Best Dinghy for Estuary use

   I'd like some advice on the best, or most suitable I should say, Dinghy to sail in the Thames Estuary. I'd like something easy(ier) to handle (I am a novice) and that can be sailed single-handed or with two adults who are both six footers. Bias towards single-handed except when teenage son can be dragged away from the internet to join in. Might choose to race but ideal is a weekend on the water just for the fun of it. Budget is open for the right choice

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Estuary Bound Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 03 May 12 Location: South Essex Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote Estuary Bound Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Best Dinghy for Estuary use Posted: 03 May 12 at 2:15pm
	I'd like some advice on the best, or most suitable I should say, Dinghy to sail in the Thames Estuary. I'd like something easy(ier) to handle (I am a novice) and that can be sailed single-handed or with two adults who are both six footers. Bias towards single-handed except when teenage son can be dragged away from the internet to join in. Might choose to race but ideal is a weekend on the water just for the fun of it. Budget is open for the right choice
	It's just plain rude to live on the coast and not be afloat

tgruitt Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 02 Dec 04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2479	Post Options Post Reply Quote tgruitt Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 12 at 2:26pm
	Take a look at the Crabber 12. http://www.cornishcrabbers.co.uk/
	Needs to sail more...

Estuary Bound Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 03 May 12 Location: South Essex Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote Estuary Bound Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 12 at 2:35pm
	Looks interesting but probably looking to go "used" first time. Any other ideas?
	It's just plain rude to live on the coast and not be afloat

G.R.F. Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 10 Aug 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 4028	Post Options Post Reply Quote G.R.F. Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 12 at 3:25pm
	Miracle?
	https://www.ease-distribution.com/

Owenfackrell Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 19 Jul 10 Online Status: Offline Posts: 129	Post Options Post Reply Quote Owenfackrell Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 12 at 3:51pm
	A miracle does sound right for what your looking for. They can be sailed single handed or 2 up and are light enough that one person can manage it on the shore plus they can be picked up cheaply.

Estuary Bound Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 03 May 12 Location: South Essex Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote Estuary Bound Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 12 at 4:01pm
	Miracle looks a good choice, a little apprehensive going wooden. Pulling up on a shingle beach might be an issue. Several good examples on the Miracle Assoc site. Any recommendations in the plastic fantastic range? Pondered a Gull but hear they're a bit tippy.
	It's just plain rude to live on the coast and not be afloat

r2d2 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 29 Sep 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 350	Post Options Post Reply Quote r2d2 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 12 at 4:14pm
	RS vision with a small outboard for those times when the tide is too strong? http://www.rssailing.com/fleets.asp?fleet=RS%20Vision&selection=Details%20and%20Spec Edited by r2d2 - 03 May 12 at 4:16pm

pondmonkey Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 12 Aug 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2202	Post Options Post Reply Quote pondmonkey Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 12 at 4:20pm
	2nd hand Laser Vago could fit the bill

Estuary Bound Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 03 May 12 Location: South Essex Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Post Options Post Reply Quote Estuary Bound Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 12 at 4:41pm
	RS looks an interesting but perhaps a bit on the heavy side for pulling up on your own? Any thoughts... The Vago looks a bit on the racy side
	It's just plain rude to live on the coast and not be afloat

themeaningoflife Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Far too distracted from work Joined: 06 May 11 Location: Essex/ Kent Online Status: Offline Posts: 212	Post Options Post Reply Quote themeaningoflife Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 May 12 at 6:16pm
	What club are you at? Because plenty of people at Essex Yacht Club in Leigh-on-Sea have the Topaz Race which seems to fits your spec quite well.
	Cambridge University Lightweight Rowing Club RS800 1128 kindly sponsored by RWO Marine