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Privacy Policy

Who we are Our website address is: https://optistuff.com. What personal data we collect and why we collect it Comments When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent...

Company

Our Company: McLaughlin Boat Works was acquired by US ONE DESIGN in May of 2023 The history of McLaughlin Boat Works dates back to the 1960s in San Diego, California with two passionate sailors, Earl Elms and Herb Shear. Operating under the name Chubasco (storm on the...

FAQ

FAQ We pride ourselves on our world-class results, American-made craftsmanship and good ole’ fashion customer service. With that in mind, we want to help you with any questions you may have. Below you will find the answers to many of our most frequently asked...

Why choose a McLaughlin Optimist Sailboat?

What advantage does McLaughlin Optimist Sailboat offer a youth sailing program? McLaughlin has been a United States Optimist sailboat builder for more than thirty-five years. High quality and durable sailboats (Snipe, Windmill, Lightning, Daysailer etc.) are our...

Simple to-dos for superior summer sailing

As sailors get back on the water, we decided to write something about how to play it safe when out summer sailing in the sun and heat. This article covers a few points that will help you have more fun and overcome the elements. As temperatures rise, our body kicks...
Older Used Blackgold Spar Set

Older Used Blackgold Spar Set

This is USED equipment. If you are looking for an economical racing spar set then this is it. These Blackgold spar sets are older sets that from our charter fleet. They will shows more wear and tear than a typical charter quality set of spars, but they are still a...

Selecting the right tiller extension

There are a variety of choices in Optimist Tiller Extensions. Which Optimist tiller extension is the best for you? It depends partly on your sailing style, but some features certainly make a significant difference in ease of use. The intent of a tiller extension is to...
Older Used Blackgold Spar Set

Chartered BlackGold Spar Set

**These are on backorder. They will be available in July** These Black Gold spar sets have been chartered at a few McLaughlin events, and now they for sale. This is USED equipment. The set includes the mast, sprit, and a 40mm boom. The boom comes with all the lines,...
Older Used Blackgold Spar Set

BlackGold Medium Spar Set (30 – 40 kg Sailors)

The BlackGold Spar Set The perfect choice for the Optimist. The BLACKGOLD MEDIUM spar set contains: EX901 BLACKGOLD Optimist mast EX940 BLACKGOLD MEDIUM 40 mm Optimist boom EX960 BLACKGOLD 27 mm Optimist sprit EX13591 Supplied with rigging pack When it comes to...
BlackGold Power Spar Set (35 – 45 kg Sailors)

BlackGold Power Spar Set (35 – 45 kg Sailors)

The BLACKGOLD?POWER spar set contains: EX900 BLACKGOLD Optimist mast EX945 BLACKGOLD POWER 45 mm Optimist boom EX960 BLACKGOLD 27 mm Optimist sprit EX13591 Supplied with rigging pack When it comes to quality and performance, there is no equal to the Optiparts...
BlackMax Spar Set (Sailors > 40kg)

BlackMax Spar Set (Sailors > 40kg)

The BLACKMAX spar set contains: EX900 BLACKGOLD Optimist mast EX955 BLACKMAX 55 mm Optimist boom EX960 BLACKGOLD 27 mm Optimist sprit EX13591 Supplied with rigging pack When it comes to quality and performance, there is no equal to the Optiparts BLACKGOLD? spar sets....

Guide to Optimist Racing Spars

McLaughlin Boat Works is the North American importer of all major brands of Optimist racing spars. In combination with being the largest Opti charter provider worldwide, we see spar sets in action in a variety of sailing conditions. Because we know that there are a...
Optimax MK4 Spar Set

Optimax MK4 Spar Set

The Optimist Optimax MK4 Spar Set is the stiffest and most powerful spar set in the Optimax line-up. It is much stiffer than the MKIII spars. It also has the cleat for the sprit halyard in a higher position for easier access. The Optimax Racing Spar Sets: Optimax...
Optimax MKIII Spar Sets

Optimax MKIII Spar Sets

MK3 spar sets for the Optimist. Suitable for sailors from 35 to 45 kg Material: Superior Lanurep spacecraft alloy Anodized: Top grade hard dark grey Supplied with rigging pack (OX25): The Optimax Racing Spar Sets: Optimax spars are divided into 3 main categories: MK3...
Older Used Blackgold Spar Set

BlackGold Medium Spar Set With 45mm Boom

The BlackGold Spar Set The perfect choice for the heavier Optimist sailor who loves a more flexible mast. This custom BLACKGOLD spar set compares best to a MK3 sparset with a stiffer 45 mm boom: EX901 BLACKGOLD Medium Optimist mast EX945 BLACKGOLD MEDIUM 45 mm...

Why teach your child to sail?

What follows is an article originally written by a father, Steve Sherman, who wanted to teach his boys how to sail. It was this experience that eventually made building the Optimist his life’s ambition. His love for sailing is now shared by his grandchildren (pictured...
Older Used Blackgold Spar Set

BlackLite Spar Set With 32mm Boom (Sailors < 35 kg)

The Blacklite “Flex” spar set features the new 25% lighter EX902 flexible mast and the same black anodized sprit as the black gold medium. The new “Flex” mast allows the sailor to depower the rig in heavy air while the 32mm boom helps maintain...

What makes for the perfect Sailor Support RIB?

What makes for the perfect Sailor Support RIB? In the last decade, we’ve seen a transition in sailing from Whalers and Carolina Skiffs as the preferred sailor support craft to Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs). With all the options out there, what makes the difference...

Pay attention to Optimist airbag care

Many sailors don’t understand the problems inherent to an Optimist airbag and how to care for them. As a result, every summer, we go through a ton of airbags here at the shop. Why do we send out so many? Following are some helpful tips for keeping your airbags in...
Optimist OneSails P1 Mainsail Cuts

Optimist OneSails P1 Mainsail Cuts

The Optimist OneSails P1 mainsail has taken the class by storm. The? OneSails loft in Solvenia makes these sails under the careful guidance of Mauricio Bencic. Mr. Bencic has been in charge of Optimist sail design since 2007. As an accomplished sailor and past...
Zhik Tactical Gloves-3 Pack

Zhik Tactical Gloves-3 Pack

Intended for everyday sailing, our latex dipped sailing glove features a soft and seamless Nylon liner with a high grip sandy latex coated palm. Providing you with lightweight flexibility and high sensitivity. SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT & FLEXIBLE PROVIDES HIGH SENSITIVITY...

Why Race McLaughlin?

Why Race McLaughlin? McLaughlin is the most technologically advanced Optimist in the world, specifically engineered for speed and a proven winner – our Optimist has never been beaten in World Championship competition. Built right here in the United States,...

Solo Sailing Drills and Safety

For this week’s article, we teamed up with a good friend and former teammate, Kevin Broome at American Yacht Club. We certainly know many of you are eager to get on the water sailing, so please check your local laws and regulations. With some of the waterways...
Optimist Sail Numbers

Optimist Sail Numbers

Die Cut Optimist Sail Numbers. 23.5 cm. (12 x 6 x 1) McLaughlin stocks a limited availability of other colors. Please call for options.  
Windesign Sailing Boots

Windesign Sailing Boots

Neoprine sailing boots made of 5mm neoprene for durability and comfort. Rubber nonslip sole. Rubber reinforced neopene for extra foot protection when hiking. High quality large zipper for easy entry. Velcro zip lock for snug fit. Flat locked seems for improved...
Boat Whisperer Laser? DVD

Boat Whisperer Laser? DVD

This is a pack of two for both upwind and downwind.? Learn the race winning secrets from Steve Cockerill.? These DVD’s show the upwind and downwind action with a comprehensive debrief and investigation of the footage, which enables Steve to communicate his...

2020 Fall Specials!

Free Stuff! Purchase any Optimist boat package between September 1st and December 31st, 2020, and receive a free dolly and blade bag with your purchase. New boat packages will receive a new dolly and blade bag. Charter packages will receive a charter dolly and blade...