by Roger Scott | Nov 15, 2020 | sailing
The McLaughlin PRO Racer is the most technologically advanced Optimist in the world. It also happens to be the the most customizable Optimist in the world! McLaughlin’s craftsmen take the time to customize every PRO Racer, while still guaranteeing maximum stiffness...
by Roger Scott | Oct 9, 2020 | RIBs, sailing
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...
by Roger Scott | Sep 4, 2020 | equipment, maintenance
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...
by Roger Scott | Jul 21, 2020 | equipment, maintenance
McLaughlin’s 2020 Guide to Optimist Racing Blades This article applies to the top five percent of all Opti sailors and is intended as a guide to highlight the differences in the modern Optimist blades. Today’s Opti racers have more choice than ever before...
by Roger Scott | Jul 7, 2020 | fitness
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...
by Roger Scott | Jun 25, 2020 | equipment
When in it come to picking an Optimist bowline, your choices for a are getting ever more numerous. While it doesn’t get a lot of attention, this line is possibly the most critical piece of safety equipment in your boat, but it also happens to be dead weight. In...
by Roger Scott | Jun 17, 2020 | sailing
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...
by Roger Scott | Jun 9, 2020 | equipment
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...
by Roger Scott | May 27, 2020 | equipment
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...
by Roger Scott | May 20, 2020 | equipment, sailing
Everyone can conjure up the iconic image: A turquoise sea, light stray clouds skidding along in the heavens, and a white sail on the horizon standing out against the blue sky. Oh, to be a sailor! Onlookers often wonder about their destination. Is it somewhere...