Latest News

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.

HIIT Fitness Annual Teddy bear drive
Once again HIIT Fitness has blown us away with their clients generosity and festive spirit.

Learners from Bergvliet Swop Cycling For Sailing
On the 10th of December , The Little Optimist recently hosted a group of young

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

Arshay Cooper – Inspiration evening – 20 November 2024
ARSHAY COOPER is a Rower, Benjamin Franklin award-winning author, the protagonist of the critically acclaimed

The Little Optimist at Kommetjie Festival 16 November 2024
The Kommetjie Festival is an annual highlight in the South Peninsula. This year did not

Boatica 2024
This year, we hosted four amazing groups of kids from Heideveld, Bonteheuwel, Simon’s Town and

Heideveld Youth Centre
The Heideveld Youth Centre refurb is complete (for now!). They have a fresh coast of

Astra Special School’s library revamp starts Phase 1
Scrape, paint, draw, colour in – this is what The Little Optimist and Flyfleet teams

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

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

Heideveld Reno Update
Construction continues at Heideveld Youth Centre! The tilers have been busy bee’s getting the bathroom

Cricket group catches wind at The Little Optimist
Thanks to Marcelle from Sophumelela Sport Centre for partnering with us to invite Hanover Cricket

Ocean pledge sets sails for canal cleanup
Exciting news! The little optimist is thrilled to announce it’s partnership with Ocean pledge, a

Heideveld Youth Centre Reno Project
Heideveld Youth Centre is a place where children of the area go to feel safe,

Delft High Cheerleaders Take to the Water!
On the 7th of September at the Little Optimist Sailing Academy was buzzing with