Some Assembly Required...

Getting your Dinghy ready to sail requires some assembly. In this section we will walk you through the various systems found in most Dinghys. Knowing what the systems are and how the parts work together is the first step to sailing a Sailing Dinghy.

Hover your mouse over different areas on the image below to get some extra detail.

The diagram above shows the overall system breakdown of the Dinghy. The following section provides an overview of the systems, followed by a "Definition" section to define the terms used in the diagram above.


Major Systems;

Hull
The hull is usually shaped like a row boat. It is completely open from bow to stern and may have one or two benches used for both structure and seats.

Propulsion System
Your sailing dinghy is moved through the water by means of a sail or oars. The sail is the primary system of propulsion. As wind passes over or into the sail, the dinghy will move through the water. Oars are used for those occasions when wind is not present.

Control System
The control system has two parts one is the dagger board, which is a flat board hung below the middle of the dinghy. The other is the rudder and tiller, which are hung from the stern of the dinghy and used to steer the dinghy. Together these components are used to guide the boat through the water.

Definitions

Ballast is the weight at the bottom of a boat to establish a low center of gravity providing stability to a boat in water.
Cockpit is the section of a boat or aircraft from where the Pilot, Captain or Helmsmen steer and otherwise control the vessel.
Bow is the forward end of a boat. (Usually narrow or pointed)
Stern refers to the aft or rear of a boat. (Usually wide or squared-off)
Oar-locks are mounted, one on each side of a rowboat to which oars are then fastened.
Oars are Paddle-like boards or a blade attached to one end of a long pole, by which one would row a boat through the water.