What is the ideal cruising dinghy? In Bulletin No. 116 a member seemed to suggest that he had found the 'GP' ideal. In this Bulletin, one at least of our rallies might almost have been a Drascombe Cruising Association Rally - and indeed we print a letter from the Drascombe Owners Association. We also publish an account of an adventurous cruise in a 'Wayfarer' - by many regarded as the thoroughbred of cruising dinghies. None of these boats suits me - indeed no boat could ever be ideal. So is this search for the right boat the right search?

It is possible to cruise successfully in boats as different as the 'Mirror', the 'Enterprise' and the 'Sussex Cob'. What is the common factor? Can any boat be ruled out as unsuitable?

People have different priorities. Those who regard dinghy sailing as an acrobatic feat, as do most of those brought up in the racing school of thought, will think the 'GP' a stable and seaworthy boat. I regard it as a dangerous one except in relatively calm waters, as I also do the 'Enterprise' and the 'Mirror', because these boats have to be sailed well to stay right way up. This might seem a poor spirited priority, and those well used to sailing these boats might feel quite sure they could avoid such a disaster. I would say that a cruising dinghy should be able to look after a tired crew who might make mistakes. Then of course, no dinghy built can look after its crew in the extreme conditions in which we should not be at sea.

Very widely differing boats, then, are suitable.

Should we say the boat must be capable of being converted to make living aboard possible, and capable of being sailed in the waters chosen for its cruising without the need for a safety boat?

The DCA Rules, drawn up some thirty years ago, and still a useful guide, are much more stringent. One of them is that the boat must not capsize even if the entire crew stands on the gunwale.

Remember that one of the great things about the DCA is that we help each other. If you want to try a different boat of your own, or sail in a new area, try asking rally organisers whether there is anyone coming who would welcome a crew for the week-end, and be prepared to reciprocate.

J. A.