Sailing course Optimist
Optimist course on 3 levels, from ages 8 to12
Are you between 8 and 12 years old and want to learn to sail? At Watersportcentrum Sloterplas, we offer Optimist Sailing Courses at three different levels to help you become an experienced youth sailor. You’ll learn to sail the Optimist independently, using various sailing techniques, maneuvers, and theory. All this under the professional guidance of experienced instructors in small groups of enthusiastic sailors.
Sailing course Optimist level 1, 2 & 3
Level 1 – Beginner
Within the first level, you will learn the basic principles of sailing. You will learn to gain control of the boat and to feel safe in it. At Level 1, you start with little to no experience, and you will finish as a beginner sailor who has mastered the basic techniques.
These will be taught during the course through training sessions, mini-competitions, and games. Of course, you will also learn some theory, such as knots and a few rules of the road on the water.
This beginners course is also perfect when you have done a Splashweek!
Level 2 – Intermediate
Now that you are a beginner sailor and have mastered the basics, you can progress to Level II. This follow-up course builds on Level I and focuses on sailing the boat independently, with new maneuvers waiting for you. This is supplemented with relevant theory and knots.
Level 3 – Advanced
After obtaining your Level I and II diplomas, you can call yourself a practiced sailor. Level III will help you become an advanced, independent sailor. Changing weather conditions will no longer deter you, and new sailing techniques will be a piece of cake for you.
You can book this lessons from mid-January again!
Experience
No sailing experience needed
A swimming certificate is required
Duration
8 weeks
Commitment
1 weekly training on Saturday
Location
Watersportcentrum Sloterplas
Christoffel Plantijngracht 4
1065 DA Amsterdam
Map & directions
Data courses 2026
Spring: 9 May– 27 June
Autumn: 5 Sep – 24 Oct
The lessons are on Saturday
First sailing lesson
Be present 5 minutes before class begins. You can check in with the head instructor.
Location
There are changing rooms with showers/toilets, and lockers are available for valuable items. The Boothuis café and restaurant is there for the whole family and features a beautifully located terrace by the water’s edge.
With the heart of Amsterdam just a stone’s throw away, you can easily escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy a relaxing sailing lesson.
Clothing
It is always handy to bring a set of dry clothes (don’t forget a towel!) and functional clothing. If it rains, bring rain gear, and above all, dress warmly. The lesson always continues.
