Best small sailing dinghy for 1 or 2 people

[Tant]

Hello All

I used to sail quite a bit between the ages of about 12 and 18, sailing mainly Laser 1 and 2, enterprises and GP14s. Sailed mainly inland on Welbeck, Rutland etc and got to be quite good...

I fancy getting back into it again (there is a great lake here in Lincoln with what looks like a fairly active club), and was just wondering which boat would be best. I'll probably need something that could be crewed (and righted!!) alone, but don't really fancy the cramped space of a Laser or that type, and I don't intend to race, just to sail for fun.

I'd like something that one of my friends could crew with me, and also something stable enough to teach my 9 year old nephew in without scaring him. Being able to launch fairly easily would be an advantage. I don't intend to move it to other waters.

I've been looking at GP14s again, but wasn't sure if they can be single handed (we always used to sail with 2 or 3 aboard when I was at school).Can the jib be removed to sail it alone?

I have seen a few with GRP hull, and wooden decks which look very attractive. I'm more into the traditional family boat, than "stripped out racer" look.

Any help appreciated
Cheers
Ant

[ML]

How about a Firefly? Used to be a single handed Olympic class, but are very good two up. Stable, easy to launch, and ideal for kids to crew. Cheap too.

[AnotherClarkey]

Sounds like you pretty much know what you want, a GP14 ticks all those boxes. If you intend to race at all it would be worth checking out what they sail at the local club and go for that if it is at all suitable.

[Hard-Drive]

Go to the club in question, and find out what is sailed there that ticks your boxes. You will get far more out of your club membership if you are joing a fleet, or a few other boats, instead of being the only type of a single class there.

[Rum Runner]

Dart 16 , Cat up you won't look back, best bang for your £, bit like TVR
Could not be easier to sail and single handed if you wish.

Edited by Rum Runner on Wednesday 14th July 10:26

[ndtman]

GP14 can be sailled single handedly, used to do it a lot. Tie the jib/genoe sheets together and cleat once you've tacked, "throttle" the boat on the main. Then try main, genoa and spinnaker for the ultimate multitasking. Oh and be prepared to get wet!

[Tant]

thanks all

will have a look for the Dart and a few GPs to go and see

Cheers

Ant