Sailing Dinghy
The purest way to learn how a boat really sails
Small open boats without a fixed keel. They respond instantly to every gust and every move you make, which makes them the best teacher there is. Capsizing is part of the deal, so expect to get wet.
Length 3–5 m (10–16 ft)
Typical price €1k–10k used
Strengths
- Cheapest way into sailing
- Builds real feel for wind and trim
- Car-toppable or easy to trailer
- Huge club racing scene
Weaknesses
- No shelter or overnight use
- You will capsize sometimes
- Limited to sheltered waters
Ratings
4
1
0
6
2
0
10
9
1
10
2
Typical hull materials
Example models (10)
| Model | Length | Built | Hull |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILCA (Laser)Olympic single-hander with huge club fleets worldwide · class or historic type, built by many yards | 14 ft · 4.2 m | since 1970 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| OptimistThe world's standard first boat for children · class or historic type, built by many yards | 8 ft · 2.3 m | since 1947 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| RS FevaRotomoulded junior double-hander, tough and forgiving | 12 ft · 3.6 m | since 2002 | Rotomoulded Polyethylene |
| TopperInjection-moulded plastic single-hander, nearly indestructible · class or historic type, built by many yards | 11 ft · 3.4 m | since 1977 | Rotomoulded Polyethylene |
| 420Standard double-handed youth racing trainer · class or historic type, built by many yards | 14 ft · 4.2 m | since 1959 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| WayfarerRoomy family dinghy, famous for coastal dinghy cruising · class or historic type, built by many yards | 16 ft · 4.8 m | since 1957 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| MirrorPlywood stitch-and-glue classic, often home-built · class or historic type, built by many yards | 11 ft · 3.3 m | since 1963 | Wood-Epoxy / Plywood |
| International MothFoiling carbon single-hander; development class for experts · class or historic type, built by many yards | 11 ft · 3.4 m | foiling since 2000s | Carbon / Advanced Composite |
| RS AeroVery light modern single-hander with three rig sizes | 13 ft · 4.0 m | since 2014 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| 29erYouth trapeze skiff with asymmetric spinnaker; the step towards the 49er | 15 ft · 4.5 m | since 1998 | Fibreglass (GRP) |