Why choose a sailing dinghy to learn how to sail?
Sailing with complete freedom requires learning. Fortunately, the basics of sailing, once acquired, can be transposed to all types of boats. As such, the dinghy has all you need to learn how to sail and progress, whether at sea or on a lake.
Because it is light, responsive and accessible, the sailing dinghy easily accompanies the first tacks of beginners. Wind variations and different sea states are instantly felt on a dinghy where the weight and the position of the helmsman constantly influence the steering, which is not the case on bigger sailboats. Thus, the sail trim actions combined with the helm movements will be quickly assimilated by the neophyte.
Alone or double-handed, the sailor can carry out his first maneuvers without fear or difficulty. The lightness of the sailing dinghy and its dynamism reinforce its maneuverability and ease of use. You can very quickly tack and gybe, leaving the beach and returning easily. Autonomy is quickly acquired and “beginner’s” mistakes such as capsizing are part of the young sailor’s learning process.
Many boat manufacturers have a range of boats for beginners to learn how to sail on: the RS Zest, the RS Neo, the Mirror, the Sunfish, the Laser Pico, the Topper, the Topaz Taz, the Optimist, for example.
Why are Tiwal sailboats so perfect for learning how to sail?
A simple and fun dinghy
Getting started easily and quickly: that’s the mission of the Tiwal small sailboat. Because it is very easy to assemble, simple and intuitive, this boat should delight all its users as soon as they get accustomed to it. Learning how to sail is made easy and sailing quickly becomes accessible and even fun for all beginners, from children to adults. The Tiwal 2 has the advantage of being able to accommodate two children on board and even three for the Tiwal 2L and Tiwal 3 models.
The ease of handling is immediately apparent at the helm. The Tiwal pivots easily on itself during maneuvers. It’s a bit like a go-kart and is perfect for learning to slalom between the buoys.
As for its inflatable hull, it makes it quite simply a reassuring boat. Wide, it forgives mistakes easily and allows the neophyte to experiment and push his sensations on the water with a lot of freedom.
An ultra-modern inflatable dinghy
The combination of technology and modernity led us to choose inflatable technology to design this range of sailing dinghies. With a hull inflated at high pressure, these boats are as rigid as any other classic sailing dinghy.
Based on the new drop stitch technology of inflatable hulls, our sailboats combine modernity and simplicity without cutting back on performance. With the air contained inside the hull, buoyancy is optimal.
For the Tiwal 2 and 2L, the “scow” bow, with a large volume at the front, offers an ideal glide and increases the stability of the dinghy. The inflatable structure in high-pressure drop stitch gives the hull full rigidity.
For model 3 , the dismountable exoskeleton further increases the rigidity of the entire boat. This aluminum structure is particularly suitable for sailing clubs and resorts that use their boats intensively.
A comfortable and safe boat
The deck plan has been designed in the image of our boats: simple and intuitive. Completely uncluttered, the dinghy’s open deck focuses on the essentials: giving the apprentice sailor confidence.
If the Tiwal should capsize, which is an integral part of the learning process, the sailboat can be effortlessly righted by leaning on the centerboard. Ninety pounds are enough to right the dinghy and set off again . And as it is inflatable and low on the water, it is very simple to get back on board without getting tired or hurt. Water automatically drains out of the dinghy through the stern without any additional action thanks to the open deck design.
The daggerboard and rudder are removable for easy launching and steering. Adjustable in height thanks to the elastic brake, the daggerboard can be raised or lowered according to the speed. The rudder is locked in the up or down position by a simple locking system and the action of a tip. Once the lock is up, simply move the rudder manually to the down or up position as needed and it will automatically lock back into position.
For safety, all of our inflatable sailboats are equipped with a towing ring located under the bow to allow for towing if necessary.
The Tiwal 2 and 2L also feature inflatable wings that the sailor sits on for comfortable steering. The Tiwal inflatable technology has the considerable advantage of being robust and resistant to various shocks.
The Tiwal 3 model with its exoskeleton can be equipped with foam reinforcements to increase the comfort of the sailors on the hiking bars.
A safe and evolving rig
The mast, in five parts, is a carbon and fiberglass composite. Its technical characteristics give it the flexibility needed to be both rigid in light winds and flexible enough in strong winds to make sailing comfortable in all types of wind.
Particularly accessible, the standard sail of the Tiwal 2, 2L and 3 is boomless, which prevents potential head impacts. In order not to skimp on performance, the sail has a batten inserted at the bottom, which maintains a consistent profile while simplifying trim adjustments.
In addition, the very high edge of the sail makes it easy to move from one side to the other during maneuvers.
From the helm station, the three basic adjustments tools are readily accessible: the cunningham, the vang and the sheet. The sail adjustment is facilitated by a winch pulley which reduces the force felt and offers the possibility for all sizes to practice sailing.
For sailing schools, a traditional boom rig is available on the 2L and 3 models, which allows the foot to be adjusted according to the wind and speed.
This rig also offers the possibility of partially wrapping the sail around the mast for reefing on land. When sailing, an automatic reefing system can be operated by simply manipulating two ropes. The boom and sail can be wrapped around the mast for convenient and compact storage.
A light and very practical boat
A Tiwal sailboat is very easy to handle thanks to its very light weight which makes it easy to lift. Handles all around the boat (and the hiking bars for the model 3) offer good grips to move it.
A dismountable launching trolley provides even more comfort when launching. Children can easily and simply launch their small sailboat and take it out with or without a cart.
The undeniable advantage of inflatable sailboats over their rigid hull competitors is their minimalist volume once disassembled and stored in only two bags. Little maintenance, little clutter for a maximum gain of time dedicated to sailing and pleasure. It is a serious asset for sailing schools without sufficient storage space or for traveling sailing clubs.
A reliable boat made for adventure and discovery
The inflatable hull also stands out when it comes to solidity. It does not fear shocks. Also, the double layer on the whole hull guarantees and increases its resistance. The hull can even rub the ground on the beach, as a layer of textile used for rafting boats doubles the hull in the most solicited areas.