Which dinghy for a first boat?

Dazedkipper

Dazedkipper

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Ok, I know we don't generally do dinghys on here, big boys toys and all that, but I need a bit of advice. My GF's two sons, aged 11 & 13 are getting interested in sailing. They have been out on my boat a few times but I feel that they, as I did, should learn to sail from the ground upwards in a dinghy. Thing is the designs have changed somewhat since I sailed them (it was all in black and white then) so can anyone suggest something suitable, that won't break the bank and will be robust enough so they won't break it?
 
Dazedkipper said:
Ok, I know we don't generally do dinghys on here, big boys toys and all that, but I need a bit of advice. My GF's two sons, aged 11 & 13 are getting interested in sailing. They have been out on my boat a few times but I feel that they, as I did, should learn to sail from the ground upwards in a dinghy. Thing is the designs have changed somewhat since I sailed them (it was all in black and white then) so can anyone suggest something suitable, that won't break the bank and will be robust enough so they won't break it?
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The big difference since I learned to sail dinghies (Enterprise, Tutor Ten, Wayfarer, Mirror) is wetsuits ... capsizing is now a matter of course instead of something to be avoid. Modern starter dinghies therefore seem to be more in the flying soapdish mould that the things we oldies knew and loved. My local sailing centre flogs off Laser Bugs for a thousand a pop and Picos for a bit under two thousand. From what I have seen, both look pretty good.
 
how heavy are they?

you may have to stick to a mirror / graduate / enterprise / national 12 size until they can hold it down. My thoughts are very cheap first boat one season then they will want something with a trapeze
 
Perhaps the RS Feva? - A more modern version of the mirror (with asymmetric & made of plastic!) Like the Mirror, ideal for two crew, but possible to single hand in lighter stuff.

Cheapest option would probably be a Mirror Dinghy - a wooden one would require maintenance though and potentially be outgrown depending on the size of children!
 
Topper. Made of polythene, they're absolutely unbreakable and yet they are great fun to sail. And they look pretty racy too, at least from a distance.

EuanMackenzie's comment about moving on to a trapeze makes a lot of sense too. That would mean putting the two kids on one boat of course, but aslong as that didn't cause fraternal conflict, a 420 would fit the bill nicely. There are probably some newer designs from Topper, Laser and RS that would do the job too, but I don't know enough about them.
 
I'd start by looking for local racing and training fleets, and fit in with what they're sailing. Doesn't get much better than gunwale-to-gunwale sailing in a one design fleet- and that may just be sailing in company rather than actual races (not that there's much difference!)
 
trapezeartist said:
Topper. Made of polythene, they're absolutely unbreakable and yet they are great fun to sail. And they look pretty racy too, at least from a distance.
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Wha? Even when I was eight we used to look down on Toppers :)

(I'm referring of course to the original bloated-surfboard-with-a-dent-in-it Topper, the newer designs under the brand are pretty good).

Pete
 
136069 said:
Perhaps the RS Feva? - A more modern version of the mirror (with asymmetric & made of plastic!) Like the Mirror, ideal for two crew, but possible to single hand in lighter stuff.

Cheapest option would probably be a Mirror Dinghy - a wooden one would require maintenance though and potentially be outgrown depending on the size of children!
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+1 to the RS Feva if they want to sail together. 2 x Toppers or Laser 4.7s if they fancy going head to head. Either way great to hear - if they take to dinghies they might end up sailors for life.
 
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prv said:
Even when I was eight we used to look down on Toppers
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I'm afraid Pete is right. I had a Topper in the 'eighties, and soon wanted something that was either bigger and more stable like a Wayfarer, or just faster like a Laser.

There's a Pico fleet at my club. I have to say, I've never seen such a rotten-sailing little thing. Looks as flat and comfortless as an overgrown flip-flop, and though it's probably lightweight, they seem to be terrible slugs. The Byte looks better - more like a mini Laser - although if the kids are really keen on the racing scene, an old standard Laser with 4.7 or radial rig might be smartest choice, and easily upgraded as they grow up.
 
At that age they will have no concept of money or maintenance, so you want to go rotomoulded. I would also say the Feva looks a very good bet...simple, fast for it's size, pretty much maintenance free, and can be sailed in various configurations. Big racing fleet too if they go that way, and very cool too.

More importantly if they either don't like it (possible) or outgrow it (inevitable) you will be able to sell it on very easily indeed. And it's a great intro to the 29er if they go down that road.

Just please make sure they rig it and enjoy themselves. I'm not a parent myself but the sight of little Jonny stepping into his ready rigged boat, sailing around being shouted at, and then stepping out in a huff to go and get changed whilst the boat pixies de-rig it really winds me up (although at that age they will probably shout back at you!). I reckon you can spot an ex-Oppy kid's yacht in a marina these days...2 fenders, racing catgut mooring lines, and nothing tied down properly. Bad habits start early!
 
Having brought two children into sailing the thing that really matters is that they are mixing with their peers. Its' not good if they are the only ones in the club racing a bunch of old grumpy old men even if they have the most exciting boat in the world. Also I know a lot of kids put of by being thrown into a high performance boat too soon or made to crew dad.

I don't know where in the country you are but there are clubs like Frensham, Waldringfield, Corrinthian, to name but three where there is a very strong junior and youth cohort. I would head for clubs like that. You could also ask the various associations which have big youth fleets where the nearest clubs are. Lastly don't discount boats, we had Cadets and my children loved them, even now when they are sailing 29ers, RS 800's, Merlin Rockets and such they still look back fondly on the class that has given them friends across the world.

Remember you only get once chance at being a kid!

Good luck, Dave
 
All according how much you want to spend and how interested they are. Start cheap like a Mirror, Graduate or topper. If they take to it trade up to faster/expensive
 
I'd definitely recommend a Topper. But they are really a single-hander's boat, nothing much for passengers to do, so you might need to get two if the bug bites them both.
Very strong class credentials; big fleets at National events and local circuits.

http://www.toppersailboats.com/topper_why.aspx

But do ask yourself what sort of sailing you think you want to encourage. Because the kids will do best, and be more likely to get hooked, by sailing with a dinghy club with a strong cadet contingent where they'll want to turn up to see their new mates as much as to go sailing. But that often needs a lot of adult support, you have to be there as well as transporting them hither and thither.

The other thing is that clubs like to encourage racing - and competitive racers always have to have the best of everything - and there's a whole new world of personal kit out there. Not just wetsuits!
 
I'm in a similar situation (as a grandfather not a dad!). First decision is where to sail.

Under consideration at the moment is what claims to be the highest sailing club in the land just below a wind farm - Fly Flats. Thus first expense is the wet suit!

It would seem to make sense to choose a boat to suit the club. If you are the only one with a Laser and the others are Mirrors you won't make any friends. Conversely in an Optimist against anything else, you will soon feel frustrated.
 
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