How to Set Up an Optimist Dinghy: Tips & Tricks with Briggs | Harken Blockheads

Briggs Kossman — also known as @SailBriggs on social media — spent time with Harken Blockheads to share his fine-tuned Optimist (Opti) rigging and setup for racing. In this video, Briggs walks through his complete Optimist dinghy setup, breaking down how to rig and optimize your Opti for peak performance on the racecourse. From sail ties and hardware setup to on-the-water organization, Briggs dives into the small details that can make a big difference — helping you unlock that extra knot of boat speed. Whether you’re looking to level up your racing performance or just getting familiar with the Optimist class, this walkthrough offers practical tips for sailors, parents, and coaches alike. This video is part of Harken Blockheads, a free community dedicated to supporting youth sailors as they learn to build, maintain, and set up their own equipment with confidence. Join today for free and receive a free Blockheads starter kit (currently shipping only to those in the U.S.). Join Harken Blockheads HERE: https://harkenblockheads.com/join.php Follow us on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/harkenblockheads/?hl=en