My children would like to start sailing. I would like to buy them?

Question

a dinghy. I don't know much about sailing. Can anyone recommend a make of dinghy, what sort of price in sterling I should be looking at second hand. I like the look of a topper dinghy, but it looks like only one person can go on it. Could he take friend on that dinghy? What sort of things should I look out for or should I avoid when buying a dinghy. Any help gratefully received. As we are beginners, I don't want to be conned. Thanks.

Answer 1

Sunfish is a good beginner boat. It is safe and gives a chance to learn sailing from the bottom up. (close to the water) It is considered a dinghy. Laser and Optomist pram are good also.

Answer 2

Topper Also produce a boat called a topper topez which appears to look like a big boat but there are three different boat set ups dependant on the level of the sailor this boat can fit 2 kids and is made of moulded plastic so for the beginner it is very robust and will take punishment. as your children progress this boat will too as the hull stays the same and the mast and sails get bigger to keep the interest of the sailor going. New i think they are between £1000 and £1500 for the basic set up. which should include the boat the mast and sails and a trailer (launching trolley).

Answer 3

teach them how to windsurf

more fun

Answer 4

you dont mention how old the kids are,,,,but two beginners boats that have tens of thousands out there, active classes, good racing later on, lots of support all over the world are the Optimist and the Laser....google those names and see what you get for where you are...