A few thoughts further to my comments in the Derwentwater Rally report in this issue may be of interest to members.

Over the last few years we have seen the growth of the mobile phone phenomena. They are so well accepted now that, in mountaineering for example, a professional not carrying a mobile phone would be deemed negligent by client and court alike in the event of an accident – much the same as VHF radio has been a part of sailing for many years. As amateurs, whether on the hill or the water, we may choose what devices we use for our own safety and/or convenience - and that of others, of course. If you wish to cross to France (or even America) without radio, that is your concern, but don’t try this in Australia or several other countries where you wouldn’t be allowed to leave port; if you choose not to carry auxiliary power, again that is your choice and one I would go along with. It all depends how far you want to go back in the evolution of boating – at one time compasses didn’t exist, nor did rudders – or sails even!

When mobile phones didn’t exist they couldn’t be used, but if we have them we should perhaps make use of them, bearing in mind that we can’t rely on them absolutely as they may be “out of range” in certain areas. In our experience the principle use of mobiles on DCA Meets has been to contact other members about a change of plan. Last year Jayne and I decided that we would try to sail around Holy Island (see Bulletin 172) when we were out for a short sail. We were able to contact Bill Jones to tell him of this as it meant disappearing till late evening – or possibly all night – and we had arranged to be with them that evening. At Falmouth the year before members, including family ashore, exchanged ‘phone numbers and made good use of this arrangement. So for convenience and peace of mind I see every reason to carry mobiles, preferably keeping them switched on!

For emergency use it’s obvious that if you have your mobile and it’s in range you are better off than without it. Just as with VHF radio, flares, whistle or whatever – even GPS. One argument against mobiles, outlined by Keswick Mountain Rescue Team recently, is that people neglect the traditional skills of navigation, or perhaps make no attempt at self-help because they have a mobile: this is a non-starter in our circle – I would be saddened to think that either accusation applied to any DCA member. Part of the tradition of sailing, as of mountaineering, is self-reliance. However, if Jayne and I were in a situation where we needed assistance, I would like to think that we could contact someone. By the same token we would also like to be contactable.

It’s down to individual choice of course, and I would be the last to suggest pressure either to use or not to use mobile phones. It may be that the address list will be extended to include the numbers of those wishing to give them. Anyway, today I have just received my very own mobile, as opposed to having to share Jayne’s, so we can sign off as -

Colin Firth 07940 --- --- and Jayne Firth 07774 --- ---