looking to beg, borrow or hire an optimist (or similar) Chich harbour/ Hayling Island

[imakepeace]

The Summer Holidays are almost here, and I would love to share some "mucking about in boats" time with grand-kids.
Has anyone got a small sailing dinghy that would serve as a first step?
We berth in Sparkes, and I'm imagining the lagoon west of Hayling Island Sailing Club to be our base.

 

[Lakesailor]

You are going to squeeze in an Optimist with kids?
Mirror must be a better option, surely...

 

[imakepeace]

You are going to squeeze in an Optimist with kids?
Mirror must be a better option, surely...

Hi Lakesailor: haha, no way!
I was going to watch from the beach- the lagoon in question is shallow, sheltered and little more than a muddy puddle really.
I want them to have a chance to "muck about" without instruction. The eldest has 2 years of Cadets experience, but very little unstructured playtime in a boat.

 

[seumask]

PM sent

 

[VicS]

The Summer Holidays are almost here, and I would love to share some "mucking about in boats" time with grand-kids.
Has anyone got a small sailing dinghy that would serve as a first step?
We berth in Sparkes, and I'm imagining the lagoon west of Hayling Island Sailing Club to be our base.

If you see a Prout Puffin I'd strongly recommend it. http://www.shorebase.co.uk/boating/sailing/puffin/puffin.asp

Smashing little boat for youngsters and a fraction of the cost of an Optimist.

I've offered mine to one of my son's friends so cannot offer you mine

 

[Fantasie 19]

Not sure if you wanted to actually buy, but there's some cheap option on eBay???

Only Basingstoke, pretty cra**y looking but currently cheap, a quick squeegee and she should be good for mucking about in?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/optimist-...UK_Sporting_Goods_Sailing&hash=item2ed472537e

This is nicer, and in Emsworth...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mirror-sa...ng_Goods_Sailing_Boats_ET&hash=item3a943763e6

 

[richardsn9]

Have you considered joining a local club? Chichester Yacht Club have loads of youngsters messing about in boats doing various courses, and there must be other clubs at the west end of the harbour doing similar things?

 

[Lakesailor]

I think the clue there is when he says

I want them to have a chance to "muck about" without instruction. The eldest has 2 years of Cadets experience, but very little unstructured playtime in a boat.

 

[Elessar]

The Summer Holidays are almost here, and I would love to share some "mucking about in boats" time with grand-kids.
Has anyone got a small sailing dinghy that would serve as a first step?
We berth in Sparkes, and I'm imagining the lagoon west of Hayling Island Sailing Club to be our base.

I have a tinker which is perfect for that job. Happy to loan it / see it used for the summer.