SAFETY AND SEAWORTHINESS

I do not mean to 'hog' these columns, but we have an urgent problem which will not go away. What is DCA policy regarding inexperienced sailors attending our rallies? Perhaps, we should formulate a statement on the following lines:

1 Recommendations on type of boat and equipment (existing recommendations revised)*

2 Skills required (eg: experience of reefing at sea, sailing to windward in choppy seas, short tacking in narrow channels in force 5). These skills, of course, to be acquired in fail-safe situations,

3 Understanding required (eg: weather, tides, pilotage, collision regulations),

4 Suitability of the various rally venues for inexperienced people (eg: Solent crossings – no, Fowey Island - with care).

We have to bear in mind that these days people usually learn in Wayfarers and they are most likely to have read Frank and Margaret Dye's 'Open Boat Cruising' or other works. They are, therefore, likely to have purchased a Wayfarer or 14' Wanderer. We should point out that, although these and other cruiser-racer dinghies are superb boats in experienced hands, they are not ideal for unaccompanied beginners. It could be that a simple statement of the main risks and problems involved and a disclaimer of DCA responsibility, would suffice, but we must not ignore the problem or fudge the issues.

*DCA Safety Recommendations advise one foot of boat length for each stone of crew weight. Virtually every single-handed lady, - and at least four DCA committee members - have to ignore that! Also the minimum beam recommendations, although desirable, would eliminate the greater part of the DCA fleet!

Len Wingfield