Wild Camping in a cruising dinghy

A short film I was asked to produce for the Royal Yacht Association about cruising in a dinghy. Much of it was filmed during a lockdown for Covid-19 in France, so the original footage was created in the harbour where I live.
INTERESTED IN DINGHY CRUISING?
Read my book, the Dinghy Cruising Companion:
www.amazon.co.uk/Dinghy-Cruis...
And join the Dinghy Cruising Association:
dinghycruising.org.uk/
AVEL DRO
Do you want a boat like mine?
Avel Dro is an Ilur designed by François Vivier, and built of clinker plywood by Les Charpentiers Reunis of Cancale in 1994. The design is based closely on the traditional inshore fishing boats of Brittany in the early years of the twentieth century, hence her single boom-less lugsail rig and lack of a mainsheet horse, (sometimes controversial among my viewers). Although rare in Britain, Ilurs are relatively common in France. The name Avel Dro is Breton, and means a shifting wind.
Length 4.44 m
Sail area 12.2 m²
Beam 1.70 m
Draught 0.25 / 0.86 m
Design category C3
François Vivier's website (in English):
www.vivierboats.com/en/
Similar dinghies can often be found for sale in the French magazine le Chasse-Marée:
www.chasse-maree.com/revue/
Or try Le Bon Coin, (where you can buy anything in France):
www.leboncoin.fr
MUSIC
"Spanish Ladies" from Epidemic Sound

[@gs425]

An old boatman once told me...." the bigger the boat, the less you use it". I've never forgotten that adage..

[@garrymartin6474]

Certainly true in my parents case .

[@davelester1985]

I always dreamed of having a sailboat. fate kept getting in the way. Now I am 73 and sad that I missed out. This video awakens what was in my heart. Thank you.

[@haviland586]

Truth

[@1kfarrel]

"A boat like this would suit a great many people who end up buying something much larger and more complicated." well said. Indeed!

[@DougieL]

Europe has far less regulation than here in Australia. If I try to camp in a boat here, I have to be moored to a licenced mooring or marina or an official campsite that happens to have a beach... Nanny state down here. Hey ho - great video.

[@timothymclaughlin6635]

@@DougieL Yes, but have you watched (Sailing Kate Louise) there is a group that go out together dinghy cruising. They might be able help you find what you are looking for. They are based in Australia, hopefully that helps. Cheers

[@DougieL]

@@timothymclaughlin6635 Wow, thank you so much; I will check them out!

[@Dogsdoodas]

Rogers video’s are like chicken soup for my soul. I love his ability to make me want to dream the adventures, that I once only got from backpacking.

[@papajeff5486]

Roger, I’m so happy to tell you that my wife gave me sailing lessons for Christmas... It was because I couldn’t stop watching your videos. You have inspired me and she has seen it. I can barely wait for warm weather. Texas

[@AndysEastCoastAdventures]

You won't look back, boating changes your life forever & for the better.

[@cid4887]

Updates?

[@jihugytfrde]

Dying for warm weather here in Oklahoma. I’ve sailed since I was 8 years old (26 now), and I’ve never done an over nighter. This is the year.

[@potatokitty]

Cool.

[@finnmcdonald7868]

How were the lessons jeff?

[@fandangofandango2022]

A Very Peaceful Person Leading a Quality Life Style

[@tuisitala9068]

I used to have a 22' yacht. One weekend I decided to take my 12' Tinker Traveller sailing dinghy for a trip on the Deben from Woodbridge down to the sea and back again - a round trip of about 18 miles. This 6 hour trip was the most memorable and enjoyable sail of the whole season for all the reasons that you state. You get as close as possible to the elements and everything is wonderfully simple.

[@chazwozza67]

The orwell and stour are nice sails too

[@gs425]

That's a long wet (but safe) trip in a traveller. I've just bought one of the last made but haven't had chance to sail it yet. But with even a small motor on it flies !

[@jonfisher9214]

I'm not a dinghy sailor (well I was back in the 80's). I have a touring kayak and have wild camped on islands etc. I totally agree with the idea of getting back to basics. Time spent in nature has been proved to have enormous benefits in terms of mental health and of course being physically active is good in itself. You and your boat seem to be the perfect match.

[@chriskildun8810]

Wise words Roger, thank you.

[@mancroft]

Thank you, Roger. Haven't seen you for ages. Hope you are well.

[@ramblerandy2397]

That's as good a summation of the cruiser dinghy experience as I've heard. Your videos are so engaging and beautifully shot. Thank you.

[@firebird2]

It is spring and the water is calling all of us out! What a beautiful video Mr. Barnes, hello from the fresh water sea of the Great Lakes.

[@SuperBullyone]

really Anne Dwyer?

[@TermiteUSA]

"Salt water, spring tides and sunshine trumps any pond Annie"

[@t555p]

Why the negative comments?? I sail Lake Michigan. Hundreds of miles of beautiful places in Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. You have lovely places to sail and explore as do we.

[@firebird2]

@@t555p So true! 1555p. My heart is with the Mackinac Straits, but I love the entire Great Lakes system. Maybe I'll see you out there some time.

[@firebird2]

@@t555p t555p...

[@marmac567]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh,,moments of serenity in a world of madness.. Proper job!

[@perengstrom3414]

You truly inspire me. Enjoy things in a small fashion. The smaller vessel, the greater adventure, sort of. You do not have to cross oceans in a big ship, you can enjoy yourself by crossing a big lake in a small vessel. Close to nature. Here. Now.

[@pwb0511]

Love to see videos of simple, wise people enjoying themselves and loving life for what it is.

[@RogerRoving]

So true! I actually feel I have not been sailing enough this year.

[@paullaviolette2610]

I too have this need deep inside to spend days out in my 16’ sailboat. Where I grew up was in British Columbia living in a float camp. Only boats to get from one place to another. Starting at 5 I was allowed to take the rowboat out any time I wanted to. When I rowed 5 miles to see my cousins it was frowned on. I couldn’t use the rowboat for two weeks. As a kid rowing along the shore or straight across the inlet was my only source of adventure and exploring my world. Your videos make me feel there is a world out there I belong to. Thanks.

[@clerkmaxwell7912]

I fully agree. Simplicity is a wondeful thing.

[@patrickgardner396]

I've never owned a lovely old boat like this one. But I've been sailing - and owning, on and off - sailboats for 30 years. My favorite was an Etap 22, which over the course of years we sailed throughout the Stockholm archipelago. It was nearly all fun, and only a very small dose of work. But because we usually have to dream bigger, and I had always dreamed of crossing oceans, I "upgraded" from that to a 46' ocean-going Amel ketch. Suddenly I was a full-time mechanic, hardly a sailor. When you own a boat like that it's like the story about painting the Golden Gate Bridge. You are never done with the jobs list. Never. We cruised her for a year, through the Med and over the Atlantic. But I have to say the sense when I finally walked away from her on the pontoon, on the day of sale, was one of overwhelming relief. These days I'm into ultralight backpacking, and there's certainly a connection there: all of the adventure, none of the weight. If I were ever to return to sailing, it would probably be to do something similar to what Roger is doing above. It looks like a balm.

[@RogerRoving]

Not all that old. Built in 1994.

[@RogerRoving]

... the boat. Not me!

[@Ar_Stanton]

I was a sailor for 12 years, but nothing compared to you, your boat is fantastic!!!!

[@richardredling3291]

Happy to see you back Roger.

[@cliffterpher]

Thank you Roger. A great film for a Sunday afternoon! I had seen your article in the RYA magazine so this is the perfect accompaniment.

[@daleskidmore1685]

His book is a good read too, if you haven't got it already.

[@CapitanFantasma1776]

I've rediscovered my Dad's dinghy. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@chriscaarnold]

Ha. I bumped into you quite randomly at a pub near bath last summer while wscapeing life on a touring bike. Your comment is so true. I work for a miserable billionaires who hates life and have 13 crew and a superyacht! Small and simple. I cycled across southern England and Wales last year. I made it up to the Lake District and hiked up to Scaffell, I took the long route up the wrong side to avoid the crowds. I didnt see a person for 3 hours, swam in streams and it was an incredible experience. Your videos are an escape during long seasons working on a big boat.

[@RogerRoving]

Hi Christopher. Big boats bore me, other than for big passages. And yes, cruising a small dinghy is very like exploring on a touring bike. I shall use that analogy! Roger

[@kaischwarz5093]

Nothing to add! Thank you Roger.., take care & please stay healthy, Kai from Northern Gemany

[@stephenburnage7687]

I am sailing through Central America at the moment in a 34ft sailboat. All other boats in these waters are in the 44 to 60 ft range (many of which are multihulls). For them, I am the down to earth sailor which they envy for our simplicity but I am enveying Rogers approach.

[@RogerRoving]

Yes. Yachts grow ever bigger.

[@andrewparry1474]

Once you've seen one cruising channel you've see em all.... Well until now. Subscribed!

[@RogerRoving]

I do try to be different. There again, there are big gaps between my videos.

[@bilko1971]

Love your videos roger, they are like a lullaby for me.

[@xvsupremacy7190]

Yes , when I feel that way I play the one on the Thames

[@muddy0048]

The artistry of your Ilur against the backdrop of the wrecked wooden work boats is striking Roger. Everything is so simple and beautiful. Your icy blue eyes are striking too and can't remember seeing those before. Always something new. We had our first day over freezing this weekend and are getting our ten footer ready for the big shakedown. We sewed a tent and cushions over the winter! Thank you always Roger.

[@rooster5645]

Dodger your living the dream, you have found what many people search for their whole lives and never find, namely Enlightenment, simply enjoying your life.

[@MattsBrabus]

Another wonderfully “slow” film, Roger. Perfect!

[@RogerRoving]

Thank you Matt

[@gregoryfletcher6198]

Did trailer sailing holidays as a kid with my parents and now do the same with my kids. I know the kids will remember the holidays away in the boat till the day they die. Great sport , hobby and holiday adventure all in one.

[@michaelhill7471]

It is always so good to hear from Rodger and sometimes he is very poetic.

[@wombatone5577]

Thanks Roger for reinforcing the virtues of dinghy cruising. Cheers and happy cruising adventures.

[@paulfisher852]

Thanks Roger. Just what we all need to cheer us up in lockdown. Must take a huge amount of editting. Even so, how can we tempt you to make these more frequently? Or perhaps you would consider a weekly q and a? Or Roger Barnes' week in lockdown?

[@steveclancy6474]

Cathartic and timeless in the wisdom of experience. I've been missing Roger's videos thru the winter. The RYA is missing a trick by not sponsoring Roger as a sailing ambassador. Or a TV series but don't change, don't compromise your qualities and ethos.

[@RogerRoving]

I was asked to do a number of dinghy talks and also be in two French sailing films, hence the lack of my own filming this year. I do have to work too!

[@paulthew2]

A Roger Barnes video....at last! Excellent!

[@GamerKidEdits]

Great seeing another excellent video. Thanks for sharing. Cheers 🍻!!

[@billmoxon9506]

Thank you!! Your video is a true gift for wandering souls like me.

[@bobbywatchaddict523]

Thank you, Roger, for your beautiful video explaining how we feel feel about our little adventures. I forwarded your video to my son and also to my wife. Perhaps it will help them to understand. I hope you get many, many more years to enjoy your adventures.

[@grahamburgess8456]

What an idyllic way to camp and sail, beautiful video as always

[@muenzwaschsalon]

Roger, I totally understand your approach towards sailing. Highest respect for your attitude and promotion of 'down to earth' living.

[@RogerRoving]

I try. I try.

[@nickalexander3324]

Once again Roger, you have us hooked. Just need to get started! Many thanks and keep safe.

[@Collaborator7]

I have read Roger Barnes' book. I love dinghy cruising. In this video comparing dingy cruising to mountain climbing makes me think of Geoffrey Heath''s article Wayfarer to Labrador in a September 1985 Small Boats Journal magazine that inspired me to pursue dinghy cruising . Heath used a dinghy as a practical means to reach distant remote costal mountains for climbing.

[@KenDay]

Briliant as usual Roger - thank you so much for giving us these lovely reports.

[@kenmahoney9160]

Roger, you have totally inspired me. THANK YOU. I've bought the best dinghy I can afford for 1k and equipped it for dinghy cruising and camping. A Laser 13... 136kg so manageable and far more affordable than many alternatives (I would love an Illur and maybe, when my boat comes in.... :-) ) I'll start with anchoring/ mooring, going ashore in my inflatable, or drying for the night. This allows me to use the camp kit I have until I can make a boom tent and rig a bunk in the cockpit. I've bought the bits for impeder, mooring cleats and anchor fairleads, anchors, chain, rode, mooring lines, Drybags, fenders, 3m (!) oars ... I did the calculation... and rigged a sculling oarlock on the outboard bracket.... can't wait to try it! Drysuit, boots, buoyancy aid, reefing, preparing to get going from my new place at Cargreen Yacht Club in the Tamar. Not sailed there before but I hope the rivers and Plymouth sound will be a good training adventure ground this year. Brest and Morbihan in 2025!

[@eog0579]

I'm looking forward to building my own ilur, all because of these videos from you Roger. Thank you for another video

[@TheKetamineSquid]

i'm planning to build one too...although i want to adapt the design a little bit

[@davidshepherd256]

Thanks Roger people like you are just so so inspiring to me!!! 🙂🙃🙂

[@marcusmollsailing]

What a wonderful film, Roger! Thank you.

[@RogerRoving]

Thank you

[@jasonstork9606]

Great to see you again Roger. Very touching video. Thank you, your videos are a great escape from the everyday.

[@jchambers1191]

I just picked up a 14 foot dinghy, and I am really connecting with your message here - Thank you for the inspiration! Jeff in San Diego, CA USA.

[@grahamburgess2]

Thanks Roger - with your encouragement and the leisure of lockdown, my boat is now tip-top and raring to go ...

[@levistandley1505]

This is why I love my Wayfarer so much, so simple and easy, and inexpensive!

[@johndouglass3010]

Thank you Roger. Here Down Under in Queensland, the heat of summer gives way to our cooler winter warm sunny sailing with blue skies.

[@nikoschatzigiannis4980]

What a lovely video, all your videos are lovely, simple and wise! Thank you Roger huppy to see you back.

[@gems34]

Thanks Roger, a enchanted life is the economy with which you accomplish the challenges to operate independently in your environment.

[@niceclassicboat6874]

An Ode to the joy of freedom, nature and simplicity. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! :-)

[@martinwragge9906]

Fabulous, just what we need Roger :-)

[@marcusduffin7771]

Beautiful, simple sailing. Superb.

[@jamescrego5904]

Good to have you back aboard Roger!⛵

[@gunnarbech]

Beautiful in so many ways. Very inspiring!

[@robertdarwin9897]

So good to see you again Roger, I always enjoy your videos.

[@TrailerYacht]

Another vision into the essence of small boat cruising. Roger, we love these thoughtful, contemplative videos. Genuine inspiration for our adventures. Thank you sir.

[@Burvedys]

Missed you already and what a pleasant sign to see you well and sailing again in these turbulent times!

[@andypennybrown6848]

Thanks Roger, I think if more people took the opportunity to do this, there would be less mental health issues and better relationships between couples and the community in which they live, the mind has to have time to restore and relax in the beauty of our universe

[@chrisstephenson869]

Nice to see you back again, really enjoy your videos. Thanks

[@marktaskerlyngfarm7596]

Wonderful, Roger. Thank you.

[@harveyskinner8109]

I have Roger's book and now started watching the films. A wonderful inspiration to finish building the shellback dinghy, inherited from my father and languishing in my garage for far too long now.

[@tompedersen6564]

A lovely presentation that authentically captures the spirit of small boat cruising. Less junk, more journey. As the Vikings used to say, "essential or excess". 5 stars and two thumbs up.

[@ffaubert1]

Thank you Roger. Fantastic video! You have me all primed for the water this year. It's really good to hear from you again.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

This is a beautiful video and a wonderful glimpse at cruising/camping in a dinghy. Thanks Roger!

[@colrodrick8784]

Another lovely boating image you’ve conjured up Roger. Especially at this time

[@PicnicbytheLake]

Thank you so much Roger, I've watched your videos for some time now, working up the confidence to take the leap into dinghy crusing! You're a constant inspiration to me, I can't wait to spend my first night floating beneath canvas, truly enjoying the nature and the freedom. Keep up the great work and thank you again for the videos.

[@philm4249]

Always a good reminder of what can be done in a small boat. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration for me to get out exploring the waterways in my Wayfarer!

[@jbburton5928]

Hi roger am just in the process of building an illur. Misainer loving the build ,can’t wait to get in the water thanks for the inspiration

[@doncason6108]

You continue to create videos that are pleasurable and thoughtful. Small boats are truly magical. Thank you for your videos. Well done.

[@timothymclaughlin6635]

I thank you for your videos, you produce them so well. From watching your video's, they bring memories of days long past. They bring me up if I have a bad day or bring back memories of sailing as a kid in the dink. But also, the time I lived in England. The boat you have or the Lilou for three people. I like both boats.

[@bryand1958]

Thanks Roger for keeping me inspired particularly during the Pandemic

[@latesailor1350]

I was so excited to see you had posted a new video today. This made for a great afternoon. Another fantastic video, Roger! I truly enjoyed this!! Looking forward to the next one!

[@plymouthwelshboy]

outstanding as always - a real tonic - thank you

[@timstubbs4827]

Great Video and inspiring dialogue Roger. Thank You. I miss Brittany and can't wait to get back.

[@geoffreyshepherd5874]

Thank you for another great video Roger.you inspire us all.

[@robinengland5799]

Nice cruise, glad to see you out and about! Best to Sally.

[@danielheistg9385]

Lovely Roger, thank you.

[@tairua1]

Brilliant Roger, thank you.

[@laurenceholden]

Beautifully presented! Thank you.

[@annamay6351]

Simply Amazing!!!!!! Thank you for your videos!

[@wayfarerchris.4116]

Lovely video Roger I cannot wait to get back in my dinghy and start camping and cruising, that was so inspirational. Many thanks.

[@roonbare2769]

A beautiful change from the constant "tropical hatching" sailing channels , well done.

[@RogerRoving]

Yes. I want my channel to be about ordinary sailing. Thanks Roon.

[@johnmckernan7039]

Thanks Rodger for your inspirational videos, I like them so much I just bought your book.

[@trosmeneth]

Lovely Roger .

[@kimroberts155]

Hugely inspiring.Thank you.

[@johnbrown-cn8uh]

lovely video Roger. love the music,it touches your soul and you speak your truth with clarity and conviction . I cannot wait to see more videos from you .

[@danielb.ransberger8872]

Great video, great explanation of why you do what you do. Thanks!

[@alvessail4718]

Happy to se you Back. You are absolutely right, GO SMALL, GO NOW.

[@gunterparr1830]

Roger, thank you! You inspired me. Cheers from Austria.

[@TravelsWithGeordie]

Wonderful as always Roger. Thank you.

[@user-no4jx3bq9l]

Excellent classic boat! And i enjoy your stories very much, Roger! Hello from Russia! I have micro-class yacht. It is still small trailer boat, but it has roof, sink and chemical toilet. I think it is a good balance between comfort and wild camping, IMHO

[@davidgarston3353]

wonderfull video Roger,what a joy.

[@andrewgoodall2183]

I just turned 50 yesterday. I completed level 1 RYA recently, level 2 next week. I have bought a Graduate and just collected a combi road trailer that will take a 14 foot. By summer next year I will have some skills, then I shall buy something more cruise-ey that me and my 10 year old can actually sleep in, then I'm doing THIS. Inspired.

[@fendykefabs]

All this and more in your book, thanks Roger

[@didierplouhinec4899]

This is Alpine style cruising. Very happy to watch your nice video tonight. I loved the way you speak peacefully, so easy to understand. I'm Didier a friend of your well known friend Didier.

[@RogerRoving]

Thank you, Didier! 😃

[@mibe5274]

Wow! Great video! One of your best! Makes me want to go out sailing right now!