Sailing school
Buy a sailing boat
The first boat most people should buy is smaller than the one they want. A dinghy you sail every weekend teaches more, costs less and is sold more easily than a cruiser that sits on a mooring waiting for a free Saturday.
Dinghies and trainers
Sensible first boats, in classes that have an active fleet in India — which matters, because a class nobody else sails is a boat you cannot race and cannot resell.
- Optimist — the standard junior trainer, huge second-hand market
- Laser / ILCA — single-hander, the most widely sailed adult class
- 420 and 470 — two-person performance dinghies for club racing
- Club trainers and stable double-handers for family sailing
- Beach catamarans for speed in open water
Keelboats and small cruisers
If you want to stay out overnight or carry more people, a small keelboat is the step up. We broker used boats and advise on new imports, including the duty and registration picture, which is a substantial part of the real cost.
Before you buy
Three questions decide the boat: where will it live, who sails it with you, and how many weekends a year will you honestly use it. Answer those and the choice usually makes itself. We will also arrange berthing and follow-on coaching so the boat actually gets used.
Questions
Frequently asked
What is a good first sailing boat to buy in India?
For an adult, a Laser/ILCA or a stable two-person dinghy. For a child, an Optimist. Both have active fleets and hold their value because there is always another family looking for one.
How much does a sailing dinghy cost in India?
A used club Optimist is the cheapest way in; a new imported one-design costs several times that once duty and freight are counted. We will lay out both options with the landed cost rather than the sticker price.
Where can I keep a sailing dinghy?
Most dinghies live at a club on a dinghy park, which is far cheaper than a marina berth. We can help arrange club membership and storage as part of the purchase.
Should I buy new or used?
Used, almost always, for a first boat. Sailing dinghies are simple and durable, the second-hand market is active, and you will learn what you actually want from the first year of sailing.
Talk to us about this
More
More from the sailing school
Ready when you are Let us check the date.
Tell us when, where and how many. We come back with options and a firm price, usually within the hour.