Getting Started

Getting Started

IOCA UK is run by a large team, almost entirely made up of volunteers who make up the Committee and Regional Representatives. The team work hard to deliver training, regional and national events. Whether you want to play around on the water at your local club or join in some of the most competitive junior racing around the UK, everyone is welcome to join. 

If you are interested in finding out more about Optimist sailing, your local sailing club is a great place to start. You can find a list of sailing clubs with Optimist sailors on the regions page. Depending on where you are in the country the next steps may be obvious. If your local club has an active Optimist fleet then you would be wise to start there, if it doesnt then please contact your Regional Representative, these are current Optimist parents who have kindly volunteered to advise and support Optimist sailors in their area. Theyll have lots of local contacts and information and would be a great way to get up to speed with whats going on in your area. The Regional Reps can be contacted through the regions page and coaching dates in your region can be found in the training calendar.

Alternatively, you can contact the Class Development Officer through the contacts page who would be very happy to point you in the right direction.

Finally, the Class has a Facebook page which will give you a feel for what is going on nationally and might allow you to make connections with other Optimist sailors in your local area.

Its such a supportive and friendly community, do reach out and make contact.

Last updated 8:39am on 17 June 2026