Optimist Rudders

Attention young sailors, parents, and administrators!

We have an important issue to address – the standard fixed rudder for the Optimist dinghy.

This issue has persisted for decades, and the time has come to rethink the situation and implement a modern, effective solution.

Why is this a problem?

Imagine a driver suddenly finding themselves on the road without the ability to steer. A similar situation occurs when an Optimist approaches the shore – once the rudder is removed, the boat becomes uncontrollable in the surf.

Key challenges faced by young sailors and their coaches:

• Safety risks when launching:
  Children are forced to stand waist-deep in cold water to install the standard rudder on an unstable boat bouncing in the waves. This challenge becomes even greater in strong winds and low temperatures. Even at world championships, young sailors struggle to launch without assistance from coaches and support staff.
• Difficulties with rudder installation:
  Aligning the rudder pins with the transom fittings can be a daunting task, especially when waves and wind constantly move the boat. This frustration discourages many beginners from experiencing the true joy of sailing and may lead them to abandon the sport before fully discovering its excitement.
• Physical challenges for children:
  After installing the rudder, children must quickly climb into the boat while wearing wet and heavy clothing. This can be physically demanding and may deter some from pursuing sailing.
• Health risks:
  Remaining wet throughout training or a race can lead to hypothermia, as the wind cools the sailor’s wet body. Even specialized sailing gear does not always provide adequate protection, potentially leading to long-term health concerns.
• Complicated docking procedures:
  Upon returning to shore, the boat must be stopped at a safe depth to remove the rudder in advance to prevent damage. This complicates the docking process and adds unnecessary challenges.
• Outdated class rules:
  Despite the availability of more convenient and safer solutions, the Optimist class continues to mandate the use of the fixed rudder, creating additional obstacles for young sailors.

We have a solution!

The Optimist class is the most popular youth sailing class in the world, where children take their first steps in sailing. However, the outdated fixed rudder design complicates both launching and docking.

The Dotan Rudder is a modern solution that:

• Simplifies the preparation process for sailing.
• Allows sailors to stay dry when launching and docking.
• Ensures safety and comfort in challenging weather conditions.

Time for Change – for the Safety and Comfort of Young Sailors!

The International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) should consider modern realities and recognize the need for technology that has already proven effective in sailing schools worldwide.

The Dotan Rudder fully complies with class specifications, including shape, weight, and dimensions. Moreover, its lifting mechanism can be locked with a stopper pin, making it identical to the standard rudder accepted by IODA regulations.

Dotan's Kick-Up Solution is a Winner! Design Award METS 2002!

Dotans kick-up rudder system won the Design Award METS 2002 in Amsterdam, Holland, and received the prize for Best Designed Product in the Field of Marine Equipment and Accessories.
Judges at the exhibition appreciated "the advantage of the kick-up rudder system design functionality, originality, innovation, user-friendliness and price/quality ratio".
Every product was judged by an international panel of experts, all professionals in the field of sailing, marine technology, design and marketing.

Watch Out! With this Rudder, Optimists Will Catch On Like Wildfire!

Dotan's revolutionary kick-up rudder is permanently installed on the transom of the Optimist. The dinghy is transported by trailer, dollie or pushed along the sand into the water when the Dotan rudder is in a kick-up position.

As a result, the Optimist world is presented with a GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY thanks to the Dotan kick-up rudder: Sailing Optimists will no longer be restricted to clubs or marinas. Optimists will be able to be sailed ANYWHERE, including in countries with open shores, thereby attracting thousands of children to the sport of sailing.

Check Out These Kids Experiencing Difficulties When Setting Out in an Optimist with a Standard Rudder

Check Out These Kids Experiencing Difficulties When Coming Ashore in an Optimist with a Standard Rudder.

Optimists Permanently Installed with Dotan's Revolutionary Rudder on Dollies and Trailors on Beaches/Slipways

Check Out a Six-Year-Old Child Singlehandedly Flicking Up Dotan's Revolutionary Kick-Up Rudder on an Optimist

                

• After 25 years that the Dotan kick-up rudder has been used at sport schools on the open coasts of USA, France, New Zealand, Malta, etc., it can be said with assurance that the rudder increases the safety of sailing and is convenient both for professional sailors and beginners.
• No sailor has reported being traumatized using the Dotan rudder (as opposed to sailors using the standard archaic rudder). Experienced trainers assert that using the Dotan rudder reduces the risk of accidents when putting out to sea (See Global Acclaim ).
• Children love and are delighted with the easiness with which they can use the rudder. Its simplicity and functional efficiency attract and stimulate children. As a result, children instantly learn to operate the rudder and are attracted to sailing.

Financial Aspect

• You can launch from practically any shore. You do not need to construct slipways, piers or harbors that require huge investments.
• The Dotan rudder is completely adapted to any Optimist and producer for both the racing Optimist and the plastic training Optimist. Sailors and producers do not need to pay for any modifications, as none are required.
• The Dotan's durability dramatically reduces repair and replacement expenses and cuts the regular operational costs of the Optimist boat considerably.

Start the Revolution NOW!

Do not remain silent! Silence is a conspiracy! Break the silence! If you also think the standard non kick-up rudder creates problems and difficulties for children who sail the Optimist, share your thoughts and your experiences with others! Tell others what happened to you with the standard Optimist non kick-up rudder when the water was cold and the wind was blowing and the sea or lake was lumpy.
Inform others that a smart solution is now available, thanks to the technologically brilliant Dotan kick-up rudder!