small sailboat like sunfish

Best Small Sailboats for Beginners: Discover My Three Favorites and Set Sail with Confidence

Sailing is a fun and enjoyable activity for everyone, no matter the experience level.

Mastering how to sail a primary boat is effortless. I encourage beginners to practice in the right environment as they can gain considerable experience with time.

Since most beginners make the mistake of picking the wrong boat to start with, they get frustrated and quit before they can sail by themselves.

In this blog, I will cover the  best small sailboats for beginners  to help mitigate this problem.

Read on to learn more…

• Catalina 16.5

So, What’s the Best Small Sailing Boat For Beginners?

The three best small sailboats for beginners.

Sunfish is a personalized boat for beginners to sail with. Its ease of use makes sailing enjoyable for both beginners and experienced sailors.

Key Specifications

• Sail Area: 75 Square Feet
• Hull Weight: 120 Pounds
• Capacity: 1-2 people
• Optimal Weight: up to 190 pounds

Key Features

• Sunfish has a patented kick-up rudder that makes beach launches, landings, and shallow-water sailing effortless.
• It has a self-bailing cockpit.
• It has a stainless steel bow handle that enables carrying, docking, and holding the boat into the wind while launching or loading.

• Easy to sail and rig using a single control line
• Fast planning sailboat in good wind
• It is cheap
• Daggerboard and kick-up rudder enable easy beaching.
• Little freeboard and small cockpit
• A beginner can easily capsize

Why I Have Included Sunfish Sailboat in My List

I have included this sailboat in my list because it combines performance, durability, and stability suitable for beginners and experts.

With this boat, you can quickly learn how to sail, and you can’t go wrong with it.

More Info International Sunfish Class Association

Hunter 15 is a safe and versatile boat for both beginners and masters in sailing.

• Passenger capacity: 4
• Length overall: 4.4 m (14′6″)
• Draft – Board Up: (6″)0.15 m
• Draft – Board Down: (3’0″)0.92 m
• Material: fiberglass
• Appendages: lifting keel
• Intended use: daysailer

• Stainless steel arch
• Spacious cockpit area
• Easy to balance
• It doesn’t sail well in downwind
• No separate starting battery

Why I Have Included the Hunter 15 Sailboat in My List

I have included this boat in my list because it has a comfortable wide beam, a contoured self-bailing cockpit and fiberglass construction.

Additionally, it is designed to allow beginners to sail around with ease, and it is a safe boat giving sailors a confident feeling and peace of mind as they sail.

More Info marlow-hunter.com

Catalina 16.5 is a small, powerful recreational sailing boat constructed predominantly of fiberglass.

• LOA: 16.33 ft. / 4.98 m
• Approximate Base Wt.: 430lb.
• Draft Board up: 5″
• Draft Board down: 4’5″
• Fiberglass composite Kick-up rudder
• Stainless steel standing rigging
• Adjustable hiking straps
• Self-bailing cockpit

• Fast sailboat
• Easy to sail and rig around
• Difficult to balance

Why I Have Included Catalina 16.5 Sailboat in My List

I have included Catalina 16.5 boat in the list because of its fantastic design, is versatile, and you can get them in two designs: the keel model and the centreboard model.

More Info www.catalinayachts.com

Here are my top three picks of  best small sailboat for beginners :

If I had to pick one, I would go for Hunter 15 sailboat because it has the the best safety features. The Hunter 15 sailboat is also easy to operate, plus you can dock with no problem. The boat is easy to maintain, and it’s not complicated for a beginner.

What is your choice?

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Hi, I’m Igor, Skipper of S/Y "The Hooker". A decade ago, I conquered my childhood dream: to be a sailing skipper, own a sailing yacht. Yes, it knocked dullness out of my urban life — Read more →

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• The Ultimate Guide to Small Sailboats: From Dinghies to Ocean Cruisers

Ahoy there, maritime enthusiasts! Are you tired of being a landlubber and ready to take on the open waters? Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about sailing into the sunset but thought that owning a sailboat was only for the wealthy or the experienced? The good news is that small sailboats are here to prove you wrong. Easy to maneuver, affordable, and incredibly fun, these little vessels offer a world of possibilities for novices and veterans alike. So, why not set sail on this journey and explore what small sailboats have to offer?

Types of Small Sailboats

Dinghies are like the hatchbacks of the sailing world—compact, practical, and surprisingly versatile. Usually measuring under 15 feet, they are the go-to boats for sailing newbies to cut their teeth on. Why? Because they're affordable and easy to manage. Think of a dinghy as your first bicycle—sure, you'll fall a few times, but the lessons learned are invaluable.

If a dinghy is a hatchback, then a daysailer would be your sporty coupe—ideal for a fun day out but not really for a week-long journey. These boats are a bit larger, typically ranging from 15 to 25 feet, and can comfortably accommodate 4 to 6 people. They're perfect for sailing close to shore, having a picnic on the water, or enjoying a beautiful sunset.

Looking for something a bit unique? The catboat could be your feline friend on the water. These boats are known for their single mast and mainsail, making them easier to handle. They’re the sort of boat that likes to lounge lazily in shallow waters but can also pick up the pace when needed.

Features to Consider When Buying

Hull material.

The hull is like the foundation of a house—if it's not strong, everything else fails. Generally, you'll find hulls made of fiberglass, wood, or even aluminum. Each material has its pros and cons. For instance, fiberglass is durable and low-maintenance but can be expensive. Wood offers a classic look but requires more upkeep.

Would you prefer manual or automatic transmission in a car? Similarly, the rig type of your sailboat affects your sailing experience. You might opt for a simple sloop with one mast and two sails or maybe a cutter with an additional headsail for better balance. The choice is yours.

Length and Beam

Here's where size really matters. The length and beam (width) of your boat will significantly impact its stability, storage capacity, and how it handles in different water conditions. It's not always that smaller is easier to handle; sometimes, a slightly larger boat offers better stability and amenities.

Advantages of Small Sailboats

Affordability.

Let's face it—owning a boat isn't cheap. But small sailboats make the dream more accessible. Not only are the upfront costs generally lower, but ongoing maintenance expenses like docking fees, cleaning, and repairs are also more manageable. It's the difference between owning a high-end sports car and a reliable sedan—both can be fun, but one is undoubtedly easier on the wallet.

Maneuverability

Remember the first time you parallel parked a car? Now, imagine doing that with a 40-foot boat! Small sailboats shine when it comes to maneuverability. They're easier to steer, quicker to respond, and a breeze to dock, making them perfect for navigating through narrow channels or crowded marinas.

Low Maintenance

Less is more when it comes to boat maintenance. Smaller surface area means fewer places for dirt and grime to hide, making cleaning easier. Not to mention, smaller engines (if your boat has one) mean less complicated mechanical problems to solve. It's like owning a plant that only needs water once a week—low commitment, high reward.

Popular Small Sailboats

Remember the Volkswagen Beetle of yesteryears? Compact, easy to manage, and immensely popular—that's what Sunfish is to the world of small sailboats. Whether you want to race or just sail leisurely, this boat is a versatile choice that won't disappoint.

For those who crave a bit more adrenaline, the J/22 is like the sports bike of small sailboats. Known for its speed, agility, and performance, this boat is a favorite in racing circles. It's agile enough to make quick turns yet sturdy enough to handle a variety of sea conditions.

Catalina 22

If you're looking for the minivan of small sailboats—functional, family-friendly, and reliable—the Catalina 22 is for you. Ideal for weekend trips with the family, this boat offers a cabin for shelter, a cooking space, and even a small toilet. It's a floating home away from home.

Small Sailing Yachts for Sale

Where to buy.

Buying a boat can be like buying a car; there are various avenues available. You can go through dealerships, check out classified ads, or even explore online platforms like Boat Trader or YachtWorld. Just like you wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, make sure to do a sea trial before making a purchase.

Price Range

The cost of your new aquatic venture can vary widely depending on the size, brand, and features. You might find a used dinghy for as low as $1,000 or a top-of-the-line daysailer that costs over $20,000. Therefore, it's crucial to budget not just for the initial purchase but also for the ongoing costs like maintenance, insurance, and docking fees.

(To be continued...)

Read our top notch articles on topics such as sailing, sailing tips and destinations in our Magazine .

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Small Bluewater Sailboats

Definition and features.

When it comes to small sailboats, not all are built for the big leagues, aka open-ocean sailing. However, some compact beauties are fully capable of taking on the mighty seas, and these are commonly referred to as "bluewater sailboats." These boats generally have reinforced hulls, deep keels for added stability, and more robust rigging systems. They also often come with advanced navigation and safety features like radar and autopilot systems.

If you're serious about open-ocean sailing but don't want a massive boat, brands like Nor'Sea and Pacific Seacraft have some excellent offerings. These boats might be small in size (often under 30 feet), but they are big on features and sturdiness, designed to withstand challenging sea conditions.

Boats for Cruising

Characteristics.

A cruiser is like a comfortable sedan equipped for a cross-country road trip. Similarly, cruising boats are designed for longer journeys and typically feature amenities like sleeping cabins, cooking facilities, and even bathrooms. However, small cruising sailboats make these comforts available in a compact form, ensuring you don't have to compromise on luxury while also enjoying the benefits of a small boat.

The market offers various models to suit different cruising styles. If you prefer a classic, vintage look, the Bristol series offers some wonderful choices. Those who want a more modern flair might gravitate towards Hunter or Beneteau models. No matter your preference, there's likely a small cruising sailboat that fits the bill.

Very Small Sailing Boats

What makes them unique.

We're talking about boats usually under 10 feet, often even as small as 6 or 7 feet. These are the "motorbikes" of the sailing world—quick, nimble, and perfect for a joyride, albeit on water. What they lack in amenities, they make up for in sheer fun and the ability to go places bigger boats can't.

Very small sailing boats are perfect for specific types of water activities. You can use them for fishing, exploring secluded inlets, or just enjoying a peaceful day on the water. They are also excellent for teaching kids the basics of sailing due to their simplicity and ease of handling.

Small Ocean Sailboats

Ocean-capable small boats.

Yes, you read that right—there are small sailboats designed for ocean sailing. Unlike their cousins confined to more tranquil waters, these boats have features that make them seaworthy. However, don't assume that any small boat can be taken on an ocean voyage. Specific design features are essential for this kind of challenging adventure.

Essential Features

So what makes a small sailboat ocean-worthy? For starters, a strong hull designed to take on challenging sea conditions. You'd also want a deep keel for stability, a robust rigging system to withstand high winds, and multiple fail-safes like backup navigation systems.

Small Ocean Cruisers

Adaptability.

Ocean cruisers in a small size offer the best of both worlds—they are versatile enough for both coastal cruising and open-ocean voyages. These boats are like your all-terrain vehicles, capable yet compact.

Pros and Cons

While adaptable, small ocean cruisers may lack some of the luxury or speed that larger yachts can offer. However, their versatility and ease of handling often make them a popular choice for those who like a variety of sailing experiences.

Small Cruising Sailboats

Ideal for beginners.

If you're a rookie in the world of sailing, a small cruising sailboat could be your best bet. These boats are typically easy to handle, straightforward to maintain, and offer enough amenities for short trips—making them an ideal starting point.

Popular Models

If you're new to cruising, a couple of models might catch your attention. The Compac 16, known for its easy handling and classic look, is often recommended for beginners. Another excellent option is the Catalina 18, which offers a bit more room without compromising ease of use.

Setting sail on a small sailboat opens up a world of opportunities—whether you're a seasoned sailor looking for a weekend thrill or a beginner aiming for a long-term commitment to the sea. Understanding the types, features, advantages, and options in the small sailboat market will help you make an educated choice. The sea is vast and welcoming, offering adventures and tranquility alike, and a small sailboat can be your perfect vessel for exploration.

So what are you waiting for? Take a look at our range of charter boats and head to some of our favourite  sailing destinations.

FAQs: more about Small Sailboats

What's the best small sailboat for beginners, can small sailboats be used for ocean sailing, how much does a small sailboat cost, what features should i consider when buying a small sailboat, do small sailboats have sleeping accommodations, i am ready to help you with booking a boat for your dream vacation. contact me..

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• Articles and Guides

11 Best Small Sailboat Brands: How to Choose Your Next Daysailer or Pocket Cruiser

12th oct 2023 by samantha wilson.

Sailing is a relaxing, invigorating pastime that allows you to harness wind and waves in a unique and historic way without requiring a 50-foot yacht to enjoy what’s special about the experience. In fact, small sailboats allow a delightful back-to-basics experience that often gets lost on larger, systems-heavy sailboats.

On a small sailboat you can connect with the sea, feeling the boat move beneath you. The boat is typically easy to rig, simple to sail, and can even be sailed solo. Small sailboats give you the freedom to trailer your or car-top your boat and go anywhere, and they’re perfect for learning the nuances of sailing. There are many excellent brands and models of small sailboat, each with their own appeal, and here we narrow down some of our favorite in the daysailer and pocket cruiser categories under 30 feet. 

Difference Between a Daysailer and a Pocket Cruiser

While there are many different types of sailboat on the market and there is no single definition of either a daysailer or a pocket cruiser, they are used in a particular way, as the names imply. The term daysailer covers a huge array of sailboats, smaller and sometimes larger, and is generally defined as any day boat used for local sailing, with a simple rig, and easy to get underway. A pocket cruiser typically offers a cabin and head, and adequate accommodations for an overnight stay and sometimes longer cruises. Having said that, there is a large overlap between the two in many instances, so the lines may become blurred. 

What Size is a Small Sailboat?

Small is a relative term of course, but in general—and for the purposes of this article—a small sailboat is one that could be sailed by a small crew, often with one or two people aboard. It will have a simple rig and be trailerable, and it might be either a daysailer or pocket-cruiser style vessel as above. Within those categories, there are many models and styles, but when it comes to length we consider a sailboat as small when it’s under 30 feet in overall length. 

The Best Sailboats Under 30 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Beneteau First 27.  The Beneteau First 27 is a modern example of a pocket cruiser, earning Cruising World ’s Boat of the Year award in the Pocket Cruiser category in 2022. With space for up to six people accommodated in a separated bow-cabin and open saloon, it offers families the chance to go farther, explore more, and cruise in comfort. There is a galley with freshwater and a head, adding to the interior home comforts. The sailboat itself is modern, fast, and stable, designed by Sam Manuard, and has been designed to be incredibly safe and almost unsinkable thanks to its three watertight chambers. The handling is also refreshingly intuitive, with a well-designed cockpit, simple deck controls, and double winches allowing it to be sailed solo, by two people, or a small crew. 

Photo credit: Beneteau

Daysailer: Alerion 28.  You’ll certainly turn heads cruising along in an Alerion 28, a daysailer whose forerunner by the same name was designed by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1912 and then updated with a modern underbody for fiberglass production by Carl Schumacher in the late 1980s. This pretty daysailer manages to combine a traditional silhouette and classic feel, with very modern engineering creating an excellent package. Over 470 of these sailboats were built and sold in the past 30 years, making it one of the most popular modern daysailers on the water. With a small cabin and saloon, complete with miniature galley area, it offers respite from the sun or wind and the option for a night aboard. The cockpit offers a beautiful sailing experience, with plenty of space for the whole family. 

Photo credit: Alerion Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 25 Feet

Pocket cruiser: Cornish Crabber 24.  British manufacturer Cornish Crabber has been producing beautiful, traditional style small sailboats for decades, ensuring they honor their heritage both in the construction style and appearance of their boats. The Cornish Crabber 24 is the most iconic of their range and dates back to the 1980s. It offers a simple yet surprisingly spacious interior layout with cabin, galley, and head, and a good sized cockpit, as well as seating for up to six people. It’s the perfect family sailboat, with clever use of storage as well as just under 5000 pounds of displacement providing stability and easy tacking. Aesthetically the 24 is simply beautiful, with a traditional silhouette (combined with modern engineering), finished in hardwood trims. 

Photo credit: Cornish Crabber

Daysailer: Catalina 22 Capri.  Catalina sailboats need little introduction, and are one of the world’s best-known, most-respected brands building small sailboats. The Catalina 22 Capri (also available in a sport model) is a great example of what Catalina does so well. While we’ve classified it as a daysailer, it could easily cross into the pocket cruiser category, as it offers excellent sailing performance in almost all conditions as well as having a small cabin, galley, and head. Loved for its safety, stability, ease of handling and simple maintenance, it makes for a good first family boat for getting out onto the bay or lake. 

Photo credit: Catalina

The Best Sailboats Under 20 Feet

Pocket cruiser: CapeCutter 19.  This is another model that combines the beauty of the traditional silhouettes with modern-day advancements. The design originates from the classic gaff cutter work boats, but today offers excellent performance—in fact it’s one of the fastest small gaffers in the world. The interior is cleverly spacious, with four berths, two of which convert into a saloon, as well as a simple galley area. With quick rigging, it can be sailed solo, but is also able to accommodate small groups, making it a capable and hugely versatile pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: Cape Cutter 19

Daysailer: Swallow Yachts’ BayRaider 20.  Classic looks with modern performance are combined in Swallow Yachts’ beautiful BayRaider 20. This is one of the most capable and safest daysailers we’ve seen, but also incredibly versatile thanks to the choices of ballast. Keep the ballast tank empty and it’s light and fast. Fill the tank up and you’ve got a stable and safe boat perfect for beginners and families. While it’s got an eye-catching traditional style, the engineering is modern, with a strong carbon mast and construction. While this is a true daysailer, you can use the optional spray hood and camping accessories to create an overnight adventure. 

Photo credit: Swallow Yachts

The Best Sailboats Under 15 Feet

Pocket Cruiser: NorseBoat 12.5.  Can we truly call the NorseBoat 12.5 a pocket cruiser? Yes we can! The sheer versatility of this excellent little sailboat has convinced us. These beautiful hand-crafted sailboats offer exceptional performance and are described by the manufacturer as ‘the Swiss Army Knives of sailboats’. The traditionally styled 12.5 can be sailed, rowed, and motored. It can be trailered, easily beached, and even used as a camp cruiser, allowing for overnight adventures. There is no end to the fun that can be had with this easy-to-sail and easy-to-handle boat, which makes it a dream to learn in. With positive flotation, lots of clever storage, and a full-size double berth for camp cruising, it really is the perfect mini pocket cruiser. 

Photo credit: NorseBoats

Daysailer: Original Beetle Cat Boat 12: All across the bays of the US east coast cat boats have long been part of the ocean landscape. Able to access shallow rocky coves yet also withstand the strong coastal winds, these traditional New England fishing boats have an iconic shape and gaff-rigged mainsails. Beetle Cat have been producing elegant wooden cat boats for over 100 years – in fact they’ve made and sold over 4,000 boats to date. Their 12 foot Cat Boat 12 is one of their finest models, offering lovely daysailing opportunities. It has a wide beam and centerboard that lifts up, allowing it to access shallow waters, as well as a forward mast and single sail gaff rig in keeping with the traditional cat boats. To sail one of these is to be part of the heritage of New England and Cape Cod, and to honor the ancient art of hand-made boat building. 

Beetle Cat official website

Photo credit: Beetle Cat

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

When it comes to learning to sail, it’s important to have a boat that is easy to handle. There’s no quicker way to put yourself or your family off sailing than to start off with a boat that is either too big or too complicated. When choosing your first boat we recommend the following characteristics:

• Small: The benefits of starting off with a small boat are many, as we’ve seen above. They’re easier to control as well as to moor, and they react more quickly to steering and sails. They can be trailered and launched easily, and the loads generated are much lower than on bigger, heavier boats.
• Easy to sail: You want a boat that is stable and forgiving of mistakes, doesn’t capsize easily, and isn’t too overpowered in a stronger breeze. Keep things simple and learn as you go.
• Simple sail configuration: Choosing a boat that can be rigged by one person in a few minutes, and easily sailed solo, makes it easier to take along inexperienced crews. With regards to the rig, all you need are a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to control the mainsail.
• Tiller steering: We recommend boats with tiller steering over wheel steering when starting out. The tiller allows you to get a real feel for the boat and how the rudder works as it moves through the water. 

For more information on choosing the best beginner sailboat check out our full guide. There are many popular brands of beginner boats including Sunfish, Laser, and Hunter Marlow. Some of our favorites include;

Hobie 16: The classic Hobie catamaran has been a well-loved beginner sailboat for years, and the Hobie 16 started life back in 1969. Since then they’ve made and sold over a staggering 100,000 of the 16s. It has twin fiberglass and foam hulls, a large trampoline, and a pull-up rudder so it can be sailed straight onto the beach. The basic package comes with an easy to handle main and jib with plenty of extras available too such as a spinnaker and trailer. The Hobie 16 promises a great learning experience and lots of fun in a very nifty and inexpensive package. 

Photo credit: Hobie

Paine 14: You’ll immediately fall in love with sailing when you step into a beautiful Paine 14. Made from seamless epoxy cold-molded wood, the P-14 is simply beautiful and offers the classic sailing experience with the design and innovation of a more modern hull and rig. Two people will be able to enjoy getting out on the water together and learning the ropes. The Paine 14 has a lead ballast keel that accounts for nearly half her weight, giving her the feel of a much larger boat, but is still trailerable and easy to manage offering the best of both worlds.

Photo credit: Chuck Paine

High-Performance Small Sailboats

Small sailboats generally become high performers if they are light, have a lot of sail area, or they have more than one hull. More recently, some of have been designed with foiling surfaces, as well. For the purposes of this article, we’d like to close by pointing out one model that is super fast and has versatile pocket-cruising capabilities.

Corsair 880 trimaran : The Corsair 880 trimaran is the grandchild of the company’s F27, a model that launched the popularity of trailerable leisure trimarans about 40 years ago. The 880 has taken the model to new heights and exemplifies the incredible space benefits you can achieve in a 29-foot sailboat. We’re talking an aft cabin, room to sleep 5 people, an enclosed head, and standing headroom in the galley and main saloon. It brings many of the opportunities that a much larger yacht plus the ability to cruise in extremely shallow water. Whether you want to cruise to the Bahamas or enjoy a high-adrenaline race, the Corsair 880 offers incredible performance and unlimited adventures in a truly pocket size. 

Photo credit: Corsair

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: Samantha Wilson

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Best Small Sailboat for Beginners

• Updated March 13, 2024

If you’re in the market for the best small sailboat for beginners, a few factors to consider are the boat’s durability, size, and it should be tiller steered. You should also make sure that it does not have any winches. To help you select the ideal boat for you, we’ve compiled some of the best sailboats for beginners.

Beginners take sailing lessons for a variety of reasons. It is a wonderful endeavor to take on, and many people do it for the chance to explore. Others do it because they enjoy the calmness of being out in the open water, while others may do it for competitive reasons.

Whatever reasons you might have for learning to sail, you need a dependable sailboat—particularly if you are new to sailing.

Luckily, you can learn to sail on any sailboat, but small ones are more beginner-friendly since they respond rapidly to your weight movements, wind shifts, and every command on the tiller. It wouldn’t make sense to see a novice helming a large sailboat in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are several sailboats available at various price points. However, it’s hard to tell which small boats are the best without naming the brands and models.

In this article, we’ll be bringing you some of the top small sailboats to get you started with your sailing journey. These sailboats are all easy to use and great for beginners. You’ll also know a bit more about sailboats and the features you need to look for.

Tell Tale Signs of a Good Beginner Sailboat

All these brands will tell you why you should choose one over the other. But how can you know whether a beginner sailboat is any good? Let’s find out!

Easy to sail

A good beginner sailboat is easy to captain. It shouldn’t capsize quickly and can withstand minor mishaps without dumping you into the water. And you don’t want something that’s too overpowered that it will terrify you when the wind kicks up.

Easy to rig

The best small sailboat for beginners should be simple to rig and assemble. For a trailerable boat, you’ll need a mast that you can raise and lower without straining your back or requiring a lot of maneuvering.

In the case of sailboats with a number of controls, there may be a variety of components to connect and change based on the wind conditions. And a recreational sailing boat could have just a few. For a beginner, you don’t want too many complexities in your sailing.

An excellent beginner sailboat can measure from 14 feet and can hold one to two adults. For your first sailboat, you should avoid going any larger than that.

Larger sailboats respond to steering and sail controls more slowly. And in case you try to get on and off the dock, it will have much more momentum. Keep in mind that the larger the boat, the greater the weight and force on all lines and sails.

Minimal controls

If you’re just learning to sail, you need to start with the basics. You’ll only need a halyard to hoist the mainsail and a sheet to manage it. That’s all you need to sail upwind, downwind, or in whatever direction. All the other controls are just extras.

Things To Consider in Finding the Best Small Sailboat for Beginners

Before buying a small sailboat, there are a few things you must consider.

Tiller Steering

Your sailboat should have tiller steering. Some people might confuse it for wheel steering, which is a different mechanism. The steering wheel will have a lot of drag and slop, which means you won’t be able to perceive how the boat reacts.

Since the tiller is tied directly to the rudder, feedback from your boat’s speed, course, and wind impact will be quickly observable. With a wheel, on the other hand, there is latency, and you won’t feel the rudder immediately.

Tiller steering is an excellent approach to learning how to sense your boat’s motions. It will be much simpler to maneuver your sailboat if you have an instinctive connection with it.

Make sure the sailboat you’re getting has cleats instead of winches. This can make learning to sail much easier. Sailboats with cleats are significantly easier to operate, endure less force from heavy winds, and are suitable for beginners of any age.

These boats often do not face the same stresses on the sails and gear as larger boats, which can be difficult to handle when the wind picks up.

With smaller boats, though, they may come equipped with winches, however, this is not the case. It is always critical to consult with the dealer if your boat includes winches to operate the sheets or halyards.

As a beginner, smaller boats will be easier for you to operate. You may benefit more from the stability of a larger boat, but it will be more difficult to navigate. If you’re just getting into sailing, a smaller boat will be a good place to start.

You can always up your boat size once you have a good grasp on everything associated with a smaller boat.

You will have the best buck for your money with a durable sailboat. You will be making some mistakes and that is expected. Finding a sailboat that can handle all of the bumps and bruises you will avoid a lot of problems.

Purchasing a Rotomolded boat is perfect. It’s a tough plastic material that, while it may not look as attractive as finished wood or even fiberglass, can survive much longer. These boats are also far less expensive, which makes them ideal for a beginner.

Why Should You Learn How To Sail?

Learning to sail is an exciting experience. It’s a practical skill that can turn into passion and open new opportunities for you. Sailing can also improve critical thinking and teamwork skills. If you are still on the fence about learning to sail, perhaps these benefits will help you decide to get into sailing.

It gives a sense of freedom

Sailing on the open water gives you a sense of freedom. With the right weather condition, there’s no other way to explore the waters than being able to set off at any moment. Any sailor will tell you how calming and liberating it is to be out in the water.

Creates community

Sailing forms tight-knit communities like sailing clubs and tournaments. Sailors ranging from professionals to casual amateurs share the same love for everything about messing around with boats.

Sailors see themselves as part of a unified community. This is regardless of their level of devotion to the sport. You can visit a local sailing club if you’re seeking a venue where you’ll be greeted warmly and accepted by the community.

Trains you for competition

Sailing competitions are both intense and entertaining. And it is a means of discovering your ability and willpower. Learning to sail prepares you for the potential of participating in a sailing competition. That tournament doesn’t have to be a huge one. You can go on a transatlantic race or a monthly event at your local club.

Things Beginner Sailors Should Know Before Buying a Sailboat

As a beginner, you are expected to experience some setbacks here and there. Sailing doesn’t always come easy to many novices. And this is true even for individuals who grew up among sailboats or from a family of sailors. It takes knowledge, talent, discipline, and instincts.

Below are a few of the most common hurdles that beginner sailors face. Understanding each one brings you awareness so you’d know that it’s alright to fail sometimes and you can always try again.

Familiarizing With Jargons

It might be difficult to learn the vocabulary and common sailing jargon. Those who grew up around sailboats may have learned a lot about such over the years. And for beginners, it might feel like you’re learning a whole new language. Understanding sailing terminology and basic regulations are critical as you learn to sail.

Much like learning how to drive a car on road and adhering to traffic rules, following maritime laws and safety regulations are crucial parts of being a sailor. Most states have a specific regulation that you need to follow. It is critical to understand who has the right of way, how to ask for help, and how and when to help others.

Many beginners struggle to tie a knot, which is fine. You could have trouble tying all of these tricky knots you’ve never done before. And you’ll also need to learn the different types of knots. This may sound like a lot of work, but it’s an essential part of learning to sail.

These knots have a purpose and need to be tied in the same manner otherwise the one attempting to untie them will be in danger.

Boats have complex structures. Understanding each element of a sailing boat and what function they perform is important. Since boats are small and have no extra space, you realize that everything on board has a function and is valuable in its own way.

You have a lot to discover in this area, so it could be necessary to spend some time learning in addition to time at the water.

The Best Small Sailboats for Beginners

Sailing, especially for beginners, is one of the best ways to spend a day on the water. However, it won’t be as fun without the right small sailboat. Here are some of the best sailboats for beginners you should know.

Sailing Dinghies

Sailing dinghies are classic beginner sailboats, making them an excellent choice if you’re just learning to sail. They are small, lightweight, low-cost vessels that are easy to operate. The dinghy cruising boats are also a popular type of sailing boat, particularly in the US and the UK

It’s not extremely fast, though, however, these sailboats offer superb steering qualities. And since they are lightweight they can capsize in some situations. It may be due to a blast of wind or a rapid shift in the weight of a crew. So make sure to wear your lifejacket and you know how to swim.

A sailing dinghy is an open-cockpit boat that includes a centerboard and a removable tiller, and it’s easy to beach or transport atop a vehicle. It’s typically equipped with one mast and one sail, making sailing dinghies simple for children and beginner sailors to get started.

And since these boats are small, you could probably imagine how convenient it is to store their removable parts. These boats are often constructed of plastic, which is why they are inexpensive, durable, and light.

They can be a great option designed for one or two people, so they are great for studying with an instructor and practicing by yourself.

The sunfish would be a great option if you want something small and incredibly fast. It’s essentially a smaller racing dinghy, usually about 13 feet long, but it can be a lot of fun for both beginner and experienced sailors. Handing this boat will be tender. However, mastering this little vessel is simple.

The boat has a relatively large sail space and a very short draft. It also comes with a tiny cockpit that you can easily manage. The sunfish boasts a broad beam for added stability, a wider freeboard, and a foot-well that provides a more comfy sailing position.

It has a very flat, boardlike hull with a crab claw or the Oceanic lateen sail attached to an unsupported mast. The Sunfish’s lateen rig broad sail design allows for outstanding performance. Particularly in mild breezes and incredible speed on high winds.

It’s made of fiberglass and lightweight with a basic rig that is an excellent alternative to a sailing dinghy. You can learn to sail with a sunfish, however, any sailor who has spent a lot of time on one will likely advise you to pack a towel.

For one, it is relatively easy to capsize and heels strongly, yet these features may teach you valuable skills. The boat’s heeling features may help beginners become acquainted with the experience, as well as grasp the constraints of a sailboat and ways to minimize capsizing.

You can opt for upgrades to improve sail control for competitive sailing, but the Sunfish is probably the best boat for learning to sail. Many sailors can learn how to sail a Sunfish in a single day along with trial and error. However, we recommend getting lessons.

Small Sloops

Small sloops can accommodate 1 to 4 people, but it’s best for two. The sailboat is a little larger than a dinghy and with only one mast, but it may have one to three sails. These boats are frequently equipped with cleats rather than winches, making them simple to use for beginners.

They are available in a range of sizes. So, think carefully about which one is right for your needs. For beginners, smaller sloops are ideal. But if you’re one who has sailed in a dinghy before and is competent, a larger sloop rig might be a reasonable option.

Small sloops with a mast carrying head and mainsails are the next stage in teaching beginners how sails function together. Some sloops may be scaled up to provide a more demanding challenge for sailors as they gain expertise.

With certain models equipped with spinnakers and bigger headsails for teaching sail configurations and sail trim practices, you’ll be able to unlock some levels in your sailing practice.

Other sloop models allow you to trek out or crew weight shifts far outboard in order to stabilize the boat against the winds in the sails. But this will be a more complex type of sailing.

Small Catamarans

Small catamarans also make the best small sailboat for beginners. These sailboats can be a wonderful reliable option, even though their price range can be on the more expensive side. So, if you are willing to pay a bit extra money, a small catamaran could be a great option for you.

A catamaran typically has two hulls and therefore has a much wider, sturdy platform. As a result, your chances of capsizing are quite minimal. Catamarans are extremely light and agile, allowing them to respond quickly. These boats often include a mast and are operated using a tiller.

They are also usually equipped with trampoline seats rather than a solid deck. The seat makes a lot of difference when you plan to go offshore and large wave sailing.

A trampoline will reduce the amount of time that it takes from when the bows are submerged by a large wave to when all water has been swept off the deck and the sailboat can run thereafter. This is critical to minimize pitchpoling and capsizing your sailboat.

One of the things we love about small catamarans is that they offer added stability for anyone who is afraid of capsizing or dread heeling. Catamarans are good for beginners, and their wide hull and large, durable platform may explain why resorts usually adopt them as beach sailing tourist boats.

West Wight Potters & Other Trailerable Sailboats

The key to learning to sail involves all of your senses and requires a calm head and a great deal of practice. Despite the various approaches to learning, the ideal option is to start with a simple, small, comfy, and sturdy boat.

Small sailboats that can be trailered to various sites offer diversity and make learning to sail more exciting. These trailerable boats allow you to learn to sail in a variety of wind and sea situations. They also make you appreciate the boats in new ways when on a trip or with traveling companions.

West Wight Potters are small cruising keelboats that are great for beginners. They are an excellent choice for a small keelboat for learning to sail and towing around. These sailboats are available in 15 and 19 feet lengths. You can tow the 15-footer behind practically any vehicle, while the 19-footer requires a large SUV.

These are basic sloop-rigged boats with no further racing gear. They are stable and also have a retractable keel. The West Wight Potter isn’t the quickest or most flashy boat on the market, though. These trailerable sailboats offer sailed and rig simplicity. And they are suitable for trailer sailing.

If there’s something you must know about these vessels is that they are well-known for being well-built, with no usual failure areas.

We recommend that you get the West Wight Potter 19 . It might be the best cabin sailboat for beginners, and definitely one of the safest. This sailboat is typically made of fiberglass for safety, ease of handling, and accessibility to beginners. The 19-foot boat has a vee-berth cabin, a basic rig, and a retractable keel.

Since the hull is packed with buoyant elements, it can stay afloat even when flooded. And with a flat bottom, it’s simple to beach and maneuver.

A laser is a 14-foot, one or two-person sailboat. They are board boats that are popular and great for racing. These boats are also now Olympic class boats since they have been used in every summer Olympics since 1996. Lasers are slightly speedier and a more powerful option if you want a bit more kick.

This type of small sailboat is thought to be the Sunfish’s main rival.

They are less stable and more prone to capsize than Sunfish. And, since it behaves more like a racer, many consider lasers to be a more challenging boat than the Sunfish. Plus, they are one of the simplest boats to right after a capsize.

We recommend practicing on days with light winds to get the feel of the boat.

Lasers come in a variety of sail sizes. The traditional laser is the most popular. You can also go for Laser Radial which has a smaller sail and mast and is the second most popular type. Certain sailboats will feature both. But if a laser will be your first boat, we highly urge you to search for one with a radial rig.

The mast step on lasers is something you need to keep an eye out for, though. It is the point at which the mast enters your boat’s hull. You can try and pour a glass of water into the hole and watch if it remains there or drains into the hull.

If it drips into the hull, get off the boat. With such types of boats, the mast-to-hull junction deteriorates over time and with repeated use.

While they are popular in sailing competitions, these boats are small enough for beginners. However, operating one may require some skills.

Rotomolded Boats

Due to their tough build, small rotomolded boats are particularly accommodating. Rotomolding is a type of plastic construction technology. This process may also be used to create dinghy cruising boats and catamarans.

And rotomolded boats, unlike fiberglass or wooden crafts, may bounce off docks or other boats causing minimal to no damage.

The rotomolded wave catamaran is ideal for young and inexperienced sailors. This simple boat typically offers a straightforward setup and is easy to sail.

What are mini sailboats called?

A dinghy is a small sailboat that is typically 8 to 15 feet long, with some being somewhat larger. Sailors use sailing dinghies in a variety of ways, but a motor can drive them, sailed with a detachable mast, or propelled with oars.

Can a novice sail around the world?

When it comes to circumnavigation, most beginner sailors believe they are on their own. However, this is not true. Besides the DIY version, there are other circumnavigation choices for new sailors to consider. And these situations are interesting to explore.

What is a good size sailboat to live on?

A sailboat must be at least 30 feet long to be considered a liveaboard. If you for something smaller, the sailboat will be too small for anyone except a solo sailor. Conversely, the higher the expense of ownership, the larger the sailboat. For many boaters, the perfect sailboat size to live on is 35 to 45 feet.

Can you sleep while sailing?

Cabins with sleeping quarters are typical on most sailboats. The crews sleep in shifts ranging from two to six hours long out on the open ocean. Make sure to light the boat on overnight trips since you won’t have to estimate the distance and course of other boats.

Ready To Go Sailing?

No matter how mentally and physically prepared you are for a voyage to the open water, if you do not have the right sailboat to go with and don’t have all of the necessary skills, you will not have an edge over other sailors. 

But, that’s what makes you a beginner and everything can be learned. And it is at this point that the best small sailboat for beginners comes in handy. Good, dependable beginner sailboats should be durable and easy to handle. Anything large with complex controls will just be optional and come at a bigger price point. 

We hope we were able to help give you a general idea of what makes good beginner sailboats as well as what to look for in one. You may want to check out the links we’ve attached to each type of beginner sailboat so you can start your journey to mastering the art of sailing.

After all, renting a boat is expensive. So, owning a beginner-friendly sailboat is the way to go. Good luck and keep it fun!

Joshua Wright

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Learn How To Sail A Sunfish Like a Pro: Essential Tips and Techniques

Alex Morgan

Sailing a Sunfish sailboat can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience for water enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sailor, mastering the art of sailing a Sunfish requires knowledge, practice, and a little bit of adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the essential steps and techniques involved in sailing a Sunfish.

The Sunfish sailboat is a popular recreational single-handed dinghy known for its simplicity, maneuverability, and versatility. Before getting on the water, it is crucial to understand the key features of the Sunfish sailboat, such as its design, hull construction, and rigging components.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, proper preparation is essential. This includes checking the equipment and safety gear to ensure they are in good condition and preparing the Sunfish sailboat by inspecting the hull, mast, sail, and rudder.

Mastering the basic sailing techniques is the foundation of sailing a Sunfish. This involves rigging the sailboat, understanding wind direction, adjusting sail trim, and effectively steering and controlling the rudder.

For those looking to take their sailing skills to the next level, advanced techniques such as sail positioning and shaping, tacking and jibing, and harnessing the power of the wind will be explored. These skills allow for greater control, speed, and maneuverability while sailing.

Safety should always be a top priority when sailing. We will provide important safety tips and precautions to ensure your well-being on the water, including proper use of personal flotation devices and understanding weather conditions.

We will discuss common mistakes to avoid while sailing a Sunfish, such as improper weight distribution, overestimating wind conditions, and neglecting maintenance and equipment checks.

By following this comprehensive guide, both novice and experienced sailors can enhance their Sunfish sailing skills, gain confidence on the water, and enjoy the thrill of sailing a Sunfish to the fullest. So, get ready to set sail and embark on an exciting journey with your Sunfish sailboat.

Key takeaway:

• Understanding the Sunfish Sailboat: Familiarize yourself with the key features of a Sunfish sailboat to ensure a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.
• Master the basics: Learn how to properly rig the Sunfish sailboat, understand wind direction and sail trim, and control the rudder for basic sailing techniques.
• Advance your skills: Explore sail positioning and shaping, practice tacking and jibing, and harness the power of the wind to enhance your sailing abilities.

Understanding the Sunfish Sailboat

Get ready to embark on an exciting journey into the world of sunfish sailboats ! In this section, we’ll dive deep into understanding the ins and outs of these magnificent vessels. From exploring the key features that make the sunfish sailboat a true marvel, to discovering the secrets of its exceptional performance, we’ll uncover everything you need to know to become a knowledgeable sailor. So buckle up and get ready to set sail with us!

Key Features of a Sunfish Sailboat

The hull of a Sunfish sailboat is fiberglass, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver. It has a triangular lateen sail that can be easily raised and lowered. The mast is aluminum, providing durability and stability. A daggerboard is used for lateral resistance and can be easily raised or lowered to adjust direction. The cockpit is spacious enough for one or two people to sit or move around comfortably. It has a simple rigging system, allowing for quick and easy setup and takedown. The Sunfish sailboat has a self-bailing cockpit, meaning water automatically drains out for enhanced safety. It has a kick-up rudder, which can be lifted out of the water to avoid obstacles or shallow areas. Known for stability and ease of handling, the Sunfish sailboat is suitable for beginners and experienced sailors. It can be easily transported on top of a car or trailer, making it convenient for sailing in different locations.

The Sunfish sailboat was introduced in 1952 by Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger . They aimed to create a small, affordable, and versatile sailboat for recreational sailing. The design quickly gained popularity, and millions have been sold worldwide since then. Its accessibility, simplicity, and reliability have made it a favorite choice for beginners and seasoned sailors. Over the years, the Sunfish sailboat has undergone minor design modifications but has remained true to its principles of stability, easy handling, and fun on the water. Today, it continues to be a beloved sailboat for individuals and families looking to enjoy the thrill of sailing in a compact and budget-friendly vessel.

Preparing for Sailing

Want to set sail on a Sunfish ? In this section, we’ll cover all the essential steps to get you ready for a smooth sailing experience. From checking your equipment and safety gear to preparing the Sunfish sailboat , we’ve got you covered. So, grab your sunscreen and let’s dive into the preparations that will ensure a fantastic time out on the water!

Checking Equipment and Safety Gear

Checking Equipment and Safety Gear is essential before setting sail on a Sunfish sailboat. Here is a comprehensive list of steps to follow:

1. Inspect life jackets: Ensure enough life jackets onboard for each person in good condition with no tears or damages.

2. Check safety lines: Verify securely attached and in good working condition.

3. Examine anchor and rope: Make sure anchor securely fastened and rope in good condition, free from fraying or knots.

4. Test horn or whistle: Ensure functioning properly and can produce a loud sound to signal for help if needed.

5. Inspect first aid kit: Check fully stocked with essential items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

6. Verify presence of fire extinguisher: Confirm readily available on the boat and within expiry date.

7. Check communication devices: Test VHF radio or other communication devices onboard to ensure proper working order.

8. Ensure navigation lights are functional: Confirm working correctly, especially if planning to sail at night.

9. Check for any leaks: Inspect boat’s hull for any leaks or damages that could affect buoyancy.

10. Examine rigging and sails: Inspect for signs of wear, tear, or damage. Replace or repair as necessary.

True story: Once, while preparing to sail on a Sunfish, a sailor discovered a tear in their life jacket during the equipment check. Thanks to their thorough inspection, they promptly replaced the damaged life jacket and ensured everyone’s safety on the water. Remember, checking equipment and safety gear is crucial for a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

Preparing the Sunfish Sailboat

To prepare the Sunfish sailboat, follow these steps:

1. Inspect the hull for damage or cracks. Repair or replace damaged parts.

2. Check the mast and boom for wear or damage. Ensure they are securely attached.

3. Attach the main sail to the halyard and raise it up the mast. Properly tension the sail.

4. Attach the boom to the mast and secure the mainsail to the boom using sail ties.

5. Check the daggerboard and rudder to ensure they are securely in place.

6. Attach the rudder to the stern of the boat and ensure it moves freely.

7. Inspect the lines and rigging to ensure they are in good condition and properly rigged.

8. Check the bailer and mast flotation to ensure they are functioning properly.

9. Attach any necessary safety equipment, such as a life jacket or whistle.

10. Double-check that all equipment is secure and properly fastened.

The Sunfish sailboat , known for its simplicity, affordability, and ease of use, can be prepared by following these steps. It was designed by Alcort, Inc. in the United States during the early 1950s and has gained popularity ever since. The design of the Sunfish sailboat has remained largely unchanged, with minor modifications made for better performance. It is a popular choice among sailors of all skill levels due to its lightweight design and stable hull, which make it suitable for racing, recreational sailing, and teaching sailing techniques. With its timeless design and versatility on the water, the Sunfish is a beloved classic in the world of sailboats.

Basic Sailing Techniques

Mastering the art of sailing a Sunfish requires a deep understanding of basic sailing techniques. From rigging the Sunfish sailboat to navigating wind direction and sail trim, and even mastering the art of steering and controlling the rudder , each sub-section in this voyage of discovery will unlock the essential skills needed to glide smoothly across the water. So grab your lifejacket and let’s embark on this thrilling adventure of Sunfish sailing mastery .

Rigging the Sunfish Sailboat

Rigging the Sunfish Sailboat is necessary before sailing. Follow these steps:

• Attach the mast to the mast step at the front of the Sunfish sailboat.
• Secure the sail to the halyard and hoist it up the mast, ensuring proper attachment.
• Connect the boom to the gooseneck at the bottom of the mast.
• Attach the mainsheet to the rear of the boom and thread it through the blocks on the Sunfish.
• Connect the mainsheet to the traveler, a sliding bar at the back of the boat.
• Attach the rudder to the back of the Sunfish, making sure it is securely in place.
• Check all the lines and rigging to ensure proper tightening and securing.

Once the Sunfish sailboat is rigged, you can start your sailing adventure. Always double-check your rigging before going on the water and familiarize yourself with the boat’s operation. Remember that weather conditions can impact sailing, so adjust the sail trim accordingly. Happy sailing!

Understanding Wind Direction and Sail Trim

Understanding wind direction and sail trim is crucial for successful sailing of a Sunfish sailboat. Adjusting the sail trim based on wind direction is key to optimizing the boat’s performance.

To determine wind direction, look for visual cues such as flags, water ripples, or movement of tree branches. It’s important to remember that wind can change direction, so regularly assess its angle relative to your boat.

Once wind direction is identified, adjust the sail trim accordingly. For effective upwind sailing, tightly trim the sail to catch more wind, creating lift and propelling the boat forward. Conversely, when sailing downwind, ease the sail to maximize the catching area and take advantage of the force of the wind pushing from behind.

Sail trim requires continuous monitoring and adjustment as the wind changes. Experimenting with different trim settings will help you find the optimal balance between speed and control .

Understanding wind direction and sail trim improves with practice and experience. Sailing and observing wind behavior will enhance your ability to instinctively trim the sail and enjoy a smooth and exhilarating sailing experience.

Steering and Controlling the Rudder

• 1. Check rudder position: Before steering the Sunfish sailboat, ensure that the rudder is centered, aligned with the boat’s keel, and straight.
• 2. Hold tiller extension: Firmly grasp the tiller extension, a long handle connected to the rudder. Maintain a comfortable grip while allowing for movement and flexibility.
• 3. Understand tiller and rudder relationship: The tiller is connected to the rudder, and any tiller movement directly affects the rudder’s position. Moving the tiller to the right turns the rudder right, and moving the tiller to the left turns the rudder left.
• 4. Adjust rudder angle: To steer the Sunfish sailboat, adjust the rudder angle. Push the tiller extension to the left to turn right, and push it to the right to turn left.
• 5. Maintain balance and stability: When steering and controlling the rudder, maintain balance and stability on the sailboat. Distribute weight evenly, stay centered in the boat, and make subtle adjustments for control.

Practice steering and controlling the rudder in different weather conditions and sailboat speeds to enhance proficiency. Through practice, you will develop a better understanding of effectively maneuvering the Sunfish sailboat.

Advanced Sailing Skills

Mastering the art of sailing a Sunfish requires more than just the basics. In this section, we’ll dive into advanced sailing skills that will take your Sunfish adventures to the next level. Discover the secrets of effective sail positioning and shaping , the art of tacking and jibing with finesse, and how to truly harness the power of the wind . Get ready to elevate your sailing game and navigate the waters with confidence.

Sail Positioning and Shaping

When sailing a Sunfish, proper sail positioning and shaping are key to efficient sailing. Consider the following factors:

– Wind direction: Position the sail perpendicular to the wind for maximum power.

– Sail shape: Adjust the sail’s shape using the cunningham, outhaul, and boomvang control lines.

– Cunningham: Tighten the cunningham to flatten the sail and reduce draft, especially in strong winds or for better upwind performance.

– Outhaul: Adjust the outhaul to control tension on the foot of the sail. Tightening it flattens the sail for increased speed and control in stronger winds.

– Boomvang: Properly adjust the boomvang to control tension on the leech of the sail and achieve optimal sail shape and control.

– Weight distribution: Positioning your body weight correctly on the boat is crucial for stability and performance. Adjust your position to maintain control and balance.

– Foot position: Properly position your feet on the hiking straps to balance and stabilize the boat. This allows for necessary sail adjustments and effective boat control.

– Continuously observe the sail and make necessary adjustments to adapt to changing wind conditions and optimize performance.

Mastering sail positioning and shaping in Sunfish sailing can greatly enhance your sailing experience and improve overall performance on the water.

Tacking and Jibing

– Prepare the Sunfish sailboat for tacking or jibing by trimming the sail and maintaining a steady speed. Begin the maneuver by turning the bow of the boat into the wind and crossing to the other side. Release the sail as the boat turns to make the turn smoother. Change sides on the boat to balance the weight and aid in the turn. Quickly switch the sail to the new side as the boat completes the turn and the wind fills the sail. Pull in the sail and adjust the trim for the desired speed and direction.

For jibing , turn the stern of the boat through the wind to change the direction. Prepare to release the sail as the boat turns and let it swing across. Cross over to the opposite side of the boat for balance during the turn. Guide the sail smoothly to the new side and adjust the trim accordingly. Continuously monitor the wind and make minor adjustments to maintain control and maximize efficiency.

Harnessing the Power of the Wind

Harnessing the Power of the Wind is crucial for successful Sunfish sailing. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Positioning the sail: Properly position the sail to catch the wind and propel the boat forward. Adjust the sail based on the wind direction and intensity.

2. Sail trim: Maintain proper sail trim to optimize wind capture. Adjust the sheet to keep it taut but not too tight. Watch for signs of luffing or flapping, which indicate insufficient use of wind power.

3. Using the telltales: Utilize the telltales on the sail to determine wind flow across its surface. The position and direction of the telltales help gauge proper sail trim. Adjust the sail to maximize wind efficiency.

4. Feathering: Reduce wind resistance and maintain forward momentum in strong winds by angling the sail away from the wind. This technique prevents excessive heeling and maintains control over the boat.

5. Understanding gusts and lulls: Be aware of changes in wind intensity. In gusts, loosen the sail to prevent overpowering. In lulls, adjust the sail to catch any available wind. Adapting to changing wind conditions improves overall sailing performance.

By implementing these techniques, you can effectively harness the power of the wind during your Sunfish sailing adventures. Practice and experience will improve your understanding of wind dynamics and enhance your sailing skills. Enjoy the exhilaration of harnessing nature’s force and explore the open water with confidence.

Safety Tips and Precautions

• Always prioritize safety when sailing a Sunfish by following these safety tips and precautions.
• Check the weather forecast before setting sail to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Before launching your Sunfish, inspect it for damages or leaks to prevent any potential accidents.
• To stay within the rules and regulations , familiarize yourself with the sailing rules of your location.
• Be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye out for other boats or obstacles in the water to maintain a safe voyage.
• Keep a whistle or horn on board so you can easily signal for help in case of emergencies.
• Stay hydrated during your sailing trip by bringing enough water for your journey.
• Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunscreen and a hat.

Always prioritize safety when sailing a Sunfish and follow these precautions for a pleasant and secure sailing experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not wearing a life jacket: Avoid not wearing a life jacket while sailing a Sunfish. Prioritize safety on the water and always wear a properly fitted life jacket to prevent accidents or drowning.
• Ignoring weather conditions: Avoid ignoring weather conditions. Check the weather forecast before sailing. Strong winds, storms, or other adverse conditions can make sailing difficult and dangerous.
• Overlooking proper rigging: Properly rigging the Sunfish is essential for a successful sail. Don’t overlook the rigging process. Ensure the mast, boom, and sail are correctly attached and tensioned for optimal sailing.
• Not understanding the centerboard: The centerboard plays a crucial role in maneuvering the Sunfish. Understand how to use it correctly for control and stability. Learn how to adjust it based on wind and water conditions.
• Forgetting to secure the mainsheet: The mainsheet controls the sail’s position and power. Avoid forgetting to secure it properly to prevent accidental jibes and loss of control.

Some Facts About How To Sail A Sunfish:

• ✅ The Sunfish is a small, one-person sailboat that has been popular for generations. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ It is a personal-size, beach-launched sailing dinghy with a flat hull and a crab claw sail. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ The Sunfish was developed by Alcort, Inc. in the 1950s and has since become the most popular fiberglass boat ever designed, with a quarter million sold worldwide. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ Setting up a Sunfish takes less than 10 minutes and requires no special knowledge or fancy sailor’s knots. (Source: Our Team)
• ✅ There are resources available, such as YouTube videos and sailing classes, to help beginners learn to sail a Sunfish. (Source: Our Team)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. how long does it take to set up a sunfish sailboat.

Setting up a Sunfish takes less than 10 minutes and requires no special knowledge or fancy sailor’s knots.

2. Can a Sunfish sailboat be launched from anywhere?

Yes, a Sunfish sailboat can be launched from the beach, dock, or anywhere with water access.

3. Are there resources available to help beginners learn to sail a Sunfish?

Yes, there are resources available such as YouTube videos and sailing classes that can help beginners learn to sail a Sunfish.

4. What is the sail plan and hull of a sailboat?

The sail plan and hull of a sailboat create lift forces in 3 dimensions as they react to wind and water.

5. How can I achieve balance and control while sailing a Sunfish?

Balancing the forces of the sail and hull is key to maintaining control and speed. Experimentation and practice are necessary to find the best settings and achieve comfort and control while sailing.

6. What are some tips for adjusting the sail’s center of effort and improving control?

Lowering the sail on the mast can help reduce heeling and allow for better control through hiking. Adjusting the gooseneck on the boom can reduce weather helm and improve control. Other controls like the vang, outhaul, and cunningham can further tweak the sail’s center of effort and de-power the sail.

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Best Sailboats For Lakes

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Lake sailing is a popular recreational activity, and it's easy to get started. But which sailboats are best for freshwater lakes?

The best sailboats for lakes are the Optimist dinghy, the Sunfish racing sailboat, the Herreshoff 12 1/2, the West Wight Potter 15, the West Wight Potter 19, and the Cal 20 sloop.

In this article, we'll review six of the best small sailboats for cruising on lakes. Additionally, we'll go over the qualities to look for when choosing a lake sailboat, along with how to choose the right boat size for your sailing destination.

We sourced the information in this article from boat design and identification guides along with our experience sailing American lakes.

Table of contents

‍ What Makes a Sailboat Good for Lakes?

There are a few things that most lake sailboats have in common. For one, they're trailerable—and thus enable the owner to pull them out of the water and store them in a reasonably small space. They must be light enough to fit on a trailer and also have a centerboard or swing keel and collapsible mast.

Additionally, they must be light and nimble on the water and handle well. Lakes don't have consistent wind like oceans do, so lake sailboats must be able to utilize small amounts of wind but also contend with the occasional gust. In a way, lake sailboats have to be more carefully designed than larger ocean-going boats.

The largest lake sailboats have a small cabin with a berth and a place for a stove and possibly a sink. These small cabin cruisers are ideal for camping, and they're the best type of lake sailboat for large lakes and extended cruising.

Smaller recreational boats have open tops and are easy to sail. Their small size makes them relatively safe and also easy for beginners to handle. Many of them are filled with positive flotation foam, which makes them virtually unsinkable. These are the best kinds of open-top boats for lakes.

There's a difference between a practical lake sailboat and a fine lake sailboat. Classic sailboats are considered fine lake sailboats in the sense that they're valuable and fun for experienced sailors. These vessels are less suitable for beginners and recreational sailors, as they require skill to operate and maintain.

The best kind of lake sailboat for most people is a medium-sized lightweight fiberglass sailboat. These boats have been produced by various manufacturers in many configurations, and tens of thousands still exist on lakes and rivers around the country.

Do Lake Sailboats Have to Be Small?

Not necessarily—it all depends on the size of the lake and the intentions of the sailor. Full-size ocean-going sailboats can be found on some of the nation's bigger lakes, such as Lake Michigan and even Lake Cumberland.

But in most cases, the size of lake sailboats is limited to about 22 to 25 feet. A boat in this size range can sail anywhere that ski boats and pontoon boats can operate.

Best Sailboats for Small Lakes

Small lakes have the least flexibility when it comes to sailboat selection, and for obvious reasons. Thankfully, there are tons of great small sailboats that work well on small lakes. Plus, these sailboats can be carried by a couple of people and stored in a garage. Here are two of the best sailboats when navigational space is limited.

1. Optimist "Opti" Dinghy Sailboat

The Optimist is one of the most popular youth and instruction sailboats ever built. It's small, lightweight, and (almost) impossible to capsize under normal circumstances. The boat itself is basically a fiberglass (or wooden) box with a slanted bow and a centerboard.

The Optimist dinghy measures 7 feet 9 inches long and 3 feet 8 inches wide. It weighs just 77 pounds dry and has a 7-foot aluminum mast. It utilizes a spirit rig, which is a simple two-spar system that reduces the height of the mast.

The centerboard, mast, and tiller come off with little effort, and the vessel is essentially unsinkable. This makes it perfect for kids and teenagers who don't know how to sail or for smaller adults who just want a cheap little sailboat to cruise around the lake.

Optimist dinghies are remarkably easy to sail and offer a great platform for learning the basics of tacking, windward sailing, and sailboat recovery. They're available widely on the used market, as over 150,000 have been produced over the years. Plus, it's a popular racing boat, and hundreds of them show up for regattas around the world.

2. Sunfish Sailboat

The Sunfish is the ideal upgrade from an Optimist, and it's much more suitable for adults. Sunfish sailboats are designed for racing, and they're significantly larger than sailing dinghies. They require more skill to operate, but they're a ton of fun on the water and easy to master.

The Sunfish is designed for a crew of one or two adults, though it can be easily operated by just one. The hull is 13 feet 9 inches long and 4 feet 1 inch wide, and it weighs 120 pounds dry. In other words, two adults can easily lift this boat in and out of the water, and it's small enough to navigate small lakes.

The Sunfish has a lateen sail, which is an ancient design that's easy to rig and reduces mast height. For its size, the Sunfish has a very large sail area. This makes it efficient in light winds but also quite squirrelly in gusts. However, careful attention can prevent capsizing—and capsizing the Sunfish isn't actually a big deal. Simply stand on the centerboard, grab the boat and lean back to right the vessel.

Sunfish are common on the used market, as thousands have been produced since 1943. You can still buy a new one from Laser Performance for under $5,000, and used Sunfish are available for much less.

Best Sailboats for Medium-Sized and Large Lakes

People who want to sail on large lakes have a ton of flexibility in the kind of boat they use. Some people sail small sailboats, like the Sunfish or the Optimist, near shore in large lakes. However, large lakes can also accommodate much bigger boats with better accommodations, up to and including full-size cabins. Here are the best sailboats for large lakes.

1. Herreshoff 12 1/2

{{boat-info="/boats/herreshoff-12-12"}}

The Herreshoff 12 1/2 is a beautiful classic boat with incredible handling capabilities and excellent efficiency. The Herreshoff 12 1/2 is essentially a pocket ship, as the hull is designed in the same way that classic full-size ocean-going sailboats were.

The Herreshoff 12 1/2 features a full-length displacement keel and a spacious cockpit, as there's no centerboard trunk in the way. It's also remarkably stable and suitable for use in dodgy weather. This vessel is open-cockpit and doesn't include a cabin, though some people use a boom tent to go camping aboard.

Despite being similar in length to the Sunfish, this vessel is not even in the same class. It's a full gaff rig and includes a headsail and traditional rigging. More experience is required to operate one of these sailboats, as it's a scaled-down version of a full-size cruising boat.

However, once you learn to operate the pulleys, you'll find that sailing a Herreschoff 12 1/2 is a joy in almost all wind conditions. It's small enough to use on medium-sized lakes and to tow on a trailer, and it's stable enough for comfortable and safe sailing for the entire family. Four adults can sit aboard, and it can be piloted by just one.

If you're looking for a beautiful and classic lake sailboat with ocean-going seaworthiness, it's tough to go wrong with a Herreschoff 12 1/2. These vessels are available on the used market starting around $5,000 to $10,000, and most of them can be found in New England.

2. West Wight Potter 15

{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-15"}}

The West Wight Potter 15 is a fiberglass trailerable sailboat that was designed to be safe, fun, and easy to transport. These vessels are designed for stability, and they're unsinkable thanks to positive floatation foam. Additionally, the West Wight Potter 15 is one of the smallest sailboats you can buy with a cabin.

This 15-foot boat uses a Bermuda rig, similar to what you'll find on the vast majority of large recreational sailboats. The mast and standing rigging was designed to be extremely easy to deploy and stow, making it a great weekender for low-stress operation.

Additionally, the West Wight Potter 15 has a very shallow draft and a centerboard, making it suitable for beaching at the lake. West Wight Potter sailboats have very few unnecessary metal parts, and thus they're extremely light. Most standard full-size cars and trucks can tow this vessel without trouble.

The West Wight Potter 15 was produced until recently, and there are hundreds on the used market that you can purchase. Prices fluctuate widely, but a West Wight Potter 15 in usable condition can be found for $3,500 to $15,000.

3. West Wight Potter 19

{{boat-info="/boats/west-wight-potter-19"}}

If you're looking for a larger centerboard cruiser with better accommodations, then the West Wight Potter 19 is an excellent choice. This vessel follows the basic design principles of the West Wight Potter 15, but the cabin is much more spacious. Additionally, the rigging sets up and disassembles just as easily.

The West Wight Potter 19 is an extremely comfortable and safe boat, and it's a wonderful little pocket cruiser for extended lake trips. Additionally, the cabin is spacious enough for two adults to sleep comfortably, and there's room for a stove, a sink, and a portable head.

The West Wight Potter 19 is trailerable and lightweight. It has a centerboard, which allows the owner to reduce its draft from several feet down to just a few inches. A vessel like this can last for years in freshwater, and they're popular for saltwater cruising as well.

The West Wight Potter 19 is also quite affordable. Due to its popularity, you can find one in excellent condition for between $5,000 and $12,000 in many areas. These boats are also remarkably seaworthy, as one individual sailed his from San Francisco to Hawaii—over 2,000 nautical miles of open ocean. In other words, you'll be safe and comfortable on the lake.

{{boat-info="/boats/cal-20"}}

The Cal 20 is a classic sailboat that has been around for decades, and it's one of the most popular 'big' boats on America's freshwater lakes. It's a cruising sloop that measures about 20 feet in length and features a cabin with a unique flush deck.

The Cal 20 is much more typical of large coastal and ocean-going sailboats, and it's operated in exactly the same way. It has a tall Bermuda rig with traditional controls, so it's a great platform to practice sailing full-sized boats.

The Cal 20 features a small cabin with basic amenities, such as a sink, a place for a camp stove, a portable toilet, and a V-berth. Additionally, it's exceptionally water-tight for a boat of its kind, so it can be left in the berth year-round without serious problems.

Cal 20 sailboats are extremely robust. There's no flimsy material anywhere aboard, as they're designed for saltwater cruising and racing. They have a large sail plan which makes it easy to sail in light winds, and they're stable enough to make handling easy in the occasional gust.

The Cal 20 can be found in abundance on the used market, with prices as low as $2,000 for a functional and leak-free boat. The best places to look for Cal 20 sailboats are on the West Coast, but they can be found inland as well.

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Giant 7-foot sunfish found on Oregon beach turns out to be newly discovered species

The seaside aquarium said researcher marianne nyegaard recognized the sunfish and was able to help identify the newly named species. she told the aquarium it could be the largest hoodwinker sunfish ever sampled..

Paddleboarder spots massive sunfish beneath him off California coast

FILE VIDEO: A paddleboarder came across a sunfish who was basking in the sun off the coast of Laguna Beach, California. Sunfish typically live 60 to 120 miles offshore and hunt at depths with very cold water. They come to the surface to float motionless to increase their body temperature from the sun.

SEASIDE, Ore. – A massive ocean oddity that washed up on a northern Oregon beach last week turned out to be a recently discovered species of sunfish , according to the local aquarium.

According to the Seaside Aquarium, a 7.3-foot sunfish was found on Gearhart Beach, north of Seaside , Oregon, on June 3.

"Initially, this large, strange looking fish was creating quite a stir on social media and though it was stormy, folks were flocking to the beach to see this unusual fish," the aquarium said on Facebook .

A 7-foot hoodwinker sunfish washed up in Gearhart Beach, Oregon on June 3, 2024. 

(Tiffany Boothe/Seaside Aquarium)

News of the large fish reached New Zealand, where researcher Marianne Nyegaard quickly identified the marine animal as a different species than the ocean sunfish, or Mola mola. That's because Nyegaard helped identify and name the hoodwinker sunfish, or Mola tecta. Her research naming the new species was published in 2017.

450-POUND SUNFISH FOUND WASHED ASHORE IN NORTH CAROLINA TO BE PRESERVED FOR MUSEUM DISPLAY

"Dubbed a new species hiding in plain sight, it was genetic sampling and eventual observation that contributed to its finding," the Seaside Aquarium said. "This fish, hiding in plain sight, has most likely been seen/washed ashore in the Pacific Northwest before but was mistaken for the more common, Mola mola."

A 7-foot hoodwinker sunfish washed up in Gearhart Beach, Oregon on June 3, 2024.  (Tiffany Boothe/Seaside Aquarium)

According to Britannica, the Mola tecta or hoodwinker sunfish, can grow up to 7.9 feet long and is smaller than the other members of the sunfish family, which can exceed 10 feet. The fish have distinctive features, including a bullet-like shape, tough skin and a small mouth with beaklike teeth. 

Hoodwinker sunfish were initially believed to inhabit only the Southern Hemisphere, but these massive fish have recently washed up on U.S. Pacific Ocean beaches. Divers in Monterey Bay photographed two hoodwinked sunfish in 2019 – among the first confirmed sightings of the new species in Central California , according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

After the latest sighting in Oregon, Nyegaard contacted Seaside Aquarium for a genetic sample. The aquarium provided more photos, measurements and tissue samples.

LOST BUOY FROM COASTAL FLORIDA NATIONAL PARK TURNS UP IN FRANCE AFTER 4,000-MILE JOURNEY

"Through photographs, Marianne confirmed that it was a hoodwinker and that this may be the largest specimen ever sampled," the aquarium said.

Beachgoers in northern Oregon can see this rare massive fish in person for at least a few more weeks because its tough skin makes it hard for scavengers to puncture. 

"It is a remarkable fish and the aquarium encourages people to go see it for themselves," the Seaside Aquarium said.

See the Rare, 2,000-Pound Hoodwinker Sunfish That Washed Ashore in Oregon

The species was only described in 2017 after “hiding in plain sight” for nearly three centuries

Daily Correspondent

Any time a seven-foot-long, 2,000-pound fish washes ashore, it’s a noteworthy occurrence. But in Oregon last week, marine biologists were in for an even bigger surprise when they took samples of a giant fish carcass found on the beach and realized it belonged to a species that was discovered only recently.

Initially, researchers thought the huge creature spotted on Gearhart Beach was a common ocean sunfish ( Mola mola ). But they later realized they had something much more special on their hands: a rare hoodwinker sunfish that was first described in 2017.

The behemoth creature was found on June 3 in the coastal town of Gearhart, Oregon, located roughly 80 miles northwest of Portland, according to a Facebook post from Seaside Aquarium. Word quickly spread on social media, and people flocked to the beach to see the unusual specimen.

Eventually, New Zealand-based researcher Marianne Nyegaard heard about the big fish. After looking at the photographs online, she determined it probably wasn’t a common ocean sunfish at all, but rather, a hoodwinker sunfish—a species her team discovered seven years ago .

She reached out to staff at Seaside Aquarium, located in the nearby town of Seaside, Oregon, and asked if they would take tissue samples and measurements. They happily obliged, and sure enough, the carcass belonged to a hoodwinker.

Nyegaard happened to be visiting Seattle at the time and decided to take a little detour to see the fish in person. She believes it may be the largest specimen ever sampled, according to the aquarium.

“As soon as we could, we just jumped in the car and drove down to see it,” Nyegaard tells NBC News ’ Elysee Barakett. “It was a fantastic coincidence. It doesn’t get any better than that.”

It’s not clear how the humongous fish ended up on the beach in Oregon. However, it may help challenge the theory that hoodwinkers primarily inhabit the warm waters of the Southern Hemisphere. Other hoodwinkers have “recently washed ashore in California and one as far north as Alaska,” per the aquarium’s post.

“This fish, hiding in plain sight, has most likely been seen/washed ashore in the Pacific Northwest before but was mistaken for the more common Mola mola ,” according to the aquarium.

Hoodwinker sunfish  ( Mola tecta ) have been fooling people for centuries, ever since the common sunfish was first identified in 1758. Whether intentional or not, the fish’s trickster-like behavior made it easy to name: Tecta comes from the Latin word tectus , which means hidden or disguised.

“This species evaded discovery for nearly three centuries, despite the keen interest among early sunfish taxonomists and the continued attention these curious fish receive,” Nyegaard and her co-authors wrote in 2017 .

At first glance, hoodwinker sunfish and common sunfish look similar. But upon closer inspection, it’s easy to distinguish between the two. Hoodwinkers have totally smooth skin, while common sunfish have wrinkles. The hoodwinker’s tail flap is divided into two parts that can move independently of one another, while the common sunfish’s tail flap is made up of just one piece with bony formations, per NBC News.

The Oregon hoodwinker was likely to remain on the beach for several days, because its thick skin can be difficult for scavengers to break through. That provided curious onlookers time to go see it—and, ideally, learn something new about the natural world.

“If it gets people off their phones, out of their basements, onto the beach, it’s a great thing,” says Keith Chandler, general manager of Seaside Aquarium, to the Washington Post ’s Jonathan Edwards.

Sunfish have long captivated humans. These huge creatures dive deep to hunt, but they must return to the surface to warm up in the sun. While floating at the top of the water, they opportunistically grab jellyfish and other types of prey. This “sunbathing” behavior inspired the fish’s common name. Their scientific name mola   derives from the Latin word for “millstone,” which is a nod to their round and stone-like shape.

When spotted near the surface, sunfish are often mistaken for sharks—but these hulky creatures are mostly harmless. They’re also awkward swimmers that can’t fully close their small mouths.

In October 2022 , a bump-head sunfish ( Mola alexandrini ) previously found near the Azores archipelago weighed in at a whopping 6,050 pounds, or roughly the same size as a small SUV, making it likely the heaviest bony fish on record.

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Sarah Kuta is a writer and editor based in Longmont, Colorado. She covers history, science, travel, food and beverage, sustainability, economics and other topics.

BREAKING: Willie Mays, the San Francisco Giant whose power and speed made him one of baseball's greatest players, dies at 93 

A giant 'sunbathing' fish that washed ashore in Oregon turned out to be an unexpected oddity

A giant species of fish that was first discovered seven years ago washed ashore in Oregon last week, according to marine biologists who study the animal.

Beachgoers in Gearhart, a small town just south of the Washington border, found the 7.3-foot-long hoodwinker sunfish, also called a mola tecta, on June 3. 

The species was first discovered in 2017 and has been occasionally spotted near Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest. It’s recognizable by a thick flap of skin in place of a tail, which is split in two.

When Keith Chambers, the general manager at Seaside Aquarium in Oregon, first received reports of a circular, gray fish on the beach, he assumed it was a run-of-the-mill ocean sunfish. 

“I’ve seen a lot of them,” he said. “It wasn’t that spectacular of a moment for me.” 

But marine biologist Marianne Nyegaard noticed something unique in the aquarium’s Facebook photo showcasing their finding — the fish had smooth skin and a two-part tail. She identified the fish as a mola tecta, a species she discovered and has been researching since.

“As soon as we could, we just jumped in the car and drove down to see it,” Nyegaard, who lives in New Zealand but was fortuitously visiting Seattle that weekend, said.

“It was a fantastic coincidence. It doesn’t get any better than that,” she said. 

“It’s like I can’t get away from them,” she added, laughing.

The name “mola” comes from Latin and means “millstone,” which refers to the fish’s flat and circular body. The fish are known for floating along the ocean’s surface — what some scientists lightheartedly refer to as “sunbathing.”

But Nyegaard said the activity serves an important purpose: catching jellyfish and other gelatinous creatures for prey.

Sunfish dive deep down into colder water when they hunt. Since their bodies cannot efficiently regulate temperature, they warm themselves using the sun. While the fish lie on the ocean’s surface, birds clean them by eating parasites off their skin. 

Certain features of hoodwinker sunfish distinguish them from ocean sunfish, Nyegaard said. As ocean sunfish grow, their skin wrinkles. Hoodwinker sunfish are always completely smooth. 

Where a normal fish would have a tail, sunfish have a flap. An ocean sunfish’s flap is wavy and has bony formations. The hoodwinker sunfish’s flap is divided into two, and it can move each part independently of the other.

“Why those two species need different backends, we don’t know,” Nyegaard said. Some theories are that they need the two-part flap for steering or agility, she said. 

Nyegaard said sunfish in general are still mysterious to scientists. There are five species in total, including the hoodwinker, but it’s unclear how or whether they can co-exist in the same location. 

It’s also unclear whether the hoodwinker fish in Australia and New Zealand are linked to the ones in the Pacific Northwest and have somehow migrated across the equator, Nyegaard said.

Since the discovery, people have flocked to Gearhart Beach to visit the lone hoodwinker on the sand. 

“It’s not the first time it’s washed up, but it is the largest one to wash up,” said Tierney Thys, a marine biologist at California Academy of Sciences. 

“Strandings like this remind us how humans inhabit a mere 1% of the available living space on this vast ocean planet,” she said. “It’s both humbling and inspiring to encounter one of these incredible creatures and a powerful reminder we have so much more to learn.”

CORRECTION (June 12, 2:22 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated what Mola means in Latin. It is millstone, not milestone. It also misspelled the first name of the marine biologist at California Academy of Sciences. She is Tierney Thys, not Tierny.

Elysee Barakett is a health intern at NBC News.

On Father's Day weekend, fishing spots around Tippecanoe County offer a variety of catches

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Fishing and Father's Day go hand in hand, just like a fish and, well, water.

The Greater Lafayette area is filled with fishing spots, big and small, but if you go in celebration of Dad's weekend, don't forget to check the DNR's list of do's and don'ts when fishing in public waters .

Here is a quick list of local spots to drop your bobber this weekend and all summer long.

Armstrong Park

The 30-acre park at the corner of Ninth Street and Beck Lane offers a large parking lot with a peaceful walking trail around the pond alongside tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts and Castaway Bay.

Fishing is permitted along the banks of the pond, but boats are not allowed.

Bicentennial Nature Area

Although this spot is not listed on the DNR's website, the 70-acre pond is located on the north side of Sagamore Parkway between Duncan Road and Schuyler Avenue.

The park's pond allows for limited bank fishing, small boat fishing (electric trolling motors only), kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and windboards, according to the Tippecanoe County website . Life jackets are required when on the water, and swimming is not allowed.

Davis Ferry Park

This 13-acre park between Lafayette and Battle Ground along north Ninth Street offers a boat launch into the Wabash River. The access point also permits hikers for the Wabash Heritage Trail, but no public restrooms or access to running water are available.

Fairfield Lakes

Right off the intersection of East 200 South and South 750 East on the east side of Lafayette await the Fairfield Lakes. The lakes offer plentiful parking, while also allowing boats to be carried into the lakes, as vehicles are not permitted on the paths.

All four lakes have the same fish, according to the DNR, with bluegill, redear, catfish, largemouth bass, striped bass and trout.

Faith Community Park

The pond located within the Faith Christian campus offers fishing to the public. According to the Faith Christian website, the pond is stocked with "blue gill, bass, and other native Indiana fish for catch and release fishing."

Parking is available to the northwest of the Faith East Community Center to walk to the pond.

Fort Ouiatenon

The historic fort area offers a boat launch onto the Wabash River, where fishers can catch bluegill, redear sunfish, catfish and largemouth bass. Shelters with electricity and large seating capacity are available for rent as wel l.

Mascouten Park

Another Wabash River access point in West Lafayette off North River Road, this 18-acre park provides boat ramps and picnic areas to fishers.

Just like the Fort Ouiatenon access point, you can expect to catch bluegill, redear, catfish and largemouth bass.

Munger Park Pond

Right off Greenbush Street, Munger Park offers fishing opportunities to the public, with the chance to catch channel catfish, according to the DNR's website. Ample parking is available over the 32-acre park, with handicap-accessible fishing and public restrooms.

Shamrock Park

This spot's not just for dogs. Wabash River access can be found here as well just off Wabash Avenue, offering a small boat ramp.

You can expect to catch bluegill, redear, catfish and largemouth bass here, too.

Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal and Courier. She can be reached via email at [email protected]. Follow her on X at @ellison_writes.

Demi Moore on Full Frontal Nudity With Margaret Qualley in ‘The Substance’: ‘A Very Vulnerable Experience’ but I Had a ‘Great Partner Who I Felt Very Safe With’

Demi Moore ‘s new film, the feminist body horror “ The Substance ,” sees her bare it all, with several scenes featuring full nudity. At the Cannes Film Festival press conference for the film on Monday, the 61-year-old actor discussed the “vulnerable experience.”

“Going into it, it was really spelled out — the level of vulnerability and rawness that was really required to tell the story,” Moore said. “And it was a very vulnerable experience and just required a lot of sensitivity and a lot of conversation about what we were trying to accomplish.”

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“I had someone who was a great partner who I felt very safe with. We obviously were quite close  — naked — and we also got a lot of levity in those moments at how absurd those certain situations were,” she said. “But ultimately. it’s just about really directing your communication and mutual trust.”

As the film progresses, Moore becomes horribly disfigured thanks to the abuse her other half Qualley is inflicting on her. By the film’s last act, she quite resembles Anjelica Huston from the 1990 film “The Witches,” after she transforms into a humpback abomination.

Dennis Quaid also stars in the film as an “asshole,” as he described his character during the presser. The late Ray Liotta was meant to have the role before his passing in May 2022, and Quaid dedicated his performance to him.

“In my heart, I dedicated this role to Ray Liotta, who was set to play it,” Quaid said. “It was this week, two years ago that he passed, so I’d like to remember him. He was such an incredible actor.”

Cannes went wild for “The Substance” at its premiere on Sunday night, giving the film an 11-minute standing ovation , the longest of the fest so far.

In an interview with Variety , the French director discussed the film’s feminist themes, saying that body horror is “the perfect vehicle to express the violence all these women’s issues are about.”

With an undercurrent of #MeToo at this year’s festival as the movement grows in France, Fargeat hopes the film will shine even more light on the issue. “It’s a little stone in the huge wall we still have to build regarding this issue, and to be honest, I hope my film will also be one of the stones of that wall. That’s really what I intended to do with it.”

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