Sailing on a Dinghy or Small Boat is a good choice in learning how to sail. This is because Dinghies are simple, easy to maneuver, and very responsive to your actions as well as to Wind conditions. Sailing on a Dinghy will give beginners a sort of training ground – they will learn the basics and understand the different important aspects of the sport.

Learn what this Sailing Variation is all about. The following sections will give you some insights on the various features of Dinghy Sailing:

Dinghies – Types and Classes

Sailing History indicates that Sailing was used for trade and transportation before it became a source of enjoyment. It was in the late 1900s that people began using Small Boats for leisure and sport.

The term ‘Dinghy’ is from India, which means ‘small’. A Dinghy is a small Sailboat designed to accommodate one or two persons and is usually used in recreational Sailing. It is powered by wind, outboard motor, or paddles.

In general, Dinghies are classified according to their purpose. They come in many types and features which suit different conditions.

In this section, know the numerous Dinghy Types and Classes:

Basic Types

• General – Purpose Dinghies: Dinghies under this type are most appropriate when learning the very basics of Sailing. These are usually used for leisure and enjoyment. Wayfarer is an example of a General-Purpose Dinghy. It is less than 16 feet long and is often used for short trips. Other examples include Mirror and Enterprise.
• Skiffs: Considered as the fastest Dinghy Type, a Skiff is a flat-hulled open Dinghy which can accommodate one or two persons. It can be powered using oars or a motor. Examples of Skiffs are Musto Skiff, 49er, Jersey Skiff, and 18ft. Skiff.
• High-Performance Dinghies: Dinghies under this type are fast and are used primarily for Racing.
• Racing Dinghies: As the name suggests, Dinghies under this type are used primarily for Dinghy Racing.
  
  

Classes

Here are some Classes of Dinghies:

• Wayfarer
• Enterprise
• Mirror
• 420
• 470
• Optimist
• Topper
• Laser Radial
• Feva
• Jersey Skiff
• Laser

These are the basic Dinghy Types and Classes. Take note that each one has its own features and is designed for a particular purpose.

Dinghies – Care and Maintenance

A Dinghy can be subjected to a lot of elements that can contribute to wear and tear over time. Thus, make the necessary steps to take care of your Dinghy after sailing in order to maintain its good performance every time you go onboard.

There are several things to do as far as proper care and maintenance is concerned. In this section, know some guidelines on how to take good care of your Dinghy:

• Once the Dinghy is ashore, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.
• After washing the Rudder, Centerboard, and/or Daggerboard, store them in their respective bags.
• Make regular inspections so that damages or problems (if any) will be attended to before they become worse.
• Make sure to run repairs on parts that need to be fixed.
• In stowing the Sails, make sure to wash them thoroughly and let them dry before putting them in the sail bag for protection.
  
  Here are the steps in storing your Sail:
  
  • Lay the Mainsail out on a clean, flat surface.
  • Fold the top over onto the body of the Sail. Roll the Sail carefully and make sure that the roll is at right angles with the Leech.
  • After rolling the entire Sail, put it in a sail bag.

• You can use a trolley to store your Dinghy. Tie the boat securely on the trolley. Put the detachable items inside the Dinghy. Fit the boat cover over the top and make sure that it is fastened firmly. Secure it under the Hull, Bow, as well as the sidedecks. To prevent your Dinghy from being blown over, tie the Sailboat down to securing points on the ground.
• Put your Dinghy in an area where it can be safe and secure. Dinghies can be left at Dinghy parks in many Sailing Clubs.

These are some tips on how to take care of your Dinghy and keep its good working condition. Regular checks and inspection on the components of your Dinghy can help ensure its good performance every time you go sailing.

Small Sailboat Buying Guide – How to Buy Dinghies

Dinghies and small Keelboats come in a wide range of features. Each is made and designed for a particular purpose to suit the needs of so many fans of Small Boat or Dinghy Sailing. However, there are many models that can be used for other types of Sailing besides the one in which it is designed for.

As a beginner, you need not buy a Dinghy or a Small Keelboat. Buy one when you have already tried different Dinghies and other Sailboats, and if you know by now the Sailing Variation that attracts you most.

In this section, know the different things to consider in buying Small Boats:

• Consider your skill and experience: Obviously, Sailing will be much more fun and a lot safer if your Sailboat is suitable to your skill as well as experience. Many Dinghies and small Keelboats have features that make them a bit more complex compared to other boats of the same type, therefore requiring more techniques. Hence, take your level of skill and know-how into consideration. Make sure that you and your Small Boat are well-matched to each other.
• Decide what Sailing Variation interests you most: Suitability is very important. As mentioned earlier, each Dinghy or Small Keelboat is designed for a particular type of Sailing. Therefore, make up your mind on what sort of Sailing attracts you most.
• Make some research: There are so many information resources available that can give you some ideas on the features of different Small Boats. Magazines and websites related to Sailing are good sources of information that you need.
• Get some advice: Experienced sailors can give you pointers on the advantages and drawbacks of a number of Small Boats. It is likely that they have tried several boats with varying features so they will be helpful in choosing the right Small Boat for you.

Make use of our Small Boat Buying Guide, as these pointers can help you in buying Dinghies. Take your time in the selection process. Look at several types and check the features of each one. Choose the one that suits your needs.

You can also read the “How to Right a Capsized Sailboat” article for this essential information if you thinking of starting Dinghy Sailing.

Dinghy Sailing Beginner’s Guide – Conclusion

It is obvious that knowing the essentials of Small Boat Sailing is crucial should you wish to pursue this Sailing Variation. Aside from the fact that you will learn different skills, the more important thing is that the learning process is a fun and exciting experience.