At recent meetings of the Dinghy Cruising Association members have discussed, with some heat on both sides, the merits and disadvantages of certain types of racing dinghy for cruising. There is a school of thought which believes in the heavy, very beamy, conventionally constructed boat, which can make dinghy cruising safe and comparatively comfortable, though these boats never expect to sail very fast except in a fresh breeze. In the past, many of our most experienced members have discouraged owners of racing dinghies from using them for cruising. It has been felt that although it was quite possible to potter about in calm water, and even to venture further afield accompanied by a more stable craft, it would be very wrong to encourage beginners in cruising to take the risks entailed. Racing dinghies are built for speed and excitement, not for keeping a crew comfortable and gear dry on a long trip. Against this there is the argument that the extra speed will enable the racing dinghy to reach shelter should the weather change, and will mean that there need be no very long passages to tire the crew.

It is possible to cruise extensively, sleeping ashore in comfort, and enjoying a fast, exciting passage each day. This is a different kind of dinghy-cruising from that of the heavy-boat school, who sleep aboard in whatever muddy creek they have reached, and who make their passages by rising before dawn to use every minute of favourable tide. But in both kinds of cruising there is the same need for seamanship. We should all be prepared for the rapid change from perfect day to sudden squall and frightening sea, and we should all set sail with due respect for what the sea can do to upset our plans. We should, above all, know what we and our boats can stand. It is physically possible to keep a light dinghy upright in terrible conditions of weather - but the success with which this can be done depends on the stamina of the crew. This is the factor of which we should all be sure before we put to sea. Joan Abrams