Optimists are a great boat for beginners of a young age, and are sailed almost everywhere.
They are extremely hard to capsize, and simply will not sink, no matter how hard you try.
Roughly rectangular, with a square front, the optimist is not designed for speed, but for learning. An internationally approved dinghy, the optimist, or opti as it is commonly known, is simply incredibly fun to sail.
It consists of a sail, mast, boom and sprit, set into the hull, that is easily disassembled. Floatation devices, a rudder and centreboard are essential (obviously).
Though they can be prone to unpredictable gybes (or is that just me?!?), the opti does not capsize unless caught on a swell at the same time.
Their slow speed make tactics in racing essential, as this is the only way to beat an accomplished opponent whom you are racing. | 
