The O’pen Skiff sailing dinghy is a breath of fresh air for junior sailing. Based on a modern skiff concept, the O’pen Skiff is very fast, very simple, and very FUN to sail! The self-bailing open transom hull is rapid and responsive, with a modern rig that’s rugged and versatile.
O’pen Skiff offers kids a small beginner sailboat that teaches the skills, balance, and reflexes so they can progress to other modern, high-performance and Olympic Class equipment. Hundreds of sailing clubs around the world have adopted the O’pen Skiff, for a new, fun way of teaching and inspiring kids for sailing.
The O’pen Skiff has also upended the traditional race scene, with modern race formats and simplified rules that focus more on fun and skill development than just race results. Innovative courses and rules, on-water refereeing, and even freestyle encourage participation and a variety of sailing skills. At the international level, the class is more action-packed than ever, with an ever-increasing calendar of international regattas and events. Very popular in North America, the O’pen Skiff was uniquely selected for the 35th America’s Cup Half Time Show in Bermuda, where 32 youngsters from all over the world put on an amazing show for the thousands of spectators.
What’s the bottom line about the O’pen Skiff ? Kids LOVE them.
What’s included:
Open Skiff Daggerboard Complete
Open Skiff Rudder Complete
Rig 4.5 O’pen Skiff
Hull
FAQ
Is the O’pen Skiff stable?
Yes, the “chine bilge” of the O’pen Skiff hull design gives the boat a very stable platform for sailing. On the water, the boat heels in the wind until it balances on its bilge remaining stable and easy to sail.
Is the O’pen Skiff easy to rig?
Yes, there are no shackles or complicated rigging systems on the O’pen Skiff. The O’pen Skiff can be rigged and on the water in less than 2 minutes! With the boom already attached to the sail, you simply slide the mast up the luff pocket of the sail, attach the rig to the hull with the two snap hooks at the main sheet and Cunningham, tension the Cunningham with the pull handle and go!
Is the O’pen Skiff fragile?
No, the O’pen Skiff is manufactured in thermoformed polyethylene, a material that is very resistant to impact shocks and abrasion. BIC Sport has been building products in this material for over 30 years, and some of these products are still being used on the water! Also of note is that contrary to products built in polyester, polyethylene is a material that is 100% recyclable. The O’pen Skiff is built with the philosophy of sustainable development.
Is it easy to right the boat after capsize?
Yes, the cockpit of the O’pen Skiff is 100% self draining, meaning that there is never any water in the bottom of the boat either during sailing or after capsize. Furthermore, with its light weight and stable “chine bilge” design, even when the sailor is in the water the hull turns immediately into the wind, re-rights easily and provides a stable platform for getting back into the boat. Getting back in is easy via the stern of the boat which is completely open (hence the name O’pen Skiff).
Can an adult sail in the O’pen Skiff?
Yes, as long as he weighs less than 65 kg (the ideal sailor weight for the O’pen Skiff).
Can two kids sail together in the O’pen Skiff?
Our testing shows that the boat is still stable with 2 kids onboard providing that their total weight does not exceed 90 kg.