How to Rig a Dinghy

Getting your sailing dinghy ready to sail may be easier than you think.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunscrean Suntan Lotion
• Sailing Magazines
• 1 Pair Sailing Gloves
• Boat Trailers
• Boats
• Sailboats

1. Gather mast, boom, sail, centerboard, rudder and related rigging items.
2. Place the mast in the mast step.
3. Attach forestay, backstay and shrouds on boats that have any and all of these items.
4. Attach the boom to the mast.
5. Rig the mainsheet and traveler.
6. Place battens into the mainsail.
7. Secure the foot and/or clew to the boom. Make sure the mainsheet is released so that the sail won't fill when you raise the sail.
8. Raise the mainsail (see related eHow).
9. Lay out the headsail.
10. Raise the headsail (see related eHow).
11. Place the centerboard in the centerboard trunk.
12. Rig the rudder. Retract it unless the boat is already in water deep enough to accommodate its length.