RYA SPRING 2021


A dinghy’s compact size means it’s easy to sail to shore in small creeks and bays.


30


Three great


cruising dinghies


Words: ROGER BARNES T


he best cruising dinghy to start with


may well be the one you already have. After all, you’re already familiar with it, and it’s better to gain some experience of cruising before buying a boat just for this purpose. If you are looking to buy, though, these three are great choices. They’ve all been around for many years so can be found easily and affordably.


THE MIRROR DINGHY


The Mirror was designed as a kit plywood dinghy for home construction, promoted by a national newspaper. They’re surprisingly seaworthy and capable boats, despite their small size and modest beginnings, so the humble Mirror has become a popular cruising dinghy, especially for single-person crews. You can even sleep aboard – just carry a few sheets of plywood on the stern seat to slide forwards over the well and source a pop- up tent that fits behind of the mast when it’s in its forward mast step.


DRASCOMBE LUGGER


When first put on the market, the Lugger was revolutionary: a mass-produced dinghy made purely for cruising rather than racing. With its short masts, original brown sails, modest sail area and a moulded well for an outboard motor, the lugger was like no other dinghy afloat. The design remains extremely popular, particularly for family sailing, as its stability and seaworthiness gives confidence for ambitious coastal passages. Source a hooped tent the right size to sit over the well and you can easily convert the Lugger into a spacious overnight home.


WAYFARER


A number of extraordinary offshore passages, including Nipegegi’s non-stop circumnavigation of Britain, have cemented the Wayfarer’s reputation as a quintessential cruising dinghy. Fast, stable and close-winded, Wayfarers are capable of ambitious passages in experienced hands, but they’re also excellent for novices. The Wayfarer Association has a wealth of experience to share with new owners, including techniques and adaptations for cruising (www.wayfarer. org.uk). You can even hire a boat tent from them for your first overnight cruise.


Photos: David Kilpatrick / Gordon Shoosmith / Carolyn Jenkins / Alamy Stock Photo / Wikicommons


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