Latest News

This research paper investigates the effectiveness of The Little Optimist’s (NGO) sailing therapy.

The Little Optimist Sailing Academy, based in the Waterfront’s Canal District, is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering special-needs children and at-risk youth through sailing.

It has been a very busy week for the Little Optimist and we are so honoured and proud of our journey and the recognition and reward we are receiving.

Today, just one day after our visit from the IOC & Advancing Olympism delegates, we were honoured to be visited by the French Ambassador for Sport, Samuel du Croquet, from the French Embassy.

Corale and Rebecca from Olympism 365 and the International Olympic Committee flew in from Senegal and Switzerland to visit our Sailing Therapy Academy and programme.

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.

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.

Our founder was invited to speak to the kids starting a new programme at Sentinel Ocean on 7 February.

On 31 January, Dawnay and Aneeqah, The Little Optimist Sailing Academy staff, visited the Heidveld Baptist church creche.

On World Read Aloud Day, Greg visited the Kommetjie Library.

Our founder, Greg Bertish, was invited to be a guest speaker at boot Düsseldorf, the biggest marine/boat show in the world.

We are excited to introduce our three new YES program candidates – kindly sponsored by Laurium Capital.

The Great Optimist Challenge was a GREAT success, thanks to you!

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

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.

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

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

The Little Optimist Sailing Academy was one of the stops on the Moving Tactics Amazing Race year end Team Building experience.