A development of the single-handed Optimist dinghy has appeared in New Zealand that converts the boat into a two-handed, planing junior dinghy with a bow!
When his young son asked why Optimists didn’t have a pointy bow like other boats, Matthew Mason developed a clip-on bow and a new rig which can be handled by two lighter kids or one heavier kid.
Mason, a professional boat builder made a presentation on his development at the World Sailing Conference in Mexico earlier this month. He believes the add-on 'could potentially fill in some gaps with children in sailing'.
Listen in to Mason's presentation 'Dad, why doesn't my Optimist have a bow?' below. It also includes video of the 'O-Pro' sailing