Thread: What Beginner Solo Sailing Boat to Step into Sailing?

I was like you, had experience in fizz boats, but not sailing. I did a lot of reading on sailing, then bought myself a paper tiger catamaran. And away I went, and wow, what fun that thing was. From that I soon moved up to a Duncanson 29, and I sailed that solo a lot, as the family lost interest. But that is a lead keel boat which has to be kept in a marina.

Have to agree with Gordie here, Lionel. Paper Tigers are sooo much fun. Another option perhaps, is the 16' Corsair dinghy (Fibreglass).

Although it's rated as 3 crew, in my opinion they're quite easy to handle solo, a breeze with two and have the added factor of being able to take 4-5 people and a supplies Esky so, a day cruise is not out of the question. You would benefit by finding someone with Corsair experience to show you the ropes although any 'Stick & Rag' bloke worth their salt would guide you through OK.
That's another benefit of the POB factor as you could have a couple of knowledgeable instructors with you for training purposes.

A mate had one in Mt Isa and the two of us had no problems with it. In fact, we both learnt to sail in it and after a few 'Learning Curves', were always at the pointy end of any sailing comps on Moondarra. My mate would sail solo if I was unavailable and I would do the same if he was out.

A good multipurpose vessel, I reckon.

Some of my first sailing was in a TS16. They can be handled singlehanded, but you need to be strong and active. Probably a bit much boat for a beginner.

Interestingly, my first sailing was in a Fireball - definitely neither a beginner's boat nor a singlehanded one - we did a lot of swimming.

One that comes to mind is a Laser, but looking at wooden boats, a Mirror or a Heron are good, and if you are fairly small consider a sabot, even though it is designed for kids.

Edit: Oops - I repeated Fireball instead of writing Laser!

Best advice is to attend a club, see what they sail, tag along for a few races or social sailing events, and go from there.

If you are in a club and sailing in a class where there are others, the social side of it will be so much better- you will be racing on an even playing field without handicaps having to be calculated. Plus having others around you in the same boat will be great for learning.
My partner in crime sailed sabots as a young lass, and we sailed a NS14 together for a while in comps. Other boats included a hobie, a laser, and some other loan boats from the club.

Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

Best advice is to attend a club, see what they sail, tag along for a few races or social sailing events, and go from there.

If you are in a club and sailing in a class where there are others, the social side of it will be so much better- you will be racing on an even playing field without handicaps having to be calculated. Plus having others around you in the same boat will be great for learning.
My partner in crime sailed sabots as a young lass, and we sailed a NS14 together for a while in comps. Other boats included a hobie, a laser, and some other loan boats from the club.

Hello Toxic,

Funny you should mention a class. The lessons start on the 24th of October at my local sailing club.

Kind regards
Lionel

A Laser (or Lazer?) .

Simple, quick to rig and fun.

DL

Most of the clubs I've been to tend to stick to the one class of boat (akin to a make/model).
A training / learn to sail class is also a good idea.

Lionel, I believe the Australian Vee-Jay was an excellent beginners boat.

https://vauclusejunior.wordpress.com/

I sailed with my late uncle on Lake Natimuk years ago he seemed to handle her single handed okay although the images on this website appear to have two in.

There was also one brought out by an English Newspaper which was designed to get people back to sailing Post WW2

Can't recall it's name now. Something like Dee-Ee( Daily Express) but it wasn't that, but a similar name.



A Mirror that was it. Thanks John the olde brain just needed a small tickle.