Joan’s Winter 2000 editorial expressed concern about a trend away from long-distance and even overnight cruising. However not every member owns a dinghy suitable for coastal cruising or even sleeping aboard, and many prefer sailing in company to sailing independently to agreed venues. Any such members living within reach of the Essex coast may find that the Hosteller’s Sailing Club meets their needs. Based at Paglesham on the River Crouch in Essex, this little club seems to be unique in that its main activity is dinghy cruising, especially cruising in company, including camping together overnight. The club owns two elderly Wayfarers with equipment which may be hired by members at nominal fees, so it is not necessary to own a coastal cruising boat, only a tent and camping gear if camping overnight, It is customary to switch crews around these two Wayfarers so that everyone at some time sails with everyone else. Of course members are equally welcome to bring their own boats and cruise in company. Last year’s main cruise was from Paglesham up to the River Alde and back, not bad considering it was by sail and oar only, and that on one day it was too windy to sail. (We walked the few miles into Orford that day). I had little previous experience of sailing in Suffolk, and found the scenery wonderful. The HSC members were very kind and helpful, and jolly good company too. Incidentally the majority of us on that cruise were DCA members.

The competence of new members is assessed before they are permitted to take a club boat out (a) locally, and (b) further afield. There are other safety rules, but these are not intrusive. Co-ordination with suitable DCA rallies is encouraged. Membership fees are nominal. The club’s winter programme usually includes walking activities and Youth Hostel weekends, but unless taking part in the latter, YHA membership is not a requirement although there is no upper age limit for Youth Hostelling. Most of the HSC committee are also DCA members.

For HSC membership information contact Josephine Street at 01923 855268, or email <j_rry@btinternet.com> The HSC dinghy cruising website is highly recommended as a general information source.

Members in other areas might consider clubbing together and buying a second-hand boat to be shared on similar lines.