- the perfect single handed cruiser?

The idea formed one summer “Why not dinghy cruise around the Kent coast?” Because I would (probably) be single handed, I would need to return to my starting point. The answer seemed to be a folding bike. I therefore found myself a second hand Bickerton 3-speed folder. This is made of aluminium and very light –although it looks and feels solid. I decided on a shake-down cruise in my Mirror dinghy. Leaving the car and trailer at Varne Boat Club, Littlestone, Kent, I set off for Folkestone a couple of hours before high tide. Taking no chances I hugged the coast, even beaching near Dymchurch to check the access to the beach (good ramp). I had to sail out approximately two miles to round the firing range area. Wind was force 2 with light swell and I had a following wind so I took care to avoid an unintended gybe. The sky darkened and swell increased, as I approached Folkestone. I noted an area of confused water around the harbour wall and I considered turning back to Sandgate, although I know the public ramp has been replaced with steps, but there is a boat club ramp.

A closer look convinced me we could safely round the harbour, but as we bumped around, the mainsail suddenly fell into the boat. I held course and reset the jib which saw me safely into sheltered water. I discovered the main halyard had failed at the head. Unfortunately I was not able to beat into the harbour so I had to sail up the beach, where there were a number of willing small hands to help me up the ramp. I put the cover on and left her in the car park with a helpful lifeguard keeping an eye on her. It had taken a leisurely three hours.

I soon assembled the Bickerton and put on suitable clothing to cycle back along the sea wall. Against the wind it took about one and a half hours to pedal back (“Nice bike mate”) A further half hour saw me back with the car and trailer to collect the Mirror safely and thank the lifeguards.

As a result of this trip, I decided a slightly bigger dinghy was needed but as light as possible and with more space for equipment. Having built two examples from the Solway Fisher, I studied the catalogue and decided on the Medway Doble, a 15 foot double ender conceived as a lifeboat. The Medway Doble weighs about 150 lb. It has several buoyancy compartments built in. I had previously bought an old Enterprise with two sets of sails of different sizes and a good trailer with a winch. When there was a discussion on capsizing, I had already begun to build my perfect cruiser so it was too late to turn it into a self-righting Roamer. However, I could easily give the design some buoyancy in the top-sides up to the gunwhales. Some masthead buoyancy and, if necessary, weight in the centre board should help. I made large access hatches in the front and rear compartments. The former held the Bickerton folded with a tight fit.

I built a simple folding trolley consisting of a galvanised axle and two standard trolley wheels (good fenders), fixed in position with straps. This fits in the rear compartment. There is room for an anchor, picnic, radio, gps, cover and alternative sails although I have reefs sewn into the larger mainsail. My sail maker did not know how to arrange mast head buoyancy foam. Can anyone help on this? A plastic ball does not look good.

The first sail was in rough seas and although a quick sailor, she was reluctant to come about. I discovered later she was very docile up to force 3 - 4 but possibly a bit tender having only 4’ 6” beam and double ends, perhaps I should have expected this. I have not yet fitted the weighted centre board. I have yet to capsize her; I really need to know how stable she is.

The design allows for a long shaft outboard engine on a small transom, which clears the rudder, as well as oars, of course. Recovery needs thought. It is best to tackle a ramp with the folding trolley. Loading onto the trailer is easy thanks to the winch. I am still sorting out the sail systems. I do not feel happy to cleat the main I do therefore sometimes find I do not have enough hands to control both sails and to steer. Also I need to practice reefing on the water when single-handed.

I would welcome any helpful hints on how to improve my technique or my dinghy’s systems. Why “EBRI”? Well there is an E on the sails and it was built by Brian!