Dinghy for a Middle Aged Starter

I started sailing this summer have passed my RYA level 2 in early September. I've really enjoyed it so far and wish I'd taken it up years ago!

I'd really appreciate some advice on a dinghy I can single handed but that I could also sail with crew and possibly take my 7 year old daughter out for a sail.

I sailed a pico a few times and found it quite uncomfortable and pretty excruciating on my knees, particularly the next day.

I'm a fairly fit 42 year old man who goes mountain biking three times a week.

I'm happy being out on the water and so racing isn't really part of the equation yet. I like the look of the more classic boats; timber decks etc.

I hope you can help!

Edited by sinkingfeeling - 03 Oct 10 at 7:56pm

40's, for god's sake man you're in your prime. I crew an F18 cat (I'm 41) helm is well into his 50s (he'll hate me for that) picos are the spawn of satan (only boat I've ever lost sunglasses on).

There are many boats that could meet your requirements.   As you've just done your Level 2 and may want to sail with your 7 year old you probably don't want anything too quick or tippy to start with, unless you both want to swim a lot!   I used to sail a Miracle when my daughters were younger, which is relatively roomy and stable and has many mixed or adult/junior crews.   A few people I know sail them single handed too.  The classic father/daughter boat always used to be the Mirror, though personally I find them a little small, though again these are simple boats to sail single handed.  Classic boats - yes those wooden decks look fanstastic, but perhaps better as your 2nd boat rather than a 1st one?  You will more than likely experience the odd learning mishap as you gain more time in the boat, so you may be better doing this in something not too complex (or expensive!!)   As you've noticed, some of the newer plastic boats can be a bit shallow - if you have knee trouble you want to go for something with a relatively deep cockpit.

But the best thing to do is find a club you like and go and see a few boats in action. Most dinghy sailors are friendly sorts, and love to talk boats.  There are plenty of nice clubs in Derbyshire too, eg Ogston, Carsington, Staunton Harold, Burton etc. Have a look at the clubs section in the Y&Y website.  Good luck in your search, it's a great sport at whatever level you want to get to.

You've also got to make sure it's not too heavy to pull up the beach/slip on your own. I sail a Miracle with the kids (9 & 6). it has a really good layout with cutout towards the front so the little people get the feeling of sitting out in safety without having to perch on the edge of the boat.

Originally posted by radixon As your daughter is only 7, there is no point getting a double hander (boat with a jib) just in case she hates it.

But if she has to sit there with no important rope to pull, she might get bored.

The Mirror has often been portrayed as a 2-man or 2-kid or 1-man dinghy. Wooden ones are available.