The Surrey Schools’ Sailing and Canoeing Association departed from their usual summer holiday sailing course and embarked upon a more ambitious five day cruise in the Solent area. Six schools were represented and two boys from a youth club came along to complete the Expedition Test of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Mr. Leonard Steele organized and lead the cruise, using three Wayfarers, his own Day Boat and a rescue launch from the Y.M.C.A National Camp which has moorings on the Hamble.

A first leg of about 10 miles in good sailing conditions to Shalfleet Creek on the Isle of Wight in company with Eric Coleman put everyone in good humour for the night’s camp.

A 6 a.m. start on the second day to catch the ebb gave a glorious sail, in hot sunshine, to Christchurch Harbour. A swim off the boats followed by a late lunch formed the basis for various activities; sailing in the harbour, a visit to the Priory and Castle or a closer inspection of the local method of fishing with a net from the beach. Sleeping that night ranged from four bodies packed like sardines in a 16 foot Wayfarer to a lonely sleeping bag on an expanse of white sand along the foreshore.

The following day at 6.30 a.m. saw the fleet off Hengistbury Head for the sail across Poole Bay. The conditions at this early hour were ideal, clear and warm with a gentle force 2 easterly. Bournemouth Pier was passed about 2½ miles on the starboard beam dead on course. Fishing lines were the order of the day and the Cranleigh crew, showing superior skill, or maybe by being in the right place at the right time, were the champions with four prime mackerel. A timed entry on the flood into Poole harbour at 11 a.m. pushed the dinghies through in fine style. The fleet anchored off Green Island beneath a hundred foot cliff. The boys were soon at the top having a panoramic view of the second largest harbour in the world. For the remainder of the day there was swimming, exploration of waterways and islands and a trip to Poole for stores, ice-cream and ‘pop’.

The fourth day brought the greatest test of seamanship and endurance, a 30 mile beat against an increasing south-easterly for the return to the Isle of Wight. A ten hour sail, with bread and cheese the only sustenance for those whose tummies could stand it, was an unforgettable experience. Whether it was thankfulness at dropping anchor once again at Shalfleet or satisfaction at a job well done the spirits of the boys and one girl were very high and they were beginning to take on the gait and discuss the conditions like real seamen.

News of the first ‘lie-in’ was received with acclamation by all on the final morning and then a rather wet beat through the Solent chop brought the tired wanderers back to the Hamble for a shower and a hot meal at the Y.M.C.A. Camp. The children being received by their parents appeared to have increased in stature and confidence and well they might with such a wealth of knowledge and endeavour under their belts.

The pilot scheme exceeded all expectations and as a character building activity it proved to be of great value. The S.S.S.C.A. hope to introduce many more Surrey schoolchildren and youth club members to the delights of dinghy cruising.