Welcome back to another Spring season of MudRatz racing!

We hope that you had a good time on the water and that you enjoyed racing. The MudRatz is THE racing team for junior sailors in Eastern Connecticut and Western Rhode Island.

The MudRatz Opti Team is focusing on sailors in the ages of 8 to 14 who have the basic skills of opti sailing and are ready for the next step in racing. We will be working on advanced rigging, sail and boat trim, starting and racing tactics.

In addition to the opti program for the younger sailors, the MudRatz offers racing programs for the older kids in 420’s, Laser Radials and sport boats. We even participated in the Newport-to-Bermuda race with the sailing yacht Spitfire!

This spring, MudRatz is back with its learn-to race program out of Pettipaug Yacht Club.  Opti’s and 420’s will practice on the following Sundays:
4/21
4/28
5/5
5/12
5/19
5/26 (rain day to cover for cancelled sessions)

Opti’s will practice in the morning from 9 to 12
420’s will practice in the afternoon from 1 to 4
Start times are “ready and rigged” times. So arrive at least 30 minutes earlier, but preferably more.

The costs will be $200 per person plus MudRatz annual membership (not included: $15 per sailor or $50 per family).  You must bring your own (class legal) boat, which can be stored at Niantic Bay YC for the duration of the program.

Final (travel) event will be Youth Challenge in Newport RI on 6/8 and 6/99 (additional coaching fees will apply).

The Registration form for the Mudratz spring sessions 2024 is online.

In case you have any questions, please send me a quick message via mudratzopti@gmail.com.
You can also contact me by phone via (908) 487-0364.

Thank you very much.

Mischa van Berkel
MudRatz – Opti Parent Coordinator

Opti Team Registration Link

An annual membership with the MudRatz is required to be part of our team.

Mudratz Membership Link

What to expect and prepare you and your Opti sailor for next…

Please understand that our team is not a learn to sail group… we are a learn to race group.  Most kids start on our team after enjoying a season of racing at the Green fleet level.  During the first practice your child will be evaluated. If it seems they need more coaching to get up to speed with the group we may refer you to private lessons or suggest waiting a season.

Check out our growing FAQ page!

Boats, Gear, and Volunteers…

We expect each sailor to bring their own Optis.

Please make sure kids are dressed for sailing (drysuits in the spring (wetsuits at a minimum), smocks, gloves, boots, hats) as we sail in ALL weather, rain, wind, snow, and sun.  Please send each child with a snack and re-usable water-bottle as well.  Each season we see kids become limited by the clothes they have… dress your child for success… you would not send them onto the ball field without cleats!

Kids should be rigged and ready to launch by the START of practice!  Please get the kids there early enough to be completely ready to sail at the start time of practice. We want to make the most of our time together!

Please ask how you can help… we are a 100% volunteer team and there is always something that needs to be done each week.  We always could use loaner coach boats… they can be left in the water if you have one you can bring over.

Thank you for being part of our team.  We really hope to create a good experience for all the kids!

MudRatz Mission statement: The mission of the MudRatz is to complement local youth sailing programs by enabling sailors to improve as a team and travel around the world.