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Access 2.3 dinghy

ACCESS 2.3 DINGHIES are best described as a short, cat rigged Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) pram style hull. They are available in three deck configurations all based on the same hull. They are 2.3 m long, 1.2 m wide and around 36 - 48kg in weight depending on the model and accessories.

The Access 2.3 Sailer has a pivoting centreboard so is an ideal off the beach sailer and resort boat.

The Access 2.3 Tender rows, sails and takes a 2HP outboard making it the perfect sailing tender.

The Access 2.3 Keelboat (pictured) has a 15 kg ballasted centreboard and is steered with a joystick. This boat does not capsize and has to be the safest and most comfortable sailing dinghy on the planet. There are two cockpit variations ¾ single seat or twin seat (suitable for one adult, one adult plus one child or two children). Two adults can use this boat but only in calm conditions.

In the Keelboat, the sailor sits midway between the gunwales, reclining in a nylon webbing 'lazy chair' with legs each side of the centre-board case. The boat is steered by a vertical 'joy-stick' located between the sailor's legs. The unstayed four metre mast has a reefing drum incorporated in the foot. This allows sail area to be reduced while underway.

Beneath the waterline, the dinghy is unique. Heavily rockered, the hull shape keeps the weight of the crew low in the boat and provides good manoeverability. Twin skegs, flanking a concave bottom, ensure that the Access stays on course. Hard bilges and a one metre 'keel' (actually a removable daggerboard with 15 kg of lead inside it) confer stability.

The seat is a sling of mesh fabric that supports you in a comfortable lay back position very low inside the hull. This lowers the centre of gravity of the boat adding further to its stability. The rudder is controlled by a joystick that is between your legs (as can be seen in the photo of the single seat hull) or in the case of two people in the double seat configuration - beside your leg.

All the above versions can be fitted with the optional electric steering and winching kit at time of order.

The Access 2.3 the was already popular at as a trainee boat but when an electric Access 2.3 was demonstrated back in early 1995 at the TADSEM 95 Seminar in Sydney, it caused sensation.

"We've designed the boat so that it can be controlled by small movements of a hand operated or chin joy-stick," said Chris. "When the joy-stick is moved left, an electric motor steers to the left; when the joy-stick is moved right, the boat steers right. Another electric motor controls the main-sheet. When the joy-stick is moved backwards, the main is pulled in. When the stick is moved forward, the main is let out out. This means that quadriplegics in electric 2.3's will be able to race against paraplegics and ablebodies in manual 2.3's. Who knows, high level disabled sailors may be sailing using servo assistance in the Paralympics one day.

The Access 2.3 is perfect for a holiday camp sailing fleet as the photo (above) shows of the fleet owned by a private holiday camp near Kyneton.

BEYOND 2000

The popular TV technology series Beyond 2000 recently broadcast a program on the the Access 2.3 and Sailability. Presenter Andrew Waterworth directed the piece and featured in much of the footage. The piece created enormous interest. Many people phoned from all over Australia with inquiries about the boat and sailing.

Sails by Horizon Sailmakers, Melbourne

For purchase details please contact:

Chris Mitchell
Access Dinghies
Factory 7, 2 Bungaleen Court
South Dandenong
Telephone: (03) 9768 3101
Facsimile: (03) 9768 3103

Previously known as Sailing for Everyone
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