Dinghy Sailing

If you visited the Southampton Boat Show last week you could be forgiven for thinking that the focus on sailing was all about riding the waves in big expensive yachts or motor cruisers.
Yet today’s idyllic scene in my Blip from the Testwood Lakes, little more than six miles from where the Boat Show was held is evidence dinghy sailing and small boats hold a unique attraction that many will say provides the full flavour of sailing.
Small boats and dinghies provide the chance to escape on the water for what even the august body like the Royal Yachting Association calls it a fantastic yet affordable activity.
This boat belongs to Sea Scouts — the 4th New Forest North (Eling) Sea Scouts, and is one of several which allow the Scouts to sail on comparatively sheltered waters.
Yet, anyone who loves an adventure in the fresh air, can quickly discover small boat sailing is fun.
The sailing people tell me that people of all ages take up dinghy and keelboat sailing and there are plenty of ways to get involved.
 
Many sailing clubs offer opportunities to get on the water in dinghies or small boats, and even Southampton’s Royal Yacht Club has recently been actively expanding its dinghy fleet on the Beaulieu River.
 

One of the best things about sailing is it’s a sport for all and it certainly doesn’t have to cost a lot.  Local sailing clubs and yacht clubs often have boats that members can hire or borrow for free.