Best DIY rigging for my 12ft dinghy?

I am a total beginner when it comes to sailing, but I want to learn as fast as possible while doing it. My goal is to play it safe, on good weather, on a calm lake, mostly on my own. This build is for fun only.
With some help I'm currently building a 12 ft clinker wooden dinghy, and my plan is to have it so that I can install a mast on it when I want to sail (for ease of transport).

Several other people online do it, they usually have a marconi rig but I can't afford it since the mast would be too tall for me to carry (car top) and since a friend is accustomed and could teach me I was looking into lateen/lug rigging (that would allow for a smaller mast afaik). At the same time I was wondering if having a gaff rigging would teach me more about modern sailboats so that I could become more experienced if I ever wanted to buy an actual modern sailboat.

Since this decision will likely affect my mast placement, I would love to hear your opinion.

 

Hi Spear95, I'd recommend a balanced lug rig. Unstayed round mast about 2 1/2" diameter X about 12 feet tall, with a pulley sheave at the top for uphaul, will transport easily; boom and yard a little shorter, made from ash or similar from hardware store. with simple fittings, or all rope and no fittings. I made my own sail out of 50/50% cotton/polyester 'bed sheet' material, using a home sewing machine on zig zag stitch. Polyester thread for sewing it. The most technical part is supporting the mast adequately, and stopping it from rotating. There are several sites describing their rigging, including on here where I have posted several text threads. Do a search on here first. Easy to rig and hoist, easy to lower, easy to sail. Not a fast efficient sail / rig. but dead simple to sail single handed, and good for a learner. Sails can be bought ready made in several sizes for dinghies. Better than a lateen I think. Be safe, have fun, and good luck.