Boats

WHAT BOATS DO YOU USE?
The boats will depend on the sailors age, height and experience and include:
Optimists: Optimists are designed for kids. They can handle them without fear or back-strain. It is an excellent boat to learn to sail that promotes effective technique and a love of sailing.
Toppers: Toppers are fun to sail and are ideal for all levels of racing; it is light, robust yet simple and easily managed by younger sailors. The ideal weight for a topper is 40 60kg and height 140 170cm. However there is also a 4.2 sail which means younger sailors can enjoy all the Topper fun too. Toppers are of a strict one-design and are built by one manufacturer - which makes them easy to measure and maintain. They can be easily car-topped and they are available second hand at a very reasonable price.
Tera: Lots of similarities to the Topper. Its quick and simple to rig. Two sail sizes mean small novices can start in the Tera.
Feva: The RYA recommended Junior Double Handed boat, ideal for learning to sail with other people, and using the spinnaker!

DO I NEED TO BUY A BOAT?
Not yet! As a beginner your sailor will only need appropriate clothing for the season. The club will allow you to use the club Junior boats during organized training for the first year (or until you reach Stage 2). If you dont have your own boat then you will be allocated a club boat for the sessions. Children will need to take responsibility for their allocated boat, parents will be required to help rig and de-rig the boats (training given) and ensure it is correctly packed away.
When your child can sail at RYA Stage 2 and above, we recommend that an inexpensive Junior boat is acquired and perhaps an upgrade if your young sailor wants to compete in regionals/nationals.

HIRING CLUB BOATS
When a sailor has achieved their RYA Youth Stage 2 they will be able to hire club boats at weekends.

Last updated 11:17am on 28 February 2025