The article ‘Who Goes Dinghy Cruising?’ by A R Moore in Bulletin 59 was very stimulating, and could be a subject for endless discussion.

Mr Moore considers that those who go coastal cruising are more able and fit than the rest of us because of the high degree of skill and stamina which could be required in any sort of dinghy, even on short cruises.

I suggest that his conclusion is only valid for those modern cruising dinghies which, being designed also for racing, are too lively for coastal cruising in the hands of ‘the rest of us’.

Dinghy cruising rarely, if ever, involves high degrees of skill or stamina provided a seaworthy boat is used and a respect for the sea is observed.

Dennis Bourne…

“Who Goes Dinghy Cruising?” asks Allan Moore, having painted a planing picture at the Rudyard Rally.

Surely this inclusion of super-thrill at normal wind speeds is outside our concept? Allan’s Enterprise cruising sail was too big on that occasion, even for the Wayfarer, but if he seeks to cruise he must reef it, otherwise his initiates might well only go the one time!

However, Allan might enjoy his planing, and he included it for that reason, but he is thus not geared down to cruise below that borderline which sets newcomers in a tizzy. If he slows down it will still be enjoyment for him, and if a thrill for a brand new crew, most probably not a dead roadblock!

Allan also makes a big thing about fitness and ability, but, sailed gently and upright and one hand for yourself, fitness is by no means vital. Ability, yes. Mostly ability to curb raw ‘go-go’. Don’t spit into the wind even if you’re a hiker, let alone a sailor!

Taken in smaller doses it gives you time to think on the day you do run into a spot of bother. Besides, experience will get a chance to build up.

Rate very highly the ability to be the one employed when, under an increasing blow, you decide to stop and reef. Now — not in a few minutes. Just come into the wind and take in the reef, perhaps swap the jib, up sails, then pay off the head and gently away again. Very satisfying that. Even if you have also decided to turn back. That depends on your experience.

Jim Smith…

Where there’s a will

“Who goes dinghy cruising?” asks Alan Moore (summer Bulletin). A fair question, and simply answered. We do, the whole family: Mom, Dad and the two girls, aged 8 and 11.

Alan Moore implies that to go dinghy cruising one must possess special qualities. Only one is needed, the DESIRE to cruise in a dinghy.

Born and bred in Birmingham we could only be armchair sailors for many years, so we are not long on experience. Certainly not born with a tiller in our tiny hands, but no opportunity is lost to ask questions and read all the books we can got hold of. If ever a question cannot be answered by these means, we just ‘suck it and see’.

Ability? Well, one needs some ability to do anything. We are certainly not superstars at boat handling and make plenty of mistakes, but always try to apply common sense and exercise a great deal of discretion. If doubt exists about the wisdom of launching, then local experts such as harbourmaster or boatmen are consulted, and even then we sometimes stay put just in case.

Surely Alan was joking when he averred that dinghy cruisers who sail offshore must be super fit? Sure, it all depends on what is meant by offshore, and although the Frank Dyes of this world need to be very fit, that sort of cruising is far beyond the scope of the ordinary D.C.A. crew. Maybe Alan should attend one of the South Coast rallies and see the drunken, nicotine-soaked specimens who make gallant efforts to stand up when they hear the cry, “They’re open!” Only joking, fellers… but would any of us claim to be Olympians?

As for lack of enthusiasm by the family, maybe this is promoted by the ‘Dads’ usually sailing their racers full of go-faster goodies as fast as possible and at exaggerated angles of heel. Whilst very exciting for the competent, it is bound to alarm the ‘not-so-sures’. Why not try sailing really slowly, and even have a brew up along the way? When they see how pleasant and smooth it can be, maybe the family will want to come along. It is also important to select a reasonably suitable boat and kit it out for the job. After all, would anyone try to use an E-type Jaguar as a motor caravan?

Monopolising the family holidays! This will not arise if they join in, and you all go off to superb quiet beaches whose only access is by boat. This is also reflected in the idea of a D.C.A. holiday week, which could be very good, but the idea of returning to the same base each day won’t encourage cruising. Surely it would be better to sail from place to place on the loch or along the coast, only returning to the starting point at the end of the week. Otherwise it could end up with moms and children sitting on the shore watching ‘Dad’ doing the sailing.

Sorry to disagree so much, Alan, and although ours is obviously not the only way, we do try to practice what we preach, by attending rallies and living aboard. Quite comfortably too! Our longest holiday abroad so far has been 10 days, and we saw no reason afterwards to change our minds. Before taking up active dinghy cruising, we did a lot of camping and caravanning; but, quite honestly, we would not, of choice, return to these types of holiday. Living on the boat is easier and much more convenient, and, providing it’s afloat, it’s a lot nicer to sleep on.

However, for us, the big bonus is the ease of getting away from it all. Big sighs of relief can be heard upon casting off, because we know we are leaving behind the high speed rat race called Life, and going to live (if only for a couple of days) at a much more sensible pace.

There is only one big snag — we can’t go often enough!