First the dreadful facts — we have never slept, cooked or carried full camping gear aboard Bluenose, our Mirror 16. We read with awe of the exploits of those who do. None the less we often wear the D.C.A. burgee, and do so with increasing confidence.

In the Scilly Isles this summer an Enterprise was tearing up and down near St. Martins with full sail in force 4 or 5. We watched, interested, as we set off with six aboard plus food, dry clothes, and bathers with two reefs in and half the genoa rolled on the forestay. It seemed very clear that cruising is a frame of mind that does not require full floating domesticity for its attainment. The idea first dawned on the Helford River two years ago. We had sailed, reefed again, from moorings up the Percuil River, past St. Mawes, across Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay to a pub up the Helford estuary. There was another Mirror 16 there. “Oh, we never go to sea in her, far too tippy, just cross the river here.”

Unfortunately we struck a submerged mooring there and holed Bluenose. With one of the two forward under-floor tanks flooded we sailed down the river, bathed near its mouth, and considered the position. There seemed no reason not to sail home even though she was a bit heavy at the bows. Our log reads: “4.30, set off for Percuil. As soon as clear of the Estuary glad of second reef. Close hauled all the way and with bows down very wet in a choppy sea. Took three tacks inshore on way to avoid being too far out — also avoiding cliff wind shadows though. Found saved some spray if allowed bows to give to the sea a bit. Much spray unavoidable and wet crew did well to keep fit and active. Some waterproofs leave a good deal to be desired. Facing aft proved popular. Arrived St. Mawes 6:10. Searched for tea. Failed! Had consolation of impressing a sailing instructor considerably that we had made it. Beat back to Percuil arriving about 7:30. Lizzie (then 14) at helm and doing well. Found on arrival port stern tank had also flooded! She’s a remarkable boat. Quite a sail. All felt a very worthwhile day and quite an achievement. 18 miles and our first journey to new ground.” The point is that we did not feel we were taking risks — and looking back with more experience in the boat confirms that opinion. At all times we were well within our abilities to sail her comfortably (even though very wet and cold). We could have reached on more comfortable courses to possible landings if we’d had to — but were nowhere near that point. The boat has always coped with any conditions we’ve asked her to and proved a good cruiser. Her twin at Helford was identical — it is the approach to sailing that is different.

Later in the same week a passage from the log reads: “Took in two reefs and six rolls (jib) for return from fishing in sight of houses of Portloe and cove beyond Kiberick Cove. Went about, up sail and close by outside of Gull Rock, between Middle and Outer Stone then close hauled towards Portscatho. Bore away for Carrick Roads. Good sail. Catherine under the foredeck! Shook out a reef after Greeb Point and 3 rolls in jib. Close hauled past Zone Point and on towards Helford then one short tack through Carrick Roads. Set full jib past St. Mawes but no planing. Then close hauled across to beach. This sail was 14 miles of varied winds. 5 sail changes en route (some before extract begins). Landfall 5:45.”

Willingness to shorten sail is surely one mark of the cruising approach. We often have some of the crew sitting up on the gunwale — but others are on the seat on the lee side. Except for the occasional race (where they are indulgent enough not to mind that we have never been measured) we don’t expect to hang right out with a view of the centreboard — on the other hand we can put in eight and more hours a day afloat in good sailing winds, enjoy the whole day and go a long way. We wear buoyancy aids but sail so as not to capsize. The only time was at Percuil when I tried to pick up a mooring, single handed under sail, getting pinned between boom and coaming then swimming for my muddleheadedness! Techniques for landing, easy sail changing and navigation seem more important than the last ounce of speed. We are used to handling the anchor, but not roll tacking.

Our last holiday, in the Scilly Isles this time, really saw it all coming together. Bluenose went on the Scillonian to avoid the risk of having to wait for the weather for so long and exposed a trip. Once there, camping on St. Martins within 200 yards of a sheltered beach, she came into her own with trips between the islands, exploring uninhabited islands, fishing, ferrying friends to inaccessible spots and so on. She earned her steamer fare and the whole family are now becoming competent sailors. We had several fairly heavy weather sails. “Self, Lizzie (16), Richard (15). Wind S.W. force 5, 2 reefs. Off beach and several tacks round to Higher Town Quay with final run in and surprisingly easy gybe into shelter of the quay. “This is what sailing ought to be,” said Lizzie. A fast hard sail with a deal of spray. Met H-Ts. Theory had been on a visit to the Eastern Isles. Seemed too rough. Took M and R (non-sailors) with crew as before plus Catherine (15) handling boat. Cautious start and easy close reach to sound between Great and Little Genilly (force 4). Short tack there and turned back — rounded inner Scud (showing breaking waves) and close reach towards Guthers Island. Wind rising. Near island bore away to broad reach. Going fast and not very easy to control in gusts. Really too much sail (with 2 reefs and half jib). Now probably force 6. Continued till clear course to camp site beach north of Broad Ledge and Jack’s Ledge. Luffed up to lower main. Didn’t come down cleanly — probably sail was still drawing while attempting to lower it. Knocked off A’s hat (mine)!! Sails filled with only half main up. Went about and back. C rescued hat with boat hook. Second attempt lowered rest of sail successfully. Ran in under jib alone. L at helm, last moment before sand flats dried out. Hauled up the beach — not quite enough — had to do it again at 9 p.m. in rain and a gale — very good sail and made the most of the chances after a rather late start.”

It was surprising how few small boats were sailing in the Scillies. It is a splendid area. There are hazards and it needs to be respected but is certainly manageable. You have to look for rocks.

We often had a rock watch and found the Admiralty coloured chart 34, Isles of Scilly, St. Mary’s Road very useful — but couldn’t get it or any other in the islands until we had been there ten days. Large areas dry out between the islands but St. Martins had a good landing at Lower Town when the spring lows came, as they do, at mid-day. Tidal currents have to be watched. It is not difficult to glean basic information but a sailing instructor on the islands confirmed there is no adequate tidal information in print, so ending a fruitless search. We took an outboard so as not to be becalmed on the wrong island and used it to get back from St. Marys once. Whatever the weather the water between the islands is sheltered with the exception of St. Agnes which normally has a considerable swell on all sides. Once outside the ring of islands one is in the open Atlantic. There are many comfortable anchorages if you sleep on board, many small deserted islands where the intrepid could camp — but strong efforts are made to keep a lot of these deserted in spring and early summer for the sea birds to breed. If you prefer a campsite St. Martins takes a lot of beating for access to boat, shelter for tents, variety of landings for different conditions etc. etc. My only reservation in recommending it is that we plan to go back next year and like it to ourselves! There are few empty spaces during the season. Still, it would be nice to meet someone else flying a D.C.A. burgee.

Yes, we will fly ours, purged by confession but unrepentant; and some of us may even sleep aboard one day.