We had sailed long distances on yachts, but, we were new to dinghies.
Our first dinghy was a heron which was perfect for a family of four with two young boys. We loved the Heron however once the boys were over 6 and 8, we outgrew it.
It is easily transportable, and light enough for two adults to launch. Although not the swiftest of dinghies it is an excellent family dinghy.
Heron dinghy in the Lake District.
This small dinghy comes in kit form, which can be put together in about twenty minutes. (Or if you are our dear friend Mr T and his daughter Katharine, ten minutes because sometime it’s fun to show off).
They can be used a tender to yachts (folded up on the deck), or as a dinghy in their own right.
Beware of Sea Hopper’s folding (and sinking) on the water if an inexperienced crew remove the centre board. (I saw a Grandfather and his grandchild, ‘collapsed up’ … all was well, if wet.)
The site below will give you information about putting your folding dinghy together and how best to sail it.
The Wayfarers can be sailed single handed, or two up, or as a family with older children, either raced or cruised. It was heavy to move on land particularly from the trailer attached to the car, to the launching trailer.
Both with Wayfarers and the larger Enterprise, the boom can be made into a tent. Youtube shows fun times for families, “Sailing to camping” e.g. Living in a cruising dinghy. Be inspired by Steve Clark-Lens 4000 miles epic…..Via Twitter and Tik Tok see dinghy-escapades I did not think possible, and not sure I’d advise.
John prepares the Wayfarer, Spinnaker Yacht Club, Ringwood.
The Wayfarer was a good family boat but heavy so launching it could be a tricky process.
The Fusion Dinghy is fast, and wet and fun. John had just sold the Wayfarer, and went ‘holding’ folding”, (cash) to the Southampton Boat Show. He met a friend selling the Fusions, and, we bought one of the first fusions. Dangers of cash. It has proved an excellent dinghy for the boys to sail. It is a more for individuals or two up sailing, not the family friendly Wayfarer or Heron.
Jack and John in the Fusion, Spinnaker Yacht Club. (Left) Jack and James in the Lake District.
Three dinghies in a day…
One sailing day the boys commandeered the Fusion, I was bumped, into a friend’s dinghy, a Wayfarer. John’s dusted off his first ‘command’, a ‘Sea Hopper”. The last time it had been used was decorated with flowers, filled with for ice and champagne, at our Wedding.