Question:
I would hope that as a responsible sailor, you take a look at the wind
before you leave the dock. But, in answer to your questions, yes you can
tip the boat to get the batten out should the wind pick up unexpectedly,
and yes, for most dinghy sailors swimming is inevitable. That's why PFDs
are required on most all waters.
Cartoppable sailboat suggestions?
Answer:
I think I know of a great boat for your nephew. It's a small
trimaran called a Wind Rider. It is light, fast, comfortable, easy to
sail, carttopable, and a ton of fun.
This summer my brother brought one to our family reunion/vacation on a
lake. The Wind Rider got more use than any of the three other sailboats
we had. You sit in the center hull, which is a wave piercing design
similar to a kayak. You sit facing forward and in one spot. No jumping
from side to side for tacks. You operate the single sail with one sheet
and steer with two foot pedals attached to the rudder. Stability is
provided by the two outriggers, which are easily removed for transport.
The center hull and outriggers are all rotationally molded plastic
(polyethylene, I think). There is no centerboard or daggerboard to fuss
with. I think the length is around 14-15 feet, but could be off by a
foot or so. The sail rolls up around the mast when not in use.
This boat is a blast! Everyone in our family from experienced sailors
to total beginners loved it! I took it out on very calm days and winds
of 15-20 knots. It handled both beautifully, although it's a wet and
wild ride on very windy days. I'm not sure of the exact price, but it
is very competitive with small sailboats like the Sunfish, and a whole
lot more fun. To me the boat felt much more like personal water
transportation than any other sailboat I've tried.
If you want more information, please give my brother a call. He'd be
happy to tell you all he knows about them. He also sells them if you're
interested.
