Which Dinghy ?

[Ecosse120]

My 6 year old has just completed her RYA level 1 course. Top of the birthday list is now an Oppie. Now I have no problem with the Oppie other than the fact that i can't get into it to sail with her (probably couldn't get in on my own either !!). We sail on a tidal river and much of the club owns yachts rather than dinghies. I think at 7 years old next brithday that she is too young to sail solo without a rescue boat. The issue is do I get a bigger dinghy that we can sail together but will be too large for her to sail solo, and if so what do i go for. My daughter doesn't seem to like wooden boats (no idea why). We looked at a Mirror but she wasn't fussed. Any other ideas ??

 

[oilyrag]

Topper?

 

[sarabande]

Mirrors can be sailed single handed by tinies, but 7 is a bit small.

They can be set up to use a main only, and IIRC our daughter could cope in up to F2 at that age.

 

[DanTribe]

Rather than choose what dinghy you would like, I would suggest that you check out what the kids in the local club are sailing, because the social side is probably more important than the sailing bit.
Having said that she won't go far wrong with an oppie and if that's her choice, you'r outvoted I'm affraid.
BTW she might not want her Dad sailing with her for long.
You could always get your own oppie and sail in company.

 

[blackbeard]

[ QUOTE ]
..... I think at 7 years old next brithday that she is too young to sail solo without a rescue boat. ......

[/ QUOTE ]
I think I'm inclined to agree (note the careful understatement).
The normal use for an Oppie is for junior racing in an organised fleet with a rescue boat in attendance. Is this what happens in the club? If not then I would suggest that an Oppie isn't really what's needed. If your daughter really wants to sail one and the Club doesn't offer organised Oppie racing then find another club that does.
While we are there. RYA Level 1 doesn't qualify anyone, let alone a 7 year old, to sail without other boats around to offer help. Level 2 is what's needed, and even that's a bit basic.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
Any other ideas ??

[/ QUOTE ] I've got one of THESE Just room for adult and child at pinch. A lot cheaper than an Oppie if you come across one but no club racing. Goes like a train in a good breeze.

 

[moondancer]

Fully agree with the previous poster about getting what the local yacht club cadets sail. It is more fun to sail in groups and there will be a lot of tha make for sale in the area. My kids sail a Pico with about 35 other Picos at TBYC.

 

[john_morris_uk]

We happen to have an Oppie for sale - going cheap to a good home. Our children have grown out of it.

 

[BlackJacksGaff]

Just bought my 9 year old bilge rat a topper taz for his birthday and today was our first trip.

Not a lot of wind at our club today but took full advantage of capsize drills which he loved. Just looking forward to some wind now !

 

[CodStewart]

What lovely, fun photos. What a lucky kid.
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