Roving Commissions 49

These forty-nine articles give an indication of the many ways in which RCC members enjoy cruising, in craft ranging from a kayak to large cruising yachts.

The wide spread of their activities is shown in the Rolling Index of Cruises 2004-2008. Those featured in this collection include trips to the Western Isles, Ireland, France and the Baltic, with the more exotic locations of Fiji, Thailand, Chile, St. Helena and several ocean crossings. Trips vary from the length of an Irish Lough in a 10 foot Clinker dinghy to ocean voyages of over 9000 miles, these often just two-handed. Chartlets are provided where relevant, and there are many excellent photographs. The poor weather experienced during the year is evident, with storms affecting many carefully laid plans. Some longer cruises involve crew swaps, some quite complicated.

The dangers experienced are graphically illustrated by the account of the transfer of a badly injured skipper in mid-Atlantic, the injury so severe that sadly he later died. A great sense of adventure shows, with journeys of exploration ashore and a desire to visit new locations. I particularly enjoyed the story of a couple in their eighties who decided that they now required a motor boat, so designed and helped construct their new ‘short fat boat’, and are now in France en route to Greece.

Consummate seamanship abounds, with a calm and practical approach to the problems that the oceans delight in providing, and a necessary sense of humour. Together they result in an enjoyable read, and a good source of information for those encouraged to follow in their footsteps. - Peter Labdon