This guide attempts to give prospective sailors and their families some insights into what’s involved in participating in the Australian Optimist Sailing Team.

Important Disclaimer: This guide should not be used as the official source of truth for policies for all things AOST and AODS. Please refer to the AIODA and IODA websites or get in touch with the AIODA board for official selection policies, event rules and regulations.

Overview

Each year, the highest-ranked sailors are offered the opportunity to be part of the Australian Optimist Sailing Team (AOST) to represent Australia at International Optimist sailing events. Selection is based on the published selection protocol, which roughly equates to:

• World Championship - top 5 ranked sailors

• European Championship - the next 4 sailors, 2 boys and 2 girls

• Asian and Oceanian Championship - the next 6 sailors with not less than 2 girls.

In preparation for these events, all of the sailors from around Australia get together for a 3-day training camp.

The selection protocols for the team and squad are updated from time to time and provide a detailed guide for selection.

When will I know if I’m attending an event?

The dates and venues for the international regatta’s are known well in advance of the Australian selection regatta (the Australian Optional National Championship). See https://www.optiworld.org/

Sailors who are likely to be eligible for selection (based on previous results) are asked to nominate their intention to participate in each of the three regattas around the time of the nationals.

With knowledge of the venue and timing, you can decide if you’re able to make it to the event and make your nomination accordingly.

Not all sailors who qualify for an event choose to go each year. If the highest-ranked sailor declines a place in the World's team, the 6th placed sailor is offered a place, and so forth until all 5 places are filled.

This cascades down to the Euro’s team. The rank of the sailors who are offered places in the Euro’s team depends on the gender and acceptances in the World’s team. Once the Euro’s team is confirmed, the Asian’s team is selected based on the next highest ranked sailors.

Sailors eligible to participate in the Euro’s and Asian’s team will only know their offers once the higher-ranked events are filled.

In practice, this can often result in boys ranking 20 or above attending the Asian’s event, and girls ranked into the 30’s.

AIODA try to complete this process as quickly as possible, but it can take some time.

What happens once I accept a place at an AOST event?

Once accepted, you’ll be asked to sign an agreement covering participation in the AOST team. Some key terms from 2025 were:

• Sailors are required to attend the AOST training camp.

• Sailors are required to continue actively sailing in the Optimist and participate in major state-based regattas in that same year.

• Sailors must attend the International event and follow the event rules.

• Sailors must pay the costs associated with their participation in the events - see below.

Why would I consider international competition in the Optimist class?

The choice to participate in international competition is an individual one. If you’re offered a place, here are some reasons why you might consider going:

• The opportunity to represent your country at a young age is special. It might be something you do once, or it might be the first of many such experiences at high-level sporting competition.

• Every country sends their highest-ranked sailors, meaning you’re sailing in large fleets which are usually all sailing around the same level. Participants often come back feeling they’ve learned new skills and improved their sailing.

• You’ll meet sailors from all around the world, some might become new friends that you’ll keep for years to come.

• You and your family will spend a lot of time with your Australian teammates and often build stronger and lasting friendships.

How do the international regattas compare to the Australian Nationals?

Commensurate with their larger size and higher profile, the International Optimist regattas are run with more formality and procedure. Some key differences you will notice:

• Strict and lengthy measurement procedures. This includes: weighing boats, checking foils against a template, detailed sail checks against templates, rig checks, and full boat checks. A team of 5 can often take an hour or more to complete.

• Closed boat parks: Once the event commences, only sailors, coaches and team managers are allowed in the boat park where boats are stored and rigged. There is more reliance on sailors being able to independently set up their own boats.

• Rolling fleets: Regatta’s are usually split into 4 or 5 fleets of 50+ boats, all of similar standard. At any given time, there will usually be 2 or more flights on the course. Not having an intermediate fleet in the mix changes some of the dynamics on the course.

• Coach boats: Coaches are required to share a coach boat with another country. Each coach boat supports 8 to 20 sailors, depending on the event, spread across 4-5 fleets. They normally set anchor behind the start line, and sailors visit them between races. It’s not practical for coach boats to follow sailors around the course.

• Charter boats: Australian sailors use charter boats, which are provided by the event organisers.

• Support boats: There are very few parents on the water. Sometimes the organisers will provide a spectator boat, but for the most part, it’s just coaches on the water.

• On water checks: The first 5 to 10 boats are checked at the end of each race, and boats can be checked on water randomly. Penalties for non-compliance are much more frequent (e.g. bailors not secure).

• As the sailors stay in shared accommodation, the day often starts over a communal breakfast and ends at a communal dinner. If the accommodation is not within walking distance, transport has to be coordinated. For parents and supporters, it means there’s less time available to spend with their sailors than they may be used to.

• Meals: if you have any specific dietary requirements or food preferences, sailors may choose to supplement with their own favourite snacks!

AOST training camp details

All children come together for a 3-day training camp hosted at a sailing club in one of the Australian capital cities. 

• Charter boats are generally available, or you can bring your own if you can arrange transport.

• Sailors normally bring their own sails and rigs, and some choose to bring foils also.

• There are often team dinners organised on one or both nights of the training camp.

• Each day is a full day of theory and on-water training. Assume you’ll be engaged at least from 9 am to 5 pm each day.

• Training is usually conducted as a mix of “all of AOST” combined sessions, with some time spent training as individual groups.

• The same coaches who will travel internationally with the children will all be present and actively running the training. It’s a great time for the sailors to get to know their coach.

• On the final day, sailors and parents often leave at a reasonable time to catch flights home.

• Historically, the training camps have been held during the Easter school holiday period.

Team management

Once the team members are known, the coaches normally set up a WhatsApp group with all of the team members to enable communication. 

Most coaches will run periodic video calls with time allocated for both parent-level discussion - to coordinate logistics, and sailor + coach discussion to help with training and preparation.

Team Manager

One of the parents is selected as a team manager for each team. This is a significant role that requires a reasonable time investment, but when done well, it provides the glue that helps make the trip very special for all sailors and families. In exchange, accommodation and meals are provided for the team manager as detailed below.

With the requirement to stay at the team accommodation, it’s often undertaken by a parent who is travelling to the event without other family members (excluding their sailor). The role includes:

Pre-departure

• Acting as a go to between AIODA and the parent group to address any questions

• Helping coordinate and share travel schedules to align arrival dates for transfers and training

• Assisting the coach with preparation as required

During the event - boat park

• Assists with the collection of funds for boat and rib charter bonds, charter boat checkout and return

• Is the only parent allowed in the boat park, supports the coach to help sailors with rigging and boat preparation if required

• Helps locate and source lost/forgotten/misplaced wind indicators, life jackets, hats, sunscreen, gloves, mobile phones, etc

• Signs sailors on / off each day

• Logs any rule infringements each day

• Meets children upon return from racing each day

• Supports the coach - collecting lunches, water, etc

• Attends IODA briefings for Team Managers and shares important communication with the sailors' families

During the event - off water

• Co-ordinates accommodation check-in / check-out and room allocations

• Ensures the sailors make it to organised meal times

• Reminds sailors of the need to start and stop sleeping at sensible times

• Patiently intermediates inevitable jousting matches between the sailors as competition heats up

• Helps maintain a healthy balance of fun with decisions sailors won’t regret in a hotel with 100+ 10-14 year olds on tour

• Co-ordinates any support required from other parents

Assistant Team Manager

For teams involving larger groups, for example, with 10 sailors, an Assistant Team Manager is often sent, with the same role, responsibilities and accommodation as the Team Manager.

Country Representative

For the World’s Team, a Country Representative is also appointed. Where possible, preference is given to this being a current AIODA or State Association board member.

At the World's, the Country Representative’s responsibilities are:

• Attending IODA AGM and other meetings

• Voting on venues for the future years' World’s and Asian’s events

• Voting on Class Rule changes

• Voting on the IODA President and the VP-Asia/Oceania nominations

• Attending briefings from countries bidding to host future years' events

• Assist with the supervision of sailors whilst at the event, overnight, meal times.

As per the Team Manager, accommodation and meals are provided in the team accommodation venue, with more details below.

Budget

When participating in an AOST team, the following costs must be paid by sailors to AIODA:

• AOST camp

• In 2025, the camp fee was $500 per sailor

• The camp cost is currently capped at this level, if the cost to run the event exceeds $500/sailor, the balance is covered by AIODA.

• Regatta entry, accommodation and boat charter fees

• The regatta organiser (IODA) charges a fee per sailor for regatta entry, Opti charter and accommodation.

• The team pays a half share of chartering the coach rib for the event and any training days prior to the event.

• The accommodation fees include costs for the individual sailor, and an equal share of costs for the coach, team manager and assistant team manager (if present). The Country Rep for the World Championship is paid for by AIODA.

• Coaching fees

• All of the costs associated with having the Australian coach attend the event are split evenly among the sailors in the group. These costs include: airfares, accommodation, daily rate for their time, and meals allowance.

• Incidental team costs

• There may be minor costs incurred by the team whilst at the regatta which are shared, for example: extra bottled water, temporary umbrellas for shade, etc.

In addition, you will need to budget for personal expenditure to cover things like:

• AOST camp

• Travel and accommodation to and from the camp

• Boat charter, if required

• International event

• Travel costs to and from the event

• Accommodation costs before the sailors enter the official accommodation provided by the event. Sailors often arrive 3-4 days prior to allow time to get over jet lag.

• Accommodation costs for supporting family members for the duration of the event. If you’re a team manager, your accommodation meal costs are shared evenly across all sailors in the event.

• Airport transfers or car hire: the sailing venues are often some distance from international airports, requiring either a local transfer provider or an individual car hire.

• Boat damages

• If the sailor's boat is damaged - the charter provider will charge a repair cost, often under $100 for minor gelcoat damage.

Important disclaimer: event costs vary from year to year and cannot be locked down in advance. Historic costs should not be used to set expectations on future event costs. For reference, some examples of rounded costs associated with some previous years regatta’s follow: 

Worlds 2025

• AOST camp: $500/sailor

• Regatta entry, accommodation, boat charter: $4,600

• Coaching fees: $2,000

• Compulsory team uniform: ~$200

• Incidental team costs: ~ $100

• Total: $7,400

Euro’s 2025

• AOST camp: $500/sailor

• Regatta entry, accommodation, boat charter + Coaching fees: $6,600

• Compulsory team uniform: ~$200

• Incidental team costs: ~ $100

• Total: $7,400

Asians 2025

• AOST camp: $500/sailor

• Regatta entry, accommodation, boat charter + Coaching fees: $5,600

• Compulsory team uniform: ~$200

• Total: $6,300

Guidance on personal costs:

• 2 x Economy airfares: $6,000

• Parent accommodation for 2 weeks @ say $300/night: $4,200

• Includes accommodation for sailors during training days before entering official accommodation.

• Transfers / transport: say $500

• Optional team uniform items: $100

• Total: $10,800.

Timing of payments

A payment of $2,000 is required to confirm acceptance of an AOST team spot when offered. Regatta entry fees, accommodation and boat charter fees are payable prior to the start of the regatta. The balance of costs, including coaching fees and AOST camp less the $2,000 deposit is payable upon return.

What is the duration of the international events

The core regatta is typically 10-11 days from start to finish. As a guide, the World’s schedule for 2025 was:

• Day 1: Official arrival day, registration and measurement. Training session

• Day 2: Registration and measurement. Training session. Opening ceremony

• Day 3: Fleet racing

• Day 4: Fleet racing

• Day 5: Fleet racing

• Day 6: Teams racing

• Day 7: Teams racing

• Day 8: Fleet racing - finals

• Day 9: Fleet racing finals

• Day 10: Fleet racing finals. Presentations. Closing Ceremony.

• Day 11: Official departure day.

Most sailors arrived at least 4 days prior to the official arrival day. This gives time to pick up charter boats early, settle into the venue and complete a further 2-3 days of training at the venue.

As an approximate guide, allow at least 2 weeks plus any travel days.

Regatta dates are set by IODA and often fall outside of Australian school holiday periods. IODA can provide a letter to the school to assist with leave requests.

How does the accommodation work?

IODA require sailors stay in the accommodation that they provide as part of the regatta. All of the sailors participating in the regatta are normally booked across 1 or 2 hotels. Breakfast and dinner are normally buffet style, and lunches are provided to the coaches for distribution on water.

Often the accommodation is within walking distance of the venue; if it isn’t, transport is provided.

Hotel rooms are shared amongst sailors of the same gender, often 2-3 children in a room, but there can be more. Depending on the numbers in each country's team, sailors from different countries may share a room.

Team Managers, Assistant Team Managers, Country Representatives and Coaches are required to stay at the same accommodation as the sailors. They are allocated a room, shared with other adults from the same or other teams. 

Team Managers, Assistants and Country Representatives help to ensure the sailors are up in time for breakfast and retire at a reasonable time in the evening.

Having all the sailors stay together provides great opportunities for

• Teammates to bond and build friendships

• Coaches to use meal times to conduct briefings, de-briefings, and work with sailors

• Sailors to spend time with competitors from other countries.

At some venues, it may be possible for parents to independently book accommodation at the same hotel as the sailors; at others, it’s not possible, or there may not be capacity. Often, parents stay either in nearby hotels or Airbnb. Book early!

The cost of accommodation for all sailors, team managers, assistants, and coaches is spread evenly across the event registration fees for all sailors attending the event.

Where a Country Representative is sent, the accommodation cost is covered by AIODA (not the Worlds team).

What boat parts do I need to take with me?

The charter boats come with everything except for the sail and often the mast clamp. At a minimum, you need to bring these.

Recent experience is that the available charter equipment has been able to match what sailors have at home.

If there are component failures at the regatta, the charter company is responsible for providing replacements, and they’re generally available throughout the regatta.

As you’re in a foreign country, sourcing parts and solving problems is always harder than it is at home. Many sailors choose to bring their own equipment. This can extend all the way through to rig, foils, mainsheets, blocks, bailers and spares. Some sailors will be more comfortable and find benefit from using the exact equipment they use at home.

Sailors should talk to both their home coach and their AOST team coach for guidance on what will work best for them.

Keep in mind that oversize luggage restrictions will vary across international airlines, domestic airlines and local airport transfers (e.g. taxi’s, trains, hire cars). Make sure you investigate any constraints on the full length of your journey. 

What do parents do at the regattas?

Unlike Australian regattas, which often have a high ratio of parent ribs to sailors on water, it’s unusual to see many parents on water.

Most parents meet their children at the boat park in the morning and spend time with them before they head out on the water. Ensuring they’re hydrated, staying out of the sun, and helping with any nerves or thoughts about the day's racing.

During the day, some parents work remotely, some go sightseeing, some watch the racing on trackers, or have a long lunch. At some venues, it’s possible to watch racing (distantly) from the shore.

Parents are often there to meet sailors on their return at the end of each day's racing and support them. 

In the evening, the sailors usually eat together as a team and hang out with their mates. There are often nights when they may individually meet up with families for meals, or groups of families do the same.

Early nights are common to maintain energy levels!

What about the swag?

A team uniform is produced each year, with a mix of compulsory and optional items. Jackets and hoodies branded with the Australian Opti Sailing Team and coat of arms give the sailors some serious street cred once back home.

Trading team gear with sailors from other countries is one of the highlights of the event, coming to a climactic trading frenzy at the closing ceremony. Consider purchasing extra team gear to take with you to maximise your trading options.

Do we always send the same number of sailors to each event?

No, they can vary over time. IODA decide which International events Australia is eligible to attend, how many sailors and supporting adults, and the minimum gender representation.

AIODA consider these limits in conjunction with feedback from sailors and families that have attended previous years' events.

At a high level, Australia can currently send:

• World’s - 5 sailors, any gender

• Euro’s - 4 sailors, at least 1 girl

• Asian’s - 10 sailors to Asians with the gender based on the team size.

Feedback from parents and coaches in recent years has been that 10 sailors are too many to effectively be supported by a single coach at an international regatta. AIODA expect to send a smaller team in 2026 and is reviewing other events for a potential Senior Development Squad.