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We don't often talk about them, yet they're there, faithful companions in our anchorages. Inflatable or rigid, with or without a motor, the tender is the bridge between land and sea. A discreet but indispensable link. It's also the place where we find ourselves, hair in the wind, improvising a plan B when plan A runs aground in two knots of current. Because behind every "quick" dinghy transfer, there's often a little story that could fill a logbook in its own right.
The annex, a stage for the unexpected
Who hasn't experienced a disembarkation that was a little too sporty? An engine coughing as you leave the dock, a paddle forgotten on board the sailboat, or a stronger-than-expected current that politely takes you back to your mooring... in reverse. These situations, annoying at the time, often turn into vivid memories to be recounted over an aperitif.
Just this summer, on the airwaves of the famous radio-pontoon, we heard about this brand-new dinghy, still packed for months, which turned out to be punctured as soon as it was inflated for the first time. Further on, a crew had to be towed out by the harbor master's office after their engine broke down in the middle of the harbor. And who hasn't experienced that capricious engine that decides to start only one time out of three, under the amused eyes of the anchorage neighbors? A reminder that a tender, however discreet, remains a boat in its own right, with its own whims and unforeseen events.
Well-equipped is half the adventure
Lifejackets to hand, headlamp for night returns, rope in good condition, screwed bung... The dinghy doesn't require much, but what little it does require, it's best not to forget. A little "just in case" kit (paddle, spare rope, waterproof kit) turns a potential nightmare into a quiet ride.
Express pre-departure checklist in appendix
- Vests: worn or ready to put on (compulsory if rough seas or long trip).
- Nable plug: checked and tightened âeuros a tender fills up faster than you think.
- Mooring line: long enough to avoid rubbing against the dock or sailboat.
- Motor: feeder open, priming bulb pumped, circuit breaker attached to wrist.
- Basic equipment: functional paddle, waterproof kit with telephone and torch.
The joys of the shore
The tender is also that suspended moment: gliding along a deserted beach at sunrise, approaching an unknown village, returning with arms full of vegetables and local smiles. It's often here, between sand and pontoon, that the true flavor of cruising is revealed: one foot in the water, the other on dry land, and your heart somewhere between two worlds.
When it becomes an integral part of the journey
As you pass through our ports of call, you'll realize that the dinghy is not just a practical accessory, but also a partner in your voyage. Well-maintained, it extends the freedom of the sailboat. Badly handled, it knows how to call us back... sometimes at the most inopportune moments.
Return from the night : 3 tips to stay calm
- Lights and lighting: white light or waterproof lamp visible at 360°, headlamp for maneuvering.
- Positioning on departure: note the alignment or GPS position of the yacht before leaving the anchorage.
- Careful navigation: reduce speed, put on life jackets, avoid unlit passes if you don't know them.
Choosing the right annex: key points
Because you can't have the same adventures with a 2.40 m inflatable PVC dinghy as with a 3.20 m motorized aluminum hull, here are the criteria that make all the difference:
- Rod materials: PVC (lightweight, affordable, but sensitive to sunlight) vs. Hypalon (more expensive, but puncture-proof under UV).
âeuros¢ Hard or soft shell? Hard shell = better stability and comfort, but more complex storage. Soft bottom = light, foldable, but less seaworthy. A high-pressure inflatable floor can be a good compromise: more rigid and stable than a slatted floor, but still foldable.
âeuros¢ Dimensions: length and width have a direct influence on stability and real capacity.
âeuros¢ Maximum weight: think about launching and hauling up, especially if you're hoisting the dinghy.
âeuros¢ Actual capacity: 4 people as advertised... yes, but comfortable for 2, tight for 3.
âeuros¢ Engine power: no need to over-engine; the important thing is to have the right balance between load, speed and regulations.
âeuros¢ Limit theft: solid cable and padlocks, discreet engraving, or simply remove the engine when moored.
Conclusion
We often embark on a dinghy without thinking about it, like taking a familiar staircase. And yet, the dinghy is the epitome of navigation: the unexpected, adaptation, encounters, wonder.
As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said, "When it comes to the future, it's not a question of predicting it, but of making it possible." And sometimes, making a great adventure possible starts... with taking good care of your little appendix.
