The mission of the Horizon Program is to help put eager sailors looking for further development on the right path to being higher-level Optimist racers by offering regionally-based practice opportunities with top Optimist coaches.

Weekend practices or micro-clinics will be scheduled in areas across the country that may not have access to high-level coaching to help educate and elevate youth sailors, parents, and sailing programs to the next level.

Youth sailors and parents will also become more familiar with the process to qualify for our ODP2 Program, US International Teams, US National Team, and beyond.

• To enhance sailors’ development at regional clinics, providing detailed feedback and ongoing dialogue from coaches

• To develop and prepare sailors for a future invitation to the US Optimist Development Team and the USNT
• To create pathways for sailors to other classes of youth racing

• To educate host venues, programs, parents, and sailors about goal setting within the 
Optimist Class 

• To create sailors well versed in the fundamentals of sailboats and sailing

• To educate and develop sailors, not just within the realm of their sailing skills but also their soft skills
• To give youth sailors the skills to play for life


Any club or organization that wishes to host a Horizon Program practice in their region will have access to USODA-approved coaches who will travel to your area and run a weekend clinic for your sailors.  

All sailors who have not qualified for either the Development Team or USNT and who are actively participating in a red, white, or blue fleet.

These sailors should be dedicated and motivated to continue perfecting their sailing skills, and should own their own boat and gear. 

USODA DEVELOPMENT CHAIRWOMAN - CAMBREY ROGERS

NATIONAL CO-DIRECTORS OF DEVELOPMENT - SCOTT LINDLEY & MACKENZIE MCGUCKIN