Buying a small transportable sailboat is not a default decision. It’s a true way of life. Here are 5 good reasons to sail on a small sailboat.
When a sailing and sea enthusiast wants to buy a sailboat, the first thought is about the size of the boat. The most reasonable answer is often to choose a small sailboat. Then, one imagines that over time and with a bigger budget, an extra meter will become necessary, and the story will lead us to a beautiful 12-meter yacht. If that’s not the case, it’s because the budget doesn’t allow it.
However, this is to misunderstand this type of sailing. It’s to misunderstand the potential of small sailboats for cruising and sailing. Sailing on a small transportable sailboat is a true mindset. Many recreational boat owners identify with this, to the point of creating a community. Indeed, sailing on a small sailboat is also a way of life, a will. I would even say it’s a smart choice. So, here are 5 good reasons to sail on a small sailboat.
Sail on a transportable sailboat whenever you want
Sailing on a small transportable sailboat means sailing whenever you please. Indeed, a small sailboat will allow you to sail more easily than on a large 10-meter monohull. On one hand, you can transport it easily. If the winds are strong, you can sail in a sheltered bay or on a lake. On the other hand, a small sailboat doesn’t require very technical preparation; the crew can prepare the boat quickly. This is ideal when you only have half a day, for example.
Finally, if you want to sail alone, the small sailboat has great advantages. Most of them can be easily maneuvered by one person.
Sail in rias and coves with a small sailboat
Sailing on a small sailboat allows you to discover the coasts up close. Indeed, their shallow draft and size allow them to get very close to the shore. You can explore the small Breton rias, the Arcachon Basin, the Gulf of Morbihan, or the Chausey Islands. At the same time, you can avoid crowded marinas in the summer and beach on a shore to spend the night. Finally, you can anchor close to the coast or even do without a dinghy.
Sail farther
Sailing on a small sailboat allows you to sail close to the coast. But at the same time, you can broaden your horizons and even go farther. First, some small sailboats can take you very far, like the Django 770 or the First 210. A Maxus 22 even sailed around the world.
Moreover, a transportable sailboat can help you discover Europe. Indeed, you can take your sailboat, on a trailer, by road, to many bodies of water. Discover Lake Geneva, Italy, or the fjords of the North. Quite a sailing program that you probably wouldn’t do with a 10-meter boat… The small sailboat can be transported everywhere.
Finally, a small transportable and habitable sailboat can provide you with more than enough comfort for a long cruise.
Sail without constraints
Sailing on a small sailboat means limiting constraints. Indeed, small boat, small worries. This aspect is very important. The risks of breakdowns or technical issues are much lower than on a unit equipped with an inboard engine or various valves that can leak. You reduce the risks of damage at sea and on land. The same goes for the various installations. The electrical circuits are simpler. The same goes for electronic equipment.
Discover our boat listings
Explore many listings for small sailboats and larger ones.
Sail without counting
Finally, and this is no small matter, sailing on a small sailboat will be good for your wallet. Beyond the price of the boat, all the maintenance is cheaper. We often meet neighbors on the docks who can’t stand spending their time at chandleries, negotiating with their partner to invest in this or that repair or equipment.
With a small sailboat, everything is cheaper. From the berth to the amount of antifouling, the diameter of the halyards, and the sail area, a small sailboat is much easier to manage financially. In the end, it’s better to have a small, well-equipped boat than a larger, poorly maintained, and more dangerous unit.
In short, I’ve given you 5 good reasons to sail on a small sailboat. But I’m sure I’ve forgotten some, and I’ll leave it to you to complete them in the comments…
And if we keep in maritime touch?