I received my shiny new membership card from Stanley Dean on 22nd October, 1986. Let me introduce myself. I am a 46 year old civil servant from Northern Ireland. Over the years I have explored the Ulster waterways in a series of dinghies and small cruisers. All of these were engine powered, I must confess.

In 1978 and again in 1980 I explored the Thames from above Lechlade to Teddington Lock in my Norman 20 cruiser Cumbria, which I bought at Windermere in 1977. During 1979 I cruised the Lancaster Canal.

My present ambition is to purchase a small cruiser or dinghy with a cuddy. This time I hope to progress ? to a craft with a pole sticking out of the top of it The reason? I intend to cruise the inland waterways of Europe in the future. I feel that wind power would be the most economic and enjoyable way of doing so. Any advice from DCA members on cruising in Holland, France, Switzerland or Italy would be greatly appreciated. I have a ‘vast’ experience of sailing boats — I crewed in a GP14 for some ten hours about 20 years ago — so all advice is necessary. I am presently digesting the last three issues of the DCA Bulletin — it is first class — just what I hoped for.

It would be a pleasure for me to assist any DCA member wishing to visit Ulster’s Lakeland. The Lough Erne complex beats anything I have seen to date in Europe. The system comprises two freshwater loughs joined by about 14 miles of river. This is a dinghy cruising paradise. There are 154 islands, most of which the public are welcome to utilise. The whole system is quiet, well marked for navigation and exceedingly beautiful. Apart from a section of water in the extreme north measuring some 12 miles by 5, known as the Broad Lough, the remainder is sheltered from all winds. The system is some 55 miles long and varies in width.

Boats may be launched and cars and trailers left free of charge at the Castle Archdale Marina. This is about 80 miles from Belfast Harbour and 100 from Larne Harbour. Most DCA members might prefer the short Stranraer to Larne sea crossing which is not too expensive, particularly on some of the night sailings. The crossing takes about 2¼ hours. The roads to Lough Erne are first class: indeed the route takes in 45 miles of the M1 motorway.

You would not be human if you did not feel somewhat concerned about the Northern Ireland ‘troubles’. Let me reassure you. All boating types are made most welcome. Who knows? You might even catch the Lough Erne ‘bug’ and stay here.

I am the Secretary of the Lough Erne branch of the Inland Waterway Association. Our chairman is English — from the Derby region (the English get all the best jobs here). The treasurer is from Scotland (who better to look after our money).

I would be pleased to supply detailed help to any prospective DCA visitors to Lough Erne in Northern Ireland. My address is:

‘Trasna’ , 18 Rathmore Heights, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT43 6NG

My phone number in the evenings is 0266 45836. Don’t phone at weekends as I am normally afloat then, throughout the year.

Safe cruising!