Dinghy Sailing

Dinghy sailing is fun and, even if you have no previous sailing experience, the Norfolk Broads is the ideal place to give it a try.  The following notes are for guidance, but if this is your first attempt at sailing it is probably a good idea to ask your boatyard for some advice.

Safety Code

1. Always wear a buoyancy aid even if you are an excellent swimmer.
2. Once underway, never stand in a dinghy.
3. When getting in or out, avoid stepping onto the edge of the boat.
4. Never overload a dinghy – two people is enough.

Sailing your Dinghy

For your first sail choose a quiet area where tidal effects are minimal – a Broad is the ideal place. Initially, keep within the immediate proximity of your cruiser while you are familiarising yourself with the basic points, and before venturing further afield.

Step the mast, fix the rudder and tiller in place and lower the centreboard.

Hoist the sail with the dinghy head on to the wind, haul the sail up to full height, then tighten and fasten the downhaul.

Make sure your main sheet is free, then cast off.

General Hints

Beginners and non-swimmers are advised not to sail a dinghy in fresh/strong winds. 

Always take off the gaff before lowering the mast; do not stand on the sail when lowered.

If your sail is wet do not cover it up, stow loosely, and hoist to dry when you can.

Never sail with badly set sails.

If sailing on a river, you will make excellent progress with the wind and tide with you, but remember that getting back against the wind and tide can be a long and drawn out process, so think ahead.

If you capsize, don’t panic, and don’t try to swim ashore.  Stay with your dinghy and hang on to it to help hold you up.

Towing your Dinghy

Fasten your dinghy so that it is only a few feet behind.

Unship the rowlocks before they catch on ropes.

Make sure the mast isn’t up or the centreboard lowered – they may catch on the ropes too.

When you lower the dinghy mast, stow it so that it doesn’t protrude over the bow or stern.

Never ride in a dinghy when it is being towed, as this can be extremely dangerous.

Bring your own Dinghy

If you are thinking of bringing a dinghy with you on your next holiday, it is advisable to inform us before you arrive.  A short toll licence is payable to the Broads Authority, Dragonfly House, 2 Gilders Way, Norwich, NR13 1UB. Tel: 01603 610734. You will need to contact the Broads Authority at least 6 weeks before your holiday and they will send you a licence