Your complete guide to dinghy racing

When you know what you’re doing, dinghy racing is a thrilling and challenging way to improve your sailing skills and have fun on the water. For competitive people, sailing is the ultimate sport, but there’s definitely a knack to it.

In this guide, you’ll find our expert tips to get you dinghy racing like a pro. From making sure you’ve got the right clothing and dinghy equipment to brushing up on the rules of dinghy racing, everything you need to know is here.

 

How to race dinghies like a pro

1. Start successfully

Seems obvious, but many people don’t realise just how important starting off right is to winning some consider it to be worth 90% of the race. Think of the length of the line in terms of how long it would take to sail along it to improve judging time and distance.

Don’t start too far back from the line - if you’re new to dinghy sailing, the safest bet is at the right hand end on the starboard tack. Getting out early (ideally first) means you can check tidal influences and track the wind. If you’re starting mid-line, sit half a length ahead of the boats around you - most other boats will hang back. And definitely invest in a high-quality timer!

 

2. Practice makes perfect

One of the best tips is simple - practice everything as much as you can. If you’re part of a crew, get together and go through the course. Focus on going over your weakest manoeuvre, even if it’s just for 15 minutes before the race day starts. Move onto your next weakness to continually improve. Sail around a short practice course and use actual markers to replicate race pressure.

A waterproof GoPro video camera is an ideal self-coaching tool; simply set it up to the rear of the boat to see where your strengths and weakness are. Go over key spinnaker work, including hoists, drops and gybes, until you (and your team) are fluid and smooth.

 

3. Mark your controls

Making sure you know the fastest settings for various conditions will help lay the foundation for a good boat speed. Mark up everything from halyards, sheets, outhaul, and continue to refine these markings as you improve the sail trim and boat handling.

 

4. Develop high and low upwind modes

One of the best kept secrets in sailing is to maintain VMG (Velocity made good - the speed of the sailboat in the direction of its destination) while pointing higher or lower than usual by about 3-5 degrees.

This helps to give you tactical control over boats around you. By using this tactic, you may be able to gain enough space to squeeze above an overtaking boat or tack. Use this technique wisely and don’t overdo the directional degree!

 

5. Nail the finish

Plan ahead for success. Your tactics will vary depending on your position in the fleet - if you’re ahead you need to defend, and the biggest tip is to keep between the finish line and your competitors, even if it costs you distance.

As you head into the last mark of the course and beat back to the line leg, prepare for what you need to sort out in advance. For example put your centre board down and pull your outhaul back on. Don’t fall foul to going around the last mark too fast, especially in heavy wind.

 

Choosing the right dinghy equipment

Making sure you have quality equipment for your dinghy racing is essential. You want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your vessel and staying safe while on the water, so going the extra mile to research top-quality suppliers is a must. 

To help you, we’ve put together a few tips on choosing the best equipment dinghy equipment, including hardware, ropes, rigging, and safety equipment.

 

Dinghy ropes and rigging

Shopping for dinghy rope can be a little overwhelming as there’s so much choice, and there are different types of rope for the various different parts of your dinghy. When you’re deciding on the rope, check to see if extra grip fibres have been added for better grip and comfort when sailing. If you’re a keen competitor in dinghy races, there is specific rope you can buy for competing,  designed with Stirotex fibres for extreme strength and durability. 

 

Dinghy safety equipment

Quality safety equipment is an investment. You’ll also need suitable clothing that’s fully functional and keep you dry and warm whatever the weather (more on this later). 

A neoprene wetsuit and sailing boots are two staple items when out dinghy sailing. You should also make sure you have sailing gloves and thermal headgear plus any extra layers to keep you warm in cooler temperatures.

It’s vital you wear a buoyancy aid while out dinghy sailing, too. Make sure it has secure fastenings, supports your weight, and is CE EN393 approved. 

 

Dinghy repairs

Having dinghy repair equipment onboard your vessel will give you peace of mind should anything go wrong while you’re out on the water. Your dinghy repair kit should include:

• heavy duty tape (including sail-repair and chafe tape)
• non-slip vinyl
• sail-repair waxed thread
• spare line
• a folding knife
• a pair of pliers

 

Dinghy hardware

To help hold your ropes securely in place, you need to make sure you have good cleats. Look for a sailing chandlery that sell clam cleats, as these let you easily adjust the line and help keep your dinghy safe and in working order. 

 

Dinghy racing rules

Whether you're a professional dinghy racer or just starting out, it's a good idea to brush up on dinghy racing rules. These can change from time to time and you don't want to get penalised in a race just because you forgot to check the rule book.

Every four years, the racing rules are revised by World Sailing, the international authority of the sport. There are several dinghy racing rules that need to be followed, including the ‘when boats meet’ rule, right of way, visibility, and environmental responsibility.

 

When boats meet

When boats meet, knowing the rules is an important part of dinghy racing. The rules are written in a way that keeps racing both fair and safe for everyone taking part, and there are some basic rules that everyone should know before hitting the water to race.

• When boats are on opposite tacks, this means the port tack boat needs to keep clear of a starboard-tack boat.
• When boats on the same tack and overlap, this means windward boats should keep clear of any leeward boats.
• When boats have not overlapped but are on the same tack, then boats clear astern need to keep clear of any boats clear ahead.
• When a boat passes head to the wind, it should keep clear of any other vessels, until on a closed-haul course.

As stated above, these are the basics and it would be very wise to learn all the other rules to give yourself a tactical advantage over your competition.

 

Acquiring right of way

When acquiring right of way, it's important to ensure there is enough space between the two boats, unless the reason for acquiring right of way was due to the actions of another boat. When changing course, the right-of-way dinghy should also give enough space for the other vessel to keep clear and manoeuvre effectively.

 

Visibility

It's important that boats know where they’re going and are on the right course at all times. If a boat cannot see where it is going, there are more likely to be accidents. 
Therefore, another important rule of dinghy racing is for all vessels to maintain a proper look-out at all times, both visually and through sound.

 

Protecting any boat before starting

Racing rules aim to protect boats before, during, and after any race. The rules incorporated to keep boats safe before a race include, for any boat not racing they should not interfere with any boat that is racing.  Boats that have not been called to the start line should also avoid the starting area during other races.

 

Environmental responsibility

This one isn't exactly directly linked to racing itself – however, it is one of the basic principles of racing and should still be followed. It means that all participants of the sport should limit their environmental impact as much as possible both on and off the water. Most importantly, racers should not put rubbish into the water.

 

Discretionary penalties

If any of the racing rules have been breached, then competitors may be given a penalty. This is up to the protest committee’s discretion. When assessing penalties, there are various guidelines that should be followed, including awarding an infringed boat average points to disqualifying a boat from the race. Penalties may also be given to a boat for not complying with local sailing instructions. This could include sailing in prohibited areas or not having the correct safety equipment on board. Instructions and rules will differ from event to event, so always double check them in advance.

 

Dinghy racing clothing

Dinghy racing can be a great experience, but not so much if you have no gear and no idea. Getting your choice of clothing right is super-important.

Pro tip: Temperatures usually feel colder out on the waves, but in the direct sun, you can also get hot and sunburnt, so to combat both of these issues, it’s always wise to have extra layers on hand to save you time and effort when racing no matter what. Take some time before your race to check the weather forecast, too, as this will also help you decide on appropriate clothing.

 

Wetsuits

Wetsuits are not just for surfers and divers. They’re a must-have all-in-one solution for keeping you warm and dry during your race. Neoprene wetsuits or steamers that are full length and fit like a second skin are amongst the most popular wetsuits due to their heat-retaining properties, making them ideal for when you’re racing in colder temperatures. But if you know you’re going to be racing in a warmer climate then smaller, thinner wetsuits like flatlock shorties can keep you dry and cool during your race in the beaming heat and sun. GUL offers a range of wetsuits that can accommodate your weather and temperature needs, allowing you to focus entirely on your dinghy race without being distracted by your body temperature or by gear that doesn't keep you dry.

 

Tops & hikers

For those that prefer a 2-piece ensemble for their race, the combination of a thermal top and hikers can give you the added flexibility you need. 

 

Knee pads

If you've ever uncomfortably knelt on a deck fitting or even a small piece of rope, you’ll be aware of the pain and potential injury this may cause your knees. And when you’re in the middle of a race, you do not have time to deal with this. Some long-length knee pads even extend down to the shins to further protect this accident-prone area. 

One example is the Roosters Race Armour Knee Pads. These panels around the knee allow stretch where you need it the most and improve your mobility during your race. The use of Duratex II on the outer surface and NBR rubber on the inside makes for minimal water absorption, so weight will not be added to the pads when wet, and the rubber also adds some shock absorption for any slips and falls.

 

Sailing boots

Speaking of slips, everyone knows that the deck can become a very slippy place, so purchasing a good pair of sailing boots is essential for your race, keeping you upright, balanced, and moving faster around your dinghy.

Sailing Chandlery offers a range of different boots that are used by the world’s best Laser sailing athletes, including Olympic and World Champions such as the Zhik 560 Sailing Boots with Laser Grip II Hiking Strap that work harder so you don't have to. The boot and strap system allows your muscles to relax so you can hike harder for longer while maintaining full mobility during your dinghy race.

 

Hats, sunglasses & gloves

Additional accessories can really come in handy during a dinghy race. Whether it’s sunny and warm or windy and cold, a hat with a brim, sunglasses, and gloves can be really useful. The Gill Offshore Helmsman Hat is a great all-rounder. It will keep the sun off your face, protect your head from burning, and reduce sweat from getting into your eyes.

The Gill Floatable Sunglasses are polarised and will stop you from straining your eyes on sunny days, particularly from the glare bouncing off the bright white deck in front of you. They also have a hydrophobic outer coating that sheds water and reduces salt residue. Oh, and they float, which will appeal to anyone who has ever lost their sunglasses over the edge of their boat and slowly watched them sink and disappear!

Even on a cold day, you might still want to wear gloves. They’re not just for keeping your digits warm - the Henri Lloyd Deck Grip Short Finger Gloves, for example, are great for adding extra grip and also some much-needed protection from rope burn, helping to maximise your race performance.

 

Buoyancy aids

This may not enhance your racing, but if you’re not safe, you shouldn’t race. No sailor or racer is too good for a buoyancy aid. They are one of the most important items of clothing, regardless of whether you’re racing or not. A buoyancy aid will help you keep your head above water should the worst happen. 
Even if you become unconscious or go into shock, a buoyancy aid will keep you buoyant until help arrives. 

Rooster's Race Armour Buoyance Aid is made from a low-profile neoprene which is specifically designed to fit you in all the right places. It is longer and thinner than its counterparts, meaning there's less bulk, however, the neoprene allows it to stretch for added comfort and movement. 

 

Dinghy maintenance

Maintaining your dinghy and keeping it in a good condition will make your racing life a lot easier. When it comes to maintenance for any boat, there’s a lot you need to be aware of, and depending on the type of dinghy you own, there are many things you need to know and regularly check.

Whether you’re competing in a race or just taking your dinghy out to explore the water, you’ll want to make sure it’s in tip-top shape.

 

Safety equipment

It goes without saying, but looking after your equipment is an essential part of any general boating maintenance. If you wear a lifejacket rather than a buoyancy aid, the recommendation for servicing a lifejacket is every three years, however it is advisable to service annually if not privately owned. When it comes to servicing equipment like lifejackets, the Royal Yachting Association recommends that you take it to a service station accredited by the manufacturer.

 

Cleaning

Your dinghy is open to the onslaught from harsh weather conditions and is constantly hit with the corrosive salt water of the ocean, which can cause the underside of your boat to gather dirt and discolour. A lot of what you might see as damage can often be sorted by a thorough clean and reveal a brand-new looking boat underneath.

 

Sails

Examine your sails every so often and check for any potential damage or pulled stitching. If you have laminate sails, make sure the film isn’t breaking down anywhere as this is a sign that the sail is beginning to reach the end of its life.

In emergency situations, be ready to conduct a DIY repair for your sail if you happen to find any small or large tears while at sea. Keeping tape in your emergency toolkit is essential for any dinghy owners.

 

Deck gear

When it comes to deck gear, it’s important that all moving parts are fully operational. Check rigging and ropes regularly to make sure there is no fraying. If you do see fraying, it’s a strong indicator that you’ll need to replace them immediately. For maintenance of your dinghy’s deck, it's a good idea to consult the relevant manual for your specific vessel.

 

Other things to consider when dinghy racing

 

What do you want out of your dinghy sailing experience?

The first thing to consider is whether you’re racing for fun or racing competitively. There are lots of different types and some are built for speed and exhilaration while others are better for relaxed cruising. If you bought your dinghy for leisurely sailing, you might want to trade it in for a faster model - it's all down to each individual sailor and what you want out of the experience. 

 

What's your skill level?

If you’re not sure what level you’re at, whether it be somewhere between beginner and intermediate or more towards the advanced end, ask your local sailing club what category and class you should compete in. You don’t want to be out of your depth racing against experienced dinghy sailors, but you’ll still want some kind of a challenge. Be sure to get some practice in before your race so you’re up to scratch and feeling confident on the water.

 

Is your dinghy fit for purpose?

One of the most important things to consider before entering a race is whether your dinghy is fit for purpose. Check the interior and exterior of your dinghy for any damage, cracks, leaks or wear and tear. You want to make sure your dinghy is as good as new to better your chances in the race so if there’s any repair work, make sure you’ve ample time before the race to fix it up.

 

What safety equipment will you need?

Having the correct safety equipment on board is essential, especially during a race. Anything could happen so be prepared for every eventuality. Be sure to have a first aid kit, whistle, buoyancy aid and a maritime radio device (VHF). 

 

Are you insured?

As mentioned above, anything can happen during a dinghy race so having a fully comprehensive insurance policy in place is vital. Dinghy insurance will offer you recreational racing cover, as well as a refund of your race entry fee should you not finish, personal accident cover, and medical expenses cover. You’ll also have 30 days of European cover for dinghy racing abroad.

 

Specialist dinghy insurance through GJW Direct

For extra peace of mind, you may want to consider specialist dinghy insurance to protect yourself and your boat against risks like theft, damage, and third-party claims. Get an instant online quote today.