Types of Boat

Dinghies are more physically challenging, as they depend on your body weight to keep them upright. They are generally are ‘wetter’, and sailed by only 1 or 2 people. Boats sailed at the Olympic Games are selected from the many types of dinghy sailed around the world.

In most cases clubs will supply dinghies for all levels of participation, up to the point of club racing, when a new member might make a decision to buy their own boat. Or they may chose to continue sailing as crew with someone. Crews are sought after at most clubs.

Keelboats stay upright against the force of the wind on their sails because of their large and weighted keel under the boat. They are the type of boat sailed in the high profile Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race and around the world by Jesse Martin and Jessica Watson. Normally they are sailed by a team or crew of people.

Keelboat owners are always looking for ‘crew’ to share their boat with. After work, twilight and social sailing are some of the most popular ways to get into keelboat sailing. You don’t need to be an experienced sailor to be part of a ‘crew’. The skipper will help you develop your skills and build your confidence. To go twilight or social sailing, simply call or visit a club near you.

Trailable Yachts are another option, sailed at many clubs. They are a small keelboat, with a retractable keel for on road towing and often have on board accommodation.

Each type of boat can either be a mono-hull (one hull), catamaran (two hulls) or trimaran (three hulls) but generally a mono hull is best to start on.