Hot News from Mclaughlin Boat Works

Spring is upon us and we are already in the second quarter of the year. At McLaughlin we can feel the excitement as Opening Days are announced, clean up days come and go, boats are uncovered and readied for another season. As in past years, McLaughlin is here to support you and the Optimist Class.

Below is a photo sent by OptiDad Hans Van Stekelen Borg of his son Lars. Lars just finished 2nd at Braassemermeer Easter regatta in Holland where Mclaughlin Optis came in 1st (Pieter Goedhart) and 2nd (Lars), as well as 1st Girl (Dana Van der Molen).

Lars VanSteckelenborg in Mclaughlin Opti

If you have a cool pic of you sailing your Opti, please send it to us and we'll try and use it. Smooth sailing!

Teach Sailing the FUN Way

Editor's note: Print this 100 page document out and give to your instructors. It's indispensable! Thank you Rob Crafa and Amy Kellogg for your selfless contribution to sailing!

"Teaching Sailing the Fun Way!" is a compendium of fun and creative teaching techniques that are used by sailing instructors around the country. Many of the activities were contributed by individuals like you.

Over the years each of our programs has developed a collection of games and activities to teach sailing concepts and engage young sailors. From field trips to scavenger hunts, to pirate days to Olympic events, there are an endless assortment of games, crafts, trips and activities that are already a part of many programs. In order to share in the talents and creative energies of our instructors, committees and family members, we are collecting the best of the best. DOWNLOAD PDF FILE

FREE DVD for start-up programs

McLaughlin has a limited number of Opti Class promotional DVDs available to those starting new Opti programs. This DVD helps demonstrate to board members or club membership what an Opti program can be at THEIR club. In just 15 minutes, it captures the excitement of upper-end competition as well as the FUN and skills of the eight year old beginners. The DVD features interviews w/ class leaders and sailors... all having a great time! If you are aware of new start-ups or prospects, please make them aware of this DVD. Call 800-784-6478 for inquiry.
Professionally filmed and edited by ex-OptiDad Jon Fauer at Opti Nationals and Orange Bowl.

Ten commandments of safe sailing

1. Always tell an adult you're sailing
                     That way they can help you
2. Never leave your boat
             It will float when full of water: you won't
3. Wear a flotation device properly
         An unfastened one is worse than useless
4. Check your buoyancy bags
         and their straps and fittings
5. Drink enough water
         Dehydration makes you sick
6. Wear enough clothes (and a hat?)
         Cold and sunstroke make you sick
7. Have two bailers, tied in
           A full boat will float but it's not fun
8. Tie in your daggerboard and mast
           You can't sail without them
9. Tie in your paddle
             It can be your best friend
10. Never wear a damaged drysuit
                     Check the weight of a balloon full of water

BE SAFE THIS SUMMER!

Olimpic's BLACKBULL SAIL tuning guide

By Dragan Gasic

Editor's Note: Dragan is one of the top Opti coaches in the world today. He coached Mattia Pressich to two World Championship wins. Dragan hails from Slovenia.

The new BLACKBULL represents a new direction in the philosophy underlying Olimpic Sails' Optimist sails.
This sail stands out from other x-cut (horizontal cut) sails above all in having the deepest part of the sail shifted much higher and further back than in the renown Red, Bluelight and Blue. This design concept gives it added power and hence a greater propulsive thrust, making it the ideal sail for heavier helmsmen. Indeed, it has been designed for helmsmen weighing more than 46-48 kg. READ ON

	USA newly crowned Nation's Cup winner
L to R: Coach Scott Norman, Max Simmons, Axel Sly, Chris Williford, Duncan Williford, Alex Curtis and Coach Juan Carlos Romero. Congratulations to the winning team at the Nations Cup, part of the 2009 South American Championship in Salinas, Ecuador. Max Simmons was top US sailor for fleet racing in 11th place.

Preseason boat maintenance

How many times have you had a call from the yacht club or coach to discover Johnny's Optimist is broken because of something that you should have/ could have fixed easily before the season? Now, rather than enjoy a beautiful summer afternoon, you're at the club doing fiberglass work rain or shine!

Below is our short list of critical areas you can inspect before the season starts. Granted, some of these repairs may or may not be something you want to tackle, but they are all critical and if inspected and dealt with before the season you are more likely to have breakdown free performance plus save time and money. READ ON

	Early spring Opti sale
Buy a new or chartered McLaughlin Optimist between 3/3/09- 6/1/09 and receive an additional $100 off your purchase price. For further details please contact us at 1-800-784-6478 or spencer@optistuff.com

We hope you have a safe and fun-filled season and we'll see you at one of the dozens of regattas and clinics nationwide.

Sincerely,

Tom Coleman
McLaughlin Boat Works

Save 20%	Reserve your charter for 2009 Nationals at Cabrillo Beach by 5/1 and get a coupon for 20% off your next purchase of Optiparts.
Offer Expires: 5/1/2009. Offer cannot be combined with other promotions.