The kind of boat you choose to sail will define your relationship with the sport as a whole. Like wind and weather conditions, the boat is one part of the entire sailing experience. So what kind of boats are there, and which type is right for you? Many sailors transition from boat to boat depending on where they are and what sailboats they have access to, but many also stick to the same kind of boat for their entire lives! Here’s a quick overview of the two most common types of sailboats: dinghies and yachts.
Most learn to sail programs for kids use dinghies rather than keelboats because smaller boats suit smaller people. Likewise, much of the United States’ and the world’s competitive youth sailing is in dinghies, including but definitely not limited to the popular single-handed Laser and double-handed 420. U.S. college sailing uses Flying Juniors, 420s, and Lasers, so children and teenagers looking to compete as young adults often train in dinghies as well. Though many youth dinghy sailors transition into keelboats later in life because they are larger and less physically stressful to sail, dinghy sailing is some of the most fun sailing out there.
Dinghy Pros:
Athletic, good for keeping in shape
Close to the water, exhilarating
Builds skill set that allows you to sail any boat properly and even competitively
There are tons of dinghy regattas, and rentals are available in many places for fun day sailing!
Dinghy Cons:
Difficult for larger people who may not be able to fit comfortably in certain boats
Can cause soreness and injury because of athleticism required, and can be difficult for older or less active people
Less mid-level sailing available for adults. Fun, noncompetitive sailing and high level regattas are most common.
Unlike programs for children and teenagers, most learn to sail programs for adults use keelboats. Though they are harder to maneuver, their size allows for instructors and students to fit comfortably aboard. Moreover, adults seeking sailing certification are often most interested in sailing keelboats. Yachting is the relaxing kind of sailing that many people yearn for, especially because building keelboat skills and getting certified allows for chartering in the United States and overseas.
Yacht Pros:
Fun and social because there are multiple people on board
Open ocean sailing and longer races
Chartering and traveling is possible with keelboat skills
Many yacht clubs have weekly “beer can races,” fostering a strong yachting community
Yacht Cons:
Much more difficult to store and maneuver
Can be difficult to fully understand sailing by doing just your job on the boat
Expensive to own and upkeep a keelboat
Make your own list of pros and cons to figure out what kind of boat you want to sail! Don’t let that list sit on our desk forever, though. Go sailing!
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Most learn to sail programs for kids use dinghies rather than keelboats because smaller boats suit smaller people. Likewise, much of the United States’ and the world’s competitive youth sailing is in dinghies, including but definitely not limited to the popular single-handed Laser and double-handed 420. U.S. college sailing uses Flying Juniors, 420s, and Lasers, so children and teenagers looking to compete as young adults often train in dinghies as well. Though many youth dinghy sailors transition into keelboats later in life because they are larger and less physically stressful to sail, dinghy sailing is some of the most fun sailing out there.
Unlike programs for children and teenagers, most learn to sail programs for adults use keelboats. Though they are harder to maneuver, their size allows for instructors and students to fit comfortably aboard. Moreover, adults seeking sailing certification are often most interested in sailing keelboats. Yachting is the relaxing kind of sailing that many people yearn for, especially because building keelboat skills and getting certified allows for chartering in the United States and overseas.
