There is more than one way to get to the top of the sailing world. Shared here is the most basic principals of youth sailing and the progressive steps to take. Note every sailor is the same and some may take longer than others to achieve their goals.
Learn to Sail
This can be with a sailing camp or through private or group lessons. It is important to get your feet wet with the basics and learn to love the sport.
Intro to racing
You will want to join a green fleet or intro to racing team or stop in for a few practices. This will give you a brief overview of what it is like to race and will start to prepare you for your first regatta.
Small Local Regattas
This may be your local club regatta or neighboring club regatta. This is meant to be a low stress environment so that your sailor can learn the ropes and get the basics down. You may want to do a handful of these before moving on to the next step.
Regional regattas
These regattas may involve some travel and are normally part of a larger regional organization. Charleston regional orginazation is SAYRA (South Atlantic Yacht Racing Association). This organization helps bring in the region by having a series of regattas in our neighboring states. These are great events to get the feel of traveling and competing. Once you start to rise to to the top of the fleet at the regional regattas it may be time to start thinking about National Regattas.
National Regattas
National regattas are much bigger events than the previous regional events you may have been attending. USODA (United States Optimist Dinghy Association) regattas may have upwards of 200 boats. The green fleet is also very competitive and sometimes recommended that you step down to green fleet for your first national or USODA level regatta.
Team Trials
Team Trials is the reason opti sailors are attending national level regattas. To qualify to attend the team trials you must finish in the top 25% of a USODA event or the top 50% at nationals. Team trials is where the national team and international teams are seeded for the following year. The event is held in late April too early May.
International Regattas
This is where you will get all of the fancy Team USA gear and get to represent the USA in an international event. You either qualify at Team Trials or the Spring Team qualify. These are the 2 events to qualify for international teams.