Dinghy Cruising: The Enjoyment of Wandering Afloat

What is a great little book! The author has spent an extensive amount of time touring various the world in what is by today's standards a tiny little boat. In the manner of a field guide she makes a great number of sensible suggestions for the best ways to camp, sail, prepare, provision and generally live in a 16 footer. It's a lovely book to dip in and out of - I've had it in my briefcase for the last three weeks and find myself often reading a chapter over coffee. Well written and thoughtfully put together, it's a triumph for minimalism in these overly 'geared up' times.

Dinghy Cruising is a great book. The book gives ideas on how to select a dinghy (small open sailboat) and rig it for cruising. The book goes into basics of boat selection, boat tents, camping gear, seamanship and selecting where to cruise.It opens up new vistas for small sailboat owners. According to Margaret Dye (and a BUNCH of enthusiasts at the Dinghy Cruising Association and the Open Boat discussion group) - you don't need a large self-contained expensive sailboat to cruise. You can explore in a small open sailboat of 12 to 18 feet or so. You can sleep on the floorboards under a boom tent in your little boat, or camp ashore. You can even cook in a little boat.After reading the book and getting a few ideas, I am planning on extending the range of sailing opportunities by taking overnight and weekend trips in my little (15'6") sailboat. As dinghys are small and light, you can trailer them to your favorite lake, coast or river - and do some great exploring.I'll be exploring the Georgia lakes. Hope to see you there!