Time to Take Your Sailing Performance to the Next Level

Are you an Optimist sailor who’s tired of putting in the hours but not seeing the results? Do you dream of standing on the podium but feel like it's always just out of reach?

You're not alone. Many young sailors pour their hearts and souls into the sport, but they hit a wall. They practice hard, maybe even attend expensive clinics, but they're still stuck in the middle of the pack.

It's frustrating. You know you’ve got the potential, but something is holding you back. You see other sailors, maybe with fancier gear or expensive coaches, consistently beating you. And you wonder, "What are they doing that I'm not?"

Or maybe you're a parent, watching your kid struggle. You see their passion, their dedication, but you also see their disappointment when their hard work doesn't translate into results. You want to help, but you don't know how.

Here’s the truth…

Competitive sailing isn’t just about hard work. It’s about working smart. It’s about having a plan – a step-by-step roadmap that gives you the tools to not only compete but to win. That’s where Road To Gold: Optimist Edition comes in.

This is more than just a training course. It’s a complete toolkit – the most comprehensive, actionable resource ever created for Optimist sailors.

It’s a complete toolkit, designed to help ambitious young sailors who want to move beyond incremental gains and unlock their full potential on the racecourse.

Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for the top of the fleet, Road To Gold: Optimist Edition gives you the structure, the support, and the step-by-step guidance you need to unlock your full potential on the water.

Road To Gold is a training blueprint built on decades of real-world experience at the highest levels of sailing. Originally developed by Hamish Willcox — a legend who’s coached Olympic champions, America’s Cup winners, and most recently the Spanish SailGP team to victory — Road To Gold was created to solve a simple but stubborn problem: sailors are always obsessing over micro-skills while missing the bigger picture.

Hamish’s answer? The “helicopter view”: a step-by-step, sequential roadmap that covers every aspect of a successful campaign, from the fundamentals to the finer points of race strategy.

The Common Mistakes Holding You Back

Does any of this sound familiar?

Endless practice sessions with minimal results: You’re putting in the hours, but every regatta seems to follow the same pattern. Something’s missing.
You go to a clinic hoping for clarity, but instead you’re pulled in every direction by conflicting advice: You leave overwhelmed – too much information, not enough direction, and no game plan moving forward.
Investing in better gear: Maybe you’ve upgraded your equipment, thinking that’ll give you the edge, only to find out that new sails don’t teach better tactics.
Conflicting advice: You’ve read every sailing guide, watched countless YouTube tutorials, and spoken to various coaches—but all the advice seems to contradict itself.

Here’s the hard truth: more of the same isn’t going to get you different results.

It’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter… by using a proven blueprint.

Imagine What Success Looks Like on the Water

Picture this…

It’s race day. You’re standing on the dock, nerves steady, feeling clear and focused. You’ve studied the weather. You’ve crafted your strategy. You’ve rehearsed your pre-race routine, and you’ve nailed your mental preparation.

As the starting sequence begins, you’re not second-guessing yourself. You’re ready. You’ve positioned yourself perfectly, and when the gun goes off, you explode off the line, clean and fast.

Throughout the race, you’re reading the wind and current with precision. You’re making smart, tactical decisions that keep you ahead of the fleet. By the time you cross the finish line, you’ve earned your spot at the front.

Now imagine doing that consistently – not as a fluke but as the result of a solid process. Imagine developing skills that make you resilient under pressure, adaptable in changing conditions, and respected by your competitors.

This isn’t just about winning trophies. It’s about unlocking your full potential as a sailor and as a person.

What Makes RTG Different?

Unlike one-off clinics or scattered advice from multiple sources, Road To Gold provides:

A clear roadmap: Each chapter builds on the last, creating a logical sequence that ensures you develop a well-rounded skill set.
Expert coaching: Learn from Ton Thörn and Pablo Ruiz – coaches who’ve worked at the highest levels of the sport.
Real-world strategies: This isn’t just theory. It’s battle-tested tactics that have been proven to work in high-pressure regattas.
Ongoing support: Join a community of like-minded sailors, access live Q&A sessions, and stay connected with a network of support.

The core principles of RTG...

Comprehensive: We cover every aspect of Optimist racing, from the fundamentals of boat handling to advanced tactics and strategy.
Structured: The program is divided into 12 easy-to-follow modules, each building on the last. You'll never be overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next.
Practical: We don't just teach theory; we give you actionable exercises and drills you can implement immediately on the water.
Proven: The principles and techniques in this program have been used by top sailors to win championships around the world.
Personal: With access to live Q&A sessions with the best sailors, you get personalised advice and support.

What’s Covered in the Program?

Here’s everything you’ll learn when you join Road To Gold: Optimist Edition…

Principles of Peak Performance: Discover the mindset of a champion and learn how to set effective goals, build resilience, and unlock your full potential.
Fitness: Sail your best by fuelling your body with the right nutrition and building strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Equipment: Optimise your gear for peak performance with expert advice on rigging, maintenance, and tuning.
Boat Handling and Technique: Master fundamental boat handling skills, including steering, trimming, and manoeuvering.
Understanding the Boat: Gain a deep understanding of how your boat works and how to fine-tune it for any condition.
Starting: Learn the secrets to getting off the line cleanly and consistently.
Tactics: Develop tactical awareness and learn how to anticipate shifts, read the fleet, and outmaneuver your competitors.
Strategy: Build a strategic mindset that helps you manage risk, control the race, and play the long game.
Reading the Day: Learn how to analyse weather conditions, assess the racecourse, and develop a winning game plan.
Game Day: Discover how to create a pre-race routine that sets you up for success every time.
Rules: Avoid costly penalties by mastering the racing rules.
Beyond the Optimist Class: Prepare for your future in sailing with insights on transitioning to new classes and continuing your development.

Each chapter builds on the last, to turn you into an all-round effective racer.

How it works...

As part of the very first cohort, you’ll be following the program as it unfolds – one new chapter released each week for 12 weeks, kicking off on Tuesday 8 July and running through to September. This means you can build your skills methodically, in sequence, from the ground up, growing alongside a community of fellow sailors all taking their first steps on the Road To Gold together.

The chapters are packed with different components designed to make the learning stick and actually make an impact on your sailing.

In-depth video lessons featuring expert instruction from Ton Thörn & Pablo Ruiz, along with special guests like Henric Wigforss (2023 World Champ), María Perelló (3x World Champ), Alex Demurtas (European Champ), plus many more
Actionable exercises and drills to help you implement what you've learned on the water.
Downloadable resources, such as checklists, cheat sheets, and templates.
Interactive quizzes to test your understanding and reinforce key concepts.
English subtitles – just send us a request and we can add your language too! (auto-generated)
Real-world examples and case studies from top-level Optimist racing.

Real Results: What Sailors say about Road To Gold

The Road To Gold blueprint isn’t just built for Olympic hopefuls or world champions – it’s for anyone who wants to get more out of their sailing, whether you’re racing for fun at your local club or chasing podiums at the highest level. The same step-by-step approach that’s transformed results for all sorts of sailors – young, old, weekend warriors, and seasoned pros – now powers the Optimist Edition.

Below are just a handful of stories from people who discovered what happens when you follow the right roadmap. Their backgrounds are different, but the outcome is the same: dramatic progress on the water.

What’s the investment?

What is it worth to you to achieve your sailing dreams?

To see your child reach their full potential and experience the thrill of victory?

Private coaching at this level can cost thousands of dollars.

Weekend clinics can run hundreds, and they only offer a temporary boost.

Road To Gold: Optimist Edition gives you access to world-class coaching, a proven system, and ongoing support for a one-time investment of just $397

That's less than the cost of a new sail. And unlike a new sail, the knowledge and skills your young sailor will gain from Road To Gold will last a lifetime.

How long do I have access to the program?

You have lifetime access to the program materials, so you can revisit them whenever you need a refresher.

What if I'm new to racing?

Road To Gold: Optimist Edition is designed for sailors who have some racing experience, but we start with the fundamentals and build progressively. If you're committed to learning, you'll be able to follow along.

Can parents benefit from this program too?

Absolutely! We've included a special bonus just for parents, and the entire program is designed to be understood by anyone, regardless of their sailing experience.

How long will it take to complete the programme?

You set your own pace. Each module comes packed with video lessons, exercises and extra resources, so you can dip in when it suits you. We suggest a couple of hours a week to really get the most out of it.

As part of the first-ever cohort, here’s how it works: starting Tuesday 8 July 2025, we’ll be releasing a new chapter each week for 12 weeks – right through to Tuesday 23 September. You can follow along in real time, join the discussions, and tackle each topic in sequence, week by week. Prefer to binge or revisit later? You’ve got lifetime access, so the choice is yours.

Who are the coaches?

The program is led by Ton Thörn, head coach of the Tropical Vikings Sailing Academy and former coach to the Swedish National Team. He coached Henric Wigforss to the Optimist World Championship title in 2023. Joining him is Pablo Ruiz, an accomplished sailor and experienced coach who has worked with national teams and Olympic hopefuls.

Do I need my own coach to use this program?

No. The program is designed to be comprehensive and self-sufficient, although if you do have a coach you can also follow it in tandem with them.

What if I have technical difficulties?

Our support team is here to help. Simply send us an email at opti@roadtogold.net, and we'll assist you as quickly as possible.

Is there a guarantee?

Yes, we offer a 30-day, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with the program, simply let us know within 30 days of purchase, and we'll refund your money in full.

What you get. Recap of what you get with Road To Gold: Optimist Edition

12 In-Depth Modules: Covering every aspect of Optimist racing.
Expert Instruction: From top Optimist coaches Ton Thörn & Pablo Ruiz and world-class guests.
Actionable Exercises: To help you implement what you learn on the water.
Downloadable Resources: Checklists, cheatsheets, and templates that will get you learning even faster.
Interactive Quizzes: To test your knowledge.
Real-World Examples: To illustrate key concepts.
Bonus #1: Live Q&A Sessions: With top sailors and coaches.
Bonus #2: Race Day Checklist: For foolproof regatta preparation.
Bonus #3: Parent's Guide: To help parents support their young sailors.
Bonus #4: Private Community: Exclusive WhatsApp group for ongoing support and connection.
Lifetime Access: To all program materials.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Try it risk-free.

Investment: $397

For a one-time investment, you’ll receive lifetime access to all 12 chapters, all accompanying bonuses, and ongoing access to new updates and resources.

Get on the Road To Gold:
Optimist Edition 🚀

Time to Take Your Sailing Performance to the Next Level

“Wait… what’s Road To Gold?”

What sets Road To Gold apart?

Now, Road To Gold has been reimagined for the next generation.

The Common Mistakes Holding You Back

Imagine What Success Looks Like on the Water