Getting Started
Getting started in the Sabot designed dinghy is an exciting time and is the start of a lifetime of enjoyment of the sport of sailing.
Sabots are designed for young children
Sabots have been built in Australia since the 1940's from an American designed 8 foot dinghy with single sail. It was deemed to be an excellent training boat where children could be taught the basic principles of sailing and the rules of racing, and be shown how to rig and handle the boats. Initially it was made out of plywood using a jig. Such a low cost and simple design meant it could be built in a backyard over the weekend, making sailing atainable to everyone. Sailers up to the age of 12 can sail in a 2 up configuration, and then 1 up as confidence and strenght is attained.
Sabots these days are built with fiberglass and have two boyancy tanks one at the front, one at the back with a venturie, resulting in a boat that can be righted by the skipper and bailed out to continue sailing.
Sabot racing is governed by a national body ANSC (Australian National Sabot Council). Three foundation states: Tasmania, North Queensland and Victoria. New South Wales joined in 1965, but it split into two zones, Northern and Southern NSW in 1974. Southern Queensland joined in 1967. The first national Sabot championship was held at Frankston, on Port Phillip Bay, in December 1964/January 1965.
Sabots are currently being sailed from;
KBSC, RYCT, PESC, LSC in the south
PDYC in the North
LYC, WYC in the North West
Some Common Questions;
At what age should I start sailing a Sabot? - children from as young as 5 or 6 in a two up configuration can gain a lot of skills and confidence on the water.
How long can I sail a Sabot? - A skipper can only race Sabots up to and including the season they turn 16. After this point, they are whats called 'aged out' of the Sabot Class and can begin to explore larger boats such as Lasers, Sabres, Mirrors, the list is endless.
What does it costs? - Most clubs will have a couple of old Sabots that you can try out. And can also assist you in finding a second hand boat from about $750 and up. Add a good lifejacket, appropriate clothing and footwear and they can be off and sailing.
What is Green Fleet? - This is the beginner racer fleet, run at most clubs and regattas, using simplified Introductory Rules of Racing and coaches are available to assist the sailors at the back of the fleet.
How do I start? - Best place to start is with a local club that supports the sabot fleet - most clubs run a tackers program for beginner sailers. Then make contact with the Tasmanian Sabot Sailing Association to meet children from other clubs and join fun regattas held in the North, South and North West of Tasmania.
