There are probably as many different definitions to the ideal cruising dinghy as there are people who cruise in them. I am fortunate, and being fifth time lucky I have found my ‘dream ship’. Arrow is a Hill Head Jacqueline-class dinghy. Clinker built, with a fine flair to her bow, she has a Norwegian look about her and is much admired for this; she is 12ft long and Bermudan rigged.

Having bought Arrow in March, I was determined to have as long a season as possible, so on Friday May 3rd, with all my gear stowed in a very temporary fashion, I set off from the Portsmouth Sailing Club for Cowes. I had hoped for light conditions, as this was very much a trial trip, and I was in luck.

I cleared Portsmouth Harbour entrance at 1515; the sun shone and the wind blew gently from the west, force 2. H.W. Portsmouth was at 1548, so I had plenty of westgoing tide under me, as it begins at Portsmouth two hours before high water. The long slow beat down to Cowes was pleasant and uneventful, and I landed at 1915 just before the tide turned to the east.

Although the sun had been shining, it was now evening and none too warm. As I had a little time to wait to catch the first of the flood up the Medina, I went in search of a spot of something warming. As I walked into the nearest pub I was greeted by the landlord with, “You’re the first we’ve had this year!” I suspect that the tone of his voice would have been exactly the same if he had been addressing a criminal lunatic.

Suitably warmed, I rowed up to the Folly where I thought I might be in luck and meet someone else on their way to the Wootton Rally. I arrived at 2100, left Arrow alongside the jetty, and pitched my tent. The night was still and chilly, with heavy dew.

A fairly early start was necessary on Saturday if I was to catch the eastgoing tide, which began off Cowes at about 0800. I was still undecided about whether I should go straight back to Portsmouth or stop in Wootton and go home on the evening tide, as I had to be back for Sunday.

I left the Folly under oars at 0830 and set sail just below the ferry. The sky was overcast and the visibility none too good. From the middle of the Solent neither the island nor the mainland was visible. There was just a faint drift of air from the west as I passed Cowes breakwater at 0920. I drifted gently along on a course of 80º, which should take me across the channel at its narrowest point and give me a landfall on Gilkicker point. What wind there was soon drifted to slightly east of north.

At 1020 I drifted slowly past Peel Bank buoy, and I had to decide whether or not to look into Wootton. I decided not to, as it would probably have meant a long row home in the dark if the wind didn’t do something. I drifted past the Mother Bank at 1050 and by 1115 was becalmed off Gilkicker, so it was out oars and a row along Haslar Wall into Portsmouth Harbour. At this point I rather regretted my decision not to go into Wootton, as a little breeze sprang up, but it was short lived. I landed on the car ferry ramp at 1200, quickly towed Arrow into her place in the Boomyard, and retired to the Coal Exchange for refreshment.

Not a very eventful cruise, but one on which I was able to make up my mind about the best stowage positions for my gear, which I now carry in two small plastic dustbins either side of the centreboard. Also, helped by some photographs of John Clark’s Puffin, I have since made a tent cover — although I have not had a chance to try it out.