Your child’s first boat
Ensure comfort, confidence, and fun on the water with our guide on choosing the right boat for your child
For young sailing enthusiasts, getting out on the water builds confidence, develops skills, and improves wellbeing. Once your child has expressed a keen interest and mastered the basics of sailing, their first boat can be a window into a lifelong passion.
To help you find the right fit, here are some helpful suggestions on what to consider when choosing your child’s first boat.
Where to start
If your child regularly attends a sailing club, they’ll be more likely to take advantage of any training on offer if their boat matches those already sailed at the club.
When browsing for your child’s first boat a useful place to start is the club’s ‘For Sale’ board. For additional advice or support, ask around at your club. Club volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and can help guide you toward a safe and appropriate option or put you in touch with any sellers they know.
You can also shop around online, sellers on Facebook marketplace or Gumtree can be filtered to your local area, and often advertise affordable second-hand options.
Choosing a boat
What size is your child? Children come in all shapes of sizes as do boats. The best chance you have of your child enjoying their boat is to have one which fits them and suits their needs.
Most junior boats come with different size sails (e.g. Optimist, Topper & Tera) so that your child can grow with them. It can often be tempting to get your child a larger boat with the intention that they will grow into it. However, larger boats can often be too powerful for them in the short term.
Remember, you’ll want them to be able to sail it in a variety of conditions not just on calm summer days. So do your research and pick a boat that’s the best fit for them.
Double or single handed? Many young sailors prefer double handed boats as they offer an additional level of confidence and fun from having another person onboard. On the other hand, some young sailors may prefer single handed boats, enjoying the independence of being in charge of their own boat.
Things to consider
How much time do you have to maintain the boat? Boats are easier to sail if they are well maintained so make sure you have the time to look after the boat.
What’s your budget? It is possible to get your child’s first boat for less than £100, try looking at your club notice board or Apollo Duck.
Live in the present with an eye on the future. Children master sailing really quickly and it won't be long before your young sailor wants the next challenge. Most children's boats have the capacity to grow with them, and class specific training will help them develop their skills.
Opportunities to develop can be found at their club, through class association activity, and with the RYA pathway.
Find out more about RYA training courses for you or your children and get set for fun on the water.