Armare Ropes is glad to introduce a new line of Optimist products developed in collaboration with world-renowned coach Simone Ricci, now officially Brand Ambassador. Performance, lightness, and technology at the service of young sailors.
We are proud to present a new range of products dedicated to the Optimist Class, developed in collaboration with Simone Ricci, one of the most respected and influential coaches in the class worldwide.
The new range includes the Opticore SR mainsheet, available in 3:1 and 4:1 configurations, along with a complete kit for the entire Optimist setup. Each line has been designed to meet the needs of the most demanding sailors, delivering high performance and long-lasting durability.
The new Opticore SR mainsheet is the natural evolution of the highly successful “Gamberus”, now reimagined and improved: it is about 30% lighter than the previous version, while offering increased strength and performance. It retains its known characteristics of smooth handling and extremely low water absorption.
A project born on the racecourse
The collaboration with Simone Ricci arises from a shared goal: to offer the highest-quality products to support the development of young sailing talents from the very beginning. This partnership, made of a constant exchange of feedback between Ricci and Armare Ropes on the regatta fields setting all over the world, enabled the development of a truly unique line of products, which have been tested by top-level athletes, optimized and only afterward released on the market, according to Armare’s policy.
Photo by @sailandsnap
About Simone Ricci
Coach since 2009, Simone Ricci rose the international fame as being the coach of Marco Gradoni, the sole sailor in history who won three consecutive Optimist World Championships and being named Rolex World Sailor of the Year.
Already during that period, Simone was working with Armare Ropes, and it was thanks to the feedback from him and his athletes—like Marco—that the development of a dedicated Optimist line became possible.
Simone Ricci con Marco Gradoni – Photo © Zero Gradi
With a career full of successes, Ricci now collaborates with numerous programs worldwide, organizing clinics and training sessions across the globe. He is widely recognized and respected for his technical approach, passion for sailing and contagious enthusiasm, which make him a key reference figure in the Optimist Class.
“I feel lucky to have the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion with so many motivated sailors around the world,” says Simone. “This new product line perfectly blends field experience and technological innovation, confirming Armare Ropes’ commitment to promoting youth sailing with professional, safe, and cutting-edge products. In One Design classes, even the smallest improvement can make a difference, and it’s crucial for young sailors to become aware of this and develop the critical sensitivity that can enhance their performance. I’m happy to contribute to the development of these products and I want to thank Armare Ropes for its long-standing support in the racings. Its Technical Department has always paid attention to the feedbacks coming from coaches and athletes and have turned them into real products.”
Photo courtesy of @riccisailing
With this new Optimist line, Armare Ropes confirms its role as a leader in the production of technical ropes for One Design sailing, putting its expertise and innovative capacity at the service of the new generation.
Discover more about the Optimist line and all One Design products by visiting our online store.
To learn more about Simone Ricci, visit www.riccisailing.com.