coastal communities; and...

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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 creating a logic model together as a team, that made...

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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 interconnectedness, the program uses the ocean as a classroom. Sailing...

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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 Speakers Series, expressed her gratitude for Greg’s impactful presentation. She...

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New Staff

We are proud to introduce our new staff members on the YES program – sponsored by Laurium Capital This is the second year Laurium Capital has sponsored staff to The Little Optimist via the YES program. We look forward to...

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Cape 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...

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Josh 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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