Opti's are 2500-3500 US dollars, upgrade to the black spar package and its more. Lots of used boats(Opti's)and lots of fleets. Youre just not hoing to take away the market or the fleets with any cat...BUT...
You can capture the 10-12 year old market, the "graduating class" of Optis sailors, and thats where we should focus.
The Opti is THE boat to learn on, not a cat in any form. Let them get the basics, racing/starting down, then let them mature, then hand them the keys to a cat.
I have just started with my 8 yr old, and now Im getting my 5 yr old ready to sail an Opti next year. I plan on doing 10 or so regattas with my kids this coming year, mostly watching them, but maybe a H16 ride with the oldest kid in a race or 2. But in a few years, I want my sons sailing Phils 12 footer, and I promise not to let the bigotry of the monohull world influence them negatively : )


Brucat, on a light wind day maybe an 8 yr old can handle a cat(mine does quite well), but when it blows, they are not strong enough yet(IMHO) get them on YOUR boat when they are young, thats all they need to see, they will be hooked on the speed, I promise.