Dinghy cruising should satisfy very varied tastes in sailing, to judge by the different approaches seen in this bulletin. Should I ever venture as far as the Isle of Man it would be to reach new coastal cruising grounds, showing some sympathy with Eric Momson when, after a successful channel crossing, he and his crew agreed “that this sort of long sail was not nearly as enjoyable as travelling along the coast or exploring estuaries.” Estuaries are the natural home of the cruising dinghy, and there the bigger boats cannot follow us into the shallow creeks among the sands. Estuaries are the inevitable cruising ground of those of us who take young families with us, not only for the safety point of view, but because children like small-scale voyages with varied landing places. However, there is no need to confine ourselves to one sort of sailing, and the longer sea passages have now become established as within the capacity of a well equipped dinghy with an experienced crew.

We seem to have very few articles lately from those with hints on equipment and technique. Could we know more about the way other people manage, please? Introduction to new cruising grounds would also be welcome, as well as critiques of different types of boat.

Articles of any boat would be welcome, the surplus built up early this year is rapidly diminishing! J.A.