A Better Ride to the Water: Fund My Dinghy

Hi, my name is Taryn, and sailing has been a huge part of my life for the past 7 years. I race Naples Sabots, sail double-handed with my teammate during the summer, and spend as much time on the water as I can. Sailing is more than just a sport for me — it’s where I’ve learned confidence, teamwork, and how to push myself through challenges.

Right now, the hardest part of sailing isn’t racing — it’s just getting to my boat to get out to the water.

I’m raising money to buy a used dinghy with a console and a 15-horsepower motor so I can get to and from my sailboat. Since I’m not old enough to operate a boat with more than 15 HP, I’m specifically looking for something that meets those limits but still has a steering console for better control. A setup like this would make a huge difference in my daily sailing routine and help me keep showing up, training, and growing as a sailor.

It’s really hard getting from the sea base to the yacht club — most of the time, my friends and I end up walking or squeezing into a cramped coach boat just to get across. Having my own dinghy would make the whole process so much easier and safer, and let me focus more on improving as a sailor instead of just trying to get there.

I’m aiming to raise $2,500 to cover the cost of a used dinghy hull, a 15 HP outboard motor, and any setup or registration fees. I already have safety gear and don’t need a trailer — I’m just trying to get the essentials to keep doing what I love.

Any support you can give — whether it’s a donation or just sharing this page — means the world to me. Thank you so much for helping me stay on the water and chase my sailing goals. ⛵

— Taryn