Boat Descriptions
The Gorge Sailing Center utilizes a number of different boats for its learn-to-sail classes including the Optimist Dinghy, the O’pen Skiff (formally known as the O’pen BIC), the Club 420, and a Santana 20. Please scroll down for more details on each of these boats.
Optimist Dinghy aka Opti
“Originally designed in 1947, the Optimist Dinghy has become the world standard as both the introductory junior trainer and a premier one design racing class. It is the only sailboat designed specifically for children allowing them to learn the essentials of sailing without danger or fear. It is also the biggest and fastest growing racing class in the world with over 300,000 hulls built worldwide.” - http://www.optistuff.com/info/boats.html
Opti Specs:
Length: 7.7 ft | Width: 3.7 ft
Sail Area: 35ft2
Hull Weight: 77lb
Suggested sailor weight range: up to 130lbs
O’pen Skiff (O’pen BIC)
“Designed specifically for juniors, our [O’pen BIC] little dinghy has blown a big breath of fresh air through our sailing world, close to the new-generation skiff concept, very fast and very simple. 100% open, self-bailing, rapid and responsive, with an up-to-date versatile rig, the O’pen BIC offers kids a machine that delivers maximum fun while helping them learn the skills and reflexes to enjoy racing on current, high-performance equipment. Hundreds of sailing clubs around the world have opted for the O’pen BIC, for a new, fun way of teaching sailing to appeal to youngsters attracted to new sail sports.” - https://www.bicsport.com/open-bic.html
O’Pen Bic Specs:
Length: 9 ft | Width: 3.7 ft
Sail Area 4.5m2
Hull weight: 98 lbs
Suggested sailor weight: 65 lbs to 140 lbs
Club 420
“The Club 420 is a two person dingy which forms the base of many local, high school and collegiate programs in North America. Simple for beginning sailors and yet challenging enough for collegiate champions. The Club 420 offers more learning opportunities than any other double-handed boat. Over 5,000 Club 420s are sailed in youth, high school and collegiate programs all over the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.” - https://club420.org
Santana 525
Our 25-foot Santana is a responsive, performance-oriented keelboat that’s perfectly suited for learning to sail on the dynamic waters of the Columbia River Gorge. Designed with a stable fin keel and balanced rudder, the Santana offers the excitement of true performance sailing while remaining forgiving and confidence-inspiring for new sailors.
At about 25 feet long, it comfortably accommodates an instructor and several students, providing hands-on experience at the helm, trimming sails, and managing boat balance. On the windy Columbia River, the boat’s lively feel helps students quickly understand sail shape, teamwork, and how to harness the Gorge’s steady breeze.
The Santana delivers real sailing—powered by wind, teamwork, and skill—making it an ideal platform for adult learners ready to build confidence and competence on the water.