GP Cruising

DCA

Safety is ultimately the responsibility of each individual. Need I say more?

Well, yes I will say more . . . . .it is compulsory that you become a member of the Dinghy Cruising Association!

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The GP14

While its an excellent lean mean, racing machine, it also makes a good cruising day boat. We are blessed with an absolute wonderful coastline just waiting to be explored. So putting these two together what do I need to have/do/learn in order to start cruising. The object of this article is to plant in your brain some thoughts about using your precious GP to explore these shores in a safe and seaman like manner. So firstly, let me just qualify who this article is aimed at:
1. Those have a sound boat and probably sail 3 – 4 times a year with family or friends and are now looking to broaden their experiences.
2. You regularly sail on an inland water and have done so competently for 2 -3 seasons. You can right your capsized boat without help, AND CARRY ON SAILING!

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Introduction

Getting Help

https://www.rya.org.uk/knowledge/safety/keep-in-touch/safetrx
Free app to let your loved ones know where you are, share your trip, photos and gain quick access to emergency services

TrackX will ensure your non-arrival at your proposed destination. (usually to the place you set-off from ) is monitored.

In no particular order:

• A passage plan - required by law!
• Have a mainsail reefing system. With modern easy access to the weather forecast you can decide whether conditions suit you. Sailing with a reefed main can make a huge difference and can make sailing in heavy conditions a pleasure as opposed to a nightmare. A self-furling jib makes it easier to leave and come into the shore. It is possible to buy a reefing jib. I would suggest that’s a bit OTT for day cruising.
• I take with me a small storm jib. a midi jib and a full size genoa, choosing which one to sail with on the day.
• The boat should have sufficient positive buoyancy. Technically this is such a big subject to discuss as it depends on material your boat is made off. Suffice to say it you have a wooden boat at a minimum, an inflatable bow bag or water tight sealed section, stern bag and buoyancy bags under the seats. GP’s are prone to turning turtle when capsized, so please do have a mast float.
• Your boat to be in good condition.
• Wooden GP14 MK1 and II will convert easier to take rowlocks. Also possible to do are Bourne Plastic boats but these are getting harder to find.

Getting Somewhere?

Go to boatlaunch a superb resource for launch sites around Britain

Fees can be extortionate (2025 examples). £20 a day with boat storage at Coniston, £24 for a day sail at Rutland Water.

Do check a 'whats on' for the area - you do not want to be launching alongside a jet-ski convention!

Do join the GP Association and get out with the cruising section.

Getting Out

• Crew briefed as to what to do if a capsize happens and preferably practised before-hand on your local pond.
• A full understanding of the tidal situation (not just obtained from a tidal atlas).
• Properly dressed – and not just from the cold but also from the sun. What is on your feet? #
• Buoyancy aid with a pocket, carrying a sailing folding knife and whistle. Not a life jacket and definitely not one that inflates automatically in the water.
• Waterproofs and dry warm clothing for each crew member kept in waterproof bags.
• Anchor, minimum 10lb (5kg) cable length minimum 20 metres, 8 mm non-floating material, with 2 metres of chain between it and the anchor, secured to a strong point inside the boat. Not just 'the bitter end' but the anchor itself to be secure in the boat.
• Strong bucket (polypropylene). Not a cheap plastic one. A bailer (scoop type), both with lanyards attached to the dinghy.
• Two oars and metal rowlocks secured by lanyards, consider having one spare rowlock. Paddles are of course easier to store but not an adequate substitute for longer journeys eg. up rivers.
• Drinking water and nibbles.
• A hat/sunglasses
• Waterproof VHF radio, preferably with DSC. (see my page H860E
• Mobile in a waterproof pouch.
• Small first-aid kit.
• Fog horn or whistle to give an audible warning.
• Small tool kit (leatherman, cable ties, short lengths of rope)
• Compass, a small one fitted into the boat is more preferable than a hand held one.
• A floating tow-rope with a carabiner attached to one end.
• Nice to have, (if you have them) - a hand-held GPS and fenders.

# May I recommend 'Jet Ski boots'. Basically, a trainer boot with a neoprene lining. These are just brilliant for walking on a rocky/pebble shore.

Getting Lost.

Strong rumours that paper charts are being discontinued. A great shame. The single-handed sailor in a small boat is unlikely to be able to switch on a mobile and use https://www.savvy-navvy.com/. A chart folded up a showing through a clear plastic map pocket is instant and does not require batteries

'Open Maps' have online sea charts. If estuary or a river exploration - OS maps will be better. When I sailed Loch Broom I discovered that current edition OS maps cut the area in half (I would have needed 4!) Through their web site I was able to order one specially printed map for me centering on my area of sailing.