Tiwal 3 Review: Mike from Scottsbluff – NE

My name is Mike, and I live in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, USA.

Which Tiwal model do you have?

I have the Tiwal 3 sailboat, and I’ve owned it for about two and a half years.

Where do you sail?

I’m in a landlocked state, so there’s no ocean around. Instead, we have what are called irrigation lakes. These lakes are filled with water in the spring, and throughout the summer, the water is used to irrigate crops.

There are a few lakes near my hometown, and I usually sail on a small lake about 10 miles away.

Single-handed or double-handed?

I mostly sail solo. One of the reasons I like the Tiwal is that I can easily take it out by myself. I can load it into my car, set it up, and get on the lake without needing much help or having to back it into the water.

That said, I do have family here. I have two nieces, 10-year-old twins, who I’m trying to get interested in sailing. Occasionally, the three of us sail together. But for the most part, it’s recreational and solo.

What was your experience before Tiwal?

As a kid, I lived in the same town, and we had a small sailboat. That’s where I first gained some sailing experience. However, I’ve never sailed on open water or in rough conditions—only on lakes.

How was the first handling with your Tiwal?

I remember it well. The last time I had sailed was during my high school and early twenties. After that, there was a long dry spell where I didn’t sail at all. When I got the Tiwal, I had to remember and relearn a few things, but surprisingly, it came back to me more easily than I expected. It was a smooth transition.

How is it going so far?

I love it. There aren’t many other sailboats on the lake, so mine stands out. A lot of people stop to ask me about it. It’s fun and makes for a nice, relaxing afternoon.

What characteristics surprised you?

I found myself capsizing a bit more than I expected, but it’s incredibly easy to upright the boat. That part surprised me—it’s much easier to handle than I thought.

Another thing is being so close to the water. My previous boat was more traditional, so it sat higher above the surface. With the Tiwal, you’re right at water level, which I actually enjoy. The handling takes some getting used to, but I really like it.

What is your best memory with your Tiwal?

When I first got the Tiwal, it was March, and there was still snow on the ground. I was so excited to set it up that I did it inside my dental practice. I have a waiting room with a high ceiling, and I assembled the boat there. The mast came just a few inches from hitting the ceiling! It was so much fun to put it together for the first time—definitely one of my favorite memories.

Where would you dream to sail with your Tiwal?

I would love to attend one of those regattas in France, meet other Tiwal owners, and hear about their experiences. It would be great to see how they handle their boats.

Although I’ve been a bit apprehensive about open water, as I’ve never sailed on the ocean, I think it would be exciting to try and meet other enthusiasts in such a setting.