By Carmelinda / 2020-02-08 / In categories Notes
Cruising under sail is one of the finest sports. Those whoe take part in it pit their knowledge and skill not against a human opponent for kudos or gain, but against the sea in all its moods. Their ventures therefore receive little or no publicity, and that is as they would wish, for they know that only those who love and respect the sea as they do can appreciate their reasons for cruising - the spice that a suggestion of danger lends to it; the satisfaction of working the winds and tides to the best advantage; the confidence which is acquired when a good landfall is made after a rough passage or a difficult piece of pilotage has been succesfully carried out; the feeling of achievement when a strange coast or harbour has been reached under sail; and the never-ending fascination of handling and looking after a seaworthy yacht and her gear. Cruising teaches one to rely on one’s judgement and skill, and it is one of the few worthwhile things that can still be enjoyed today by a man or woman of independent spirit, for there are no restrictions, no organizing body is needed, and the sea is open and free for all who have the inclination to sail on it and a suitable vessel for the purpose.
Eric C. Hiscock Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, 1949