14ft Wanderer

[andyb28]

I purchased a 14ft Wanderer online as I wanted to learn to sail. I did my homework and had it down to either a Wanderer or Gull dinghy.

The main reason for looking at these boats is with both, you can fit an outboard onto a bracket, which will be very handy.
I haven't yet booked any lessons at my local club, but I do intend on doing that.

My question is more about rigging the boat up. I may have underestimated what was involved and whilst I am sure once I learn it may become easy, the biggest issue I have with my underestimate is that I would guess most people leave these boats at a sailing club with the mast up. My assumption was that I can put it all up and down and tow my boat to the local slip.

I am not even sure if I can lift that mast up on my own, its a lot bigger than I thought it would be.

Do most people leave their boat setup at a club?
How long once you know how to setup the boat would it take?

Thanks
Andy

[HughG]

Andy,
Lots of boats with very similar rigging will be left at clubs mast up, but equally plenty will tow them to where ever it is being sailed every time. You should be able to get it down sub half an hour with some practise. Depending on age/physique you should be able to handle the mast on your own.
Where abouts are you? If local happy to help with rigging help.
Hugh

[andyb28]

Thank you for the offer Hugh, thats very kind of you. I think I am probably too far away as I live between Clacton and Colchester in Essex.

I will have to find a local sailor to perhaps come round and give me some pointers.

[sawman]

once you get the hang of it, theres not much to it. I haven't sailed a wanderer very often and certainly not for some time, but most dinghies are similar. As a beginner you probably don't need to bother with the spinnaker.

If I remember correctly the wanderer has a gate for the mast, so the trick with handling this is stand the mast up and keep it vertical whilst moving it about, its much easier then. slot the mast into the step and deckgate, with a bit of luck it will stay put whilst you get the shrouds and forestay attached to the boat.

practice a few times at home before you go anywhere.

I would recommed joining a sailing club - its not usually too dear, and you will tap into to lots of local advice. maybe join the wanderer class association too - there may be someone local who can help you along.

I usually keep my boats at home in the garage and set them up when I get to the venue. I had a miracle dinghy (which is similar to your wanderer) a couple of years ago, we went sailing at a different place each weekend, and got rigging and re rigging down to a fine art. Best time from getting trailing covers off to being ready to launch was 10 mins (although this was not on my own!)

Edited by sawman on Saturday 23 September 10:17

[Ayahuasca]

Most dinghies that have shrouds (the wires that hold the mast in place at each side) are left mast up, unless it needs to be transported somewhere. You certainly don't want to be faffing about with the mast if you don't need to.

I had (still have, technically) an 18 foot sailboat, and trust me getting the mast up and down was a right palaver.

[DJFish]

If the mast is on a pivot it should be fairly simple to DIY with a block & tackle on the forestay, Wanderers rigged for cruising shouldn't have too many bits of string to worry about.

Here you go: https://www.wanderer.org.uk/Web%20Documents/techni...