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1. Optimist, the boat with which it all begins
Designed by Clark Mills in 1947 and sold in over 400,000 units, the little 2.34 m sailboat is a true legend and the perfect boat for learning to sail. All sailing schools use it, and although it's mainly reserved for children, it can also accommodate teenagers up to 15 years of age. Easy to transport and quick to set up, it's also easy to find at a good price.
- Longueur : 7' 67'' / 2,34 m
- Largeur : 3' 50'' / 1,07 m
- Poids : 92 lbs / 42 kg
- Min. Draft: 0.33' / 0,10 m
- Max. draft: 3' 17'' /0,97 m
- Surface de voile : 38 sqft / 3,60 m2
2. Sunfish, fun on your own or with family
Designed in 1945 by Alex Bryan and Cortlandt Heyniger under the Alcort brand, the Sunfish is a small sailboat, 4.19 m long, which can accommodate up to three people, although it is most commonly used for single occupancy. Very flat and fairly narrow, the boat carries 7m2 of sail for a maximum draught of 0.18 to 0.64 m. Easy to maneuver, it is also classified as a one-design boat, making it suitable for regattas. It features a single-sail Latin rig, making it very easy to handle.
The Sunfish was inducted into the American Sailboat Hall of Fame in 1995.
Its affordable price has also contributed to its success, with over 500,000 Sunfish produced to date. The Sunfish is still available for around $5 to $6,000, and is an excellent boat for starting out and having fun.
- length : 13' 9'' / 4,19 m
- Beam: 4' 1'' / 1,24 m
- Weight : 120 lbs / 59 kg
- Min. Draft: 0.6' / 0,18 m
- Max. draft: 2' 09'' /0,64 m
- Sail area : 75 sqft / 7m2
3 - Catalina 14.2 Expo, sailing made easy
The Catalina 14.2 is a true icon in the USA. It was designed by Ted Carpentier and Frank Butler for Catalina Yachts, and is in fact a derivative of the Omega 14 produced by Coronado Yachts and designed by Frank Butler. Compared to the Omega 14, the Capri 14.2 (Catalina's first name - which appeared in 1983), has been given a foredeck under which a storage locker is fitted.
In 2002, Catalina Yachts introduced the 14.2 Expo, a simplified version of the traditional 14.2, featuring a deck-mounted boom completely detached from the mast. The SmartRig system consists of a carbon mast and a single sail, controlled by just two sheets. The sail then wraps around the mast.
It's a 4.62 m long sailboat with a sloop rig and a sail area of around 9m2 (depending on the headsails used). Since 1983, nearly 6,000 14.2s have been built, and the boat is still on sale for around $10,000.
- Length : 13' 25'' / 4,04 m
- Overall length: 15' 16'' / 4,62 m
- Beam : 6' 16'' / 1,88 m
- Weight : 340 Lbs / 154 kg
- Min. Draft: 0.33' / 0,10 m
- Max. draft: 3' 50'' /1,07 m
- Sail area: 104 sqft / 9,66 m2
4 - Laser, getting started in a sporting spirit
The Laser sailboat is one of the most popular and versatile small sailboats in the world. Known for its simplicity, performance, and accessibility, the Laser was designed by Bruce Kirby, a Canadian boat designer, in 1969.
The idea was to create an affordable boat that could be easily transported and sailed by one person.
The Laser features a simple, single-sail design with no complex rigging or systems. It is designed to be easy to rig, launch, and sail, making it accessible for beginners and experts alike. The Laser performs well in a variety of wind conditions, making it a versatile choice for sailors.
Popular in competition, including in Olympic Class, the Laser is a strict one-design class, meaning all boats are built to the same specifications.
With over 215,000 boats worldwide, the Laser has one of the largest sailing communities.
The Laser is still for sale and can be purchased for $11,000.
- Length: 13' 88'' / 4.2 meters
- Beam: 4' 56'' / 1.39 meters
- Hull Weight: 130 Lbs / 59 kg
- Min. Draft: 0.33' / 0,10 m
- Max. draft:2' 62'' / 0,80 m
- Sail Area: 76 sqft / 7.06 m2 (Standard rig)
5 - Astus 16.5, the stability and performance of a trimaran
The Astus 16.5 is a small, transportable trimaran, 5.95 m long (7 m overall). Launched in 2016 by French shipyard Astus, this multihull offers both the stability of a trimaran and the sensations of light sailing. It folds up for transport on a trailer and weighs just 470 kg for a sail area of up to 42 m2 downwind for the sport version. It features a flip-up sand daggerboard and ample forward storage space.
Designed by VPLP, the Astus 16.5 can carry up to 7 people for maximum fun. It is priced at around $25,000.
- Length: 19' 5'' / 5.95 m
- Overall length: 22' 96'' / 7 m
- Folded width: 8' 13'' / 2.48 m
- Unfolded width: 14' 8'' / 4.50 m
- Weight: 470 kg
- Minimum Draft: 0.8' / 0.25
- Max. Draft: 4' 10'' / 1.25 m
- Sail area: up to 452 sqft / 42 m2
6 - Hobie Cat 16, a fun catamaran for learning or racing
The Hobie 16 Sport Catamaran, designed by Hobie Alter in 1969, is a high-performance sailboat renowned for its speed, agility, and durability. Measuring 16.6 feet in length with a 7.9 feet beam, it features asymmetrical hulls, eliminating the need for daggerboards. Its simple rigging and trampoline-style deck make it accessible for sailors of all skill levels. The Hobie 16 is a staple in competitive sailing, with a strong global fleet and numerous regattas. Its versatility and iconic design have made it a beloved choice for recreational and competitive sailors alike.
Apart from its sporty appearance, the Hobie 16 is also a good catamaran for beginners, as it's very forgiving. It features a classic sloop-style rig with a good choice of sails.
The only drawback is that it's still wide enough to be launched on its own.
On the other hand, it costs around $15,000, which is reasonable for so much fun.
- Length : 16' 07'' / 5,04 m
- Beam : 7' 11'' / 2,41 m
- Weight : 320 lbs / 145 kg
- Draft : 10'' / 0,25 m
- Sail area : 218 sqft / 20 m2
7 - Beneteau First 24, the first steps in the pocket cruiser world
If you'd like to get started in the world of liveaboards, the Beneteau First 24 is a good place to start. Easily transportable, the First 24 is the heir to a long series of pocket cruisers from the French manufacturer.
The Beneteau First 24 is a versatile, trailerable sailboat designed for both racing and cruising. Measuring 7.29 meters (23.9 feet) in length, it features a modern hull design, a spacious cockpit, and a comfortable interior with sleeping accommodations for up to four people. The boat offers excellent performance, thanks to its lightweight construction and efficient sail plan, making it suitable for competitive sailing. Additionally, its retractable keel allows for easy launching and shallow-water sailing. The Beneteau First 24 combines performance, comfort, and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for sailors seeking adventure and versatility.
Finally, its base price of around $21,000 represents a reasonable budget for the category.
- Length : 23'11'' / 7,29 m
- beam : 8' 2'' / 2,50 m
- Weight : 2,425 lbs / 1 100 kg
- Minimum draft : 10'' / 0,25 m
- Max. draf: 6' 7'' / 2,00 m
- Sail area : 326 sqft / 30,3 m2
