Owner Information
Hull Identification Number:
OQT__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Purchased From: Date of Purchase:
Contact Name:
Phone #:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Hull Color: Sail #:
Registration Information (if applicable)
Trailer VIN #:
License Plate Number: Licensing State:
Registration Number: State of Registration:
Insurance Information:
Maintenance
It is important to take proper care of your sail in order for it to last longer and perform to the standard
that they were designed for. Follow these simple tips to help extend the life of your sail.
1. If you are sailing in salt water, be sure to rinse out your sail with fresh water after every use.
Dacron sails do not absorb water or salt but the salt will dry on the sail making them stiff. The salt in
humid weather can attract moisture that may lead to mildew on your sail.
2. To wash your sail, NEVER machine wash them. Doing so will damage the material as well as remove
the finish of the sail. If your sail becomes dirty, clean it with a mild dish detergent and rinse with fresh
water. Do not bleach or use other harsh chemicals on the sail for they can also ruin the finish,
decreasing the life of the sail. It is not recommended to store your sail wet, doing so is an invitation
for mildew to grow.
3. It is not recommended to dry your sail in the sun because other then when in use, over exposure of
UV rays will slowly break down the material of the sail. Be aware of the surface that you are drying your
sail on as asphalt and other parking lot surfaces are very abrasive to the sail material and may contain
chemicals (i. e. oil) that can damage the sail. Avoid unnecessary flapping of the sail for it will greatly
reduce the life of the sail.
4. Rolling your sail is highly recommended. Crumpling a sail will crack the finish of the material which
quickly reduces the life of the sail. Purchasing a Optimist sail and spar bag is highly recommended and
are available through your local dealer.
5. Make sure to regularly inspect your sail for loose or torn stitching or small tears in the cloth. Have
any stitching or tears repaired by a local sailmaker before they become more of a problem.
Before Launching:
* Wear your life jacket
* Make sure that you
are wearing the
appropriate clothing
for the conditions that
you are sailing in
* Be sure to check the
weather report before
going sailing
* Stay hydrated and
bring plenty of water
* Wear plenty of
sunscreen
* Make sure that all
three air bags are fully
inflated
* Depending on the
depth of the water,
begin to slide the
daggerboard into the
trunk. Once you are in
deep enough water
lower completely
* Have Fun!
Fact or Fiction:
The original design of
the Optimist was
modeled after the
popular shape of the
classic soapbox racer?
Visit
www.teamvanguard.com
to submit your answer
to the Optimist “Fact
or Fiction” question
and register to be
entered into a raffle
drawing.
When you approach shallow water, begin to pull up the daggerboard as much as possible without
obstructing the boom and remove the rudder. After hopping out of the boat, detach the mainsheet
shackle from the bridle. Remove the daggerboard and rudder and place it in the cockpit. It is
suggested to rinse your boat and sails with fresh water especially if you are sailing in salt water. It is
also suggested to allow the sail to dry before rolling. After drying, untie the mast retaining line and
release the lower sprit halyard. Remove the sprit. Untie the knot in the end of the vang line, remove
the line from the cleat. Untie one end of the boom jaw retainer and secure the free end around one of
the sail ties. Keeping the boom jaw retainer attached to the boom will help reduce the risk of losing the
line. Un-hook the boom from the mast. It is suggested to remove the sail from the mast and boom and
roll separately. A Optimist sail/spar bag is a convenient way to safely store your sail and spars.
It is also highly suggested to purchase covers for both the hull and blades in order to protect your boat
from natural elements. A wide variety of accessories are available for purchase through your local
Vanguard dealer.
De-rigging:
Sail Care:
SEITECH
dollies are the easy-to-use, light-weight, small boat
transportation solution. The Optimist dolly has been designed
specifically to fit and support the shape of the hull. SEITECH dollies
allow you to spend less time getting your boat to and from the
water and more time on the water.
www.seitech.com
Vanguard equips our Optimist with the highest quality parts available from the top suppliers. We partner
with key suppliers such as English Braids, North Sails and Harken to develop top of the line dinghy
equipment so your boat will perform at the highest level with the factory supplied rope, sails, and
hardware. Shop at an authorized Vanguard Dealer to be sure you are getting genuine Vanguard parts and
accessories. Visit www.teamvanguard.com to find your local dealer.
