To explore safely in small boats is the aim of the DCA. It is disturbing that one member is leaving us because he feels we do not take boat safety seriously - in particular, he believes, we place too little emphasis on capsize drill. Many of our members sail conventional dinghies usually used for racing, with a full-sail rig which is kept upright by sitting up. Of course they must know how to right the boat when it goes over. If they go out to sea, or into lonely rough conditions, they should further realise that it may not be possible to return to sailing trim by applying their expertise. Other factors are of paramount importance. A good steady beamy cruising dinghy may well be harder to right than a lighter boat. Single handers would be in trouble. That is why I emphasise DON'T CAPSIZE. Reduce your rig, carry ballast perhaps (Shackleton and Worseley loaded rocks). Do your best to choose the weather. Pretty well any boat could capsize in some conditions - dinghy cruising is not a hundred per cent safe, but serious accidents at sea to dinghy cruisers are rare. By all means find out how your boat behaves in a capsize, and familiarise yourself with the drill. Perhaps the answer is Eric Coleman's self-righting Roamer.

The form of this Bulletin is again being reconsidered by some members. We must take advantage of new technology. Do we want colour? At what price? Members can decide. In answer to an enquiry 'about the poem in Bulletin 164,' it was written some years ago by a member, G F Bradley. J.A.