<![CDATA[TIWAL NZ + AUS - Blog: Finding your Ideal Sailing Dinghy]]>Sat, 06 Jun 2026 15:23:33 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[T3R review from Nick, Canberra]]>Fri, 02 May 2025 23:10:51 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/t3r-review-from-nick-canberraI hadn’t sailed for a number years when I discovered the TIWAL 3R. An opportunity to attend a demonstration day and speak to TIWAL owners quickly convinced me that I could return to the sport (now in my mid 50’s) with a boat that I could easily store in the garage at home and transport in the back of my car in two bags without the need of a trailer and registration. The TIWAL makes sailing very mobile and I have travelled interstate several times to try new sailing locations. 

The ease of setting up and rigging the TIWAL 3R means a second person is not needed and therefore more time on the water. The detailed instruction booklet provided and the tutorial videos online will get anyone on the water really quickly. Sailing the TIWAL is straight forward and its performance in winds 15 to 20 knots is impressive making it a very exhilarating ride. In lighter winds it is just as enjoyable. Righting the dingy after tipping is easy and it is surprising how quickly you can get up and get going again. 

I have been very impressed with how durable and rigid the inflatable hull is. The fittings and construction is of high quality and after plenty of sailing on fresh and salt water, the TIWAL still looks new. There has been next to no wear. TIWAL has payed attention to every detail making the dingy best in class. The support and follow up provided by Melinda has been fantastic.

I am an advocate for this dingy for anyone wanting to start sailing for the first time or to return to sailing without the hassle.

The TIWAL Inflatable Sailing Dinghies are ready to be shipped to your door in five days!  Book a sail : info@tiwal.nz 

]]><![CDATA[T3R, onshore wind, waves ....]]>Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:02:33 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/t3r-onshore-wind-wavesLast weekend there was a moderate 12knot onshore wind in Auckland and it was an ideal time to take out the T3R and really enjoy the pace of sailing the reaches and the waves with the small T3R rig. 
The water was warm, the breeze was warm - and with the TIWAL 3R and a few waves, it was a great intro to summer sailing.  
The boat was really powered up with the small rig.  I was right at the back of the hiking bars and still having to work the waves to keep the boat going fast and not into the back of the next wave.  When I did go into the next wave the boat just kind of slows and a puddle of water floods it. It drains super quickly and then you are off again - exhilarating fun - if I may say so myself. 
The centreboard and rudder are slightly longer and it would be interesting to play with centreboard height a bit more downwind.   
For upwinds and bony bottoms, I recommend the hiking pads, (which are still on their way to this side of the world from France). 
Dont forget to book in a demo in the next few weeks - we are starting to get around the place and schedule times, - but if we don't know where you are, we wont get to you!  Twenty hour car rides are not in the schedule this year (no Lake Eyre trip either!)  but we may be tempted to put a demo boat on the plane and come to see you! 

Look forward to hearing from you. 

Melinda. 


]]><![CDATA[Is Sailboat Racing or Sailboat Cruising for you?]]>Wed, 25 Sep 2024 22:30:35 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/is-sailboat-racing-or-sailboat-cruising-for-youDo you know what sort of sailing you want to do? 
​
Bill Gladstone's racing pyramid provides an overview of the time, money, and effort required to become an all-round sailor.   Whether or not you plan to race,  boat preparation is a large part of getting on the water (except if you own a TIWAL Inflatable Sailing Dinghy, of course!).
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1. Boat Preparation
◦ This will vary according to IF you own a boat, what type of boat it is, and where it is kept. 
◦ Rigging the boat, choosing the right equipment.

Racing vs. Cruising?

Racing: Focuses on speed, competition, and continual improvement. It demands
dedication, skill, and strategic thinking. Consistently competing and evaluating
performance is the key to being able to put the whole package together to get a
good result.

Cruising: Emphasises relaxation, exploration, and enjoying the journey. It requires
good seamanship, navigation skills, and a love for the open water.

Skills include:
  • 1. Mastering a winning start using timing and positioning at the start line. Use
transits (visual markers onshore) to judge your distance and angle to the line.
  • 2. Use a combination of twist, depth, and angle of attack to optimise your sails.
Learn how to use tools like tension gauges to fine-tune rig settings and mast
bend.
  • 3. Understand wind patterns and shifts. Study local wind conditions and
geographical influences on wind flow. Use forecasting models to anticipate wind
and weather.
  • 4. Refine your crew’s positioning for optimal boat balance using fore and aft and
side to side ballast.
  • 5. Smooth tacks and gybes by coordinating the crew’s actions. Use "roll tacks"
and "roll gybes" to take advantage of the boat’s momentum.
  • 6. Stay ahead with the latest in technology such as high-modulus sails, carbon
fibre spars, and low-stretch ropes. Implement performance tracking tools to
analyse your speed, angles, and manoeuvres post-race.
  • 7. Handle the boat efficiently across a spectrum of wind and wave conditions.
Develop specialised skills for light air, including keeping the boat moving

through subtle weight shifts and sail adjustments. In heavy air, focus on de-
powering techniques, using your sail controls to maintain boat control and

speed.
  • 8. Using Navigation Tools such as Charts, GPS, Depth, Compass, Radar, AIS and
Mobile Apps.

Action Steps:
- Pick a couple of above topics to learn about such as tactics, rules or navigationskills and carve out some time to spend reading or watching the info.
- Find a friendly boat owner and commit to a season with them (usually one day a
week over summer or fortnightly over winter).
​
OR
-Find a boat to buy (and find a crew if needed) and join a sailing club.

If you have any questions about how to start your journey send me an email: info@tiwal.nz 
]]><![CDATA[T3R racing in Boxing Day Manly SC Pole Race]]>Fri, 29 Dec 2023 04:46:47 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/t3r-racing-in-boxing-day-manly-sc-pole-raceToday I sailed the pole race from Manly sailing club which is a seven mile race from Beach to Pole and return.   
On the first short reach I was  worried I had the battens too tight as there wasn't much wind and the top batten didn't pop,  but with a bit of breeze the boat very quickly accelerated and with a bit of centreboard up the TIWAL got on the plane.  I held onto the Zephyrs for a while, but in the light patches they pulled away from me.   
Around the first Mark then upwind for 3 1/2 miles sailing in 6-10 knots.  I had the small sail on and I had plenty of power.  I was using the controls through the puffs; playing with the outhaul, vang and the cunningham.  I sailed towards the shore hoping to find some extra breeze there to make up some ground on the Zephyrs but it was a no go.  It looked nice there - flat water but not as much wind.  It was a warm, humid NWer with rain clouds that didnt produce breeze, only seemed to suck it away.  It was one of those few occasions when heading to the shore wasnt the best course.  Of course the local Zephyr sailors seemed to know this - should have followed them!  
Downwind, unfortunately the wind died to 5 knots so the TIWAL wasnt given the chance to show its lightweight speed but it was pleasing that with each small puff there was a pleasant humming noise and slight vibration as the boat got on the plane. 
Overall, it was good sailing the boat with plenty of power.  I put plenty of shape in the battens before I left the shore which was perfect for the conditions.  The adjustable  battens will provide me with a bit of learning as I have never played with batten shape like this before.  ]]><![CDATA[First time sailing the TIWAL 3R]]>Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:06:37 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/first-time-sailing-the-tiwal-3rToday I took the T3R out for a quick sail in a moderate 6-10 knots.   There is a bit more rigging time to adjust the battens for the conditions and to rig the ropes which adjust the sail shape - but I imagine I will get quicker at this.  It took me 35mins from boat laid out and the sail already on the boom. 
It was around 6 knots and I was out on the hiking bars (at 55kgs that is usual for me) and then I looked up at the sail and had a bit of a wow moment.   How can I describe the joy of trimming a really good looking sail?  Well, its good!   The material is a soft laminate with full battens so it will last a long time.  The battens are adjustable so you can choose your sail shape for the conditions.  
I lined up against a couple of lasers who were racing and to my surprise I held my height with them.  Despite more wetted surface of the TIWAL I was able to stay the same height as them.  No doubt the longer, well shaped centreboard and rudder helps; as does the stiffer rig and the sail shape.  
I need to test it in stronger winds yet and I'm looking forward to that!
Go TIWAL - we have a product fit for racing now! ]]><![CDATA[No storage space for your yacht?  No towbar?]]>Mon, 29 May 2023 04:05:24 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/no-storage-space-for-your-yacht-no-towbarNo storage space for your yacht, no towbar?

Ever wondered how to enjoy being on the water without all the hassles of getting a towbar or paying for boat storage?

Here at TIWAL we love getting on the water quickly and easily too. With a TIWAL Inflatable Sailing Dinghy the boat unpacks quickly from two bags, rigs in 20 minutes so you can enjoy getting out on the water more often, and in more places.

You wont believe just how easy it is!

John from Wellington says "I have great fun in my Tiwal 3. It's much more comfortable than the Laser I owned years ago, and it's sporty enough to be plenty of fun in a moderate breeze. I've just upgraded to the Tiwal 3R. It's gonna be awesome!"

Right now, we are offering a TIWAL dry-bag with your purchase so you can set sail with your valuables on board.

If you would like to get on the water more often, give me a call and I will organise the right setup for you.

Photo: 
Recent meet up in Sydney with a few owners.  7th May 2023. 


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]]><![CDATA[Sailing and feeling like you are 'capable']]>Thu, 05 Jan 2023 23:34:17 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/sailing-and-feeling-like-you-are-capableI'm fortunate in that when I was a child I spent time in the Malborough Sounds  with boat only access - ie no car, so being on the water became natural.  I also learned to listen to weather forecasts, learn about tide, figure out what clothes were needed, how to manage waves, how to look after a boat, tie knots, use tools, navigate to different coastlines or beaches. ​

I recently sold a TIWAL to someone who grew up in the middle of a country with no land in sight.   But now he lives near the ocean, hoping to bring up his family to be capable both on land and on water. 

Did you grow up in the middle of the country - have you considered sailing as an achievable capability or is it something that you have never considered at all?

There are many sailing schools or if that is too expensive, there are boat owners who always need crew.  You need only turn up at a marina on a race day or check out crew wanted sites.  You need to know how to listen , follow instructions and ask questions. You will learn so much in one day!  (If you can't swim, wear a life jacket).  

The TIWAL is a simple boat - once you have set up the boat the first time, there is no need to tie any knot other than a figure 8 knot, and the parts click or slide together.   The boat is simple and comfortable enough to be able to give everyone a go in it.  Even the most unenthusiastic about sailing might find this a fun experience.  The only issue is you might never get to use the boat yourself! 

Why tow when you can stow? Tiwal fits snugly into a medium sized sedan boot, SUV or camper van load space.  No more towing or backing a trailer when launching.  In just 20 minutes from boot to briny you can be sailing a boat with all the lively qualities of popular monotype class dinghies.  In addition you can sail alone or two up, teach the children sailing independence at beach front, estuaries or navigable rivers. 


Check www.tiwal.nz to get your TIWAL delivered in 5 days to NZ or Australia. 


Or email info@tiwal.nz to book a sail.  Sailing lessons offered (NZ only)





]]><![CDATA[TIWAL Cup New Zealand]]>Thu, 08 Dec 2022 02:12:38 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/tiwal-cup-new-zealand3447390Picture
The TIWAL NZ fleet had a great day at Maraetai on Saturday 26th November.  The weather was great and we started the day with lots of fun and laughter with an assembly race, followed by beach starts, short races, a shared picnic and a longer course in the afternoon. 

Congratulations, John Rusk, from Wellington, for winning the TIWAL Cup! 
On Sunday a few hardy sailors braved the slightly wet conditions at Royal Akarana Yacht Club for a harbour course. 

Thank you to the owners for making this a special weekend. We are inspired to keep the events going over the summer and look forward to more days on the water together. 

Thank you also to the supporters of TIWAL, Rob Dickson, Anna Wirth-Hogan and Tim Hogan, who helped us on the day. 

Thank you very much to the sponsors: 
Harken 
North Sails 
Max International 
Energiser 
Maraetai Sailing Club 
The Gibbs/Lane Family for the support boat. 
and Catherine Henshaw for the trophy! 

Here is an update from France: 

Tiwal is going to be 10 years old this year! 10 years of adventure, joy, challenges, but above all, 2,500 Captains in more than 50 countries.

In 2012, Designer Marion Excoffon took on a crazy challenge: to fit a sailboat into two bags and send it off to sail on all the seas of the world.

And now, 10 years later, it's a team of 10 people and more than 50 suppliers, working together to spread the pleasures of sailing, with a range of four boats. We want to go further, and we have more surprises in store for you for the coming years! A big thank you to all those Captains for their confidence in us.

Have you found your ideal sailboat yet? 
Check out this article in the latest Yachting World magazine:
https://www.yachtingworld.com/.../inflatable-sailing.... 
In it you will find a review on the The TIWAL 3R - an exhilarating performance sailing dinghy. 
The original TIWAL 3 is already an award winning sailing dinghy, and now the new super charged model is another step forward in realising your sailing dreams. 
Send me a message on info@tiwal.nz and I will send you an order form so you can get your TIWAL delivered to your door! 
Cheers 
Melinda
TIWAL Australia and New Zealand 
+64 21 611 623
]]><![CDATA[Self belief and sailing]]>Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:48:50 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/self-belief-and-sailingSir Peter Blake could inspire self-belief. To handle oceans, waves, spray, wind and cold all the while imagining the next the next big wave, the next sail change or the next strategy with unfailing optimism.

Sir Peter Blake was well known for leadership, teamwork, adventure, commitment, tenacity, self-belief, loyalty, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.

He was a great role model to many Kiwis like myself. A passionate sailor with a big presence, he had a memorable handshake as many professional sailors do!!

He shared his stories by talking into a microphone as he lived and breathed the ocean; the exhilaration of sailing the waves, and the raw emotion of the ups and downs his team as they battled against the element in around the world racing. He died defending his boat while researching the effects of pollution in the Amazon.

​He had great trust in his team - he picked crew who were ready to be part of a team and who could work together in the most challenging conditions.

You can hear a little of Peter Blake here: https://www.nzedge.com/video/sir-peter-blakes-record-breaking-win/

If you are busy and could do with more work life balance, send me a DM and let's chat about finding your ideal boat.

Or email info@tiwal.nz or book a sail in the TIWAL Inflatable Sailing Dinghy.

​The fast, fun, stable TIWAL packs down into two bags and gets you on the water in 20 minutes for hassle free sailing. ]]><![CDATA[Making your time on the water more rewarding]]>Wed, 12 Oct 2022 23:22:31 GMThttps://www.tiwal.nz/blog-finding-your-ideal-sailing-dinghy/making-your-time-on-the-water-more-rewardingAre you looking for more power, are you at full power or are you overpowered? 

Check in with the wind conditions and make changes to your sail trim for an invigorating sail or a relaxing cruise. 

⛵️ Are you looking for power? For very light winds (0-5 knots), sail with an open 'twisted leech' and for light winds (5-8 knots) tighten the sail gradually as the wind increases.

⛵️ Are you at full power? Depending on your bodyweight you may reach full power from 8 - 12 knots. This is wind the sail is designed for, so pull in the sail and go!  

⛵️ Are you overpowered? When you can’t keep the boat flat by using your bodyweight then start easing the mainsheet in the gusts, using sail controls like vang and cunningham(downhaul) to help flatten the sail.  

Tip: Stick a ribbon to the end of the top batten in the sail and aim to keep the ribbon flying 80% of the time. Stick some telltales (bits of ribbon or wool) one third of the way along both sides of the sail to help you trim the sail. 

For smooth sailing or an adrenaline-filled ride, check out the TIWAL Inflatable Sailing Dinghy.  

Check www.tiwal.nz to get your TIWAL delivered to your door in Australia or NZ. 

To get your TIWAL Inflatable Sailing Dinghy delivered to your door in Australia or New Zealand go to www.tiwal.nz 

The fast, fun, stable TIWAL packs down into two bags and gets you on the water in 20 minutes for hassle free sailing. 

#tiwal #getbackonthewater #tiwalaustralia #tiwalnz

……………………..………………………👇👇👇

The TIWAL is an awesome adult learn to sail dinghy! I am offering sailing lessons starting October (Auckland, NZ) so check here: https://lnkd.in/g-NhbSCw

Let’s connect: Melinda Henshaw 
TIWAL Australia
TIWAL New Zealand 
……………………..……………………….☝️☝️☝️]]>