Tiwal 3 review: Gustavo, from Atlanta – GA
My name is Gustavo, and I live in Atlanta, Georgia.
Which Tiwal model do you have?
I’ve owned the Tiwal 3 sailboat for about two years now.
Where do you sail?
In Atlanta, I sail on Lake Lanier, which is an artificial freshwater lake with many access ramps. We usually go to the nearest ramp to our home, park the car, assemble the boat right outside, and then launch it into the water.
One time, we took it down to Destin, Georgia. We loaded it into the car, drove down to Destin, assembled it on the beach, and sailed around the coastline. My wife and I typically sail together, double-handed. We try to go out on days with at least five knots of wind because, with two people, the boat is heavier and requires more wind to get moving.
How do you use your Tiwal?
What we usually do is sail from the ramp to find a nice beach or spot to land the boat on Lake Lanier. Then, we get out, have a little picnic with snacks or food we bring along, and later return to the boat to head back to where the car is parked.
How is it going so far?
It’s been a fantastic experience. I really enjoy it because it allows me to sail without the investment of a regular boat. I save money on maintenance and slip fees, and I can even take it to the ocean whenever I feel adventurous.
Before buying the Tiwal, I had been sailing regular keelboats for a few years.
What characteristics surprised you?
The steering is super responsive, so you need to be careful when moving the tiller; otherwise, the boat might steer out from under you. On strong wind days, you must be cautious while tacking, as the boat could capsize. This has never happened to me on a keelboat, but with the Tiwal, it’s something to manage. You just need to control the mainsheet carefully. Sailing in strong winds is a lot of fun—it’s a much more physical experience than being on a keelboat. It’s similar to sailing a Laser, where you need to lock in and use your whole body to keep the boat under control.
How was the first handling with your Tiwal?
Assembling the Tiwal was easy; there’s a video that explains the process clearly.
What is your best memory with your Tiwal?
Ocean sailing is very different from lake sailing because the winds are consistent and don’t change direction as frequently as they do on an artificial lake like Lake Lanier. On the ocean, we maintain the same point of sail for long periods, going down the coast one way and back up the other. People were curious about the Tiwal—many had never seen a dinghy like it before. They asked questions like, “What is that? Is that really a sailboat?” It was fascinating to engage with them.
Where would you dream to sail with your Tiwal?
I’ve seen many photos of the Mediterranean waters in Greece, with its beautiful coastlines. The bags for the Tiwal are small enough to be carried onto airplanes, much like golf bags. Traveling with the Tiwal by plane doesn’t seem too difficult—the main challenge would be transporting it once you arrive at your destination. I’d love to visit Greece and sail there, exploring its clear waters and numerous coastlines. While it’s not the same as being on a keelboat (and I wouldn’t be able to overnight in it), there’s still plenty of coastline in Greece that I’d love to explore.