North London Group held an interesting meeting on 21st February when dinghy cruising sailing was discussed. Techniques and methods used in winds ranging from 0 to force 8 were put forward by members representing a fair range of boats and experience.

At a well attended meeting on 10th April “Living on a 14 Footer” and “Crossing the Channel” were the subjects discussed. John Deacon issued a victorious challenge to those present to find anything wrong with his new car-hood type cockpit awning frame. It was thought plastic impregnated material should be used for the horizontal top and a light coloured fabric for the sides to allow some light through. After a season’s use John promised to report on his invention. His ingenious primus stove container was found, on closer inspection, to be carefully made of M.G.2 (trade name Birabright). A biscuit tin was thought to be too subject to corrosion and difficult to re-shape to make suitable material for such a gadget.

Slade Penoyre’s cross channel trip (an account of which appears in this Bulletin) was judged to be well-planned and blessed by good weather. A discussion ensued about which officials should be informed of intended lengthy trips and anecdotes told by those present with such experience showed that the fewer officials informed of intended cruises the better. Such officials felt their responsibilities heavily and tended to raise an alarm prematurely.

It was generally felt rudder fittings were of too light construction as they were manufactured down to a minimum size for racing dinghies rather than up to a maximum size for strength and reliability on cruising dinghies.

During the discussion on radar reflectors it was pointed out that the reflector must be mounted high enough not to be confused with wave top reflections and it was essential that the reflector be accurately constructed as the beam had to ricochet on to three surfaces and back to its source.

There is to be a rally at Bradwell, Essex on June 6th. High water 9.30 a.m. Launching at any state of tide, camping at the Green Man site which is adjacent to the quay. Pub and store within 100 yards. It is hoped to have a cruise in company starting midday Saturday, possibly to Point Clear and then to congregate at the Green Man or some other centre in the evening. For those who cannot get under the bar across the hard Dan Burch or Mr. Gardener at the Sailing Centre hold keys.

South Coast Group Proposals of rallies and meetings for the coming season. At the present time with one or two rallies a year, the dates may not be convenient to everyone with the result that not enough members are meeting each other. I would like to put forward a suggestion for members who sail in the Solent area. The idea I have in mind is that if members would inform me of their intentions for a weekend or even a day sail on the Solent I would be in a position to know the whereabouts of anybody in this area and if two or more people were sailing on a particular weekend, a meeting or rendezvous could be arranged or even a sail in company. Even allowing for 50% of lost weekends due to inclement weather and inconvenient dates perhaps more meetings could be arranged this way.

There will be a rally on Whitsunday May 17th at 3 p.m. on the Hamble River, just below Bursledon Bridge. The same site as last year’s July meeting. The main topic will be a get together for members to discuss views and suggestions of events for this season. If anyone is able to sail on the Saturday or Sunday morning I should like to hear from them. Peter Glover, South Coast Group Secretary, 12 Pilgrims Way, Hill Head, Fareham, Hants.

North West Midlands Group It is hoped that members will meet during the season, when those of us who have regular haunts let the rest know that they will be there. On July 11th Joan Abrams will be at Heswall, where her 18 footer Eolet is moored. High water is at 1.10 B.S.T. and the boat will be afloat by about 11.30 Any member who cares to come will be welcome. It will help if those who can let the Group Secretary know beforehand — Joan Abrams, 38 Ley Lane, Marple Bridge, Cheshire, Marple 1191. Heswall is on the main road from Chester to West Kirby, and the mooring is opposite the end of Banks Road, which runs down to the shore.