Dinghy Sailing. Photo Source: Toppopweb.
If you’re just about to start sailing, we recommend that you start with the most affordable, practical, and fun water activity: dinghy sailing. Dinghy sailing is a fantastic and exciting way to enjoy the open water. More importantly, dinghy sailing will teach you the rudimentary basics of sailing, which will eventually come in handy when you try other more complex water activities.
What are dinghies?
A dinghy is a small sailing boat operated by a single person or a crew. Not only is it great for staying afloat and navigating around the open sea, it is also excellent for competitive racing.
How can you start learning dinghy sailing?
There are several sailing clubs throughout UK that will be more than willing to teach you how to learn dinghy sailing. These sailing clubs usually offer basic courses as well as necessary equipment for beginners. There are also a number of dinghy sailing clubs along the rivers and lakes of the UK Coast. Approach your local sailing club to find out if dinghy sailing is among their activities or if they know where the nearest dinghy sailing training center is. You can also approach any RYA qualified instructor to teach you how to dinghy sail.
How much will dinghy sailing cost me?
The cost of dinghy sailing depends on your level of commitment. If you are going to register in a club with decent facilities for dinghy sailing, it should cost around £150 annually for a family. If you’re on your own, you may be charged around £50. If you need insurance, an additional £50 might be asked of you. Keep in mind that these fees apply for the use of equipment and facilities of a club.
What equipment do I need?
Should you decide to go dinghy sailing on your own or with your friends, make sure you have the proper equipment: a life jacket and non-slip shoes. Over time, you should also invest in a waterproof jacket and a wetsuit to wear during winter. Otherwise, the training centre will make sure you don’t go dinghy sailing without the proper equipment.
Where can I get a dinghy?
Don’t forget the most important part in dinghy sailing: the dinghy. If you’re planning to enroll in a boating club or a training center, you will usually be given a dinghy of your own. You can also borrow from your friends or acquaintances who have a background in dinghy sailing. In any case, you don’t want to buy a dinghy right away. By the time you know how to dinghy sailing and love it just as much, that’s when you ought to buy your own dinghy.
What activities can I do with dinghy sailing?
While cruising is more relaxing and comfortable, you can also try dinghy racing. There are novice dinghy races that are usually held by boating clubs throughout UK. You don’t even have to have any official qualification to join these races; all you need is a grasp of the basics of dinghy sailing.
With all that said, don’t forget boating safety and equipping your dinghy with the long-lasting and high-performance equipment. These will determine your success in dinghy sailing, along with your drive and determination.
Eris Propellers 
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Make sure you wear proper sailing clothes, especially in the UK. It can get very cold very quickly and just because the air is warm, doesn’t mean that the water is as well.