This important new work in my opinion is essential reading, not only for the novice, but also the old hand at dinghy cruising. It provides a great deal of fresh thinking, backed up by some 60 photographs and working drawings. At the price this is not a cheap book, but in terms of value and quantity of information, it is an excellent buy.

The author devotes a few pages to his own early days; winter cruising in a heavy open boat and then discusses 'the best size and type'. Dinghies named and illustrated include the familiar Drascombe range and Wayfarer as well as the new 14' Wanderer, Laser Weekend and gaff-rigged 'Cara'.

There are new ideas for adapting boats for sleeping, and tips for those requiring ultra low-cost boats. A section is also devoted to open power-boat cruisers. (How many of us sail without an outboard, or NEVER accept a tow?) The needs of those suffering from arthritis and other problems of age are also considered, as are the needs of those cruising on rivers or canals. The merits and limitations of the various rigs are impartially reviewed with detailed attention to jiffy reefing methods, including single line reefing. There are instructions for making your own spoon bladed oars and rowing is also discussed.

The section on cruising grounds emphasizes that beginners should practice in well-protected waters and then progress to semi-sheltered waters before proceeding to short coastal passages in settled weather. Wave heights in relation to distance from land are given and it is suggested that waters less than 2 miles across are fairly safe except where strong tides or gusts from high hills may be experienced. Nicolson confirms my previously stated view that crews should be able to cope with Force 5 before attempting Solent crossings. Scottish, European and American waters are briefly discussed. Useful tips are given for planning cruises.

There are many clear sketches of various tent cover arrangements, including a dimensional drawing of Frank and Margaret Dye's latest Wayfarer tent; a very sophisticated product and a far cry from my cheap plastic tarpaulin.

The section on navigation and pilotage is practical and down-to-earth. The need for dinghy sailors to prepare in advance is stressed , for instance by putting coloured transit lines and other annotations on the chart; getting approximate positions using ferry timetables is also suggested.

Even the section on food and drink offers radical thinking. For instance, NIcolson states that fresh water can be conserved by adding up to 20% salt when cooking and dehydrated food can be partially hydrated by exposure to the atmosphere. There are also constructional sketches for truly watertight hatches and gimballed cookers. The section on safety provides further challenges to accepted practice. For instance, buoyancy aids could be more appropriate for dinghy cruising than lifejackets; if flares are carried then twice the usual quantity would be necessary and a red and white flare should be taped to the tiller, ready for action. Working drawings are provided for a capsize proof gear bag, a navigation light showing white all round without blinding the crew, various arrangements for pumping the bilges whilst sitting out and there is a discussion on the new parachute-type sea-anchors.

My one serious criticism is that the information sources section quotes the addresses of the RYA and the Cruising Association, but not the DCA. I wonder why? However, this is the only significant flaw in this outstanding work. Len Wingfield