What Every Sailor Should Know
For many sailors, the passion for the water begins in small boats — the Opti, Laser, 420, and other classic dinghies. These boats are fast, fun, and offer a great connection to the fundamentals of sailing. Whether your dinghy lives at the cottage or travels with you to club races and regattas, one thing remains essential: proper insurance.
At Gallagher Skippers’ Plan, we’ve helped thousands of Canadian dinghy sailors find the right protection for their boat, gear, and racing activities. Here’s a simple breakdown of your options — and what to watch out for.
The Cottage Boat: Add It to Your Property Policy (Carefully)
If your dinghy stays at the cottage and is used recreationally, you might be able to add it to your home or cottage insurance policy.
However, most property policies are not built for boats. Coverage is often limited, especially when it comes to damage while in transit or during racing. And importantly, many policies exclude any type of racing activity.
Tip: If your current insurer can’t add the dinghy or excludes racing, a stand-alone boat policy is typically more flexible and easier to manage than switching your home insurance provider.
The Club Racer or Training Dinghy: Choose Stand-Alone Coverage
If you’re actively sailing in club races or taking your boat to regattas, a dedicated dinghy insurance policy is the way to go. Stand-alone policies offer more complete protection — including coverage while racing — and allow you to deal with adjusters who understand boat repairs.
Gallagher Skippers’ Plan offers an exclusive custom policy designed specifically for day sailors and dinghies. Here’s what’s included:
- Agreed value coverage – no depreciation in the event of a claim
- Protection across Canada and the contiguous U.S. from April 1 to November 30
- Winter storage coverage included
- Optional endorsement for U.S. regattas (like Florida from November 30 – April 1)
- Trailer or dolly coverage up to $5,000
- Coverage while transporting by trailer or car-top
- Emergency medical expense coverage not covered by provincial healthcare
- $3 million liability protection
- Low deductibles, starting at $100
- Premiums from $250 and up, depending on boat type and value
What’s Not Covered (and How to Avoid Surprises)
Like all insurance, dinghy policies come with exclusions. It’s important to understand what those are so you’re not caught off guard:
- Normal wear and tear, deterioration, or cosmetic damage (like scratches and dents)
- Freezing damage
- Theft of gear or outboards unless properly locked and secured
- Personal effects, such as phones, cameras, or electronics
Pro Tip: If you travel with your boat for events, a lockable trailer box is a great investment. It protects your rudder, centreboard, and other essential gear — and ensures you’re within the terms of your theft coverage.
Coverage Limits
It’s important to point out that our exclusive policy has limits and may limit the amount payable. Hull damage is covered for 70% of the insurance amount, and the remaining 30% is for the mast, rigging, sail, or spars.
Why Dinghy Sailors Choose Skippers’ Plan
We get it — you want straightforward, dependable coverage at a reasonable price. Whether you’re training on your local lake or towing your boat to the next regatta, you deserve coverage that moves with you. In addition, we are the exclusive insurance provider for Sail Canada and it’s members.
That’s exactly what we’ve built with our Day Sailor Insurance Program.
Get a Quote or Speak with an Expert
Have questions or unique coverage needs? Give us a call at 1-800-661-7211. We’ll help you get the protection that fits your dinghy and your sailing lifestyle.
Gallagher Skippers’ Plan ‘Day Sailor Insurance Program’ is an exclusive offering underwritten by Aviva Elite Insurance Company and designed specifically for dinghy sailors across Canada.
