Engineless cruising

Sailing without an engine is not unusual. After all it takes place almost every weekend during the summer months at sailing clubs throughout the rivers and creeks of the East Coast. And at a guess, by thousands of very skilled sailors who will likely be able to turn a boat on a sixpence. However, there are generally a set of operating procedures in place and rescue boats standing by in case of emergency.

Now, to take a small dinghy or yacht away from this environment, to go cruising around the estuary, is another matter. Things change dramatically for the cruising sailor who sets off