In 2025, we are trying out some organised dinghy cruises from WSC on the Deben to:

1. The Rocks
2. Felixstowe Ferry
3. Ramsholt
4. Woodbridge

… and any other places that are practical.

Who are they aimed at?

1. Anyone who wants to sail their own boat or a club boat on a cruise, and
2. People who have sailed with Go Sailing and become reasonably proficient, and want to go a step further with some support.

Skills required

1. Able to rig your boat and launch
2. Set off from the shore
3. Come into the shore and land safely
4. Moor the boat so it does not drift away, or (in the case of Wayfarers, Dragonflies, Luggers etc.) dry out. (Usually the cruise will be downriver on the ebb, landing towards low water and returning on the flood.)

Equipment needed (in addition to normal sailing gear)

1. Picnic (essential for the Rocks) or money for lunch at the Ferry, Ramsholt or Woodbridge
2. Painter, or anchor line and anchor
3. Fender or something to improvise as a fender (e.g. buoyancy aid) – useful when mooring at Woodbridge or the Ferry
4. Basic spares (shackle, block, spare line) and tools (pliers, screwdriver, knife)  
5. Swimming gear (for the Rocks)

Safety

Safety boat support is not provided for dinghy cruises, so we have to be self-reliant and look out for each other. Participants should sail within their own experience level.

Organisation

1. The date and time to meet up at the club is announced, aiming to set off half an hour after meet up. Likely destination is indicated.
2. Participants to use WhatsApp group to indicate if they are turning out.
3. Monitor weather and indicate on the WhatsApp the day before if it looks suitable or not.
4. There may be a briefing chat when we meet up to assist less experienced sailors.