Bic O'Pen

The O’pen Bic’s got an O’pen transom 

So, what if you capsize an O’pen Bic?

With its lightweight and stable “chine bilge” design, the hull turns immediately into the wind if a sailor falls off. If capsized, the boat re-rights easily and also provides a stable platform for getting back into the boat. Kids don’t need to only climb over the side to get in. They also can climb in the stern because of its O’pen design.

The O’pen Bic looks cool and more…

I can’t help it. I love sailboats with pointy front ends. But more than cool, I see a lot less places to bang an elbow or a knee. Also, the boat begs the new sailor to hike.

Kids new to sailing have a natural inclination to stay within the confines of some hull designs. The O’pen Bic’s design allows for the freedom to slide to the high-side as a kid’s comfort level grows naturally.

What about the rig?

The O’pen Bic can be rigged and on the water in less than 2 minutes. There are no shackles or complicated rigging systems on the O’pen Bic. The boom is attached to the sail—simply slide the mast up the luff pocket of the sail. Then attach the rig to the hull with the two-snap hooks at the main sheet and Cunningham, tension the Cunningham with the pull handle, and go!

Is the O’pen Bic fragile?

No, the O’pen Bic is kid-tested tough. The hull is manufactured in thermoformed polyethylene. Thermoforming is a process where a plastic sheet is heated and formed to a specific shape in a mold, offering a material that is very resistant to impact shocks and abrasion. Bic Sport has been building products in this material for more than 30 years.

What are the age and weight ranges for the O’Pen Bic?

The starting age of a young sailor is typically 8 years old. It really depends on the child’s size and skill level. Even kids as young as six, if they have the concentration and desire, can sail the O’pen Bic. The ideal sailor weight for the O’pen Bic is 50 kilograms. but two kids can easily sail together as long as the combined weight does not exceed 90 kilograms.

In case you’re wondering (we know you are) if an adult can sail the O’pen Bic, they can as long as they don’t exceed 90 kilograms. (This upper limit did not stop my brother Darren, though.)

Want to try one out?

Contact us to see about our learn to sail program. Boats are available for charter for racing!