I should be grateful if members could be persuaded to give their views on a problem of dinghy cruising which has been exercising my mind and those of my friends in the north for some time. It concerns the question of sailing fatigue and what the human body of differing ages and conditions is likely to stand.

So much is written about the performance of boats of various designs in various conditions of wind and sea — but in my humble opinion much more often the accomplishment of some sea passage is dependent on the bodies in the boat. However, there must be a relationship between age, fitness and boat design for particular usages, and I am interested in views on this. I am told that in his youth Uffa Fox was in the habit of sailing a 14ft. International across to France on Friday night for racing on Saturday — and on Sunday sailed home. I read with awe the passages made by Frank Dye in Wanderer — but find that I would be hard put to do one tenth as much. Although rather elderly (45) I consider myself pretty fit and spend most of my non boat building time in the winter in mountain walking in the Lake District, and can manage two peaks of over 3,000 ft. and a total mileage of 20 miles or so of rough rock without any ill effect — this taking, say, 10 hrs. When it comes to sailing however, in a 13 ft. dinghy, I find that severe fatigue sets in after four hours at sea — presuming that wind and sea conditions are good to moderate. A hard day’s sail on Sunday leaves me very tired on Monday and Tuesday, whereas the walk mentioned above has no effect at all after a night’s rest — nor does a hard day’s tennis. For some time I considered this to be natural decrepitation until I found in discussion that the same phenomenon was observed by other people — some much younger. I was cheered by one friend’s unsolicited statement that he had recently been for a medical check up because “after 5 hours or so he got a splitting headache” — which is my first symptom too. Another friend was seen to be sailing in dark glasses and said that he found the glare from the sea caused a headache. I have done some 14 hours at a stretch in my boat and this is about my lot.

By analysis I have decided that as I cannot easily get a new body a new boat is probably the answer. Fatigue to my mind is caused by the following factors:

(a) The rapid movements of small boats in moderate sea conditions which causes constant exercise of muscle and nerves to counteract. (b) Cramped position for long periods. (c) Hectic activity sitting out in high winds. (d) Sea glare (even if sun clouded). (e) Exposure to wind. (f) Wet and cold. (g) Difficulty of taking in hot food or drink on the water. (h) Nervous tension, particularly the helmsman.

Reducing fatigue is a cogent factor in safety am convinced that ones boat is always a good deal safer than oneself.

Whilst I realise that members’ personal physique and ability will vary, I think it would be of value to open a discussion on what size and type of small boat can best be employed in cruising to reduce errors of judgement due to tiredness to a minimum. Could members be tempted to give some views?

For my own part — I build my own boats and am now in course of completing my third. I have chosen a Y.M. Senior with bilge and ballast keels, plus a 4 h.p. auxiliary motor as the ideal design for the following reasons:— (1) I cannot afford a bigger boat. (2) My drive will accommodate the Senior in the winter. (3) I can trail a Senior. (4) The Mark II Senior is self righting if laid flat by a squall. (5) It provides some protection in doghouse and cabin. (6) Stability is not continually dependent on muscular effort. One can stand up and stretch whilst sailing. (7) It has a long waterline length and adequate beam relative to overall length. (8) It has a reasonable performance. (9) Brewing up and flopping on reaching an anchorage can be achieved in the shortest possible time. (10) I can sail her single handed easier that my 13ft. dinghy.

Will next season by less tiring? Yours faithfully, A. N. Neale