A milder winter and already it is possible to look forward to fitting out early this year for a good long season’s cruising. To judge by the usual interest in small cruisers and cruising dinghies shown at the Boat Show, there will be many newcomers to sailing making their initial ventures. The Boat Show is a fine place to see different new types of boat side by side and to judge between them. It is also, I think, a means of leading many inexperienced people into the belief that a good boat bought “ready to sail” is all that one needs to go cruising. I have heard some very strange and revealing remarks by beginners of this type recently — but I must add that they were not dinghy sailors. The owner of a dinghy does not, I believe, so readily put to sea before he has learnt to handle his boat in sheltered water. The contrast between the open boat and the uncompromising nature of the sea usually engenders a healthy respect. It should certainly do so — and those of us who have learnt to go to sea safely in very small boats should now give some thought to how we can best help others to do the same. Cruises in company may be one way of helping those who own boats but have not yet ventured far in them. Some of us may be able to fit into our crews members who have not yet bought their own boats. There is also a national register which is being compiled by the President of the Silhouette Owners’ Association, John Anderson, of boat owners who are willing to give simple weekend (or evening) instruction in the basic elements of boat handling. He would like to hear of people in all parts of the country who are willing to help in this — it is intended to be a general scheme, though started through the Silhouette Owners’ Journal. He has asked if members of the Dinghy Cruising Association will help — anyone who can do so should write to J. R. L. Anderson, The Old Hall, Marple, Cheshire. J. A.