Guide to different sailing dinghy types

Thinking about getting into sailing but not sure where to start? One of the best ways to begin your sailing journey is with a dinghy. Sailing dinghies are small, lightweight boats powered by the wind. They are incredibly fun to sail, and are great for all levels, from total beginners to serious racers.

But what makes sailing dinghies so appealing is how versatile they are. Whether you're into calm lakeside cruising or adrenaline-filled races, there’s a dinghy out there that’ll suit your needs. In this guide, we’ll look at the various sailing dinghy types available, the most popular classes, and what you need to consider when choosing the right one for your needs.

Types of dinghies by use

Dinghies come in many shapes and styles, but most can be grouped by how they're used.

• Cruising dinghies are built for comfort and stability. These are great for relaxed sails along the coast or on lakes, either on your own or with friends or family. A couple of well-known examples include the Wayfarer and the GP14. These are big enough for more than one sailor and are ideal for longer outings or family days out.
• Racing dinghies are designed for speed and performance. They're lighter, more responsive, and usually more technical to sail. Boats like the Merlin Rocket or the Laser (now officially the ILCA) are built for racing. 
• Training dinghies are ideal if you’re learning to sail. These boats are specifically designed to be forgiving. The Mirror and the Topper are two great choices in this category. They're small, stable, and tough – perfect for beginners or young sailors.
• High-performance and foiling dinghies are the Ferraris of the dinghy world, built for experienced sailors who want speed. The International Moth is probably the best-known foiling dinghy. These boats can literally lift out of the water on hydrofoils, reducing drag and reaching amazing speeds. These are for skilled and experienced sailors.

Popular dinghy classes and their features

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most well-known types of dinghy sailboats, many of which have stood the test of time and remain favourites in sailing communities across the UK and beyond.

• The Mirror is a great entry-level dinghy that has been around for decades. It’s compact, stable, and easy to handle. The Mirror is an ideal boat for families or beginners because of its gaff-rigged sail and the option to sail with one or two people.
• Then there’s the Merlin Rocket—a high-performance racing dinghy known for its speed and responsiveness. It needs skill to sail well and usually involves two sailors working together. The Merlin Rocket is popular in the UK racing scene and known for its sleek design.
• The Wayfarer is one of the most versatile dinghies available. Originally designed in the 1950s, it remains a go-to boat for cruising. It’s also been used for long-distance sails, including sea crossings. The Wayfarer is spacious, stable, and well-balanced, making it perfect for families or sailors looking to explore.
• If you're looking for something more adaptable, the GP14 fits the bill. It is great for cruising as well as racing. Designed to carry two people comfortably, the GP14 has a solid reputation for stability and versatility.
• The Topper is among the most common training dinghies, especially for young sailors. It’s lightweight, easy to rig, and made from durable plastic. The Topper is also fast enough to be fun, making it a great choice for sailors who are learning the basics but also want a bit of excitement.
• The Laser, now formally known as the ILCA dinghy, is a globally popular one-design racing class. That means all boats are built to the same specifications, so it’s the skill of the sailor, not the boat, that makes the difference on race day. It’s a favourite for solo racing, from club events to the Olympics.
• And of course, there’s the International Moth, which stands out because of its hydrofoiling capabilities. This is a boat for experienced racers who want to push the limits. It’s lightweight, super-fast, and incredibly challenging to sail, but if you’re up for the task, it doesn’t get much more exciting.

Choosing the right type of dinghy for you

If you’re new to sailing, the best place to start is with something stable and straightforward. Boats like the Mirror, Topper, and Wayfarer are all solid choices. They’re designed to be forgiving, so you can focus on learning without worrying too much about capsizing every five minutes.

For anyone more interested in racing, your choice depends on the type of racing. If you want a boat that’s used in competitions worldwide, go with the Laser/ILCA. If you’re looking for something more advanced and don’t mind the technical aspects, the Merlin Rocket offers a fast, exciting ride.

If you plan to sail mainly along the coast, a larger, more stable boat like the Wayfarer or GP14 is ideal. These boats can handle choppier waters and offer more storage space if you’re heading out for the day or even overnight. For lake or inland sailing, lighter boats like the Topper or Laser are usually easier to manage and transport.

It also helps to think about the kind of sailing you enjoy. If you want to cruise, explore or go camping with your boat, you’ll want something with room and comfort. If you love the idea of racing and don’t mind getting wet, a high-performance dinghy might be for you. 

Staying connected on the water

If you're heading out for longer trips or just want to stay in touch while on the water, setting up some form of boat Wi-Fi might be worth looking into. Check out our guide on how to add Wi-Fi to your boat, which covers everything from mobile hotspots to signal boosters.

Choosing the right sailing dinghy for you

Sailing dinghies offer one of the most fun, flexible, and accessible ways to get out on the water. Whether you're drawn to peaceful cruising, high-speed racing, or just want to learn a new skill, there’s a dinghy that’s right for you.

Decide what kind of sailing you want to do, and choose a boat that suits both your goals and your experience level. Happy sailing!

Specialist dinghy insurance through Craftinsure

Now that you’re an expert on the different sailing dinghy types, it might be time to invest in a new boat. If so, you may want to protect your dinghy through specialist insurance.  

Craftinsure arranges specialist dinghy insurance that provides up to £5m third-party cover, and protects your boat against loss or damage. Get an instant online quote today.