Small to become big: drifts are key, Francesca Clapcich’s word

Anyone approaching the world of sailing will have heard the fateful phrase “the best sailors are those who come from dinghies” at least once. This is not just a dock legend, but an authentic truth, because that is exactly what it is, those who grow up on dinghies when they move on to bigger boats really have their way. What more do dinghies give, from a technical and physical standpoint, that cabin boats do not? How can they be useful in forming a sailor‘s foundation? The world of dinghies today offers a wide variety of models, from the simplest and most suitable for schooling, to the more advanced and perhaps even flying foils-a true galaxy in which all kinds of sailors can find the ideal one for their needs.

And above all, let’s dispel a myth: drifting is not only preparatory for racing and is not only for younger people, but it is useful to become a good sailor, on any boat, with a wealth of skills that will come in handy even in simple cruising, as long as you are willing to sail all the time and keep the engine off.

We talked about it with an exceptional testimonial, Francesca Clapcich, two Olympics in Laser and 49er, then moved on to the world of offshore sailing with two crewed round-the-world races under her belt, one of which she won, one of the protagonists of our Vendée Globe trial. And, Francesca’s word, dinghies can really be useful for everyone, not only for younger people, but for anyone who wants to get involved and has the goal of becoming a complete and multifaceted sailor.

In this in-depth feature we will learn about the opinion of a champion like Clapcich, who will also help us understand why dinghies can give us something extra in our technical background. In a second news that we will publish soon we have also selected six models, five pure dinghies and one that we can consider as a transition boat between the world of dinghies and that of cabin boats. But first, as mentioned, word from Francesca Clapcich.

DINGHIES – THE OPINION OF A SUPER SAILOR

“The gateway to the world of sailing and dinghies are always the local clubs, so also that you can initially not spend big bucks aiming instead at a charter or a sailing course that cost much less than buying a new one,” thus begins our chat with Francesca, starting to dispel a myth: to approach the world of sailing and dinghies you don’t necessarily need big expenses right away.

“I remember that in Trieste there were courses for children’s dinghies but also courses for adults, in Laser or Laser 2, they are boats that can fit even middle-aged people who have never tried sailing before. Clearly you also need to understand the physical capabilities or some issues that anyone can have, that is basic to be able to do the activity safely and without risk “, Francesca continues. Dinghies as we said are not only for young people, with the right guidance even people of an older age can start from these boats, gradually, with the right model and starting with the right weather conditions. To experience those sensations that only dinghies can give.

“The biggest lesson you learn from dinghies is that they don’t forgive you any mistakes, unlike keelboats which allow you much more, but that’s how you quickly learn a boat’s reactions to adjustments or weight shifts. On a dinghy every action has a reaction, immediate, positive or negative. On cabin boats everything is more “muffled,” the reactions of the boat are often not so blatant, but if you’ve learned to boat on dinghies you’ll pick them up sooner even on big boats” Francesca explains, getting to the heart of the matter, which is what is different about dinghies versus big boats. “With dinghies, on the other hand, you scuff,” he continues, “so it makes you understand all the physics behind sailing, in a direct way. You only get these sensations from the dinghy, you keep them as baggage, and they are fundamental to boating with the best technique “.

There are several dozen models available on the market today, from the highest performing to the simplest or suitable for sailing school. Where to start? Francesca immediately thinks of a boat that has been important for her career, and which is a real milestone in the world of dinghies, as well as the most popular model in the world. We are talking, of course, about the legendary Laser, known today as the ILCA. “The Laser remains one of the easiest boats, even to rig and put in the water. It allows you if you have a few hours after a day of work, to have your little outing and have fun “.

As we said, however, the Laser is just one of many dinghy models that provide a little bit of fun for every type of sailor. “In fact there are so many options lately between double or crewed boats that you are really spoiled for choice. When I was growing up there were far fewer than today. Not forgetting then also some more “classic” drifts, in Trieste for example there is a beautiful Snipe fleet, a boat that is a double, also a bit demanding from a physical level maybe, but which however gives great satisfaction. Then there are of course very light boats, suitable for both sailing school and adrenaline sailing, such as RSs that give you different sensations “.

Today, however, there is the great foil phenomenon, which started right from the world of singlehanded dinghies and then spread like wildfire throughout the sailing galaxy. Are foil dinghies for everyone? Perhaps in this case things are different, because theoretically everyone can also go on foil dinghies, but the physical background needed is different.

“Regarding foil dinghies the Waszp certainly, even as a cost level, can be a good gateway to this world. It gives you the ability to also use different sails depending on your weight and weather, it doesn’t have interchangeable dinghies like the Moth, and it is generally simpler. The problem with foil dinghies is that they require more complex logistics as boats, for example, it would be better for even the most experienced to go out on the water with the support of a dinghy in case of problems. Let’s say that foil dinghy experience is already for sailors who already have a technical background and good physical condition. Several clubs, for example on Lake Garda or in Sardinia, have also organized themselves as schools for foil dinghies, so there are still access channels where you can try out these boats “.

What if one wants to experience the thrill of foiling in perhaps a simpler and more direct way? “There‘s the great world of foil boards, which from the economic point of view are less expensive, offer super fun and are developing a lot, I’m thinking for example of Wing Foils, which are a new way to approach sailing activities and you can very well keep all the equipment in the hood of the car.”

However, what is ultimately the best way to approach the world of dinghies and similar boats, to make sure that you have a positive experience that can continue over time in a fruitful way? “My advice is always to rely on experienced hands, having good instructors is the best way to fall in love with dinghies, with sailing, and to develop your foundation for the future.” Francesca Clapcich’s word.

Edited by Mauro Giuffrè