REGISTRATIONS FOR THE 2027 SOUTH ISLAND CLINIC ARE NOW OPEN!
Welcome to OptiReach ‘27 South! This year the NZIODA South Island Optimist Clinic will be hosted by Nelson Yacht Club on the sparkling waters of Tasman Bay.
A NON residential clinic, it brings together Opti sailors from across New Zealand for four exciting days of sailing.
A Must-Do on the Optimist Calendar
This isn’t just another sailing clinic. It’s an opportunity for young sailors to grow both on and off the water, make new friends from around New Zealand who share a common interest, challenge themselves, make memories and return home ready to tackle the regatta season with confidence and purpose.
With high-quality coaching and a generous subsidy from the OWNZ trust to support grassroots sailing, young sailors are encouraged to get involved and make the most of their Optimist journey.
Harness top-notch coaching. Sharpen sailing skills. Kickstart the regatta season. Build confidence. Develop life-skills. Make friends for life.
He waka eke noa. We are all in this together.
Clinic details.
Where is the clinic held?
The Nelson Harbour and Tasman Bay area is ideal for developing young sailors. It typically has great sea breezes which produce some big wave sailing out in Tasman Bay, but also has flatter and more tidal conditions inside the Harbour. This allows for a variety of conditions to test any sailor and develop a wide range of skills. With its islands and many beaches it is also a great location for a variety of destination sails.
Who are the coaches?
This clinic provides sailors from throughout New Zealand the chance to meet and learn from our experienced and knowledgeable NZIODA coaches who will work alongside club coaches with small groups of approximately 6 sailors.
Our performance coaches have wide-ranging experience, providing plenty of technical knowledge and support while helping sailors progress towards their individual goals, whatever their level.
What level of sailor is the clinic suitable for?
The clinic caters to all Opti sailors, from those starting out in Green Fleet to those dipping their toes into racing in White Fleet, as well as more experienced Open Fleet sailors at the top of our class.
Key Skills & Benefits
Build Independence & Confidence – Learning to set up your own boat and checking that it is seaworthy helps young sailors become more self-reliant, responsible, and confident in their own abilities.
Sharpen Sailing Skills – Practical on-water coaching helps sailors sharpen boat handling, boat speed, starts, tactics, rules, and race craft.
Learn from Experts – Top-notch coaching providing sailors with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to take their sailing to the next level.
Set Goals – The clinic gives sailors a positive kick-start to the regatta season, helping them identify goals, develop a growth mindset, and prepare to work towards their ambitions.
Make Lifelong Friendships – Sharing the highs, challenges, laughs, and experiences with other sailors from around New Zealand during this clinic creates friendships and connections that can last well beyond the sailing season.
Kickstart the Season Ahead – The clinic brings sailors together at the start of the regatta season to build skills, confidence, fitness, motivation, and a clear sense of purpose.
Gain Skills for Life, Not Just Sailing – The independence, discipline, resilience, confidence, goal-setting, and decision-making developed at the clinic are skills that young people can carry into school, sport, work, and life.
Programme highlights:
A destination sail: If conditions allow, a sail to a local island, beach or harbour location.
Presentations: Interactive sessions on themes such as nutrition, tactics, strategy, boat setup, racing, rules, fitness, mindset, and other aspects of the sport.
A one-day practice regatta: If conditions allow, a one-day practice regatta may be held on the last day to help sailors put all of their learning together in an independent, low-key setting.
Post-sailing fun time: Hanging out with mates in sunny Nelson swimming and enjoying the summer with a post sailing BBQ on one night.
Cost/Deposit:
$380 (+ stripe transaction fee)
Deposit – The cost includes 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.
Registration:
Registration will open on Friday 16th October 2026 and close on Friday 18th December, 2026.
Any entries received after December 18th will be at the discretion of NZIODA
and will incur a late penalty fee of 30% of the registration cost.Please note that we will not be including a Tshirt in the clinic cost this year to try to keep our registration price down. These will however be available to purchase after registration.
Soundbites from sailors and parents who’ve attended the clinic
“It is great to see my sailor rigging, launching and packing away independently after they have attended the clinic.”
“Fantastic high quality coaching from a range of different coaches which enabled different ways of explaining things or different tips.”
“Great confidence building!”
“My favourite thing was making new friends and meeting other sailors from outside our club”
“The high level of technical coaching was awesome!”
REGISTER HERE for the 2027 South Island Clinic from 16th October 2026
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