Dear Joan,

Thank everyone for another most readable Bulletin, every item and report all so interesting. But would you please give measurements in both British and foreign terms. Some of us, especially those who honour the traditions of the British Navy, have no time for meaningless French measurements that are based on a complete myth. To proper sailors, fathoms, nautical miles, degrees and tides all relate, metres come nowhere in the equation and we all have feet to measure with and hands to calculate inches.

Len Wingfield’s comments on the dreaded capsize were welcome. I would just add that when scrambling on to an upturned hull beware the centreboard falling back into its case — fingers can be chopped off!

Has anyone gathered information on the capsizing of Cornish Cormorants? I have heard of three incidents, all involving experienced helms. BL