Holdfast Trainer

The Holdfast Trainer (‘Holdie’) is a South Australian sailing dinghy designed for junior sailors under the age of 16 and due to its stability is an ideal first dinghy.  The class features a hard-chine wooden or fiberglass hull with a flat bow and a dagger board. The Holdfast Trainer has both a main and a jib in order to facilitate a two-person crew and to teach jib handling. To make space for the jib, the mast was stepped further back and a bowsprit was added. Modern versions include waterproof bulkheads to provide additional flotation. 

The Holdy is ideal for a brother/sister combination or two friends and can be acquired for a very reasonable price.  Probably a ‘first’ boat with a couple of seasons-worth of sailing before progressing to the two-man 303 or cadet.