Absolutely dedicated to dinghies (Dinghy Sailing)

Member Name: jennysue

Product:	Dinghy Sailing
Date:	30/05/02 (168 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Just dinghy sailing, Range of content, wide appeal

Disadvantages: Race reports section needs an index and bolder headlines for each report

Why has it taken so long for a magazine to arrive on the market that is dedicated to dinghy sailing and racing?

Although the sport is covered in reasonable depth by Yachts and Yachting, they also cover keelboat racing and multihulls, and their articles. I think, are written in a way that appeals more to adults than young sailors.

I was really excited to hear about the launch of this new magazine and I am very impressed with the first few issues. It is bright and well laid out, with good photo content. Most importantly the articles are written in an informal and approachable style that is attractive to all age ranges of dinghy sailors.

Th content is helpful and informative for those thinking about learning to sail, at a club, UK-based school or on a holiday in the sun.

If I was recommending a magazine to someone young and new to the sport, I would suggest Dinghy Sailing every time over Y&Y.

Subjects covered in the current (June 2002) include basic and advanced sailing and racing techniques, boat and gear tests, sailing holidays and reports on all kinds of national and club level events, plus a prize draw to win a boat.

There is a section for boats for sale, at very reasonable advertising rates.

The editorial content of the magazine is good value for the £2.95 cover price. The advertising is all relevant and doesn't make you feel there's too much of it.

The magazine doesn't yet have a real 'companion' website - at present it is just the front page of the latest issue and a subscription form. I do know that it's being run on a very tight budget and websites that have to keep up, complement and partially duplicate the magazine cost a lot to maintain.

It would be good to extend the website a little to include the contact information for submitting race reports etc, and a preview of what is in the next magazine.

Summary: