Finding the best sailboats for beginners can be a daunting task but it doesn’t need to be. Sailing is a pastime enjoyed by people worldwide, learning the ropes can bring about numerous benefits. It teaches us new skills and encourages us to spend more time in the great outdoors. It also helps to improve our fitness and spend quality time with loved ones. But where do you start if you are a beginner sailor? Of course, it’s important to start your sailing journey on the right boat and not choose the wrong vessel for your skill level. Finding the best sailboat for beginners can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be!
In this blog post, we will delve into the wonderful world of sailboats. You will learn about why sailboats are good for beginners, how to pick the ideal boat for you, and give you our top recommendations on boats for beginners.
Why choose a sailboat for beginners?
Easy to learn to sail
Sailboats are designed with simplicity in mind, making them a great choice for beginners. You can learn the basic principles of sailing quickly. This allows newcomers to start cruising with minimal experience. Whether you’re exploring calm waters or venturing further afield, sailboats are the perfect starting point for learning the art of sailing.
Easy to rig
When choosing your first boat, straightforward rigging sails are always a good idea. Opting for a sailboat with a single mast and one sail is a good place to start, particularly if you plan to sail solo. This not only makes the setup faster and easier, but it also means you need minimal assistance. As for the rigging, all you need is a halyard for hoisting the mainsail and a sheet for controlling it.
A tiller for steering
While you are at the very beginning of your sailing journey, small sailboats, such as those with tiller steering and no winches, provide you with a direct connection to the boat and a better understanding of sailing principles. Using a tiller for steering is a great choice for beginners. Learning is simpler and makes it easier to feel the boat’s movement as you sail. As it is connected to the rudder, it gives you a better understanding of the water’s flow past the boat, unlike a steering wheel.
How to choose a sailboat for beginners
Picking the right boat doesn’t need to be a complicated and challenging process. There are various simple factors to consider before you make your choice. What is the sailboat for? You might be looking for a boat that is only for a relaxing holiday. You might want a boat that will allow you to participate in watersports activities or fishing. Do you want a one-person sailboat? What is your skill level? And, what is your budget? All of these questions are worth considering, and it is important that you do as much research as possible. Another tip is to test out the boat to ensure it has a good performance. At Click&Boat, we have a wide range of sailboats available for you to choose from!
Our top pick of the best sailboats for beginners
Before you get you move on to more spacious sailboats, it might be worth practising on a smaller boat such as a sailing dinghy or sunfish. Sailing schools are an excellent option for learning to sail. They offer expert instructors who are highly trained professionals with sailing and teaching experience. Once you are confident, the world is your oyster, and you can try your hand at bigger sailboats. Some of the popular brands are Jeanneau, Bavaria, and Dufour.
Sailing dinghy
Sailing dinghies are great for beginners due to their small size, lightweight nature, and popularity. They are affordable and easy to operate, making them ideal for novice sailors.
Not only this, but they provide an excellent platform for learning basic sailing skills and manoeuvring techniques. With their simplicity and manoeuvrability, beginners can gain confidence and develop a solid foundation in sailing.
Sunfish
The Sunfish is a popular choice for beginners, because of its simple ease of handling. Although small at around 13 feet, it has a decent-sized sail and shallow shaft. It doesn’t boast a large cockpit, however, the small cockpit that it does have is perfect for one person. Apart from being extremely user-friendly, it is quite speedy and a lot of fun for a novice beginner.
Jeanneau — Sun Odyssey
With its user-friendly design and emphasis on comfort, safety, and performance, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey sailboat offers beginners an excellent platform to start their sailing journey. The Sun Odyssey 40.3 is a good choice due to its responsiveness and balance under sailing.
Bavaria Yachts
These boats are extremely versatile and maximize the use of interior space. If comfort is a priority, the decent-sized cockpit guarantees this. Not only this, but they are fun and easy to manoeuvre, so are perfect for novices seeking ease of use. A stable and predictable sailing experience makes them ideal for beginners. The Bavaria cruiser 33 is a good-sized sailboat to start with.
Dufour Yachts
The Dufour sailboats is a well-known French brand and there is a wide variety to choose from. If you are looking for a well-balanced and responsive boat, this brand is a great option. It is ideal for anyone starting out in sailing and is particularly popular with families.
At Click&Boat, you have the opportunity to enhance your sailing experience by hiring a sailboat with a skipper. This option is particularly beneficial if you are uncertain about renting a larger boat. By choosing a sailboat with a skipper, you can gain first-hand experience of how the boat moves without the pressure of navigating it yourself. This allows you to familiarise yourself with the sailing dynamics and enjoy the journey while leaving the sailing responsibilities in the hands of a professional skipper.
FAQ
Boats between 5 and 10 metres are ideal. They are big enough to feel safe but still easy to handle.
A dinghy teaches you sailing basics very quickly. A small keelboat feels more stable and is better for people who prefer comfort.
Rules vary by country. Often you do not need a licence for small boats, but you should always check local laws and charter requirements.
Monohulls are more common in sailing schools and react clearly to the wind. Catamarans offer more space and stability but are wider in ports.
Learning with an instructor or skipper is safer and faster. Once you know the basics, you can practise alone on simple boats in easy conditions.
