Ideas for Starter Dinghy

   I think the wayfarer would be a bit much single handed.

On the whole though I always advise against worrying too much about long term... You'll almost certainly change your mind a few times - heck there are people on this forum who seem to change boats every six weeks -or at least that's what it feels like! 

The other thing about bargains in boats is they are like buses - as soon as one appears there'll be another one just down the road, so I really wouldn't worry.

Its going to be near enough impossible to get a boat that will make a good fist at everything you would like it to do, and the more multi purpose a boat is then, frankly, the more mediocre it is... In your place I'd look for a club that has some club owned boats available - especially ones you can get the whole family in. Pick a boat that fits what 75% or more of your sailing will be done in and use club boats for the rest is my advice...

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JimC Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6662	Post Options Post Reply Quote JimC Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Ideas for Starter Dinghy Posted: 28 Sep 11 at 11:10am
	I think the wayfarer would be a bit much single handed. On the whole though I always advise against worrying too much about long term... You'll almost certainly change your mind a few times - heck there are people on this forum who seem to change boats every six weeks -or at least that's what it feels like! The other thing about bargains in boats is they are like buses - as soon as one appears there'll be another one just down the road, so I really wouldn't worry. Its going to be near enough impossible to get a boat that will make a good fist at everything you would like it to do, and the more multi purpose a boat is then, frankly, the more mediocre it is... In your place I'd look for a club that has some club owned boats available - especially ones you can get the whole family in. Pick a boat that fits what 75% or more of your sailing will be done in and use club boats for the rest is my advice...

iwsmithuk Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 28 Apr 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 141	Post Options Post Reply Quote iwsmithuk Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Sep 11 at 10:24am
	Morning. I don't know how far you would be prepared to travel for a club but if you wanted salt water rather than pond sailing you could do a lot worse than considering Blackwater Sailing Club, probably about a 45 min drive from you, near Maldon. Have a look at the website blackwatersailingclub.org.uk The club has a sailing school attatched to it and boats you can borrow (GP14 and Wayfarer). There are also people who own other boats you might like to try (Laser Stratos springs to mind). Also a good cadet section for the kids if they wanted to be involved. Mid afternoon tides this weekend so there will be lots of people around from about lunchtime if you wanted to come down for a look (directions on the website) just come up to the clubhoue and ask someone to show you around.

Heccie Thump Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 28 Sep 11 Location: Upminster Essex Online Status: Offline Posts: 10	Post Options Post Reply Quote Heccie Thump Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Sep 11 at 10:10am
	Hello all, I am new to the forum and preparing to get back into sailing, but am looking for advice on which dinghy to aim for in the long term. I tried sailing when I was serving in the forces in Cyprus and loved it, but what with one thing and another on returning to the UK I didn't keep it up. Now I am in the position to resurrect my interest and will be visiting my local clubs to see what is on offer :) Firstly, I am currently 44 yrs old, 6'1" tall and around 110kg - a big old lump. I consider myself fairly fit for my age (I played football and rugby up until I left the forces a couple of years ago) and the weight comes from big bones and muscle (honest!!). I am married - the wife endorses my interest in sailing since she did some when she was younger too and there are two teenage step-children who may or may not get into sailing too if I can drag them off the Xbox for long enough. I intend to learn at a local club and to try out various boats to see what I like myself, but would like advice on which boat fits my needs so that if I see a bargain for sale I can grab it when I can. What do I want? Ideally, I am looking for: - something fun to sail. - big enough to fit the family in should they all want to go for a sail at the same time. - something that I can sail solo for those days when I can't persuade anyone to join me. - suitable for inland and coastal. I have been researching over the last few weeks and one boat that has caught my eye is the Wayfarer, but the occasional comments about size and weight have got me rethinking my long term strategy. I am not averse to a bit of heavy work if that is what it takes to manoeuvre on land, but is it so bad? Also is it difficult to solo on water? Any other advice is also appreciated :)