Sailing Dinghy for beginners

[Lakesailor]

I had a Heron which I rebuilt (no I don't live in Tewksbury and I'm not elderly. I am, however, a gent)
They are nicer than a Mirror, being half-decked.

Optimists are much cheaper. Nathan of these forums, bought his for about £160 and it was immaculate.

I reckon the point about modern versus old is pretty valid. Lots of sailing clubs are in a bit of a bind with needing to update their racing fleets as no-one seems to want to sail older dinghies now.

 

[Bobc]

I would suggest that you go for a GRP or rotomould boat to keep maintenance to a minimum, and get something with an Asymmetric kite (to keep it interesting for your boy).

Laser Vago or Stratos perhaps, Topper Vision (I think that's what it's called). If you want something a bit less "tub-like, consider an RS400.

Don't buy a Laser 2000 as they have a nasty habit of turning turtle very fast when they capsize.

Hope that helps.

 

[the_branflake]

We have just sold our Wayfarer to upgrade to something bigger. It was a really good boat to find our sea legs in. I would recommend one - It felt very secure and safe.

 

[neil1967]

I'll just throw in a mention for the Proctor designed Kestrel as a family dinghy which can also provide good fast racing - 15.5ft, relatively stable unless pushed, with a symmetrical spinnaker. Good sea boats, lighter than a Wayfarer (120Kg hull), but obviously not lightweight! Prices from a few hundred pounds for an old and abused one, through to 3-4 thousand for a relatively new one in good condition.

Neil

 

[chwarae]

Let son/grandson go on a RYA or similar course to understand the basics of dinghy sailing then buy him a topper. He will have endless fun,not need others to rig,launch or sail. You won't see him all summer except when he's hungry. Job done.
H.

 

[rafiki_]

For a very small, easy to repair and easy to sail dinghy, a mirror won't be far off.

For a proper cruising dinghy though, I'd second the wayfarer.

+1. This is what I learned on. Easy to rig and handle. Can't do too much damage.

 

[SimonA]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. To answer a few points -

My current boat is kept inland on non tidal water. I'd like to use the dinghy on Inland water and when i get more confident on tidal water in sheltered areas.

I don't need the whole family to fit in at once, but one adult and one or two teenage kids would be good. My son is 15, my other two kids are younger.

What do you think to Walker Bay 8 dinghies? I found one for sale with the inflatable collar and sails for £800, a bit pricey but would also double as a tender for my MoBo. Maybe a bit small though at 8ft, I was thinking more like 12 to 14ft.

Ideally I'd like a cheaper option, something that I can put a small electric outboard on the back, that sails well and is easy to handle. The Skipper 14 looks a good option, I found one for £350 inc road trailer and it seems to tick most boxes.

I'm in Northamptonshire.

 

[exfinnsailor]

Give number 1 son a budget and let him do some research into what he would like to sail. Try your local sailing club and have a look at what they race because it won't belong before he gets bored sailing backwards and forwards across the river. If he is sailing something that no one else in the club has then he will not get a lot of help.

A Mirror Dinghy is not going to keep him interested for long but a Laser Radial that you can change the rig on later will certainly keep him interested. Toppers are similar but you can GROW out of one very quickly.

Most sailing clubs have Laser fleets and he will soon be chasing round after the others. Best way to learn. Then he will start beating them and want a better boat ....

Used to see a lot of new members turn up with oldish boats that they had spent months repairing and repainting or older boats that needed a considerable amount of money spending on them. After pottering round the lake for a couple of months they would decide to join in the racing. Then they realised that their boat did not need just paint but also needed new sails etc.

If he grows out of a Laser them he can always try a FINN but then they are an expensive boat. Carbon masts built to your spec. Sails that are built to fit the mast. You have to be super fit to be at the top. Mine was club sailing with a few open meetings. You just had to remember to keep you head and elbows down when to tacked or gybed. Happy days

..

So the boats for you then .. Sailing dinghy with an engine

As you will probably want to sail on your own go for a Laser. A Walker Bay with flotation rings is hardly sailing and you cannot have an engine on the back and sail because the rudder fits where the engine goes. At least a Laser looks like a sailing dingy and they are VERY HARD TO BREAK. You will get your money back if you decide to sell and you can have TWO rigs. Large one for you and a Radial for the kids.

..

 

[westernman]

For a growing kid you won't go far wrong with the laser. It is a real sailing boat and he will get a lot of fun out of it. They are pretty tough and durable, quick and easy to rig, will go on a roof rack and can be easily righted from a capsize. Also self draining etc.

For family sailing/cruising around, the Wayfarer is by far the best boat for that. Plenty of space for stowing and keeping lunch dry. An Enterprise is a bit too tippy, and anything smaller is not really practical for cruising three up.

I am not sure if you can put an outboard on the back of a Wayfarer, you might need to put a bracket on there for that. Anyway, I think you would use the outboard far far less than you imagine. A kid with a decent paddle will be just as effective should the wind really completely disappear.

 

[ianat182]

Went down to the club today and spotted a Leader(14ft) dinghy and trailer on our For sale board at asking £1400. The Leader is a similar shape to the Wanderer and Wayfarer and good performer; I don't remember any in GRP construction so possibly a wooden one.PM mee if you are interested and I will get further details; I have no connection to the owners. As a comparison there is also a recent Optimist for sale -£1500 !! and two recent Lasers on a double trailer for £4000 !!

Hope this is useful.


ianat182

 

[Yacht Yogi]

Fun sailing for kids

For kids to enjoy sailing they need other kids, a safe environment where they can do it all themselves and a simple, enjoyable and indestructible boat.

I'd take them down to the local dinghy club and get them into the kids training group using Toppers or similar. Our local club (spinnaker Club at Ringwood) has a huge Sunday morning training squad divided into ability groups. The kids love it and learn to sail and race together. In no time at all they are better sailors than their parents and have made a load of new friends too.