Optimist ropes guide
Hello everyone!
Recently, I wondered if there’s a comprehensive guide on the ropes used in Optimist sailing. I never specifically searched for one, but while drafting this article, I looked around and mostly found partial information. So today’s article idea is to compile a complete overview of all the ropes used in an Optimist—everything in one place and in Hungarian.
For clarity, I’ve grouped the ropes based on their location and function:
Rope Categories by Location:
- Hull Ropes
- Rigging Ropes (Boom and Mast)
- Sail Ropes
Note: Many ropes today come in spliceable versions (for items like the cunningham, gaff, and bridle), so I’ve measured the lengths of these ropes for you as well.
Some ropes in an Optimist are subject to class rules specifying their length, diameter, and even certain properties. Most of these requirements are in section 3.5.5 of the class rules, though other sections sometimes reference specific ropes. Is the rulebook saved on your phone?
Hull Ropes
A few words about the hull ropes: for the sheet
(sott) rope, you’ll notice there are at least three variations. If you add an
extra purchase (e.g., changing from 3:1 to 4:1), the original length might not
be enough to let the boom extend fully out to the side, especially if you want
it beyond 90 degrees in heavy wind. But in strong wind, this might not always be
the goal!
Rigging Ropes (Boom and Mast)
Summary
Seeing all the ropes laid out like this gives a
good sense of just how much rigging an Optimist requires. I measured each rope
multiple times, so the lengths should be accurate. However, if you find that
one doesn’t work quite right, let me know the correct length, and I’ll update
the table.
Using this overview, you can prepare replacement ropes at home, saving valuable time before heading out to the water—both for your coach and your team!
