This is a time of year for sailing rather than for writing, and the Association has been having an active summer. We are now fairly well organised in six regional groups, and some members have been taking part in the activities of more than one group. For those who trail their boats this is not difficult, and others will find members on remote parts of the coast who are ready to welcome them and very possibly to give them the chance of a sail in new waters. If you are visiting a sailing area which is new to you, it is always worth writing to the nearest regional group organiser. You will find helpful advice forthcoming, and will possibly bring some of the more far flung members into closer touch with the Association.

All the summer’s activities should produce some articles by the autumn. We are in need of new writers for the Bulletin with new ideas. There have been few articles of technical interest lately. For instance, I have been asked for an opinion about the virtues of tent versus cuddy on fourteen footers. In my experience a tent is far roomier, though a small spray-hood type of cuddy may well be valuable in keeping the boat dry at sea. Some of our members have well-designed spray covers quite separate from the tent. Some have completely open boats, and use other means of keeping the sea in the right place. Can we have some articles from actual experience to help those who are fitting out for cruising to decide?