RANSOME GIVES ADVICE ON SAILING ON THE NORFOLK BROADS RANSOME (Arthur, 1884-1967, Writer of ‘Swallows & Amazons’)

Fine Typed Letter Signed with Autograph corrections to J. Higgins saying that “thousands of people of all ages go to the Broads to learn how to sail, and, after half an hour’s instruction by the boat-hirer go off sailing extremely badly and within a very few hours are managing quite well, and at the end of their week have taught themselves and bring their boats back with all but professional skill. Do not on any account hire a boat with a skipper, If you prove to be incompetent yourself (which I do not expect) your son, aged twelve, will see that you come to no harm. A motor cruiser will be a disappointment to him and will merely put off for a year the beginning of your own sailing education. One other important point. Hire the SMALLEST boat into which you can cram yourselves. As for avoiding the more populous places... you can moor to the bank almost anywhere. You should not go south of Acle until you have had a little experience. For many years I used myself to hire FAIRWAYS... but there are plenty of other such boats... And you should settle down to do a lot of home-work, reading elementary works on sailing... don’t be misled by modesty into hiring a motor cruiser. In another twenty years perhaps, but nobody is fit to run a motor cruiser on the Broads until he has sailed and consequently understands what the sailing boats he will meet are actually doing and going to do. I am quite sure that your son will pull you through. I have seen it happen again and again.. With best wishes for the success of your first voyage...”, 2 sides oblong 4to., Jonathan Cape headed paper, 30 Bedford Square, 9th January



Item Date:  1950

Stock No:  40670      £225

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