Small sailboats are from about 10 to 18 feet in length (3 to 6 metres). Small sailboats are often called sailing dinghies, because almost all have open cockpits without any cabins. They are usually made from either marine plywood or fiberglass – the big manufacturers use fiberglass, but wood is used for some boats, particularly if they are sold in kits.
Small sailboats are ideal for learning to sail -much better than a bigger boat because things happen quicker, and you learn to respond to changes in the wind and sea. I recommend that anyone interested in sailing starts with a small sailboat.
Among wooden small sailboats are the Mirror, Streaker and GP14 all designed by Jack Holt, while the Topper, Lasers and Yamaha small sailboats are all fiberglass. There is a whole range of small Laser sailboats. Waverleys were made from plywood in the early days, but are now all fiberglass. Most 420s and 470s are fiberglass.
Centerboard or dagger board
Because small sailboats are usually launched from the beach, you need a retractable keel, so and all have centerboards or dagger boards these are types of lifting keels. You need the keel to counteract...