After taking into consideration all opinions expressed, a new guide sheet has been prepared. It could well be that the new recommendations still do not meet with total approval, but the following criteria have had to be met:

deals primarily with the simple definition of safety — loss of life. has to be concise. has to meet the reasonable expectations of other experienced dinghy sailors.

1 The boat should carry sufficient crew — one stone (14 lbs) for each foot of waterline length is suggested as a minimum.

2 The boat should be stable enough to allow the recommended weight of crew to sit on the gunwale without dipping it under or the craft capsizing. A beamy hull is advised: minima to aim for with 12 ft, 14 ft and 16 ft dinghies would be 4’ 9”, 5’ 3” and 5’ 10” respectively.

3 The boat should carry sufficient positive buoyancy to support itself together with stores and partially immersed crew, plus a reserve of not less than 112 lbs. This buoyancy should be so disposed that it is possible for the crew to put the boat back into sailing condition after capsizing or swamping. It should be stressed that capsizing is not an acceptable proposition in a seaway due to the long period of exposure that may ensue and the possible loss of stores and equipment. In rough seas, recovery may even become impossible.

4 The vessel should have at least a foredeck.

5 Mast, rigging, fittings etc must be strong enough to withstand capsizing forces.

6 Consideration should be given to having the mainsail canvas a grade heavier than on a similar sized racing dinghy; at the least this will ensure longer wear. The mainsail should be capable of being reefed whilst at sea and the possession of a storm jib is desirable on sloops.

7 The following equipment should be carried aboard:

life-jackets for each member of the crew and one spare if possible. waterproofs and plenty of warm clothing for each crew member. an anchor (if fisherman type, 1 lb weight for each foot of overall length is a good guide, metric equivalent 1.5 kgs per m. Patent types can be two thirds of this). The anchor warp, length 30 metres upwards, should be of non-floating material and have 2-3 metres of chain between it and the anchor. 8mm is a good average warp size. two bailers attached to the vessel by lanyards, or one bilge pump of substantial capacity plus one bailer. two oars and rowlocks (secured to the vessel by lanyards) and one spare rowlock. Paddles are not considered a satisfactory substitute. drinking water more than sufficient for the cruise. At least three pints per person per day. a reliable steering compass. If possible it should be kept in one position where it should be checked for deviation.

8 The following equipment, additional to the items above, is advised where the cruise is more extended than just day sailing:

navigational equipment such as charts, pilot books, tidal atlas and a means for plotting a course. a spare compass, need only be of pocket type. a portable radio capable of receiving shipping forecasts. a barometer. First Aid kit and instructions. Watertight container holding day and night type distress signals. a powerful light to confirm to DTI collision regulations and at least one spare electric torch. a loud horn, bell, whistle or other means of giving audible warning in thick weather. tool kit to choice.

Before a trip, however short, let someone responsible know where you are going and by what time you expect to return or phone in.