Optimist coach event and sailors clinic
Athens, Greece | 4–7 January 2027
For four days, Athens will become the meeting point for coaches, sailors, designers, builders, and sailing professionals committed to excellence, innovation, and the future of Optimist sailing.
The Optimist Development Week 2027 brings together coaches, sailors, designers, builders, and sailing professionals from across the globe for four days dedicated to learning, training, innovation, networking, and high-performance development. The Events are organized in collaboration between PANICK Sailing and CD SAILS.
CD SAILS Coach Event 5th Edition
CD SAILS Coach Event 5th Edition is designed for coaches who are passionate about continuous learning, innovation, and athlete development.
The CD SAILS Coach Events is the only event in the world that offer high-level training both in the water and on land, with a selection of the best top-level athletes.
Through practical workshops, on-water demonstrations, technical discussions, and collaborative sessions, participants will gain valuable insights into modern coaching methodologies and high-performance Optimist sailing.
This is a dedicated event for coaches only. If a coach brings their own team of athletes, they are invited to sign up for the sailor clinic, which will take place at the same time.
Moderator Coaches
Santiago Lopez - One of the most experienced coaches working with many talented and recognized sailors. Master’s degree in Sport Science, currently CD sails technical expert and responsible of the international CD scouting program. His approach is characterized by technical in depth analysis of all the performance aspects.
Pavlo Dontsov - Internationally recognized Ukrainian Optimist coach and leader of the Optiway team, who regularly coaches at major IODA events. Managing elite, world-class youth sailors, his career highlights include a Female World Champion title in 2025 with Olha Lubianska, a European bronze in 2023, multiple top-6 World Championship finishes, and a World Team Racing vice-championship. His holistic coaching philosophy emphasizes a love for the sport, process enjoyment, and comprehensive technical, physical, and mental preparation, viewing the Optimist class as the foundation for a lifelong sailing journey.
Michele Ricci - One of the most noted international judges, specialized in ‘RULES COACHING’, leading expert of Italian Optimist Association and GAN team. Leading world class expert in team racing. European Team Racing 2025 Champions.
Special Technical Expert
Claudio Demartis, Sail Designer – CD SAILS
Owner of CD Sails, founder of Olimpic Sails. Sailor of many successes at a national and international level, winner of 3 world championships. Sail making experience of more than 40 years. In less than 4 years time his high performing and technical engineering sail designs have brought CD Sails to the leading sail making brand worldwide with double victory in World Championship 2025 by athletes using CD Sails and CD mast. He is currently one of the most up to date experts and advisors of the newes technical features and equipment in Optimist class.
Other guest experts may be added closer to event
Topics & Training Areas
- Handling versatility
- Downwind handling
- Scouting observations
- Weight and settings
- Feedbacks (sailor/coach)
- Preparation for a sailing day
- Maneuvers
- Team race
Entry Fees
€420 + VAT (if applicable) per participant. The entry fee includes access to all workshops, on-water demonstrations, technical presentations, and event activities throughout the four-day program.
Exclusive benefits for Coaches
Coaches attending will have the opportunity to evaluate and purchase selected CD SAILS products at special prices.
- Optimist Sail: €280 (without sail numbers)
- Optimist Mast: €240
VAT and shipping costs are not included. Participants may purchase one item of each model/type at the special test price. Multiple units of the same model are not eligible for the test program. To receive sails or masts during the event, orders must be placed by 20th November 2026. Orders placed after this date will be shipped following the event. The special test offer remains valid until 31th January 2027.
Networking
To enhance the overall experience and encourage networking among participants, two traditional Greek dinners will be organized during the event to have fun all together!!!
Event Dinners
📅 4 January 2027
📅 6 January 2027
Dinner costs are not included in the event entry fee and will be paid directly at the venue. Estimated cost: €25–30 per person per dinner. Confirm your presence in the registration form.
Athens International Optimist Sailor Clinic (AIOC) 4th Edition
Running in parallel with the Coaches Event, the Athens International Optimist Clinic (AIOC) offers sailors a unique opportunity to train in a high-performance international environment alongside athletes from different countries.
Head Coach
Omari Scott - Coach of one of the country’s top-performing teams CORAL REEF YACHT CLUB consistently qualifying numerous athletes for major IODA events and achieving top results in major national and international competitions.
North American and World Championship ‘26 coach with 3 CORAL REEF YACHT CLUB sailors taking 1st 2nd 3rd place in Team Trials and qualifying for WC ’26 USA team.
World Championship ‘25 USA team coach - bronze medal winners in Team Race.
Topics & Training Areas
Indicative training areas may include:
- Boat handling and boat speed
- Starting techniques and acceleration
- Upwind and downwind performance
- Tacking and jibing efficiency
- Racing strategy and tactics
- Fleet positioning and decision-making
- Mark roundings
- Wind awareness and racecourse management
- Equipment setup and optimization
- Mental preparation and championship routines
- Performance analysis and video debriefing
- Teamwork, communication, and athlete development
Entry Fees
€320 + VAT (if applicable) per sailor: the entry fee includes participation in all on-water training sessions, technical workshops, coaching activities, and performance analysis sessions throughout the four-day clinic.
Accommodation, meals, transportation, and optional social activities are not included in the entry fee. Charter boat is available with extra cost.
How to Apply
REGISTRATION FORM
The Google Form link will be available from August 1st.
Participation in the Optimist Development Week 2027 is limited in order to ensure a high-quality learning and training environment for both coaches and sailors.
Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
We strongly encourage interested coaches and sailors to register early in order to secure their place. The number of participants is limited.
Event Venue
Hosted by Nautical Club of Amfitheas
The Optimist Development Week 2027 will be hosted at N.O. Amfitheas, one of the most active sailing clubs in Athens, offering excellent facilities and direct access to the Saronic Gulf, providing ideal conditions for both training and educational activities.
Nautical Club of Amfitheas, Paleo Faliro 175 10, Greece
Getting There
Organized transportation from Athens International Airport is not provided. However, if you require assistance reaching the venue, please contact us and we will be happy to help whenever possible.
Participants may also use public transportation:
- Bus: X96 Airport – Piraeus line
- Metro & Tram: Metro from Athens International Airport to Syntagma Station or Tram from Syntagma to Trokantero
- Airport Transfers: A van transfer service between Athens International Airport and N.O. Amfitheas can be arranged upon request.
Transfer service is available at an additional cost and is not included in the event entry fee.
Please contact the organizers in advance to arrange your transfer. Send a Mail to: panicksailing@gmail.com
Contact & Registration
Drop us an email:
Message us on WhatsApp or call:
PANICK SAILING- Nikos: +30 694 720 0197
PANICK SAILING - Panagiotis: +30 697 931 3463
CD SAILS- Zane: +39 327 731 0725
For more information regarding registration, accommodation, transportation, or event details, feel free to contact us.