Articles

The Northerly

The predominant breeze in Shilshole Bay is a Northernly. Our sailors rely on it to keep them sailing year round. Similarly, we hope our Northerly helps you learn the tricks and tips of Opti sailing to keep them sailing.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Alex Samano
December 3, 2025

Ultimate Guide to ILCA Outhaul Purchase Systems

A detailed guide to building your performance ILCA outhaul system. It provides specific line and block recommendations, enabling you to construct the perfect 2:1 to 6:1 setup for ultimate control and class-legal compliance.
ILCA
Gear
Racing
Alex Samano
November 17, 2025

Introduction to Sailing Purchase Systems

A practical framework for understanding how sailing pulley systems work, so you can choose and rig controls that match your strength and wind conditions. It shows how to calculate mechanical advantage so you can apply it to your own boat.
ILCA
Optimist
Racing
Alex Samano
November 6, 2025

Ultimate Guide to Perf. Cunningham ILCA Systems

This guide quickly helps ILCA and Optimist sailors pick the best lines and blocks for durable, high-performance rigging—making setup choices simple with clear tables and gear tips.
ILCA
Gear
Racing
Alex Samano
April 2, 2023

What makes Opti sailing so special?

There are over 400K Optis and 150K active sailors in 110 countries around the world. The Opti and its ecosystem are an unbeatable learning machine.
Racing
Optimist
Alex Samano
April 2, 2023

Where to buy your sailing gear

Whether you got some time or you are in a rush, here is our favorite list of trustworthy and well-stocked suppliers of sailing gear.
Gear
Optimist
ILCA
Alex Samano
October 19, 2025

Replacing ILCA Sail Numbers to Regulation

Learn how to replace ILCA sail numbers to meet official class regulations, including what materials and number colors are required and step-by-step placement instructions.
ILCA
Alex Samano
September 26, 2025

Sailing Terminology in various languages

This glossary provides a comprehensive list of Optimist sailing terms in English, Spanish, and Russian. It covers directions, ways of sailing, boat parts, blades, spars, lines, and safety equipment.
Optimist
Alex Samano
August 27, 2025

Sailing gear essentials for the Pacific Northwest

Learn about the required and optional sailing gear items for all sailors in the Pacific Northwest and the difference between single and double-handed gear.
ILCA
Optimist
Gear
Alex Samano
April 8, 2025

Our Freakonomics Radio pitch for an Opti sailing episode

This letter proposes a Freakonomics podcast on Optimist sailing, the surprising starting point for nearly all Olympic sailors, highlighting the unexpected challenges facing its ecosystem.
Other
Optimist
Alex Samano
March 26, 2025

Optimist Class Qualification Overview

Get an overview of the national and international qualification process for the Optimist class. Learn what regattas to attend, their structure, gender restrictions, and costs.
Optimist
Racing
Alex Samano
March 26, 2025

ILCA Class Qualification Overview

An overview of the ILCA North America's system for international qualification. Learn how to earn qualification through specific regattas or by ranking in the ILCA-NA Grand Prix.
Racing
ILCA
Alex Samano
October 13, 2024

Growth spurts: Navigating change to stay competitive

Optimist sailing happens to fall during a period when kids change A LOT. As you can imagine, that has BIG implications on the development of Opti sailors that can not be ignored.
Progression
Gear
Optimist
Alex Samano
April 18, 2023

How to replace sail numbers to specifications

Chances are that at some point you will need to change numbers on a sail. This article explains how to remove and put new sail numbers that meet the IODA requirements.
Gear
Optimist
Alex Samano
April 6, 2023

Sailing: A Natural Fit for Dyslexic Processors

Sailing offers a unique and powerful opportunity for children with dyslexia to harness their inherent strengths, build confidence, and truly excel in an activity that celebrates their distinct way of thinking.
Progression
ILCA
Optimist