Joan Abrams

The attractions of dinghy cruising go far beyond the actual sailing of small boats. We can visit places passed by unregarding by bigger boats keeping to deep water channels. The land-bound, of course, are in complete ignorance of the world seen from the water only. This ranges from the amazing rock formations of cliff bound coasts to the strange, ever-changing landscapes of the sands, mud and marshes of the estuary. In a dinghy tent we are so much nearer than even in small yacht’s cabin to the birds and seals whose home we visit.

I must pass on to those who deserve them, the contribution to this bulletin, the thanks I am given for it. I must also thank those who have criticisms. Fully justified, I fear, have been the complaints about misprints. I hope we have done better this time.

One complaint I cannot answer except generally, because it arrived anonymously: there are no favoured contributors, though some members submit acceptable contributors more regularly than others. Very few articles are refused, though some are edited or abbreviated. Anyone who feels that the bulletin is unrepresentative should send in any relevant item - though not anonymously.

The question of the Bulletin cover design in still open. Unfortunately the photo of Joy, which might seem a good idea is not the DCA’s Copyright: perhaps that could be re-negotiated. It has been suggested that the design by John Clarke which we use is plagiarised. Possibly the layout follows an earlier model, but the drawing of the boat, though nautically incorrect is original and lively. Perhaps we should seek contributions from members with artistic skills?