The Optimist is the most popular learn to sail boat with 150,000 currently racing in 100 different countries. It was designed and built in the late 1940's but became strict one-design class in 1992. Now, 30 builders in 23 countries produce class legal boats. This new conformity provides true one-design sailing and keeps cost down, by allowing older boats to be equal to new boats and keeping local builders price competitive. This single sail rig and pram design couple simplicity and stability for young sailors. Sailed by youth until age 15, these boats have a spar at the top of the mast allowing for added control of sail shape, giving more advanced sailors, some challenge. For more information, read the Optimist Wikipedia article.
