The Dinghy Diaries

The Dinghy Diaries

Some of my earliest glimpses of independence came while sitting on the pontoons of a dinghy, where every ripple in the water brought a new adventure, and where the bold coast became a playground for my curiosity.

When I think back to my early days on the ocean, it’s the solo adventures aboard our little dinghy, Cita, that stand out the most. My dad never hesitated to hand over the tiller to his pint-sized 6-year-old, always encouraging me to explore. My mom, on the other hand, was a bit less certain, worried that the old outboard might give up while I was off scouting some distant shore. But I never worried—I knew how to row back if needed, and I did, more than once! The thrill of reaching a new anchorage or harbor was unmatched. Every destination felt like a blank canvas for adventure, and the rugged coast of Maine made the perfect playground for a curious kid like me.

With my life jacket snug, a handheld radio tuned to the same frequency as the main ship, and one hand on the tiller, I’d set off on my own adventures. In those early days, my dad would rig up a kayak paddle as a tiller extension so I could reach it, and he’d have to pull-start the engine because I wasn’t quite strong enough yet. But once it roared to life, there was no stopping me! I clocked countless miles on that dinghy, discovering hidden caves, secret beaches, and sea life most adults would have missed. I was only five or six, but the independence I felt was incredible. When I finally returned to the family boat—usually reluctantly—I’d tie the painter to the stern cleat and camp out in the dinghy while everyone else gathered on the larger boat. Cita was my little sanctuary, a small space that felt completely mine in a vast ocean.

Those solo dinghy expeditions fueled a lifelong love for the sea. They taught me the rewards of curiosity, the value of independence, and a confidence in myself as captain. Years later, when I became a first time boat owner, I named my vessel 'Cita', in honor of the little red dinghy that started it all. 

It dawns on me that dinghies are the unsung heroes of the cruising world. They are the key to adventure, independence, and connection that enable a whole new aspect of fun. I mean, just think about it… what’s the first thing you do when you settle into a new anchorage or coastal town?! I for one, always hop in the dinghy to explore the coast, check out remote spots, or wander through a charming town. 

From my early days exploring hidden coves in my family’s little red dinghy, Cita, to later years ferrying friends to remote surf spots and bombing around the 'Calendar Islands' of Casco Bay (and beyond), dinghies have always been more than just an inflatable afterthought. It's what gets us from ship to shore, shore to ship, and everywhere in between. Whether it’s shuttling to sunset gatherings, rafting up with friends, or heading to shore for an early morning coffee run, dinghies play a vital role in every adventure. 

To me, it’s also so much more than that. It's where I first learned the ropes, the importance of safety at sea, the beauty of my own backyard, and the endless opportunities that make the cruising lifestyle special. Whether you’re five or fifty, there’s nothing quite like setting off on your own little adventure, just you and your trusty dinghy, to explore the nooks and crannies of the coast from a new perspective. 

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