First of all, congratulations on the vastly improved appearance of the Bulletin, especially where maps etc. are concerned. With regard to the questions in your editorial, I would say that you have the balance of articles and news items about right, and would certainly not want to see any reduction in the latter. As regards the interesting articles which are “squeezed out”, might it not be possible to print a list of titles/contents, and supply, at a small charge, duplicate/photostat copies to members who request them?

On the subject of suitable boats, may I put in a plug for the Torch class dinghy — the plywood version, not the GRP one! This double chine 13 footer was designed for use in schools and is, in fact, an ideal family dinghy which can be sailed, rowed, sculled, outboarded — and will sleep two. It is very stable, has plenty of space and, being wood, can easily be modified as regards lockers etc. to suit cruising needs. I have a very old one bought in very poor condition and completely refitted with equipment obtained at the Beaulieu Boat Jumble — hence its name, Jumble of Beaulieu — based at Bucklers Hard. The present rig consists of a 50 year old ‘Swallows and Amazons’ type cotton gunter main, the topping lift and points reefing, and a Mirror jib on a roller! The fact that the boat handles excellently either under full sail or main only gives some idea of the versatility of the original design — and it is also light enough to be handled out of the water by one man. I’ve had quite a variety of boats, but I wouldn’t part with this one!