Firth of Forth Dinghy Cruising Pilot

Anyone thinking of a cruise in the Forth can now obtain the updated and comprehensive 2002 edition free of charge. It now contains 23 pages including colour chartlets but does not duplicate those on Imray C27. That chart is essential for cruising this water and is to be used with the Pilot.

Cruisers are requested to feedback info, either additions or corrections. Apply ed_wingfield@yahoo.co.uk for your electronic copy. Note: paper copy available via DCA library.

East

Aug Sat 31st: River Blackwater Rally. Meet at Goldhanger Creek (TL906082) @ 7pm Contact: John Adye 0208 467 2052

South

With a bit of prodding by Len Wingfield, I have had a splendid response to my plea for rally hosts. As a result we have a very full programme this year, with a wide variety of venues. Always check the weather forecast before you sail, and don’t set-off across open water unless you are sure you can handle the prevailing conditions. The DCA does not provide a safety boat and accepts no responsibility for the safety of members attending rallies.

Date & Approx Sat Venue Host HW Portsmouth BST

31 Aug / 1 September Hurst Point OS 316 904 Alan Glanville 16.13 Meet near black wooden hut on beach. Bar-b-Q

14/15 Sept** The Kench, Langstone Harbour Liz Baker 17.52 OS 694 999

28/29 Sept* Bursledon — End of season meet at Liz Baker 15.40 The Jolly Sailor and up-river cruise to Curbridge/Botley on Sunday. OS 492 093. Camping in boats possible on Lands End Hard, just below pub, or continue upriver beyond bridges for a quieter night.

Accessible by sheltered water

Suitable venue for families

North-West

Date Location Co-ordinator

Sep 14/15 Derwent Water Colin & Jane Firth Launch Derwent Water Marina 01768 774347

Sep 28/29 Ullswater (Now based at Ullswater Yacht Club) Colin & Jane Firth

Oct 12/13 Windermere (launch at YMCA) Dave Morton Launch site to be confirmed 0161 2837824

Nov. 1/3 ‘Softies’ meet Waterhead Hotel, Coniston. Brian McClellan Make own arrangements with hotel 01630 654781

Ullswater Meet September 28-29 2002 Ullswater Yacht Club Co-ordinators: Colin & Jayne Firth 017687 74347 firth@onet.co.uk

At the North West Area Planning Meeting the venue for this meet was left open till we approached the Ullswater Yacht Club to see if we could use their excellent facilities.

We’ve been in touch with UYC’s Sailing Secretary, Dave Lyons, who is very amenable to our foregathering at the club: they’re keen to get away from just the racing image and various bodies use their facilities, not least eminent being the Steamship Club — a joint meet might be interesting!

We are arranging to use all the club facilities, including a meal Saturday evening. Camping is normal, sleeping on boats fine — alongside their jetty, at a spare mooring or locally at anchor. The launching is excellent, as you may know. I was a member for a few years and enjoyed the scene, though not a keen racer. With the normal winds there is nowhere better on the lake. Cost not fixed but will be modest. There is, of course, lots of B&B in Pooley Bridge for those who want it. Sharrow Bay Hotel is only 400 metres away!

UYC Grid Ref: 457 225

We think it’s certainly worth a try. As with all meets please contact the co-ordinator to check for changes before rolling up.