Garda Optimist Academy

Coach Gesi Report: "Today marks the end of a three-day clinic with the young Canadian athlete: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, always divided into two parts of the day.
In the mornings, always from 9:00 to 12:00 with fairly sustained wind, the first day we focused a lot on tacks and gybes.
On Monday afternoon, we worked even more on double tacks and double penalty turns, with debriefings and video analysis both in the morning and afternoon.
On Tuesday morning, again with a 9:00 departure and three hours on the water, we worked on sail trim, bailing water (because there was wind), and buoy roundings—both upwind and at the gate, to the right and left.
In the afternoon, after about an hour of rest, we focused on starts, also competing against a small group of kids from Salò—young cadets.
It was still useful to lay buoys and practice starts against others, not alone.
On Wednesday morning, the wind was a bit shifty, not very strong, and it dropped a little early; we launched at 9:00 as usual and spent two hours and fifteen minutes on the water.
Then we came back in and did circuit training in the Univela gym here.
It was really nice because we worked 40 minutes on the circuit training.
After lunch, in the afternoon with nice steady breeze, we trained for one hour and 45 minutes.
Finally, we held the closing debrief to wrap up the camp.
With more wind, we practiced starting maneuvers, water bailing maneuvers, penalty turns, as well as tacks and gybes, of course."

https://gardaoptimistacademy.com/custom-clinic-report-canadian-athlete-at-garda-optimist-academy/

Optimist Clinic with Reka Karè 7-9 November 2025 @ Campione del Garda

Are you ready to take your Optimist sailing to the next level? Join us for an unforgettable 3-day clinic with Reka Karè, designed especially for sailors who want to sharpen their technique, tactics, and race strategy.

📅 Dates: 7-9 November 2025 (arrival & boat prep starting 6 November)
📍 Location: Garda Optimist Academy, Campione del Garda

What’s included:
• Daily on-water training sessions
• Manoeuvre & start work
• Video debriefs & classroom lessons
• Personalized coaching to boost your performance
• Option to include accommodation & charter boat

Who is it for?
This clinic is perfect for Optimist sailors who want to improve specific aspects of their preparation, technique, tactics, and strategy. 

Schedule highlights:
• Day 1 (7 Nov): Training, debriefing
• Day 2 (8 Nov): More on-water work + classroom analysis
• Day 3 (9 Nov): Final session, wrap-up & debrief at 15:30


Why train with Reka Karè?
Reka brings international experience and a passion for helping young sailors grow. Her approach is built on effort, will, and proven techniques. 

More info & booking: Garda Optimist Academy Clinic Page https://gardaoptimistacademy.com

For Sale: Brand-New Optimist Dinghy – Never Used

Fully equipped Optimist dinghy, never touched the water – perfect for junior sailors or clubs.

Includes:
• Hull with DSK 3 rudder and daggerboard
• Optimax racing rig – mast, boom, sprit
• CD Sails mainsail (Medium or Power)
• Launching trolley, cover, and full accessories (paddle, bailers, hiking strap, painter line, blocks, sheets, padded rudder/daggerboard bag)

Top Quality: Optimax spars and CD Sails are world-class, built for performance and durability.

Ready to sail – no extra purchases needed.

📞 Contact us for details or to arrange a viewing.

https://gardaoptimistacademy.com/lab/charter/brand-new-optimist-nautivela/

Optimist Clinic 17-19 October in Campione del Garda with Simone Gesi! Registrations are open!

https://gardaoptimistacademy.com/lab/clinics/2025/optimist-clinic-17-19-october-2025-with-simone-gesi/

Univela.org

Lake Garda: the best classroom for future champions.
Garda Optimist Academy Clinic Univela, August 29–31

Three intense days with Coach Simone Gesi and 11 young sailors who trained in the rain, battled strong northerly winds up to 25 knots, and surfed big waves.
More than 4 hours on the water each day, followed by video debriefings and theory sessions.
Some sailors chose to charter Univela’s brand-new Nautivela Optimists, training at the highest level with top-quality equipment.

A challenging but rewarding experience: our athletes showed courage, teamwork, and true passion for sailing!

https://gardaoptimistacademy.com/garda-optimist-academy-clinic-at-univela-august-29-31-2025/

Optimist Clinic Registrations are open! Join Simone Gesi in Campione del Garda 29-30-31 August. www.gardaoptimistacademy.com

Optimist Clinic 12-14 September 2025 with Maurizio Bencic in Campione del Garda.
For Optimists who want to improve specific aspects of their preparation, technique, tactics, and strategy.

Reserve your spot: https://gardaoptimistacademy.com/lab/clinics/2025/optimist-clinic-12-14-september-2025-with-maurizio-bencic/

Learn from the best coach at the Garda Optimist Academy in Campione del Garda

Clinic in Campione del Garda with Coach Marcello Meringolo 2-4 May 2025