FireBug

The FireBug is a 8 foot (2.4m) small wooden sailboat that you build yourself at home, at the sailing club, school or community group. Construction is optimised for learners and it is a complete lesson in boat building - build a 'Bug and then go on to something bigger or more complex.  Construction is wood and plywood. The plans, instructions and full size patterns make things almost foolproof. So you learn wooden boat building and teach yourself to sail. The FireBug sails well with adults or kids and 2 up for tuition.

Originating in Auckland New Zealand, the FireBug is very popular — so far almost 1000 planpacks have gone to more than 30 countries. More than 500 of the small sailing dinghy have been successfully amateur built. Great fun.

Supplies for the woodwork are easily obtained locally, sails spars, hardware etc are available in kit form. Cost is 35-50% the cost of an equivalent off-the-shelf boat. Buy planpacks from the website using PayPal. Now is good!