It's all very well reading articles on Dinghy Cruising - recently it struck me that lots of “How and Whys” must enter people’s minds - not everyone is of practical bent......so here goes.

Take basic things like food - it's a good idea to keep some emergency rations on board - oxos are a good starter, a packet of ryvita keeps well, a tub of margarine, packet soup and a tin of corned beef tastes like caviar when you are hungry. Saw an interesting buy in Tesco the other day - jam in plastic bottles with narrow necks - awkward item to cope with, is jam on a boat.

Wrap your bread in tin foil and newspaper (free ones) and it will last for days. Carry some candles as a never fail source of light and heat if the old stove goes on the blink - use three grouped together (I have done this in the Forces a long time ago and it works). A simple tool roll of canvas will keep your eating irons together. Dried milk containers are reusable with liquid in them, being leakproof.

On a different vein, did you know that a reef knot is meant to capsize with one hand - pull part to starboard or the other way and it will free itself on the sail - mine does with terylene bites - one hand for the boat, etc.

The anchor - being our brakes - is very important to us. Always have the bitter end fastened to the boat then the warp led forward via the forward cleat to the handed fairlead at the bow and back to the cockpit. Then, with the anchor coiled down you can let go smartly one-handed (no throwing it mind).

I have a confession to make - we use a ten inch diameter plastic bowl, also two small dunlopillo pillows - height of luxury that - feel better now that I have told you! From an old Matloe re. mosquito bites - wash in lifebuoy soap (househard and red like mum used to use).

Carry some lip salve in the first aid kit and carry spare clothes with you - simple solution a track suit each in a sealed plastic bag. What is the best footwear? Wellies are fine, but in the summer months can get a bit . . . you know . . .may I suggest the soft plastic sandals I use which are made in France called Sarazeinnes - available over here, dry easily, very tough and warm to wear. Woolen hat when needed - heat lost through head the greatest. Problem - wood or glass boat - heat lost through the 'sit-upon' - solution - visit the local market place and buy a cleaning ladies kneeling mat and cover with waterproof material.

Do you like pickled onions - Boots sell 5 litre containers of vinegar - the added bonus being they make excellent water containers for the boat.

Awkward subject . . . along with your bucket with a lid carry a couple of free newspapers and a garden trowel - the paper to line the bucket - then its a trip ashore with . . . nuff said . . .

A lead line with knots every metre very handy to use braille fashion when anchored in a creek to measure rise and fall of the tide - wound on a square fishing line holder - along with a nice piece of old towel, very handy as a hand wiper aboard.

On your boat tent use 1 inch wide velcro - much more efficient than the 1/2 inch - tent hooks to use under your gunnel are Holt Allen no 148.

Boat rollers (having recovered from the shock cost of them) - cover with a canvas sausage so they last and last.

The main halyard used as a topping lift (boom support) gets it away from the ali mast and stops the rattle at night – or have a topping as well - belt and braces.

The sailing knife around your neck has its uses – but try to cut a thick piece of wet synthetic rope – it’s no joy – better to use a knife with a deckle or scalloped edge on it (breadknife) to saw through it - a junior hacksaw works well too.

In case of cold at night, carry a couple of space blankets - these measure about 5 x 4 x 1 inches when packed and weigh nothing, but when needed wrapped round the outside of your sleeping bag keep you very warm by reflected heat.

Worthwhile bits to carry - a fishing line, an old tobacco tin to hold weights, hooks and mackerel spinners, binoculars and camera always needed when you haven't got them.