The Most Stolen Dinghy Park Items

Whether you're racing every weekend or just heading out for a casual evening sail, chances are you've left your gear at the dinghy park at some point. And while we'd all love to trust that our kit will be exactly where we left it, the reality is ... Dinghy Park Items are stolen more than you'd think.

We recently posted a breakdown of the Most Stolen Dinghy Park Items, and it's packed with insights every sailor should know. Below, we've summarised the main points, and added in a few extra tips of our own. 

If you'd rather watch than read, click to watch "Sailing's most stolen dinghy park items" below.

Small but essential, trolley wheel spring clips are one of the top Dinghy Park Items for casual thieves or desperate sailors who've lost one before a launch. They're easy to remove and often overlooked until it's too late. 

KEEP THEM SAFE:

• Carry spares in your toolbox or drybag
• Use a split ring or cable tie as a backup to discourage quick removal
• Consider marking your dinghy park items with coloured tape or paint to deter theft

It sounds ridiculous until it happens to you - entire trolley wheels going missing. Because many are interchangeable, people often take them without asking, especially in busy clubs. 

KEEP THEM SAFE:

• Personalise your wheels with permanent marker or bright tape to add a label to your Dinghy Park Items.
• Store your trolley upside down or in a locked area when not in use to deter from thieves. 
• Invest in locking pins or axle locks if they're available for added security when storing your Dinghy Park Items at the club.

Nothing ruins a launch quite like realising your bung has vanished. They're small, vital, and the number one cause of a frantic search before a race. Because they're universal on many boats, they're one of the easiest Dinghy Park Items to swipe. 

KEEP THEM SAFE:

• Always keep spares in your buoyancy aid or toolkit
• Use a tethered bung where possible so it stays attached to your boat
• Avoid leaving your Dinghy Park Items loose in the boat while parked up

Perched right at the top of your mast, wind indicators often get broken, removed - or stolen. Lightweight and valuable, these staple Dinghy Park Items an easy target during regattas or while boats are stored overnight. 

KEEP THEM SAFE:

• Remove your windex after sailing, and store it safely
• Label or engrave your name / club initials on it
• Consider a protective mast bag if storing the rig with it still attached

While dinghy parks are normally full of friendly faces, having a few spares and marking your gear can save you time, money and frustration. If it's small, removable and essential, it's probably one of the most stolen Dinghy Park Items. 

If you suspect your Dinghy Park Items have gone missing, follow these steps to take action:

1. REPORT it immediately to your club or marina office.
2. INFORM your fleet or group chat about the stolen Dinghy Park Items
3. CHECK resale platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay.
4. FILE A REPORT with the police to help with insurance.
5. CONTACT INSURANCE with the relevant photos, receipts and crime reference numbers if you have them.