NZIODA in collaboration with clubs around New Zealand, NZIODA will run two clinics this season.
Registrations are now OPEN
The NZIODA South Island Clinic is hosted by South Island Yacht Clubs who are currently active in the Opti scene. The current rotation is between Queen Charlotte Yacht Club (QCYC), Charteris Bay Yacht Club (CBYC) and Nelson Yacht Club. Recent venues have included the CBYC in Lyttelton Harbour, QCYC in Picton, Wainui in Akaroa Harbour and Mistletoe Bay in the Queen Charlotte Sound.
This year sees the event return to being hosted by Nelson Yacht Club. It will be a non-residential Clinic sailed out of the Nelson club itself, with plenty of accommodation options nearby for families who come from outside of Nelson.
The clinic will cater to all Opti sailors from those starting out in Green Fleet, dipping their toes into racing in the White Fleet, as well as for the more experienced Open Fleet sailors.
The goals of the clinic are:
- For Opti sailors from around the South Island and wider NZ to come together for a unique enjoyable three days of sailing and off water activities.
- To give sailors from different clubs and regions the opportunity to meet new people and make new friendships.
- To provide South Island Opti sailors access to some highly experienced coaches.
Nelson Yacht Club
Nelson Yacht Club is located on the Nelson waterfront, with direct access to sheltered waters inside the harbour as well as more challenging sailing conditions in Tasman Bay.
Location & Sailing Waters – Nelson Yacht Club
It is a great place to develop sailing and racing skills in all sorts of conditions. Sea breeze sailing in the expansive Tasman Bay is as good as it gets.
Visitor Information – Nelson Yacht Club
What will my Sailor Learn?
Sailors will work with a mixture of coaches in small groups of approximately 6 sailors.
Some of the topics covered will be:
- Becoming an independent Opti Sailor
- Learning and improving sailing fitness
- Destination sailing
- Presentations on themes such as nutrition, tactics, strategy, rules
- Key technique and boat handling skills
- Set up and boat speed
- Starting skills
- Routines
- Understanding the wind
Date: Sunday 17 December through to Tuesday 19 December 2023
Places:
This clinic can only accommodate up to 30 sailors, so get in quick! Priority will be given to sailors from the South Island.
Start and Finish times:
The clinic will begin at 9am on Sunday 17 December and finish at approximately 4 pm on Tuesday 19 December 2023.
Cost:
$330. This will include a 30% non-refundable deposit if the sailor cancels up to 10 days prior to the clinic. Any refunds for cancellations received within 10 days of the clinic starting will be at NZIODA’s discretion.
Late Payment:
All payments received after 3 December will incur a late payment fee.
Registration:
Registrations are open NOW and close on Friday 17 November 2023. Any entries received after this date will be at the discretion of NZIODA and will incur a late penalty fee of 30% of the registration cost.


NZIODA initiated the annual North Island Training Camp programme a few years ago and this has been extended to all Optimist sailors in New Zealand to attend.
The North Island Camp is held at Eastern Beach, Willow Park. This camp has traditionally been run by KYC, MBSC and WBC (in a three year cycle) in conjunction with NZIODA.
This year we welcome Royal Akarana Yacht Club as hosts for the first time. Sailors live-in at the camp for the duration of the four days with parentse pitching in to perform some of the camp duties.
Willow Park, Eastern Beaches, Auckland
This camp venue, straight across the road from the beach, is fully catered and facilities include dorms, dining, meeting hall and gymanasium.
Willow Park is an ideal location to learn and practice sailing skills. This area presents quite varied conditions due to its land features which help sailors to develop wind reading skills.
It is also a great location to explore some of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf for a destination sail.
What will my Sailor Learn?
This camp provides sailors from throughout New Zealand the chance to meet and learn from these experienced coaches who will work alongside club coaches with small groups of approximately 6 sailors with the following goals in mind:
- To make new friends from around NZ
- Becoming an independent Opti Sailor
- Learning and improving sailing fitness
- Destination sailing
- Presentations on themes such as nutrition, tactics, strategy and rules
- Set up and boat speed
- Routines
- Understanding the wind
- Key technique and boat handling skills
- Starting skills
Date: 9 to 12 January 2024
Start time 9.00 am on Tuesday 9 Jan and finishing on Friday 12 Jan at 4 pm.
Cost: $630. This will include a 30% non-refundable deposit if the sailor cancels up to 10 days prior to the clinic. Any refunds for cancellations received within 10 days of the clinic starting will be at NZIODA’s discretion.
Going to P Nationals ?
You can also attend the North Island Clinic 10 to 12 January for $530.00
Registration: Will open 25 September, 2023 and close on Friday 24 November 2023. Any entries received after this date will be at the discretion of NZIODA and will incur a late penalty fee of 30% of the registration cost.
Late Payment: All payments received after 24 November 2023 will incur a late payment fee.
OWNZ Boats: NZIODA have a number of boats that can be hired for this event for those travelling outside of the Auckland area. Priority will be given to those sailors from the South Island. Please note that these are popular so it is highly recommended to book early to avoid disappointment.
Register HERE for the 2024 North Island Clinic
Video from NZIODA North Island Clinic 2020
Video from NZIODA North Island Clinic 2017
NZIODA Clinic 2023
NZIODA Clinic 2022
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