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.

That’s the message from The Little Optimist founder Greg Bertish, who is on the hunt for a fleet of composite (rota-moulded) Optimists manufactured many years ago for a now-defunct navy sailing empowerment programme. While the programme has long since disappeared, the Optimists – known as 09ers – are almost certainly still around, most likely in use at sailing clubs or gathering dust in a shed or garage.

“These boats were made and donated to yacht clubs for kids to learn to sail, but due to their heavier weight and lack of competitiveness and parts, they were never popular,” Bertish said. “The Little Optimist Trust is looking for these boats to use as part of its sailing therapy programme. If anyone knows where to find 09ers, or wants to donate or sell one, the Trust would be most appreciative.”

Bertish said the 09ers were reportedly given to multiple sailing clubs back in the early 2000s. They are perfect vessels for beginner sailors, such as the many marginalised kids benefiting from the well-known Little Optimist programme, which recently received international recognition in the form of an International Olympic Committee grant.

“We use adapted Optimist dinghies to teach and inspire marginalised, differently-abled, and at-risk youth how to sail and how to overcome challenges in their lives. Optimist dinghies are our prime sailing boats. Our modifications include using rota-moulded 09er hulls, adapted Optimist rigs that have raised booms, protectors, storm sails, adapted flotation, and more.”

Bertish is currently inviting the public to participate in The Great Optimist Challenge, a unique fundraising event that includes the option to race an Optimist anywhere, on any body of water, against anybody. In addition, the Little Optimist Trust has created a platform to support fundraising challenges by linking them to a BackaBuddy campaign. Not only will Little Optimist Challenge participants be contributing to a good cause, but they also stand to win a share of R50,000 in prizes thanks to the Trust’s generous donors, among them Two Oceans Marine Manufacturing, Ullman Sails, Southern Wind Shipyard, Ilios Travel, and Italtile.

To sign up for the challenge, go to thegreatoptimistchallenge.org.

By Bobby Jordaan / Sabbex