,;::

THE SAILING BOAT.

l/Vi

A~J

TftE SAILING
A TREATISE

BOAT

ON

SAILING BOATS AND SMALL YACHTS

THEIR

VARIETIES

OF

TYPE,

SAILS,

RIG,

&c.

WITH

PKACTICAL

INSTBUCTIONS

IN

SAILING

AND MANAGEMENT

ALSO

THE ONE-DESIGN AND BESTBICTED CLASSES

FISHING AND SHOOTING BOATS
SAILING CHARIOTS

AND

ICE YACHTS

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL BOATS, CANOES,

&c,

By

&c.

HENRY COLEMAN

JFOLKARD,

AUTHOR OF 'THE WILDFOWLER,' AND OTHER WORKS.

FIFTH

LONDON
12,

13,

EDITION

EDWARD STANFORD
&

14,

LONG ACRE,

W.C.

1901
[All rights are reserved by the Author.]

Esq.

BRADBURY, AGjNEW &

CO.,

LD.

PRINTERS,

LONDON AND TONBEIDGE.

JUN8

1959

PEEFACE
TO

THE FIFTH EDITION.

The

edition

first

work was published

of this

that and two subsequent editions were readily disposed of

which was published more

than

thirty

years

year 1854

in the

ago,

was

the fourth,

somewhat

hurriedly prepared.

The delay
is

since that long period in the preparation of a fifth edition

attributable, mainly, to the

fact that the

Author's time was almost

entirely devoted to his professional occupations, consequently he

unable to give that care and attention to the subject of 'The

Boat

'

which a new edition seemed

The

leisure at his

Sailing-

to require.

command during

the last five or six years has

given him the opportunity he sought, and enabled him, in this

and much enlarged

was

new

make

the work more complete and up

to the Illustrations

(other than Photogravures) the

edition, to

to date.

With regard
Author

desires to state that the majority of the drawings from which

they have been produced are pen-and-ink

himself, in

of accurate

which the one

object

sketches

throughout has

delineation of the type

by the Author

been simply that

or form of the

craft

below the

Preface
water-line

pretty

as

effect

well
in

as

the

the

to

above

it,

Fifth
with

Edition.
rig

sails,

pen-and-ink sketches

and other

has thus

been

details

sacrificed

to strict detail.

As

to

many

of those in Part VIII.,

'Foreign and Colonial Boats/

they are from sketches he

made from time

and tour

others he

Service

in foreign parts

and other Museums

and drawings

in his

own and

when on voyage

to time

made from models

and some are from

in the

United

paintings, models

other private collections

a few only

being copied from well-authenticated works of voyage and travel.

The Author regrets that space would not admit

in this

doing

volume the larger

so,

having for

classes of yachts.

many

At

the outset be intended

years past been collecting

more particularly with reference

the purpose,

of his including

famous of the racing-fleet of the

last

century

to

as the subject

would have extended these pages beyond the ordinary

single volume,

he

felt

and would thereby have further delayed

compelled to

reserve his

yachts for a subsequent

part of which

is

Treatise

publication

in

on

for

some of the most

but

materials

the

separate

its

larger

limits

of

publication,
classes

of

volume, a good

already in manuscript.

Throughout the present work care has been taken to give accurate
descriptions as well as illustrations not only of the different classes of

small yachts and sailing boats of the British Islands, but also of the

most curious and remarkable boats, canoes and

various countries of the world.
Temple,

London.
April,

1901.

sailing-vessels of the

CONTENTS.
PART

I.

....

BOATS OF THE ANCIENTS

PART

PART
:

MANAGEMENT,

&o.,

97 to 161

PART

IV.
162 to 232

PART

V.

THE ONE-DESIGN AND RESTRICTED CLASSES

PART

..

327 to 349

PART
ICE

233 to 326

VI.

FISHING AND SHOOTING BOATS

AND

15 to 96

III.

&c

SMALL RACING-YACHTS

SAILING CHARIOTS

to 14

II.

SAILING BOATS OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS

PRACTICAL

PAGE
1

VII.

YACHTS

350 to 361

PART
FOREIGN AND COLONIAL BOATS, CANOES,

PART
NAUTICAL VOCABULARY

VIII.
&c

362 to 539

IX.
540 to 547

INDEX

549 to 555
vii

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PART
BOATS

PAGE

OF THE ANCIENTS.

DRAWING BY

DESCRIPTION.

4.

A Trireme
An ancient

7.

Eornan Galley

9.

Coracle

13.

Modern

2.

I.

Pleasure Boat.

........

,,

............
........
(section, &c.)

SAILING-BOATS

OF THE

BRITISH

ISLANDS.

Sea Lugger

J.

25.

Combination row and sail boat

Plan of Combination row and sail boat
Pilot Lugger
Sprit-sail and foresail rig
Three-masted sprit-sail
Anglo-Bermudian rig

27.

The

18.

20.
22.
24.

,,

,,

28. Sliding-gunter rig

.........
ix

R. Kirby.

The Author.

,,

T.

Settee rig

mizzen

R. Kirby.

The Author.
J. H. Eushton.
J-

.........
........

28. Settee with

,,

II.

17. Half-decked boat

18.

,,

Irish Curragh.

PART

16.

The Author.

Sulman.

The Author.
.

,,

of Illustrations.

List

DRAWING BY

DESCRIPTION.

PAGB

Tne Author.

29. Sliding- gunter rig with mizzen

31.
32.
34.

The Una rig

The Sloop rig
The Cutter rig

"
Photogravure.

The Author.

35. Old type of Cutter rig

Photogravure.

36. Cutter rig (tail piece)

37.

"

Schooner rig

38. Square-rigged Schooner

Kirby.

39. Captain's gig (tail piece)

40. The Ketch

Photogravure.

42.
43.
44.

45.
46.

49.
50.
51.
52.
54.

rig

The Yawl rig

The Yawl rig (tail piece)
The Wenda Canoe yacht
The Wenda Canoe yacht (sail
The Lugger rig
The Lugger rig (another form)
The Split-lug rig
The' Querida' (Split-lug type)
Yarmouth Salvage Yawl
Yarmouth Beach boat
'

'

55. Yorkshire Coble

57. Yorkshire Coble (under

58. Yorkshire Pilot Coble
60.

62.

The Latine
The Latine

sail)

plan)

....

70.

'

>>

76.
77.
80.
81.

Kil b y'

rig (sails goose-winged)

The Author.
Lord de Eos.
T Sulman.
The Author.
-

Photogravure.
>>

'

Canoe rig
New style of Canoe rig
The Mohican rig
Canoe Cruising- Yawl Lapwing
Canoe Yacht Otter
Canoe Yacht Otter (sail plan)
'

Kirb .y-

Capt. E. du Boulay.

section)

The Author.
H. Bushton.

J-

>>

Max Howard.

'

Albert Strange.

'

'

'

'

84.

The revolving
The revolving

86.

Single-masted Bevolver

82.

Th Author.

rig

74. Cruising
75.

%-

Kil

The Author.
J-

Sailing Canoe, with Eadix folding-plate

69.

Photogravure.

73.

68.

'

The Author.

J-

71.

67.

Kll b y-

Photogravure.

The Strangford Latine

Norfolk Wherry
A Quant (Norfolk)
The Solent rig (two sails)
The Solent rig (three sails)
The Fairy
Bembridge Club boat (profile and

66.

>>

63. Norfolk Latine

65.

Albert Strange.

'

'

rig
rig (scudding)

>>

......

Capt. M. Shuldham.
,,

.The

Author.

'

89.

The Bevolver

close reefed

90. Centre-board keel

90. Sliding-keel

M. Shuldham.
The Author.

Capt.

List

DRAWING BY

DESCRIPTION.

PAGE
dt.

of Illustrations.
The Author.

BevoMng-keer

91. Revolving-keel (example of)

92.
94.

The
The

'

'

Truant

(sloop-rigged

'

Vigilant

,,

American

boat)

,,

(American) profile

'

J-

95. Revolving or drop-rudder

PART

H. Rushton.

III.

PRACTICAL.

Photogravure.

102. Boat-sailing
103.

Lady's Sailing-iboat

Becalmed
Anchor on the) Medina
107. Stability under sail
104.

105. At

108. Tail piece

109. Sailing-boat
110. Sailing-boat

111.

The

'

'

Cobalt

'

Spell

Semibreve

'

'

Capt. E. du Boulay.

'

112. Profile, showing fin and bulb keel

113. Profile,

......

American

113. Profile, another type

........

114. Profile (Sibbick type)

114. Profile, a British design

115. Profile, another type
115. Sailing-boat
117.

The angulated

122. Setting sail.

123. Cutter yacht

.....-
......-
piece)

....
....-
...
....
....

'

Ermin under

'

Zerlina

'

124. Cutter yacht

'

reefed mainsail

under reefed mainsail

125. Sailing-boat with roller foresail

127.

A Lady

West
windward

of the

128. Sailing to

129. Sailing-boat

'

130. Sailing-boat

'

131. Reaching

and

133. Sailing-boat

'

>.

Matthew Orr.

jib

(tail

>>

Photogravure.

'

119. Sailing-boat with battens in mainsail

120. Sailing-boat

Sulman.

The Author.

>>

Speedwell

T.

Thetis

Edie

'

steering her yacht to victory

'

(no heads above deck)

(close-hauled)

on a bowline
Grafin scudding
sailing

....-

Photogravure.

>>

,,

>>

>>
,,

'

xi

List

of Illustrations.
DRAWING BY

DESCBIPTION.

PAGE
134. Sailing-boat

'

Will

o' th'

Wisp

'

scudding

Photogravure.

136. Boats at moorings

,,

138. Boat with sails furled

,,

140. Match-sailing, start of yachts at

141. Bacing-cutter

'

,,
,,

Koorangah
143. Bacing-cutter of 1850
145. Blanketing an opponent
146. Boat-racing by Ladies
142. Bacing-cutter

Cowes

Caress "
'

'

,,

The Author.
Photogravure.

148. Sailing-boats in a squall

149. Sailing-boat

'

Sheelah

'

in a squall

151. Sailing-boat capsized

152. Just before the capsize
156.

The Author.

Drogue

157. Sailing-boat in a gale

J.

161. Boat-lowering apparatus

,,

PART
SMALL

162.

Group

IV.

RACING-YACHTS.

Photogravure.

of small racing-yachts

Upper Thames boat

Profile showing novel arrangement of bulb keel
The Plover,' Solent O.-D. boat
Profile and section of Skimming-dish type
Profile and section of Skimming-dish type, deck plan

164. Big of

165.
166.
168.

168.

'

169. Tail piece

Upper Thames Sailing-boat

171. Upper Thames Bacing-boat,
170.

'

Group

of small yachts off

....
....

The Solent

Photogravure.

The Author.

The Author.
Photogravure.

Byde
The Author.

174. Profile showing dagger-blade type of centre-plate

175.

The Author.

Photogravure.

Tiger Cat'

172. Like tailors on a shop-board

173.

B. Kirby.

The Author.

158. Sea boat with balance-reef

Photogravure.

sea

177. Start of Half-raters

The Author.

178. Profile of an 18-ft. linear rater

180. Profile of

'

182. Profile of

'

Diamond,' 18-ft. linear rater

Spruce IV.' with deep narrow

fin plate

and bulb

List

of Illustrations.

PASE

DESCRIPTION.

183. Profile of American boat

'Wee Win

184. Profile of

'

Viva

.....
......
and 'Pique,' half-raters

'

189. Sailing-boat

190. Profile of

'

Fay

(young lady steering)

II.'

Gaiety Girl

'

190. Sailing-boat

'

Gallia

'

Tartar VII.'

192. Sailing-boat

'

Triangle

193. Sailing-boat

'

Bandicoot

194. Sailing-boat

'

Eione

Group

'

(24-footer)

'

....
......

famous boat

197. Sailing-boat

(24-footer)

'

Corolla

Gareth

'

'

'
.

Vaquero

....

199.

'

200.

'

(American design)

'

The Author.

and Petrel racing

American boat Swanhild

Strathendrick

'

'

'

'

'

202. Profile of 30-rating Cruiser (body plans

and

203. Profile of 30-rating Cruiser

'

Emerald

205. Profile of

206.

'

207.

'

208.

'

209.

'

210.

'

'

and

'

Forella

'

Dacia

'

'

'

214.

'

plan)

section)

'

Westra

'

racing cutter

.....
.....
.....
.....

Photogravure.

under reefed mainsail and

'

Hermes

'

Koorangah,' 36-footer
Eileen

'

racing cutter

Sakuntala,' racing cutter

'

216. Profile of

'

216. Profile of

'

217. Profile of

'

Tiny,' 8-ton cruising cutter

Yseult

Janetta

'

(1890)

....
....
....

217. Profile of typical winning boat (1890)

217. Profile of

'

Beatrix

218. Profile of

'

Manx

218. Profile of

'

219. Profile of

'

Kelpie

'

219. Profile of

'

Helen

'

219. Profile of

'

'

(1892)

Cat

Squall

Sarnia

'

(1893)

(1893)

'

'

Photogravure.

The Author.
.

(1892)

'

Trial' (1889)

The Author.

215. Profile showing old type of racing-yacht

216. Profile of

The Author.

foresail

36-footer (body plan)

'

Helyer.

Photogravure.

body and sail plan

Norman,' body and sail plan
Sea shell (broad and shallow type)
Heartsease

The Author.
J. S.

....
....
....

racing

(body plan)

'

212. 'Forella,' racing cutter

213.

(sail

Fenella,'

210. Profile of
211.

Photogravure.

Nanta,' 2i-rater (1895)

201. Profile of

204.

The Author.
Photogravure.

rater)

(2i-

198. Profile of 'Corolla,' showing fin and bulb keel

'

The Author.
Photogravure.

(one-rater)

'

of 2i-raters

196. Profile of

....

(one-rater)

'

(successful prize winner)

'

191. Sailing-boat

198.

Photogravure.

flag for every victory

188. Start of one-raters

195.

Kismet,' with sails and rig

'

185. Sailing-boats

187.

DRAWING BY

The Author.

'

'

List
PAGE

of Ilhistrations.

DESCRIPTION".

DRA-TEXXG"

BY

221. Profile of Model Yacht showing novel arrangement of fin and

The Author.

bulb keel
222. Profile of
223.

'

Fan

'

Heathen Chinee
'

Fan Tan

226. Plans of hull,

Swan boats
The Umbrella

231.

'

Nautilus 'rig

232.

'

Nautilus

'

Problem
deck, &c, of 'Problem

225. Triangular keel -yacht

230.

......
'..,...

(curious type)

Tan,' curious bat's-wing sails

224. Profile body plan of

227.

'

'

..........
'

..........
PART

THE

Landseer MacKenzie.
H. Dempster.

The Author.
,,

Photogravure.

boat-rig

close reefed

,,

Photogravure.

ONE-DESIGN

233. Start of Solent One-Design Boats at

V.

AND RESTRICTED

Cowes

The Author.

CLASSES.

....

Photogravure.

234. Solent O.-D. Boats racing

235.

Solent O.-D. Boat

237.

Belfast

Lough O.-D. Boat

239. Solent O.-D. Class, body

240.

'

Eilun

'

Photogravure.

241. 'Philippine' Solent O.-D. Class

242.

Redwing

Paroquet

243.

245.
247.

.....
......
......

and Jeanie
Redwing Class
Profile, midship section, Bed wing Class
Jeanie,' Redwing Class
Solent Sea Bird Class, body, deck and sail plans
Western,' 25-ft. L.R. O.-D. Class, body plan and section
Class,

'

'

'

242. Profile, body plan,

243.

H. W. White.

and deck plans

Solent O.-D. Class

'

'

,,

Photogravure.

'

H. Gale.

A. F. G. Brown.

'

'

,,

The Author.

248. 'Western,' 25-ft. L.R. O.-D. Class, sail plan

250. Raleigh Class, sail and body plan and section
252.

252.
253.

254.
255.

Teignmouth Dinghy Class, body plan and section

Teignmouth Dinghy Class, sail plan
Bristol Channel O.-D. Class, body plans and section
Bristol Channel O.-D. Class, sail plan
Trent Valley O.-D. Class, body plans and sections
.

G. N. Philip.

G. F. Flemmick.

Harold Clayton.

C. Bathurst.

,,

,,

256. Trent Valley O.-D. Class, sail plan

White Wings O.-D. Class, body and sail plans and section
259. Yorkshire and Hull O.-D. Class, body plans and section
258. Orford

xiv

H. W. Ridsdale.
J. S.

Helyer.

of Illustrations.

List
PAGE

DRAWING BY

IH'.SCKII'TIO.V.

260. Yorkshire

and Hull O.-D.

Class, sail plan

J. S.

261. Southport Corinthian O.-D. Class, body plan and section

West
264. West
264. West
265. West
266. West
262.

Lancashire Y. C. O.-D. Class, Imp

Lancashire Sea-bird Class, body plans
'

'

W.

Hayward.

Photogravure.

W.

Lancashire Sea-bird Class, midship section

Lancashire Sea-bird Class, sail plan

Helyer.

Scott

Scott

Hayward.

Lancashire O.-D., Class

body plan and section

and section

III., profile,

266. Southport Corinthian O.-D. Class, profile, body plan

267.

Ma

'

Mie,' Southport Corinthian O.-D. Class

section

268. Hoylake Sailing Club, Eestricted Class,

270.

New Brighton

Mischief,'

'

'

Slut,'

'

278.

Turtle,' Lake Windermere yacht

Lake Windermere yachts a close
'

'

Alruda
'

283. Clyde Class, yacht

'

2B4. Clyde Class, yacht

'

285. 'Vida
285.

"

I.,'

body and deck plan

midship section

I.,'

sail

I.,'

286. Clyde Restricted Class,

'

Lola

287.

'

Hatasoo,' Clyde 17-ft. Class

288.

'

Ceres,' Clyde 19-ft. Class

mode

of

'

G. L. Watson.

....

and others racing

measurement

Yacht

295. Clyde

'

'

295. 'Lola,' Clyde

'

Innellan

296.

'

Innellan

'

297.

'

Innellan

'

Tay
299. Tay
299. Tay

plan

Noyra,' Clyde 20-ton Class

Innellan

296.

298.

sail

'

'

'

....
....
....
....

Corinthian Class, Start of

Innellan

'

Photogravure.

Corinthian Class

Corinthian Class, body plan

J.

& H. M.

Paterson.

Corinthian Class, midship section

Corinthian Class,

sail

plan

Sea-bird, 18-ft. O.-D. Class, body

and deck plans

Sea-bird, 18-ft. O.-D. Class, midship section

Alfred

My hie.

....

Sea-bird, 18-ft. O.-D. Class, sail plan

300. Sailing-Boat of the Tay, O.-D. Class

Holy Loch Sailing Club, O.-D. Class, body and deck plans
301. Holy Loch Sailing Club, O.-D. Class, sail plan and midship section
300.

Rules.

Alfred Mylue.

292. Clyde 20-ton O.-D. Class, body and deck plans

293. Clyde 20-ton O.-D, Class,

Photogravure.

From Club

291. Clyde 20-ton O.-D. Class, midship section

294.

Photogravure.

plan

Klysma,' Clyde Restricted Class

289. Diagram, showing

T. Reade.

'

Vida
Vida
Vida

Clyde Eestricted Class

II.,'

finish

282. Clyde Class, yacht

M.

Hayward.

.......

280. Glyde yachts racing

281. Clyde yacht

Scott

....
....
....

'

277.

W.

plan

sail

Restricted Class, sail plan

Mischief,'

'

body plan and

Slut,'

body plans and midship section

273. Yachts becalmed on Lake Windermere
274. Sailing-yachts on Lake Windermere
275. Windermere Y. C. modern type of yacht
*276.
Sirius,' Lake Windermere yacht
271.

Photogravure.

.........

267. Hoylake Sailing Club, Eestricted Class,

Photogravure.
Alfred Mylne.

List

of Illustrations.
DRAWING BY

DESCRIPTION.

PAGE
302. Belfast

303. Belfast

Lough
Lough

racing
304. Belfast
305. Belfast
306. Belfast
307. Belfast
308. Belfast

309. Belfast
310. Belfast

311. Belfast

Sea-bird, O.-D. Glass, Start of Class

I.

Photogravure.

...........
Sea-bird, O.-D. Class,

'

Flamingo

and Widgeon

'

'

'

Lough Sea-bird, O.-D. Class, 'Merle,' Class I.

Lough Sea-bird Class, body and deck plans
Lough Sea-bird Class, midship section and sail plan
Lough O.-D., Class II., group of yachts
Lough O.-D., Class II., body and deck plans
Lough O.-D., Class II., midship section and sail plan
Lough Jewel Class, yacht Opal
Lough Jewel Class, yacht Opal,' sail and body plan, and
.

....

; ,

W.

Fife, junr.
,,

Photogravure.

W.

Fife, junr.

'

'

,,

Photogravure.

'

Linton Hope.

midship section

Lough New O.-D.

Lough New O.-D.
Lough New O.-D.

....

Alfred Mylne.

'Moth' and 'Hornet'

318. Water Wags, New Class, body and deck plans, midship and other

Photogravure.

312. Belfast

313. Belfast
314. Belfast

body and deck plans

Class, midship section
Class,

,,

315. Ulster Insect Class,

J.

sections

319.

Water Wags,

,,

Class, sail plan

New

E. Doyle.

Class, sail plan

321. Droleen O.-D. Class, body, deck

,,

and

sail

plans

W.

Ogilvy.

322. Droleen O.-D. Class, boat under sail

Photogravure.

323. Cork Harbour O.-D. Class,

W.

324. Cork

sail

plan

Fife, junr.

Photogravure.

Harbour O.-D. Class boat

326. Tail-piece

PART
FISHING

328. Profile, Fishing

Smack showing

VI.

AND SHOOTING

BOATS.

perforated well for live fish

330. South Coast Fishing-boat

331. Cornish Fishing Lugger

..../...

332. Yorkshire Fishing Coble

333.

Brixham Trawler

334. Scottish (Zulu) Fishing-boat

Orkney and Shetland Isles, Fishing-boat

The Peter boat
341. Shooting Yacht Wildfowler
342. Gunning Punt
336.
339.

'

.........
'

xvi

The Author.

List
PAGE

of Illustrations.

DESCRIPTION.

344. Sailing

DRAWING BY

Punt

The Author.

....

346. 'Hooper,' Sloop-rigged Shooting-boat

The Beacon Light

348.

PART
SAILING

CHARIOTS

VII.

AND

ICE

YACHTS.

.......

The Shuldham Land Sailing-boats

The Shuldham Ice boat
358. American Ice Yacht, runner plank
359. American Ice Yacht with sails, side view
360. American Ice Yacht, rudder skate
352.
356.

....
.....

PART
FOREIGN

371.

373.

AND COLONIAL

BOATS.

The Author.

376.

377.
378.

Dahabeeh and other Boats of the Nile

Egyptian Funambuli furling the sail
American Yacht America
The American Cat rig
American Sharpey, midship section
Big of Sharpey (two-masted)
'

'.......
........
......

379. Big of Sharpey (single-masted)

381.

'

383.

'

Glencairn,' Canadian racing-boat

.......

Nova

392.

,,

,,

,,

,,

G. H. Duggan.
The Author.

Glencairn,' sail plan

388. Birch -bark Canoes of

,,

385. Canadian Birch-bark Canoe

390. Canoe of Oregon Indians

The Author.

VIII.

366. Boat of the Ancient Egyptians

368.

Capt. M. Shuldham.

........

Scotia

,,

,,

E. Fowke.

Bermudian Sailing-boats
xvii

List

DRAWING BY

DESCRIPTION.

PAGE
394.

of Illustrations.

Bernmdian

rig,

showing boom

fittings,

The Author.

&c

396. Tail-piece

397. Portuguese Sailing-boat

398. Madeira Boat

399. Maltese Galley, under sail
400. Maltese Galley, deck plan
400. Maltese Galley, mid-section
403.

Modern

Sailing-boats of the Mediterranean

405. Venetian Gondola

T. Sulman.

408. Boat of the Italian Biviera

The Author.

Lake
Lake Zurich

410. Native Sailing-boat of the

412. Cargo boat of

of

Geneva

...... ....

Lake Thun
Norway Yawl
416. Sondmore Yawl
418. Norway Praam
422. Dutch Boeyer rig
423. Dutch Spiegel rig
424. Dutch Fishing Sehuyt

412. Boat of
415.

..........

The Author.
,,

E. T. Pritchett.

426. Turkish State Caique

429.

430.
431.
435.
436.
439.
441.
443.
444.
446.
447.

450.
451.

452.
455.

456.
458.
460.

Arab Batelle
Arab Pirate Boat
The Bugala
Indian Pleasure Boat
A famous yacht of the Bombay Yacht Club
Bombay Dinghy
Ganges Sailing-Boat
Ganges Bowing-Boat
Pattamar, sailing with a free wind
Mohr Punkee
Massoolah Surf Boat
Madras Fishing Catamaran
Madras Sailing Catamaran and section
The Dhoney and section
Sailing Canoe of Ceylon
Sailing Canoe of Ceylon
Burmese Pleasure Boat
Canoe of Andaman Islanders
.

The Author.

E. T. Pritchett.

.....

.........
.......
.........
.......
......
........
........
.........
.......
.........
........
.

461. Tail -piece, Indian boat

463. Flying Proa of the Ladrone Islands

467. Sailing-boat of Borneo and Celebes
471. Tartar Galley

E. Kir by.

The Author.
,,
,,

,,

,,
,,

,,

,,

,,

,,
,,
,,

Anson's Voyages.
Marryat's Borneo.

The Author.

472. Paduakans of Celebes

475.

,,

J.

469. Sooloo Canoe and section

The Author.

The Corocora

477. Kei Islanders' Canoe

,,
,,

List
PAGE
480.

DESCRIPTION.

Malay

DRAWING BY

The Author.

Jellore

484. Manilla
485.

of Illustrations.

Banca

,,

Tambangan

,,

486. Sandwich Islands Canoes

,.

488. Fiji Islands Sailing Canoe

,,

491. Friendly Islands Double Canoe

;j

Salomon Islands
Savage Island Canoe
Sarnoan Canoe
Union Group Islands Canoe
Kingsmill Island Canoe

494. Canoe of

495.
497.

498.
499.

; ,

..........

,,

)(

)(

j;

501. Section of Pahie

,,

........
......
.......
........
........
..........
..........
...........
.........

501. Tahiti Sailing Canoes

502.

Common

503. Double Canoe of the

509.
510.

511.
512.
518.

,,

Paumotu Group

,,

Canoe
South American Sailing Balza
Bahia Market Boat
._
Bahia Fruit Boat
Zangada of Pernambuco
Zangada of Pernambuco
Fuegian Canoe

504. Wytoob.ee
505.

()

Tahitian Canoe

M
ti

514. Chinese Boats

516.

The Sampan

517. Chinese Paver

Junk

518. Chinese Sailing-boat

523. Hoppos' Boat

526. Chinese

Duck Boat

529. Japanese Cargo Boat

.........
.........
.........
........
.........
.......

530. Japanese Pleasure Boat

531. Japanese Fishing Boat

535. Greenlander's Kaiak

536.

Esquimaux Canoe and

539. Tail-piece

section

...........

537. Tchuktchi Skin Canoe

,,

J.

E. Kirby.

The Author.

THE SAILING-BOAT.
PART
OF THE ANCIENTS.

BOATS
'

Illi

robur et

ses triplex

Circa pectus erat, qui fragilein truci

Commisit

pelage-

Priurus.'

THE

boats

or

comparison

vessels

the

of

those

with

ratem

Hoe.

Od.

I. iii. 9.

Ancients were

of

of

Few

date.

later

very diminutive
of

But

ordinary dimensions of a modern ship's launch.

them

as civilization

boats and vessels of larger size were constructed, though in a

and when provided with

style;

vessels of

burthen,

it

size

exceeded

in

the

advanced

rude and primitive

was a long time before the

boldest mariners ventured to trust themselves and their vessels far from land.

The
wood,

earliest

to

mode

of

navigation was by rafts constructed of balks or planks of

which were afterwards added borders

of animals.

Of

this

of

wicker-work, covered with the skins

kind were the Coracle of Ancient Britain, and the Cymba

sutilis of

Virgil.
It is

wooden
keep

off

mentioned by

Homer
l

pegs instead of bolts

that the boat built by Ulysses was put together with

and that the gunwale was raised by hurdles of osiers to

the waves of the sea. 2

The Egyptians had boats

Indians made rafts and boats
Romans and others for the

of terra cotta,
of

bamboo

outer

and some

cane.

The

of the leaves of the

papyrus

the

by the
and the Roman boatmen were

skins of animals were used

covering of boats

called Utricularii.

The invention
war,

of

ships

was not known

to the

Romans

until after the first

490. 3

A.TJ.C.
i

Od. v. 249.

lb. 256.

Fosb. Encyclo. Antiq.

B

Punic

The

Sailing-& Boat,

To be represented in a boat was the Egyptian symbol of apotheosis ; and many

(as our Kings in a ship on their coins) are thus distinguished.
The early Greeks are mentioned in history as the first who devoted attention to
The
boat-building the Trireme, Bireme, and other galleys were of their invention.
1

Emperors

Trireme, which had three ranks or benches of rowers, was preceded

two such ranks

and the

side. 2

with only one rank on each

ornamented with carved heads

five feet

was a modification

latter

The bows

of the

some

of

the

of

kind that the

first

Trireme,

war-galle}r s were

and other ferocious animals, projecting four or

of boars

beneath which was a sharp iron pike or rostrum.

by the Bireme with

simple galley or long-ship,

after Bafius, Schaeffer,

and

was in boats

It

of this

others.

naval action recorded in history was fought between the Greeks and

their colonists, the inhabitants of Corfu.

The Eomans afterwards improved upon the

vessels, called the

Liburni

adapted for sailing.

Empire

The Liburnian

and the naval engagement

over Antony, was fought and

An

In most
of

won

Eoman

Actium, in which Augustus Csesar was victorious

in Liburnian galleys.

The

latter is

flat

and concave, with a

merely a long oar for steering. 3

prow was made

of the vessels of the ancients it appears that the

some animal, with the eyes very

in the

distinctly

sides.

Vessels with oars long preceded those with

it

faster class of

galleys were in use at the beginning of the

at

a fish, a dolphin, or the head of

marked on both
used,

and built a

Etruscan boat has the prow turned up, but the stern

hole in the side for the rudder.

form

trireme,

these were more manageable than the others, and better

was never

relied

on as the only means

But whatever kind

sails.

of propulsion

all

of sail

was

ancient vessels were

provided with oars, but the use of thowls in which to work them was apparently

unknown,

as the

bulwarks or sides

of the vessel

which the oars were thrust and worked

were pierced with round

and in vessels

Fosb. Encyclo. Antiq., Charnock's Marine Architecture, &c.

See Ships and Sailors, Ancient and

Kirke,

Modem, by

C. 0. Cotterill, B.

pi. 18.

holes,

of the larger size,

and E. D.

through

such as the

Little, B.A., 1868.


Boats
Liburni, in

the same

which the rowers

manner

and trireme

As

three.

if

to rudders,

sat in tiers

Homer mentions

some

vessels

Ancients.

of the

one above the other, the oars were worked in

the boat being termed a

Mr erne

there Avere two tiers of rowers,

if

up

masts, bnt not fixed, only put

had two, others

four,

two

at the

as wanted.

prow and two

at the

stern.

The ancient

practice of rowing

gave the signal for the rowers to

was

as follows

a boatman-director, called Cektistes,

and encouraged them by his song.

pull,

This song,

termed the celensma, was either sung by the rowers, played upon instruments, or effected

by

striking a gong, after the

manner

of the Chinese, Japanese,

Ossian and others mention the rowing song

day.

'

And

all

With

way

the

and others at the present

to guide their chime,

falling oars they kept the time.'

The commander of the rowers, called Hortator remigum, Pausarms, and Portisculus,
was placed among them in the middle of the boat. He carried a staff, with which he
The Anglo-Saxon
signalled by waving or otherwise Avhen his voice could not be heard.
batsivan (boatswain) also used a staff

wherewith

to direct the rowers.

The Greeks had boats called ampheres ; these were long and narrow, and were rowed
by a single boatman only, with one pair of sculls. Eowing with the face to the prow
is

mentioned as customary with the ancients

but this

may have been

paddling, or

pushing ahead with a paddle or sweep.

The

oar

upon the Etruscan vases

form

in the

is

of a

narrow pyramid from top

to

bottom.
Baldarius was the inventor of oars, as applied to large fighting vessels.

Masts and
invented by

sails are said to

Isis,

have been invented by Dsedalus.

who, with an affection bolder than usually

sailed in quest of her son Harpocrates

to

it.

Varro says they were

falls to

have displayed

to the

women,

the lot of

so that while her maternal fondness

to the completion of her wishes, she appears to

unknown

urged her

world arts

till

then

In Stosch and the Florentine

Museum

is

a small vessel with oars, the

prow

of

which

ends in a cheniscus of the form of a swan's neck.

Precisely in the place of a mast and

mizzen

to

sail are

two large extended wings, proper

catch the wind, as

if

for flying.

This would seem to explain the fable of Dsedalus.

Aristoph. Ran.

Horda,
2

ita

'

70.

Vela

iv. 2.

Kutil. Itin.

Kirke's Hamil. Vases,

Isis rata

dum materna

i.

pi. 18.

367.

Pedian. ad Dicer, p. 37.

Evelyn's

Mem.

i.

primum suspendit, cum per mare Harpocratem

suum desiderium festinat explere, mundi visa

charitas

Xenoph.

1.

5.

Polyb.

i.

21.

Strutt's

196.

filium audaci foeminea pietate perquireret

est ignota reserare.'

Lib.

v.

The
The

cheniscus, or swan's neck,

bent downwards towards the

sea.

Sailing-Boat.

was

also, it

appears, an ornament of the stern, hnt

The hull of the ancient galleys, as improved by the classical ancients, was
made in conformation of the body of a duck, which was said to furnish the best
model. 2

The materials of which

sails

afterwards used

indeed, from the time of

The forms of ancient

sails

Homer,

were various

linen

square,

and the colours white, blue, purple,

triangular,

broom

were anciently made were rushes,

animals, and the dried skins of the intestines of animals and fish

was in

stuff, skins of

linen and

hemp were

use.

and

crescent-shaped,

circular,

and sometimes curiously painted.

oblectandum.

According

to Pliny,

they were at

first set

one above another on the same mast

and

afterwards on two masts, at the stern and prow.

The

at the

were

also

prow

dolones

at the top

of

the mast thoracium

used occasionally in very light winds.

were used, the

The

on the stern or mizzen-mast were called epidromus ; those on the fore-

sails set

mast

sail of

topsails

were

stun

sails,

called orthiax,

Sometimes, when two or more masts

the main-mast was called artemon.

of a triangular

or latine shape, and

were sometimes

set

with the

apex downwards. 3
It is clear that both sails

and oars were employed in many

Eosb. Ency. Ant.

See Pownall's Provincia Romana,

Cotterill's

pi. 3,

f.

of

7.

Ships and Sailors, Ancient and Modern, p.

10,

the vessels of the


Boats

Winckelman, however, observes that ships disposed

ancients.
sails

Ancients.

of the

for battle

had neither

nor yards. 1

The
under

many kinds

boats and vessels of the classical ancients were of

twenty,

thirty,

and up

100

to

with

ten,

Those distinct from war service were as

oars.

2
:

Actuarial naves

manned by

less

Long and

Annotince Frumentarice

Busse

Calories

ship

Boats
Ships

Cercuri

light vessels, propelled both

made

oars and sails

never

Provision

vessels.

like a wine-cask.

wood.

for carrying

both with

of burthen,

the Greek Deletes

Celoces, or

by

than twenty rowers.

Light

sails

and

vessels,

oars.

used chiefly for piracy, with only two

without deck or rostra.

sets of oars,

for carrying
Small despatch
Those which were entirely decked.

Catascopia
Constratce

vessels,

letters

and reconnoitring.

Those with cabins and the conveniences of a house.

used in rowing matches.
Long boats,

Cubiculatce

Dromones

first

Fluviatiles

Boats of the river,

as distinguished

Phoenician, and round for carriage.

Ilippagines, or Hippagogce Transports for

from those

of the sea.

Gauli

carrying horses and cavalry after the

fleet.

Horiolce

Small fishing boats.

-Those built in a year.

Homotince

Small fishing boats.

Lenunculi

Ponlones fluviatiles

Lentrice.

Lembus

Those employed

Light and undecked, used chiefly on

Liburna, Liburnica

Light galliots, used

exclusively upon rivers.

and on the sea by

rivers,

both with

sails

pirates.

and oars; from one

to five

ranks of rowers.
Lint/res

Canoes

made out

of the

trunk of a

tree,

and capable

of carrying three

persons.

Boatmen.

Lintrarii

Leves

Very light boats without decks.

Built carry a large number

Pleasure boats and
used by the

Longce Militares

Lusorim

empire in large
1

Nonn.

to

of

vessels,

t. ii.

pi. lx. lxi. 5.

Vide Pollux. Aulus Gellius, x.

8.

all

with

oars.

rivers.

See also Stosch, Mus. Plor.

xiii.

men,

guards of the boundaries of the

25.

Liv.

Ene. Mon. Ined.

xliv.

28.

ii.

Plaut.

280.

Pliny, L.

Fulgent. Enc.

ii.

48.

Plaut.

Eud.

iv.

2.

6.

The
Myopara A

boat

fly

Moneres Monocratce

Naves

tabellarice

Sailing-Boat.

a corsair's vessel.

Modern

and vessels with only one rank

galleys,

of oars.

Advice boats.

A pleasure boat.
and
Ships of burthen, both with
Trabales Coasting

Navigiolum ad animum oblectandum.

Onerarice

OricB

Wherries, and very small

A
with
A small
Prosumia A small watch boat.
Piscatorial Fisher boats.
Phaselus

Pontones

fishing boats.

small bark.

Parunculus

vessel,

Ferry boats

Plicatiles

oars.

sails

vessels.

Orarke, Littorarice,

sails

and

oars.

form for carrying horses and carriages.

of a square

Portable boats, built of

wood and

leather in such a

manner

as to

be

capable of being taken to pieces and carried over land.

Prcecursorice

Boats which preceded the

fleets.

Long,

Prcedatorice, Prcedaticce.-

Piraticce,

and light

swift,

boats, used

by

pirates

or picaroons.
Serilla

Boats or barges stuffed in the chinks with tow.

Sagitta, Saguntia

Scapha

kind

of galley.

A long boat.

SolutilesBoats which

to pieces

fell

of

themselves, such as that in which Nero

exposed Agrippina.

Those which were moored or remained fixed

and covered with
Made strong
Broader than high used by
Trabarice Canoes (same as
parade and pleasure.
Thalamegus A yacht or vessel

Stationarice
Suttles
Stlatce

at anchor.

leather.

staves,

of

pirates.

Lintres).

of

To the

above, list a

are doubtful

Although

it

is

employed on some
art of sailing to

that the

few others might be added from Bosinus

and various, the author has extended

abundantly clear from this

it

but as the definitions

list

that

sails,

as well as oars,

of the vessels of the ancients, it is doubtful if

windward, with

its

accompanying

Bomans were acquainted with

the

tactics.

to the vessel, there is

There

is,

were

they practised the

however, evidence

art.

But whatever knowledge the ancients possessed

power

no farther.

of

the use of sails as a moving

no doubt that they relied mainly on the oars as a means

of propulsion, particularly in adverse

winds

and that the

sails

were used only as an

auxiliary in a fair wind.

The engraving represents the

elevations,
6

head and

stern, of a

Boman

galley,

with


Boats
oar or paddle;

ago

years

taken from a model presented many-

it is

Hospital by

Greenwich

to

A nglo-Saxons.

the

01

Admiral Lord

Anson.
This model

one of the most reliable authorities

is

that can be referred to

made from one

it is

in marble,

which was found in the Villa Mathei during the

teenth century, and

now

six-

stands before the Church of

Santa Maria in Rome.

The model

is

not a war-galley, but was probably

used for commercial purposes, or for the transportation of Avarlike

stores, provisions,

and troops.

BOATS OF THE ANGLO-SAXONS.

The Anglo-Saxons appear
of pleg-scip,

and other domestic conveniences

The

have had pleasure

to

Some

'play-ship.'

i.e.,

vessels, if

such be the proper meaning

of these are described as

having ovens,

fireplaces,

and boats covered with hides accompanied them.

large sailing ships of the Anglo-Saxons were called Carikes. 1

There were also

gallgetis, 2

which were probably a small

sort of galley.

They had also Crayers, or small fishing boats and Bellingers, small sailing vessels.
The Saxon ships of the eighth century were not much larger than the open pleasure
;

boats of the present day

out to sea for a

such as are nsed at seaside places for taking pleasure parties

Their prows and sterns were very erect, and stood high out of

sail.

the water; and they were ornamented at the top with the rudely-carved head of some

animal.
bird, or

They had but one mast, the top or head of which was also decorated with a
To the mast was made fast a large sail, which from its

some such device.

nature and construction could onty be available for the purpose of driving the vessel
before the wind. s

The Saxons were very magnificent

in the appearances of their royal vessels.

King

Athelstan had one (which was presented to him by Harold, King of Norway), the head
of

which was wrought with gold, the

all

round with gold.

Both

An
of the

sails

were purple, and the deck was elegantly

and oars were sometimes used in the galleys

ancient author,

King

sails

gilt

4.

who wrote

a history of

of the

King Richard

Normans.

the First, in rhyme, says

'

Were the Maryners glad or wrothe,

He made them seyle and rowe hothe,
That the galley gede so swyf te,
So doth the fowle by the lyfte.' 5

Grafton's Chron., p. oil.

4

Strutt's

Horda.

Caxton in Polychronicon,

p. 409, cap. 14.

5

See Strutt's Horda.

MS. Harleian, No,

4690.

The

Sailing-Boat.

Persons skilled in climbing the shrouds and rigging and furling the

sails,

were

styled funambuli, as they were in the classical aera.

CANOES OF THE ANCIENT BRITONS.

There

is

overwhelming evidence that canoes made out

of the solid trunks of trees,

by rounding them on the outside and hollowing them on the inside, were in general
use by the Ancient Britons.
Several of these have been dug out of the fens and
beds of rivers in various parts

some

of

them

perfect in form,

Sir Chas. Lyell

England and Scotland within the

of

and in an excellent

last

century

state of preservation.

mentions that Mr. John Buchanan, a zealous antiquary, writing in

1855, states that in the course of the eighty years preceding that date no less than
seventeen canoes had been dug out of the estuarine

Glasgow

silt

on the margin of the Clyde at

and that he had personally inspected a large number

were exhumed. Five of them lay buried in silt under the streets
others were found about a

hundred yards back from the river

nineteen feet from the surface of the

soil.

three other canoes were found in the

barton,

of

which were preserved

Almost everyone

tools,

of the

silts

ancient boats

at

an average depth of about

that within the then last few years (1869)

Clyde between Bowling and

for inspection in the adjacent

of these

hollowed out by blunt

And

them before they

Twelve

Glasgow.

of

Dum-

grounds of Auchentorlie.

was formed out

of

a single oak stem,

probably stone axes, aided by the action of

fire.

few

were cut beautifully smooth, evidently with metallic tools. Hence a gradation could be
traced from a pattern of extreme rudeness to one showing great mechanical ingenuity.
In one

of the canoes a beautifully polished celt or

Two

of the canoes

were built

axe

of greenstone

was found.

one of which, dug up on the property of

of planks,

Bankton in 1853, was eighteen feet in length and very elaborately constructed. Its
prow was not unlike the beak of an antique galle} its stern, formed of a triangular-shaped
piece of oak, fitted in exactly like those of our day.
The planks were fastened to the ribs,
partly by singularly shaped oaken pins and partly by what must have been square nails of
some kind of metal these had entirely disappeared, but some of the oaken pins remained.
It is further observed that there can be no doubt that some of these buried canoes
are of far more ancient date than others.
Those most roughly hewn may be relics of
the Stone period those more smoothly cut, of the Bronze age and the regularly built
boat of Bankton may perhaps come within the age of Iron. 2
It is stated in King's Munimenta Antiqua] that in a morass called Lockermoss, a
r

'

very

up

little

distance from the Castle of "Wardlaw, in Dumfries, an ancient canoe

in the year 1736.

breadth at one end

1

The Antiquity

of

its

was dug

This canoe was seven feet long, and dilated to a considerable

paddle was found at the same time in the morass near to

Man, by

Sir Charles Lyell, Bart.,

M.A., F.E.S., 4th

edition, 1873.

it.

Ibid.

The

Coracle.

canoe was also found near Kiblain, eight feet eight inches in length, and two feet
having a cavity of six feet seven inches in length, and of eleven inches in

in breadth

depth, the hollow of which

had plainly been formed

originally

by means

of fire. 1

In the year 1720 several canoes were dug up in the marshes of the river Medway,
above Maidstone they were made of the trunks of trees hollowed on the inside one of
;

which was

so perfectly preserved that

was afterwards used as a boat for some time. 2

On the draining of Martine Mere, or Marton Lake, in Lancashire, not many years
ago, there were found sunk at the bottom eight canoes, each made of
a single tree,
which there
fishing

it

every reason to believe had been used

is

upon that

lake,

and which

in

size

by the ancient Britons

and shape were much

like the

in

American

(Virginian) canoes. 3

So also in the early part of the present century, on the draining of Whittlesea Mere,
of the Fen districts, canoes in a very good state of preservation
have been excavated at a considerable depth from the surface.

and in other parts

THE CORACLE.
'

"We dared to think, we dared to say, that he could frame a boat,

others said the same, hut questioned" would it float

And many

Apart from

the canoes of the ancient Britons, the Coracle

"

'Eliza Cook.

is

one of the earliest

of

two hides and a

forms of boat ever constructed in Great Britain.

Some

of

the

coracles

the

of

Britons,

Mummenta

Antiqua, vol.

Pennant's Voyage to the Hebrides.

3

King's

composed

ancient

King's Munimenta Antiqua,

i.

p. 29.

vol.

i.

p. 20.

The
were large enough

half,

probably derived from the

Phcenicians,

(a

whose pastime

Gaulish bishop
it

by Herodotus, the pattern was

as Sidonian and Phoenician

particularly

known and used by

evident that coracles were

It is

others were

a rower.

round in form. 1

vessels were almost

Apollinaris

man and

an armed

construction are mentioned

this

of

coracles

men, with a week's provisions

to contain three

of sufficient capacity only for

As

Sailing- Boat.

century)

fifth

the Saxons,

writes

The

plough the British sea in a boat made

to

is

the

of

of

for Sidonius

Saxon

'

skins

corsair,

and stitched

together.'

In the time of Henry Y., light boats framed with wicker or thin timber and
covered outside with leather, were carried by ship to the wars to enable the soldiers

which might be

to pass the waters

in their

way on their
by Edward

the Naisselles carried over to France in the wars

or boiled leather, 3

made with prepared

Such were

marches.
III. 2

also

These were artfully

and would each hold three men therein

to

fish or take their pleasure.

Plollinshed

alludes

also

to

Henry V. making

on his second expedition into France, by providing

great preparations
'

for

the war,

boats covered with leather to

pass over rivers.'

Lucan, in describing the boats

and

twisted

osiers

the

of

interwoven with

says they were

ancient Britons,

each

other,

made

of

which were covered over with

strong hides.*
'

With

twisted osiers the

first

boats were made,

O'er -which the skins of slaughter' d beasts were laid

With

And

these the Britons on the oceans row,

the Venetians on the swelling Po.'

Pliny sjjeaks of voyages of six days' sailing being performed in

'

vessels covered

with leather round about, and well sewed.' 5

And
made

of

he also speaks of certain wicker boats being met with on the

twigs covered with leather, and stitched round about.

Strabo mentions a kind of

he describes

One
building

of
is

it

as

'

made

that

at

Gauli, p. 318.
Proissart's Chron. vol.

4
5
6

'

British Ocean,'

called pecton, apparently similar to the coracle

so as to resemble wicker-work.' 7

the most curious circumstances connected with the art of British boat-

boat

of thongs,

'

the

present

day, boats

(i.e.

coracles) are

carefully

made

ii.

Faittees et ordonnees sy soubtillement de

civir

boully.'

Vide also Strutt's Horda, vol. i. Also Cfesar de Bello Civ. lib. i. s. 54.
'Ad earn Britannos vitilibus navigiis corio circumsutis navigare.' Plin. Nat. Hist., Lib. iv. cap.
Etiani nunc in Britannico oceano vitiles corio circmnsutse fiunt.' Plin., Book vii. cap. 56, sec.
'

Strabo, xvii. p. 562.

10

14.
57.

and

Coracles.
constantly nsed

form,

England, Wales, and Ireland, almost identical in

in parts of

construction and

And, however mean and

insignificant the contrivance

the coracle

now, as then, fully adequate

is

may

the coracle

of

the yards of British boat-builders, and on the wide world of waters,

fact that

size,

with those in use nearly nineteen centimes ago.

materials,

is

it

appear in
a stubborn

purpose for which

to the

it

was intended.
Coracles are as

much

in use

ever in South Wales, on the rivers

as

Towey, and other favourite resorts

and

of anglers

coast and inland waters of Ireland

and

fishers,

so also

and they are just the same

those in which the ancient Britons used to

cross the seas

sort of vessels as

and brave the storms

The

the Irish and English Channels more than eighteen hundred years ago.

and boatmen

fishermen
their

entire

prefer

them

confidence
in

north and western

Wye, Usk,

on the western

Ireland

of

native

express

of

the

in

the sea-going qualities of their coracles (curraffhs), and

bad weather to any other kind

coasts

of

on account

of boat,

still

of their

remarkable

buoyancy.

The English peasants term

these interesting

boats

little

'

In Hereford

crackles.'

and Monmouth they are called 'th oracles,' and 'truckles;' and on the western coast
of

Ireland,

'

curraghs,'

have been coriacle

'

and

corraghs,'
if

so,

or

'

The

corachs.'

original term

was probably derived from the Latin

supposed to

is

a skin

eorium,

or hide, or coriayo, hidebound.

The engraving
South Wales,

page 9 represents a modern

at

and explains the manner

and others in that

resembles the

varies a little in form in different counties

it

the

river

Wye,

in

fishers

locality.

In shape the Welsh coracle

they are composed.

coracle of

which they are carried by the

in

But the framework,

half

and

main

or

of a

gigantic walnut-shell, but

so also as to the material of

fabric of the coracle, is

has ahvays been) composed of wicker or basket-work

which

now

(as

inside the wicker-work is

a thin trellis-like framework of wood, and the outside of the wicker-work

is

covered

with canvas.

In Cardiganshire the framework

is

covered

with flannel, and dressed with

tar.

In the neighbourhood of Shrewsbury they are covered with canvas, oiled and painted.

Some

the

of

most

fragile are

merely covered with white linen,

with resin, varnish, or other like compound.

hides

or

skins,

and the

and such

is

the

material

and other waterproof material,

Tarpaulin,

interior is usually dressed over

of
is

The most

and dressed over

durable are coated with

which the ancient ones were made.

now

the

more general

article

used

with hot pitch, so as to make them perfectly

water-tight.

There
coracle

is

no lighter nor more portable and inexpensive kind of boat than the

their average

weight

is

about twelve pounds.

11

The fishermen

of the

Wye,

The
and

make

the west and north of Ireland, usually

of

small

Sailing- Boat.

the

coracle of

own

their

in the neighbourhood

construction

best

but the cost

Wye

the

of

is

of a

only

about twenty-five or thirty shillings.

The common
two

feet deep,

the

If

pierced or injured,

and a daub

and pool

When

fishing

by

may be

it

quickly repaired with a bit

round

as

mid-stream,

at
if

desires to pass

from

on his back by
place

to

independent position

if

be hooked, the

large fish

on a pivot, and dragged a considerable distance,

the fisherman with his paddle.

which the occupant

of

the

coracle

a sweep

is

used

it

is

sits

paddle (though

single

of

having a blade at each end), the

When

who

as he is enabled to carry his boat

and even umbrella.

when, by means

called a sweep,

water.

from the coracle

position in

fore part

by

pitch.

slung across his shoulders, and so to pass from

coracle is sometimes spun

unless checked

to four feet wide,

apart, thereby placing himself in a perfectly

as regards horse, ferryman,

The

warm

of

to pool

of a leather strap

though miles

place,

from three and a half

is

than six feet in length.

coracle is a great acquisition to the salmon-fisher,

river to river,

means

less

coracle gets

of cloth or canvas,

The

the coracle

size of

and

is

the

facing

coracle is propelled

held firmty in

bow

or

sometimes a double one,

through the

the middle Avith both

hands,

each about one foot apart, as in a Eob Roy canoe, and flourished after the manner
of a

see-saw movement;

drawing or

'

sweeping

'

dipping each blade in the water alternately, and thereby

the coracle ahead.

more general^ the mode

This, however, is

When

may be made

with what rapidity the coracle

well practised,

skim the surface

to

astonishing

is

it

of

smooth waters.

The smaller

of propelling the larger ones.

ones are usually navigated with a single-bladed paddle, the top of the handle of which
the coracler

places against his shoulder, and works the paddle with his left hand,

Slow progress only can be made with

whilst holding his fishing-rod with the right.

paddle;

the single-bladed

the

sweep

is

instrument whereAvith to

the

drive

them

ahead rapidly.

At

the annual regatta at

amusing and

Monmouth, the

attractive of the clay

coracle race is usually one of the most

and before

it

is

concluded, at least half of the

competitors are capsized in the scramble for pride of place.

Within the
extent,
in

last sixty or

superseded

the

seventy years the modern Irish Curragh has, to a certain

the material of which the outer coA'ering

AA'ith tar,

The

ancient Celtic coracle.

is

being used in preference to horse-hide, as

to sea-Avater,

and

The modern

also as a far less costly material

Irish curragh

is of local

difference,

composed

however,

is

chiefly

strained canvas, coated

less liable to stretch

when exposed

than leather.

construction and of an improved shape, being

considerably longer, and of a form better adapted for the open coast than the English

12

Curraghs.

Irish
coracle

but in

other respects the curragh

all

is

much

the same as the coracle of the

ancient Britons.

from

Irish curraghs are

in breadth

twenty feet

fifteen to

by two and

But notwithstanding

coast to their cottages, almost daily.

heavy sea and wind they are said

They

in length,

and three

their lightness, against a

to possess great superiority over boats built of

however, best adapted for fishing with hook and

are,

a half

they are so light that they are carried to and fro by the fishermen, from the

and manipulation

fragile nature is not adapted to the Avorking

These curraghs are used

the west and north of

line,

as

wood.

their light

and

of fishing nets.

for line fishing in the Atlantic on the rock-bound coasts of

Ireland,

more particularly

co.

Kerry

they are neatly and

beautifully made, light and buoyant as of cork, and are a credit to the native industry

and ingenuity
galley

of the Irish people.

In shape, on the inside, they are like a long light

which, on the outside and under part,

but they have a bold, high bow,

resembles the

bow

of

Norway praam.

They have

Modern

The upper
composed

a flat rounded floor, but no keel.

Irish Curragh.'

part of the curragh, from the thwarts to the gunwale, on the inside,

of

wood

but

framework

light trellis

all

of

is

the bilge and bottom parts are of wicker-work lined with a

wood.

The

outside of the curragh

is

entirely covered with

canvas, strained tightly over the wicker-work and then served with a dressing of tar.

Curraghs are each

fitted

with four thwarts

at equal

thwart of any kind either in the stern or the bow,

keep both ends

fifth thwart,

mast

this

thwart

distances apart

is
is

placed just forward of the fore-thwart, and

fixed lower than the others, and

but there

is

no

being important in a sea-way to

There

the curragh light, and free of any dead weight.

of

which

it

is

is

is

also a

pierced for a small

in fact but a

few inches above

the bottom of the boat.

With

a free wind, a light lug-sail

is

sometimes used, but only in

These curraghs, when managed skilfully under

oars, are said

a heavier sea than other open boats of their size,

to

by reason

fine weather.

be capable of living in
of

their

extraordinary

buoyancy.

They
1

are usually

The engraving

is

manned by

four persons

from a drawing by the author,

in fact, the

of a full-sized

Fisheries Exhibition at the Imperial Institute, 1897.

13

curraghs above described

modern

Irish curragh, exhibited at the

The
are constructed to carry that

Sailing-Boat.

number

as their

complement, each of

whom

plies a pair of

short oars (or sculls), as occasion requires.

The Tory Island

(Co. Donegal)

Canoe

curragh, and of more rustic construction

is

more antiquated contrivance than the

of

it is also

shorter,

and broader in proportion

to

length than the other.

This primitive
coracle and the
is

craft,

though resembling in some respects both the ancient British

Irish curragh, has

none

of the

modern improvements

confined to the fishermen of that remote island

Donegal.

and

It is usually

lines,

any part

manned by

crew

of

off'

of either

its

use

the north-west coast of the county

two only, and

is

perhaps, with

its

spillets

the most ancient form of fishing-boat and gear in use at the present day in

of the

United Kingdom.

EXD OF PART

14

I.

PART

SAILING

THEEE

is

BOATS

OF THE

tages than others,

it is

or other circumstances, render

form and

sailing boat, to

which

to

it is

ISLANDS.

and although some possess fewer general advan-

often found that the nature of the coast, the harbour, river,
it

necessary that a boat of special

rig should be provided for the purposes of safe

peculiar

in

BRITISH

considerable variety in the sailing-boats of the British Islands, both as

regards type or form, and rig

And a

II.

be safe and serviceable, must be adapted

be employed

boatmen, the form and rig

of

and

to the waters

the most reliable being that in general use

which

will usually be

found

some places

in

and useful navigation.

to possess

some

tages with reference to the nature of the coast or the waters to which

and

locality

by the resident
special advan-

belongs

it

and

generally such advantages, or peculiarities, are the result of years of practical experience

by

those familiar with the navigation and locality of the waters.

boat constructed and rigged for sailing on the smooth surface of narrow inland

waters would be

and

as

suited to the broad expanse of water on a sea-coast,

ill

some parts

of the coast are

much more dangerous than

others,

it is

and

vice versa ;

found that the

ingenuity of the native boatmen has enabled them, from long experience, to design a

form

of boat

admirably suited to the locality and purposes required.

north-country cobles, employed

and suchdike exposed

parts,

off

are ingeniously contrived

to

navigation of that bold and stormy coast, but they would be

waters of an inland bay or a narrow river.

employed on and

off

the coast of

with shoals, shallows, and sands.

boats such as these,

For

instance, the

the perilous north-east coast at Flamborough

meet the dangers

ill

Head
of

the

adapted to the shallow

So also as to the long, shallow, oj>en j^awls

Yarmouth and the neighbourhood, which abounds

The

feats

by the native boatmen

of

seamanship and daring performed in

in gales of

astonishing, whilst in boats of an ordinary form

it

wind and heavy

seas, are

truly

would be certain destruction

to

attempt such.
Sailing-boats for sea-going purposes should have high bows, and the ballast should

be trimmed rather farther

aft

than in such as are employed in smooth water.

better for sea-going boats to be so rigged as to carry a mizzen-sail,

assistance on

'

coming about

'

in a sea-way.

15

which

It is also
is of

great

The

Sailing-Boat.

Boats employed in the pilot service, which have constantly to be run under

sail,

alongside of vessels at sea, for the purpose of putting a pilot aboard, are rigged with a

view

to the convenience

inboard

and

facilities of

that service, and generally carry all their sail

some however have a mizzen, the clew

the stern

but they seldom carry any

sail

of

which

is

run out on au outrigger

at

extending beyond the stem of the boat, nor

indeed any bowsprit, because of the peril of snapping

off,

it

mishap Avhen

or other

alongside a vessel in a rolling sea.

The main-mast

With

boat.

of

a pilot lugger

is

bows

therefore placed forward, in the

of the

boats so rigged, pilots fearlessly luff up to leeward alongside ships at sea,

deliver a pilot,

and bear away again without striking

or lowering

sail

any

of

their

canvas.
Pilot boats, however, are not all rigged as luggers
pilot

boats,

schooners,

as

cutters,

employed considerably in the

sloops,

&c.

But

there are various other rigs for

of

late

Biver boats for sailing on broad tidal rivers should not be

length,

by

at

least five

years

steamboats

are

pilot service.

in

breadth

less

than

fifteen feet in

they should be sharp and fine at the bows,

broad amidships, and by no means narrow at the stern.

Inexperienced persons are warned against the danger of setting
of a

narrow form

of hull

Boats with narrow sterns are not desirable for sailing

sterns

and good breadth

sail in

small boats

such boats, though well suited to the oar, are unsafe with a

of

beam

are

enabled to carry

sail

sail.

those with tolerably broad

with far greater safety than

those with wedge-like bottoms and narrow beam.

Short, wide boats, with
to

windward

good depth

in tortuous rivers

of keel, are the safest

and narrow channels.

16

and swiftest for beating

Open

Half-decked andLong boats

free

'
;

are best adapted for

wide waters,

and generally, in places where long

tacks

'

HALF-DECKED
Boats decked fore and
render them safer under

large

should be

sails

so

more complete

but

'

running

be made.

BOATS.

sail

'

half-decked boats

when

'

the

object

The

half-deck

nevertheless,

too

if

much

is
;

sail

of

safeguard

great
also

it

be

side

the deck being

AIL open boats with

listing over in a breeze.

constructed.

careening to the breeze, particularly in squally weather

boat

on a bowline,' and

sailing

and with a narrow deck, or water-way on each

aft,

within the gunwales, are called

to

'

may

'

Boats.

makes the
and the

set,

when

sailing-

too

sailor

Half-decked Boat.

venturesome in strong winds and a rough

in the

hands

of a reckless boat-sailer

SMALL OPEN

Although every yacht

It is in the small

and yacht

sailing

with one

sail, it

settee rig

is

a boat,

half-decked boat

sea, the

may be

usually a lug-sail

the latter

sail only, or

and the

any other

other rigs with higher mast.

rig,

it is

If

or the

besides

fore-sail is smaller,

It

is,

has

less hoist,

moreover, a rig that

managed by one person.

In rigging a boat

short,

of

of boat

at the most.

requires only a very short mast,

it

shorter and lower than that of

be stepped too

two

perhaps the preferable, because the simplest, and

is

and stands lower than that

readily

a yacht.

two, then a sprit-sail and fore-sail

if

an exceedingly handy one for a small open boat

may be

is

open sailing-boat that most amateurs learn the rudiments

and generally in a boat with one

is

not infallible, and

SAILING-BOATS.

not every boat that

it is

is

capsized, notwithstanding the half-deck.

far

broad type

to

be sailed with one

sail

only,

it

will

be found that

if

the mast

forward the boat will not steer properly in a breeze, unless

of boat.

The

illustration

on next page

17

of a

it

combination row and

be a
sail

The

Sailing-Boat.

Combination

Row

Plan of Combination

and

Row

18

Sail Boat.

and

Sail Boat.

Half-decked and
boat, with Eaclix patent folding

centre-plate,

New

Rnsliton, boat builder, of Canton,

The Una

There

however,

are,

Una

shallower than the

a type of the past.

lost sight of in

is,

in fact, almost

the

of

match-sailing classes

that

rig.

are

even

a description of these will be found in subsequent pages

which the boat

always one important consideration that cannot be

rig, there is

regard to the boat

itself,

and that

many

In shallow waters, bar harbours, and

such waters

the depth of water in the locality

is

will be used.

draught would be out of place.

to

It

work.

Bat whatever the

in

modern boats

class

H.

J.

among the boating

once so popular

sail,

now

is

an American design by Mr.

is

York.
one

its

Boats.

supplanted by a less shallow form of boat and a handier kind of

entirely

of this

with

of boat,

style

Cowes and elsewhere,

fraternity at

Open

parts of tidal rivers, a boat of deep

shallow boat with a drop keel would be well suited

but a fixed centre-plate and bulb-keel would be dangerous,

and

probably bring both boat and occupant to disaster.

Locality has always to be kept in view

yacht

and

this accounts for the

parts of the British Islands, as

many

of a sailing-boat or a small

does for the curious and interesting types of

also

it

by the designer

varieties of design in the local boats of different

boats and canoes of the inhabitants of remote islands in various parts of the world.
it

is

And

found, too, that boats designed and built for use in a certain locality perform

best in that locality.

At most

where there

of the seaside resorts

the boats have

all to

plate for sailing to windward,

sailing is freely indulged in at
of the local Sailing
of various sizes,

which

from 10

most of such places

to

15 or 20

which can be either drawn up

centre-plate varies considerably
little less

sail only,

feet, are

Most
or

in

and some

of

it

is

when

the mast

with a centre-

Small open boat-

of the boats of

members

Small sailing boats

centre-plate of

taken out before beaching.

some

fitted

numerous on and about the beach

them have a

fitted to the

forward, and in some farther astern.

placed in or near about midships

with one

unshipped on coming ashore.

is

Clubs are of excellent type and construction.

various places on the South Coast.

others a

no inside harbour, and consequently

is

be beached, those belonging to amateurs are

The

at

some kind,

position of the

fore part of the boat, in

In the larger boats

it is

usually

but in some of the smaller craft which are sailed

is stejiped

plate-case is fixed close abaft the mast.

in the fore part of the bows, the centre-

On coming

drawn up and taken out before beaching.

19

ashore the centre-plate

is

always

The

Sailing-Boat.

SEA-GOING

With

SAILING-BOATS.

regard to the best form of sailing-boat for cruising in a sea-way, tbere are

various models, adapted more or less to the purposes for which they are required, and

the nature of the sea, or rather the locality of the waters, in which they are intended to

be sailed

but speaking generally of sailing-boats, whether entirely open or half-

is much to be said in
bow and stern alike, as a life-boat, or a modern North-east
Coast fishing-lugger, or a Norway yawl.
A broad, square-sterned boat, though perhaps
stiff er under sail, and equally safe in a sea-way, is not always so reliable when running

decked,

if

intended absolutely for sea-going purposes, there

favour of a boat with

through broken water in a heavy sea as a boat with a life-boat form of

at

stern,

and higher

both ends than amidships.

A sea-going
buoyancy

to

sailing-boat, to be safe

meet heavy

and

reliable,

must have the weight, power, and

Such a boat cannot be made

seas.

loading her with ballast to such an extent as to bring her

proper bearings.

and

liable to founder,

A
stern.

boat so laden

stiffer

under

in the water

sail

by

below her

an overburdened ship, dangerous in a sea-way

through her want of buoyancy and ability to meet heavy

boat intended for sea-sailing must be

buoyant

particularly at the

seas.

bows and

Such a boat should be designed and built with a view to the heavy seas she

assuredly will encounter

heavy

is like

down

seas

and

if

of true scientific

and not through them.

20

design, will rise

to,

and go over

The

and Foresail.

Sprit -sail

desired that the boat should be able to keep to the sea in rough and

If it is

boisterous weather, the nearer she approaches in form to the

lugger

mentioned

before

The advantages

the

whether meeting them

seas,

It is not, however, to

stern will be safe in a

flatness in the floor,

at the

at

bows

As

size

and with plenty

kind

of

sails

and besides, must be under the

sailing-boat, there are several to choose from,

must always indicate the basis

of the boat

of the

most primitive, and

a small open sailing-boat,

is

sail,

sail that

recommended

of

as superior to

longer some other rig

many an

is

sprit-sail, in shape,

raised

standing

many
is

as

flat

and the

RIG.

as

ever.

and

it

To

has the merit,

rigs for

boat so

There

when

a tyro boat-sailer

it

old
is
;

spreet required to set the sail will be

at all events

by one

person.

resembles a cutter's mainsail, but has a sharper peak, which

by means of a small spar called a spreet, the heel of which is set in a selvagecgrommet formed into a snouter, which encircles the lower part of the

or a

mast

the top end of the spreet

set,

others for an open boat under sixteen feet in length

preferable, as the

strop,

is

be

afterwards distinguished boat-sailer.

found too long and heavy to be conveniently managed

The

may

same time handiest and most useful

at the

stands flatter than a well set sprit-sail

and someAvhat stretched,

when

or sails,

the sprit-sail (or spreet-sail) and fore-sail.

rigged has been the cradle-boat of

no

of choice.

which they may be lowered.

THE SPRIT-SAIL AND FORE-SAIL

is

bow and

efficient crew.

most useful, by reason of the readiness with which the

One

high

be an open one, the lugger rig will perhaps be found the safest and

If the boat

facility Avith

off

astern.

She must also be judiciously ballasted,

beam.
suit of

rig for a sea

of

and capacity

them up

the boat must also be broad, with a tendency to

an experienced boat-sailer and an

of

to the best

but the

both ends, of dividing and throwing

or following

be supposed that every or any boat with such a

heavy sea

and rigged with a suitable sea-going

management

fishing-

such a model have been abundantly proved, and are of world-wide

of

Such boats have the power,

adoption.

modern Scotch

perhaps will be her capability of so doing.

greater

is

set in

the peak-eye of the

sail,

and so the whole

spread.

A
sail.

spreet heel-rope will be found of great assistance in peaking

The

and setting up the

heel-rope should be rove through a small block fitted to the upper part of the

mast, and the eye at the lower end of the heel-rope should be slipped over the lower

end

of the spreet as it stands

will then

peak the

The usual

sail as

in the snouter

much

as

may be

a pull or two on the fall of the heel-rope

required.

sized boat suitable for the sprit-sail rig is one about fifteen or sixteen feet

21

The
in length; such a boat should

wooden

As

Sailing- Bo at.

have an iron boomkin, about a foot long, or a short

bowsprit, fitted to the stem.

to the mast, a very short one will suffice, as the spreet relieves

Sprit-sail

upper pressure, which

is

and

it

of

most

of the

Fore-sail.

thereby thrown upon the lower part of the mast.

No boom

is

required for the sprit-sail.

As

to the

sufficient

The

shrouds, a single small-sized rope on each

but a small boat will

sprit-sail

must be

on any emergency

sail better

fitted

with

and be

brails,

side of the

mast will be

safer without shrouds.

wherewith

to furl it at

any moment and

the brails should be attached to the outer leech of the

9.9,

sail,

as

The
shown

in the

hauled taut,
the boat

is

when

that,

illustration, so

it

and

Sprit-sail

up

brails the sail

Fore-sail.

the main sheet

close to the

mast

thereby immediately relieved of the

go and the brail-rope

is let

very throat of the

at the

pressure

when

be frapped or brailed up quickly

By way

required.

in setting the spreet

so that spreet

rope

and

hauled taut

is

the error being, in shipping

it bettveen

but

such

the mast, and

part

within the

On

much more

also avoided

is

brails,

readily

remains in

its

down

the

mast,

which

when two

generally admit of one reef- but

spreet cannot be got

and the

sail

when

drawn

The

it

spreet

closer to

at the

sail

up, as

brails,

the brail-

upper

would be

if

proper position.

reefing the sprit-sail the heel-rope halliards

then be slipped lower

the

the flapping and sagging of the

whilst the spreet, instead of being

should be

it

may be drawn

sail

may

the sprit-sail

erroneous, and sometimes dangerous.

is

should always be set outside the brails, by which means the

sail

who use

both brailed up together close to the mast

sail are

The

mainsail.

caution,

of

pointed out that a dangerous error prevails with careless persons

it is

the

of

kept clear and ready for use, in order that the

brails should at all times be

is

and

sail,

down low enough,

must be slackened, the snouter can

will

bring the spreet

reefs are necessary,

the spreet

and

lower,

and the heel

of the

must be unshipped, the top-end

taken out of the peak, and the eye thereof lashed securely to the spreet, about a

termed

foot or so

from the top

to carry

an extra

sprit-sail

should always be so made as to allow of the

this is

spreet,

of shorter

It is advisable, however,

reefing the spreet.'

length,

when

reefing
sail

anticipated;

is

and the same spreet standing, and without unshipping, or taking

Another method

but the

being close-reefed with one

it

out of the snouter.

of reefing the sprit- sail consists in providing a spreet in

two parts;

the lower part having a shoe of brass or copper-tube, with a short sprit-end, so that the
latter

may

be shipped on or taken

the peak.

By

required,

which

and the whole

spreet

On

is

this plan,
is

from the spreet without lowering or disarranging

off

the

the upper part only of the spreet

sail is reefed,

in fact a complete short spreet

of the sail is required to

is

but when the reefs are shaken out,

be spread; then the lower or tubular end of the

shipped on, and you have a full-length spreet at once.

setting the sprit-sail,

shortening or taking in

with a tolerably large

The following
small

when

the boat should always, lay head

sail.

found a

It will be

sail) to set

to

almost impossible

the spreet with a fresh breeze abaft.

are suitable dimensions for a suit of sails [sprit-sail

open sailing-boat, or

and the same on

wind,

difficult task (in fact,

skiff,

fifteen

feet in length,

by

five

and

fore-sail) for a

feet six inches in

breadth.
ft.

Hoist of mainsail

ft.

ins.

Length

of spreet

1G

ins.

The

Sailing-Boat.

THREE-MASTED SPRIT-SAIL BOAT.

Three-masted

The three-masted

Sprit-sail.

very pretty and useful one for a small boat,

sprit-sail rig is a

about eighteen or twenty feet in length, by five feet beam.

The

and a

rig consists of four sails, viz. three sprit-sails

sprit-sails, jib,

and Bermudian mizzen

shown

(as

jib

or it

may

be two

in the above engraving).

The main-mast should be stepped amidships, the fore-mast well forward, and the
mizzen-mast at the extreme end of the stern,

Open

boats, so rigged, are very

handy under

sail

and they may be

sailed

under

various changes as regards shortening and dispensing with one or more of the sails in

strong winds.
sea fishing

handy

it

The

rig

is

also useful for a boat used for mackerel

stays well in a sea-way,

and has

besides,

as a safe

of

and

rig for a small sailing boat.

Tyro boat- sailers are cautioned against narrow boats

narrow form

of hull

for sailing.

Large

may be

mind

well adapted for rowing, but

for sailing purposes.

is

of accidents

than the main-sail.

that the boat, to be safe under

will not be the case

sail,

The

not a safe and reliable one

fore-sails in small ojien boats are also attended

more frequently the cause

in

and other kinds

many advantages

with danger, and are

It should always be borne

must carry a 'weather-helm;' and such

Short wide boats of suitable depth,

the fore- sail be too large

if

rigged as sloops or cutters, or with sprit-sail and fore-sail, are best adapted for turning
to

windward

in narrow channels.

Long

boats are fastest for long reaches, sailing on a

bow-line, and running before the wind.

For small open boats

iron

hawse

jib is

a fore-sail

it is

not considered a safe plan for the fore-sail to work on an

hawse should only be

used as well as a fore- sail.

24

fitted to

decked boats, and those where a

ermudian
A nglo-B
o
The danger

lies

many

by

in the sails being struck

on a hawse, the pressure

through a free-running block attached

otherwise free to let go or ease

by

to the

readily eased to the pressure of the wind,

if

a squall

when,

if

be quickly taken

of the sail cannot

a small sailing-boat has been upset

Rig.

the fore-sail.

hawse the danger

the fore-sail

off in

But
is

if

is

worked

emergency

and

the sheet be rove

removed, as

it

may be

the fall of the sheet be ready at hand, or be

off.

THE ANGLO-BEBMl'MAX

EIG.

Anglo-Berrnudii

The Anglo-Bermudian

rig has

come

one for small yachts and sailing-boats.

into fashion of late years as a safe

It differs

25

and handy

from the native Bermudian rig ohiefly

e

The
in this, that the

boom

for the Cutter rig

set in

Sailing- Boat.

attached to the mast by a goose-neck in the same manner as

is

whereas in the native Bermudian boats the fore-end

an eyelet formed in the tack of the main-sail, like the peak end

and projects a foot or more in front

boom being held

of the

mast according to the

of the

size of the

mast by a strong grommet, and the clew of the

close to the

boom

is

of a sprit-sail,

boat

the

sail is

then

hanled taut to the outer end of the boom. 1

The Auglo-Bermudian is a rig best suited for smooth inland waters. The main-sail,
when properly shaped, is neat and pretty whilst the tapering peak is useful under
high cliffs, when the lower part of the sail is sheltered from the wind.
The sail requires neither spreet nor yard but a tall tapering mast, placed well
forward in the bows of the boat with considerable aft-rake.
The halliards need only be
of small size, much smaller than for square-headed sails, and should be rove through a
;

small block at the mast head

hoops or rope grommets

no other halliards will be necessary for the main-sail of

The

a small boat of this rig.

sail

may be

bent to the mast by a lacing, or by small

but neither hoops nor grommets must extend higher up than

the fore-halliard block, which should be seized to the mast at about three-fourths of

height from the deck.

by

a goose-neck

the boat

is

and the

is

stiff

that,

on reefing the

once, whilst the lighter

is

sail,

necessarily lofty,

in

brails

may

be

sail

its

held to the mast

must be narrow, unless

which case a larger and more powerful

this rig are, that the

sail

heavy sway

the widest and heaviest part

and more tapering part

Boats under this rig

reefed

which

under

is

be used.

The advantages derived from

avoided

required for the main-sail, which

fore-sail,

very broad and

may

fore-sail

boom

is still

is

of spreet or

taken

off

same manner as for the

Fide infra 'Bermudian Boats.'

26

is

maintained.

well in smooth water, are easily worked,

fitted to the main-sail in the

yard

the boat at

and quickly
sprit-sail.

The

Settee

THE SETTEE

Rig.

RIG.

isjjfe-ii;

The

settee rig,

though formerly but

become quite a favourite

for a tyro boat-sailer with

of rigs

general form of rig that

appearance of a latine

is

sail

which

and

a tall latine

used for the native

than a

and by reason

is

one of the safest and handiest

sailing-boats of

with the fore angle cut

facilities afforded for reefing,

sail,

it

to learn boat-sailing.

In some respects, and for some purposes,

because of the

in English waters, has of late years

little used,

for small open boats

It is still the

India

it

most

has in fact the

off.
is

it

to

which cannot

also that a settee sail

be preferred to a latine
so readily

may

sail,

be accomplished in

be set with a shorter yard

latine.

The

when

settee main-sail

close-reefed forms a triangle,

and has then the appearance

of a true latine.

Another very important consideration in favour

.that it requires only a

very low mast.

lofty peak, the hoist is low,

a mizzen be used

The

it

of this rig for small sailing-boats is

therefore, although the settee sail has a

and consequently the

fore-sail is short in the aft-leech.

same shape as the main-sail, but much

and pretty rig for a skiff, or any small open

may be

settee is a safe

And

of the

9,7

If

smaller.
boat,

It also

The

Sailing-Boat.

answers well for boats of a somewhat narrow form, in which

sake, to
It

keep the broadest part

is

also well

of the sails as

it is

important, for safety's

low clown as possible.

adapted for any other small open boat

fit

for carrying sail

higher peak need be made to the main-sail than necessary, but for a
boat the lofty peak

is

stiff

no

and powerful

very effective in smooth water.

Settee

with Mizzen.

THE SLIDING -GUNTEE.

The
also

sliding-gunter

is

a pretty and ingenious form of rig for a pleasure boat

one that was formerly

and merchant

ships,

much

it

is

in use for the sailing-boats attached to large yachts

but has in that respect been superseded by the modern steam-

Sliding-Gunter Rig.

28

Sliding- Gunter.
It consists (as regards a single-masted sliding-gunter) as a rig for a pleasure

launch.

boat of two
is

of similar

sails only, viz.

shape

of a sliding-gunter

peak

main-sail and fore-sail.

to a latine sail,

but

The main- sail

is set differently,

of the sliding-gunter

the lower part of the main-sail

being laced to the mast, whereas the whole of a latine

The sliding-gunter has

to tack, is laced to a long yard.

from'

sail,

a short mast, but a long

pointed yard, the upper part of which stands high above the mast, though parallel with
it,

and

is

down

contrived so as to slide up and

the mast

by means

of

two iron

travellers,

called s'unter-irons.

Sliding-Gunter with Small Mi;

Either one, two, or three masts and

sliding-gunter

which the

sails

is

sails of this rig,

may be

one of the safest of rigs for open boats,

may be

quickly set and as quickly furled

it

besides, one

is

is

also

and effectively accomplished, the widest

easily

Eeefing this

part, or that

up nearly

half the sail

and

rig can be used for open boats in bad weather; and in

prettier for a pleasure-boat

peaked up, and the

broadest part,

this, too, at its

fine weather,

than a two-masted sliding-gunter.

luff laced close to

The bowsprit may be run through

The

sail

having the

two

greatest pressure on the boat, being shortened to such an extent, that

generally take

by

the masts being low they

are very convenient for unshipping in case of using the boat for rowing.
sail

The

fitted to a boat.

and

reefs will

No

better

no rig looks

should be

Avell

the mast and yard.

a

gammon

at the

bows

of the boat, in the usual

way, and the heel secured as in other boats.

The

fore-sail

and main-sail should be secured

which answers better than grommets

to the tack-clew, a

running lacing

is

to the yards

by

a small marline,

but from the lower iron of the yard downwards

best,

and will be found most convenient

29

for casting


The
off

when about

luff of these

The

the brails will also answer the purpose of down-haulers

required, and trice rope for tricing

The
as to

best plan of setting the

fit

under the throat, in the same manner as for a

sail

should lead through a small block, or a bull's-eye strapped to the lower side

lower gunter-iron

of the

Small metal thimbles must be worked into the

tack.

the working of the ratline in the process of lacing.

which catch the

brails,

sprit-sail,

up the

to trice

sails, to facilitate

Sailing- Boat.

main-boom

sprit-sail

the inner end of the

boom

lanyard rove through a half sheave in the

is

dispensed with, and the foot of the

the sail care

is

must be taken

may

in stays,

to

may

sail

as possible without lacing to the boom.

boat

for this rig

into the clew of the main-sail, in the

peak-eye of a

if

up the main-tack.

boom

is

end.

By

off

end

the

so

into the

then secured by means of a

this

method the goose-neck

flat

be observed, however, that in setting

shaking when the

of the sail taut, or the

keep the foot

aft

fits

be stretched taut, and will stand as

It should

cause the clew to slip

by pointing the

is,

same way as a spreet

boom end

but a

practice soon

little

renders this easy.

With regard to the

may be made

traveller

advantage of which
the

is,

boom (where one

is

gunter-irons, whether for a single or two-masted rig, the upper

so as to

be readily detachable when the yard

may

that the yard

used), in the

then be stowed with the

same way as the gaff

THE UNA

The term

'

illustrated) is of
of the

Una

rig

'

American

United States of America

and
;

is

the

BIG.

The Una

rig (as here

nearly identical with the well-known Cat rig

was

it

on the top of

of a cutter's main-sail.

implies a boat with one sail only.

origin,

lowered

is

sail

first

introduced into this country by the

Conyngham) who brought one of the Una

The boat was very broad and shallow,
boats over from America in the year 1853.
and had a revolving drop-keel. The rig became very popular for a time, as a handy
form of rig for small half-decked boats but its popularity has long since waned
Earl

Mount Charles

(afterwards Marquis of

considerably, though

it still

finds favour

where their surroundings are adaptable

The

striking characteristics of the

on some parts
to a shallow

Una

our coast and inland waters

of

form

of boat.

rig are, the position of the mast,

stepped in the bows of the boat, as far forward as possible

a gaff sail

narrow

requires a long

The

at the

upper

boom extending

part,

but very broad at the

of

and the one

foot,

which

sail

is

only

which consequently

considerably over the stern.

rig is best suited for turning to

half-decked boats

windward

broad and shallow type,

revolving keel.

30

in a
fitted

narrow channel, with short

with

centre-plate

or

The
It is a type of boat

Una

and rig that answers best

the mast standing so far forward in the bows,

more

board

or

less,

causing the

as the boat after

with her mast and

sail

Rip;
o

is

boat to steer wildly,

in

smooth waters.

In a sea-way,

a source of discomfort and danger,

pound

heavily,

and

to

wet

all

on

mounting a wave bounces down into the trough of the sea,

pressing her bows down, somewhat dangerously, drenching

the crew with spray, and sometimes

making more leeway than headway.

31

The
The

chief objection to the

size of the boat),

and

its

Una

Sailing- Boat.
rig

is,

the stout heavy mast (in proportion to the

The

position so far forward in the bows.

for sailing in smooth water, but

is

rig

is

all

very well

not suitable for rough water, as the boat cannot be

hove-to with either certainty or safety in a heavy wind, and

is

very liable to broach-to

in a seaway.

THE SLOOP

The

sloop

(anciently

shaloop), a

somewhat old-fashioned but most useful

resembles the cutter in several respects.

being

fitted

with gaff and boom

outer end of a standing bowsprit

but the

and

EIG.

The

main-sail

is

rig,

in fact precisely the same,

on a fore-stay attached to the

a jib be used, a jib-boom becomes

fore-sail is set

therefore,

if

necessaiy.

The

sloop rig, as used in British waters,

s'?

was formerly confined

chiefly to fishing-

The
boats and small trading vessels

Cutter

Rig.

but after tbe Americans improved upon

turned out several very decided clippers rigged as sloops,

for pleasure boats in other countries.

and

it,

became a popular

it

boat with a long sharp

bow

is

rig

desirable for

the sloop rig.

Some

of the

New York

sloops were

among

the fastest boats in America, beating

even their famous schooner-rigged pilot boats.

English

the

of

cutter

and the

New York

The

sloop

between the rig

chief difference

is,

that the mast of the latter

stepped farther forward, and has consequently a larger main- sail, which

boom
and

and a

jib.

boom)

fore stay-sail (also laced to a

The smaller

of the

and shallow, and they are

as sloops are usually

with a centre-board or revolving

In the American sloop-yachts the main-sail

make it stand very flat and the

way is made with a bonnet, and so
to

is

laced to the

in the place of the cutter's fore-sail

American boats rigged

fitted

is

is

very broad

keel.

cut in a scientific manner, so as

fore-sail, instead of

being reefed in the ordinary

cut as to stand quite

flat

when

laced to a small

boom, whether with or without the bonnet.

The
for a

no

sloop

is

generally considered one of the handiest and most powerful of rigs

small yacht or large open sailing-boat, and as simple in

top-sail should

be used, unless the boat

is

management

sufficiently stiff to bear one

as

any

and more

peak can be given to the main- sail by simply pulling on or easing the

or less

peak-halliards.

THE CUTTER

The

illustration is

modern Cutter Yacht

~No

form

from a photograph by Beken and Son,

known nor more

of rig is better

is

of

Cowes,

of a full-rigged

The Hermes, a five-rater (or thirty-six-footer).

of repute,

For

fraternity than the Cutter.

the Cutter rig

RIG.

in favour

among

sailing boats, small yachts,

the boating and yachting

and small vessels generally,

decidedly the favourite.

numerous, and have achieved more victories in sailing

Cutter yachts are more

matches than any other

class

of vessels.

employed by the English Government

Formerly Cutter-rigged vessels were much

in the

revenue service, as the most useful and

convenient for the navigation of the English and Irish Channels, where short seas

and broken waters prevail

and preventing the landing

and

kind

as the swiftest

of contraband goods

but

of vessel for

now

chasing smugglers,

small steam vessels are more

frequently employed for the purpose.

The Cutter

possesses

sails

main-sail,

gaff

and boom

many and

fore-sail,
;

jib,

great advantages

and

top-sail.

the rig ordinarily comprises four

The main-sail

is

spread by means of a

the outer end of the latter general^ extends more or less over the

33

Thic
stern

Sailing-Boat.

the fore-leech of the fore-sail

by means

ordinarily attached to the fore-stay

is

of small brass thimbles or a lacing of ratline

the jib

is

hauled

out.

upon the bowsprit

clear of the fore-sail.

Cutters of the old type carried a very long bowsprit, but by reason of the deep
fore-gripe

of

the

old

form

considerably extended, the

of

hull

and the bows

having long been superseded,

length of bowsprit of the modern Cutter

is

very

much

Cutter Yacht

shorter.

The bowsprit

is

fitted

with a bobstay and can be reefed by hauling

inboard so as to suit the size of the jib that

in a

heavy

The

sea,

and the vessel may then be

illustration

on next page

is

is

used, or

sailed

it

may be hauled

under main-sail and

foresail.

that of one of the Author's yachts, Cutter-rigged,

which he had in use about forty years since

it

is

introduced here merely to show the

old-fashioned type of Cutter yacht, with a view to comparison with the

which

is

it

in entirely

modern

type,

a vast improvement in every respect.

when

reaching,

running, or sailing free, but a gaff-topsail was seldom of any use to the boat

when on

Cutters of the

old type carried

gaff-topsail in fine

weather,

a wind.

Gaff-topsails are

now

rarely,

if

ever, seen

34

on a Cutter yacht of the modern type

Thic

Cutter*- Rig-

they carry instead either a jib-headed topsail or a jack-yard

may be

set

without a top-mast.

And

The "Gauntlet" (Old

usually rigged as pole-masted boats

mast forms, in

The Cutter

itself,

rig

is

tup-sail, cither of

that

type of Cutter Yacht).

is,

without a top-mast

or rather the pole

top-mast as well as main-mast.

suitable for boats of

beyond that tonnage

any

either

size,

the

and

for small vessels

up

and other spars required

dangerous, and the

the

rig

is

boom

found very heavy, and sometimes

and heavy seas.
reef and manage

for a large Cutter being

sails difficult to

to sixty

yawl rig or the schooner

eighty tons;
a sea-way
preferable as being lighter, and capable of easier manipulation in

or

which

cutter-rigged yachts of the smaller class are

in strong winds

Sailing-Boat.

The
There

however, among the pleasure squadron, cutter yachts up to, and even
But when at sea in bad weather the crew usually haul in
tons.

are,

above, one hundred

main-sail.
the bowsprit, unship the boom, and set a try-sail, in place of the

THE SCHOONER

The Schooner
in a sea-way,

BIG.

much

rig is best adapted to a large cruising yacht, because so

and requiring fewer hands

to

manage than

easier

large yachts of the Cutter and

Sloop rigs.
It is besides a rig that finds favour

parts of the coast, as a safer

it is

also

much

with the native boatmen and pilots on exposed

and handier rig than that

in favour with

some yacht owners

of either cutter or sloop

and

for small cruising yachts of a long

and narrow type.

Its

advantages

winds and heavy

are, that a

seas,

Schooner-rigged craft

is

under better control in

because the principal, or most pressing

sail, is

in

two

strong-

parts,

and

and top-hamper are much smaller and lighter than in a one-masted or

Cutter-rigged vessel
and consequently the sails are more easily manipulated and

the masts

when

it

is

necessary to shorten

sail,

one or more of the Schooner's

dispensed with, and the vessel sailed under one or two

Some years ago the Author

handy

in

but in

fine

was very

a half-

long and rather narrow dimensions.

it

remarkably

weather and light winds he was not so

satisfied, as

pleased with the rig,

bad weather

of

may be

sails only.

tried the experiment of the Schooner-rig on

decked boat, about three tons measurement,

He was much

sails

it

pretty,

and he found

he found the Cutter and Sloop-rigged boats easily outsailed him.

36


The

Schooner

Rig.

Schooner Yacht.

The beautiful yacht Rainbow, the subject of the above illustration, is the largest
modern class of Schooner-yachts, and the property of Mr. C. L. Orr-Ewing, M.P.
The Rainbow was built by Messrs. Henderson at Meadowside on the Clyde in 1898,
from designs by Mr. G. L. Watson. Her dimensions are

of the

Length over

all,

164

feet.

Length on load-water
Breadth

of

beam, 24

Draft of water, 17

116

feet.

feet.

Tonnage about 270

And

line,

feet.

tons.

she has a lead keel weighing about 108 tons.

37

The
The

fore

principal

and

sails

Sailing-Boat.

Schooner rig consists of two masts, with top-masts, and three

aft

two masts

the larger of the

is

termed the main-mast and stands

usually just abaft the midship-part of the vessel, whilst the fore-mast stands just

The

the bows.

abaft

fore-sail,

by

three principal sails are,

others try-sail), and stay-fore-sail.

spencer (by some called

main-sail,

In addition to these, Schooners of

the fore and aft class carry top-sails, jibs, and flying-jibs

and when match-sailing

large balloon-sails as well.

Schooners are fitted with a short standing bowsprit pointing slightly upwards from

the bows;

and when a

beyond the outer end

jib-boom

jib is used, a

is

run out

so as to

extend several feet

of the standing bowsprit.

Both main-sail and spencer are

boom but the spencer not always

but when match sailing, a boom
;

gaff-sails

at least not

is

now

the main-sail

when

is

always

fitted

with a

cruising or on a long voyage

generally fitted to both spencer and fore-

stay-sail, as Avell as to the main-sail.

The two

principal masts are connected at the top

of the spencer

When

by

jumper stay

and the peak

should swing clear of that stay.

running before the wind the main-sail and spencer are boomed

starboard, the other to port

even keel without

list

termed

on either

'

goose-winged

'

out,

one to

the vessel then runs upon an

side.

Schooners of a larger class are fitted with square-rigged top-sails

on the fore-mast only, in others on both masts.

in

some vessels

Such are termed square-rigged

schooners, and square-top- sail schooners, and sometimes square-headed schooners

this

rig is chiefly confined to trading vessels.

After

the

victories

gained in English waters

America, in 1851, various improvements were

38

made

b}^

the

famous schooner yacht

in the form, design,

and rig

of

The Schooner
schooners;

and schooner- rigged yachts

Rig.

of a superior class

became numerous both

as

racing and cruising yachts.

But during the

last

twenty-five years or more, there have been but few matches

by schooners though they have often been

sailed

exclusively

sailing

matches with yawls, ketches, and cutters.

There are many magnificent schooner-yachts belonging

Yacht Squadron and other British yacht

and construction.

Such

the pleasure squadron.

and many
shaft,

vessels are truly

Of

late years,

clubs,

some

an ornament

to

members

which are
to

to their sails.

39

now

of the

of beautiful

Eoyal

form

our seas and the pride of

however, steam yachts have been

of the larger class of schooner-yachts are

and screw-propeller as auxiliary

of

classed in handicap

fitted

much

in vogue,

with steam engines,

The

Sailing- Boat.

THE KETCH

From a photo

RIG.

by

"Cariad," Ketch Rig.

The Ketch,

like the schooner, carries

two masts, but the

the schooner in one very important feature,

viz.,

that in the

rig differs

stand foremost in the vessel, and the smaller, or mizzen mast and

sail

from that of

Ketch the larger mast and

sail,

aftmost

whereas in the schooner the reverse

is

the case, the larger mast and

and such

is

the chief distinction between the two rigs

and the smaller foremost

both

of the principal sails in

fore-stay-sail

and

jib

each rig are

gaff-sails.

The

sail

standing

head-sails of the

aft,

hut

Ketch are

a top-sail and flying jib are also used in light winds.

The beautiful yacht

Cariad, the subject of the above illustration,

40

is

the property of

Yawl Rig.

The
the Earl of Dunraven, and

and Payne,

is

The Cariad was

Ketch-rigged.

Southampton, iu 1895-6,

of

among

cruising yacht of considerable reputation, and winner,

Gama

Vasco de

The Ketch

by the

firm

Summers

other trophies,

of

the

Challenge Cup, at Lisbon, in the month of May, 1899.

a very old form of rig, used chiefly for small trading-vessels and

is

trawlers, with the

fishing

built

a hundred and twenty tons burden

of

is

crews of which

has always been

it

much

in favour.

Its

advantages have, however, of late years been recognised by experienced yacht owners as
a

handy form

yacht

of rig for a sea-going

for cruising purposes.

by those who keep

particularly

large yachts

Ketch-rigged cruising jracht can be efficiently managed with

fewer hands than yachts of the Cutter

rig,

and

is,

besides, a safe, easy-going, comfortable

kind of rig for a vessel in a sea-way.

THE YAWL

The Yawl

is

another form of rig in which two masts are employed

from both Schooner and Ketch in

farther aft, near the stern-post,

main-mast

Yawls a
is

and the mizzen-sail

EIG.

this,

and
is

is

that the mizzen-mast of the

much

shorter

but

Yawl

it

is

and smaller in proportion

differs

stepped
to the

not necessarily a gaff-sail, but in the smaller class of

lug-sail takes the place of the mizzen-gaff-sail

the clew of the Yawl's mizzen

hauled out abaft the stern on an outrigger.

The

illustration

is

hundred and twelve

victories in the sailing

There

rig

Sir

matches

M.

of

Fitzgerald,

the famous racing

owner.

Yawl

Satanita, one

She has a splendid record of

of the larger class of racing yachts.

a great variety in the size of boats and yachts rigged as Yawls

is

are decked yachts,

The

from a photograph

tons,

and the smaller half-decked, whilst others are open

the larger

sailing-boats.

a very convenient one, and the larger or decked boats of the Yawl-rig are

is

handy and

considered

reliable in a

sea-way

and they do not require

so

numerous a

crew as a Cutter-rigged boat.

Occasionally large-sized yachts built and rigged as Cutters, have, on being converted
into Yawls,

yacht Meteor

A Yawl

may be mentioned

the

as distinguished

from the Yawl-rig,

signifies a boat

with stem and

both ends being sharp, like a lifeboat or a Norway yawl.

is also

a term applied to a man-of-war's boat, resembling the pinnace, but

and generally rowed with twelve oars.

The Yawl-rig is a distinct term applied to the special form
that any sailing-boat that is Yawl-rigged is termed a Yawl.

smaller

so

of this,

the Ailsa, and some others.

The term ymvl,

stern alike

rig.
As
German Emperor's famous

proved faster under that rig than under their original Cutter's

modern instances confirmatory

carvel built,

41

of rig

above described

The

Sailing-Boat.

For comfort and convenience, the Yawl-rig

is

known, whether

all

inboard, and

is

one of the best and handiest that

for a yacht or pleasure boat, large or small.

much narrower than

that of a Cutter,

The

is less difficult

main-sail being
to

manage, and

West &* Son. Southsea.

"Satanita," Yawl Rig.

can be the more readily reefed

and a mast

being also sometimes dispensed with

rig

and enables the boat

is

to ride easier in a

boom swinging overhead from

of smaller proportion suffices.

another advantage, as

side to side

sea-way

when tacking
42

it

and the annoyance

is

The boom

considerably lightens the

avoided.

of a

heavy

The Yawl-rig
better rig

is

is

known

Yawl Rig.

The

admirably adapted for a shooting or fishing yacht

THE DANDY

The Dandy-rig
set

The advantages belonging

;

is

to the

Bermudian, or

of

Dandy-rig are precisely the same

the main-sail swings clear of the mizzen, and

a matter

no

jib-like form,

gaff.

whereby the danger and inconvenience

avoided

fact,

BIG.

which, in the Dandy-rig,

on the mast without yard or

Yawl-rig

in

bears a striking resemblance to the Yawl-rig, the only difference

being in the mizzen-sail

and

for either purpose.

of that

as those of the

may be worked without

a boom,

heavy contrivance SAvaying overhead

of considerable importance in a boat laden

is

with passengers.

SOUTH COAST YAWLS.

Some

of the

open pleasure boats employed at Hastings, Brighton, and other places

on the south coast of England, for taking excursionists and others out for a
rigged as Yawls, and are
fifty feet in length,

of

by

thirteen

twenty tons and upwards

Some

powerful vessels.

fine,

and a half or fourteen

sail,

are

of the larger ones are nearly

feet in width,

and

of the

burthen

perfectly open boats, capable of carrying twenty or thirty

persons, without crowding.

Although large and capacious, these boats are

weather by a crew

The most
with the

of

safely

managed

at sea in ordinary

two or three experienced boatmen.

laborious

work belonging

facilities of capstans, rollers

to

them

lightened.

From a photo

is,

the beaching and launching

and other contrivances the

by

43

toil is

but

considerably

The

Sailing- Boat.

THE WEND A, CANOE YACHT.

Canoe
This beautiful

little

cruising-yacht

Yawl.
by Mr. Alfred Strange, of
known to fame among

was designed

Scarborough, the designer of several other canoe-yachts well

which may be mentioned Cherub II. and Tavie

the property of Mr.

II., of the

John D. Hayward, M.C.C.,

The Wench, which

is

Club, the latter

J3.C.A.

Yawl -rigged, was designed

" Wenda," Canoe Yacht,

J.

Humber Yawl
as

cruiser

for

Mr.

Edmund

sail plan.

Bennett, the leading requirements of which were that the yacht should be constructed

with as light a displacement as possible consistent with immunity from capsizing

with

two persons, but as regards management, to be within

the power of one to work a passage single-handed, or to enjoy an afternoon's sail
speed was to be kept in view, but at the same time the extent of sail-area was to be

fair

accommodation for a crew

of

45


The

Sailing- Boat.

very moderate. In fact the instructions Avere that the boat should, as far as consistent
with other special requirements, be " a good all-round cruiser, capable of making coast
passages and yet be a good performer on the river."

The

necessity of light dis-

placement was imperative, as the boat was to be capable of being shipped to foreign
ports as inexpensively as

The

was compatible with the length.

chief dimensions of the

Wenda

are

The Lugger
two or three

Avith

and boats

Rig.
and coasting luggers, in

of a large size, as sea-going

fine

weather carry top-sails as well.

Anciently the lug-sail,
vessels, Avas certainly the

if

not the only form of rig used for sailing-boats and small

most general

The

one.

ancient lug-sail Avas of square-like

form, with a yard at the top slung at the middle part, and a sheet or

guy

at each of the

lower corners.

There are several forms

and the balance lug.

on either tack Avithout lowering the

be shifted

reqiiires to

yard

to the

is

handy form

sails are cut, Avith

may be put about and

;

and small

of rig for boats

for Avhich it is intended, but all

less peak,

so that the

under way.

vessels, Avhether

decked or open.

according to fancy and the form of the boat

have a yard

if

is

sailed

but a balance lug

other side of the mast on tacking the boat

more or

one-fourth from the fore end

which are the standing lug

of

or easing the halliards

sail

abways on the lee side of the mast Avhen the boat

is

The lug

Lug

more general

of lug-sails, the

boat rigged AAuth a standing lug

at the top, Avhich

slung at one-third or

is

a dipping lug at one- third, and

a standing big at

if

one- fourth.

The lugger

rig has been from time

fishermen, and indeed boatmen of

pilots,

men have

immemorial a favourite one

all classes, for

it

may be fairly

concluded that the lugger

the most general and convenient rig of all for an open coasting boat.

may be

the lug-sail

ropes and rigging.

is

beachmen,

and, as such

great experience in boat-sailing, and Avould naturally select that Avhich they

consider the safest, most effective, and handy,

is

Avith

open sailing-boats

set

Besides, too,

and loAvered more readily than any other, and requires

less

In small open boats, the single halliard serves as a stay (Avhen such

necessary) to the mast, the only other rope required being the main sheet.

Some

of the sea-going luggers

employed on various parts

the finest and most poAverful open boats within British

AA

of the coast

aters

open three-masted luggers, an illustration of one of Avhich

shoAA r n

is

rank among

particularly the large

on the previous

page.

One

of the chief adA'antages in the lugger rig is the facility

AA

ith AAdiich sail

may be

shortened: and a lugger Avhich in fine AYeather carries three lug-sails, besides jib and
topsail

in

all,

five sails

lug-sails,

selected

advantage

is

masts

may be sailed in heavy Aveather under one or two only of

from the larger or smaller, according

to

the

Aveather.

the

Another

the lightness of the spars, and the facility Avith AAdiich one or more of the

may be

struck,

and the boat relieved

of

the heavy pressure of top-hamper

great advantage in bad weather.

A large

and Avell-appointed lugger,

Avith

two or three masts,

is

probably as

safe,

handy, and powerful a form of rig for an open sailing-boat, for knocking about at sea
in " all Aveathers," as any that has been contrived; and there are, undoubtedly, among
the fishing, piloting and coasting class,

more boats
47

fitted

as luggers than of

any other

The
form of rig

from which

Sailing-Boat.

may be

it

the handiest and safest that

is

inferred that the lugger rig

is,

for general purposes,

known.

A properly rigged lugger has besides, great power as a sailing-boat and the masts
being small and light in proportion to the large area of canvas that is spread, the boat
rides easily under her spars, and sails with less labouring in a sea-way than one with a
;

single

heavy mast, boom and gaff

sail.

Pilots, on approaching ships at

sea, arc

strike the mast, to avoid collision

and

then thrown them from the ship

But

board the vessel.

very rough weather and heavy

in

drawn aboard the

The Balance Lug.

and the yard

is

mast

its

rig is a

For

hooked in the bows

is

made

fast at the

lower part of the

mast at the instant

It requires

coming about,

of

for the purpose of

In dipping the lug the

in stays, one of the crew steps

When

is to

original

lower the

and the boat

of shifting the lug-sail,

unhook the yard from the

then, at the

the halliards are then set taut, the

is

actively done, dipping the lug

method

sail,

in,

need only

upon the thwart, and dexterously swings

the fore-part of the yard to the other side of the mast

tack secured, the main- sheet hauled

sail

to dip the lug, one to slack the halliards

two persons

a few inches, another to attend the tack, the main-sheet being also eased off

The

of the

generally used with a standing lug.

is

of the

be partially lowered.

sail fairly set.

he

a standing lug the yard should be slung at about one-

placing the yard on the leeward side of the mast.

is

smart active performance, although simply that of swinging the

Hie lug is a

the boat

round

good and useful one for small boats:

length from the fore end, and the tack

yard to the other side

moment

be great

avouIc!

slung about one-third from the fore end.

a separate fore-sail

Dipping

is

vessel.

This old-fashioned

The Standing Lug.

fourth of

seas, there

casts himself into the sea

and

ship,

the lug-mainsail and fore-sail being both in one, the tack

boat,

rope

and then quickly

fast,

so the pilot takes a couple of turns

thrown him from the

his waist with the rope

is

of the ship's rigging.

with this they make the boat

danger in running a boat alongside a vessel

then cautiously

enabled to lower a lug-sail in an instant,

with any part

quickly on a fresh tack with the

is

when

traveller,

although a primitive performance and one to which

a smart sailor-like performance.

putting about on change of tack,

and

many

shift it whilst

objections

down

may be

this,

raised, is

by fishermen and others in small open boats on various parts

bad weather.
Some of the north country cobles which are fitted with standing lug- sail and foresail are ingeniously rigged, so that the sails may be managed with the same facilities as

still

a good deal practised

of the coast, particularly in

the sprit- sail and fore-sail

the

sail,

they

sail

on either tack without dipping the lug or lowering

the yard remaining on the same side of the mast as

when

first hoisted.

this plan is adopted, brails are generally fitted to the sail, so that it is
to

lower the yard of the main-lug

when bringing up
48

in harbour.

Where

seldom necessary

Lugger Rig.

The
An

boat-sailing,

As

mode

excellent

was suggested

to the

and who

the Author had

of rigging a lugger as a pleasure-boat, or for general purposes,

Author many years ago by a yacht owner

for a long time

many

this plan.

opportunities of testing the merits of the rig, and of seeing

the boat alluded to under

and handy

of great experience in

had a boat in constant use rigged upon

sail,

he

enabled to recommend

is

it

with confidence as a safe

rig for a small boat.

The engraving

is

from a drawing by the inventor himself, showing his two-masted

lugger so rigged and under full

The method

sail.

consists in a lug-sail of ordinary cut being laced to the yard, slung at

Useful Design for a Lugger.

the middle, and hoisted with a mast-traveller and halliards

sail is

laced to a boom, and bowsed

and

in front of

at the foot of the

this rig, there is

about

the

alone do

sail

mast

as

quite

flat

shown

and

taut,

but the foot or

by means

stands

flat

in

on either side of the mast, and the

necessary in manipulating the

of rig

is,

of course, applicable to a single-masted

two masts.

The

rig

is,

sail

a bout under

any way, on coming

man

by means

is

as well as to one with

it

flap of the

of a small tackle

With

in the engraving.

no necessity for dipping the lug, or lowering

that

all

This mode

down

at the

helm can

of the main-sheet,

lugger with one

sail only,

in fact, almost equal, as regards con-

venience for tacking and manoeuvring, to that of a revolving or sheer-masted boat, as

may be

turned in any direction with rapidity and precision on coming about

the

sail

in a

narrow tide-way

and

so, too,

on reaching or running before the Avind.

49

The

Sailing-Boat.

THE SPLIT LUG.

The

peculiarity of this rig consists in the head of the fore-sail (which

the top) being laced to the fore part of the main-sail yard, as

The
to

shown

is

rig has therefore the appearance of being contrived out of a lug-sail split

bottom in

line

with the mast, so that the fore part

from the same yard, forms a

sheets just the

same

as

fore-sail,

any other

and

is

fore-sail

of

the

sail,

square at

in the illustration.

from top

although suspended

trimmed and managed with independent

;

the singularity being that both sails are

laced to the same yard, and neither can be hoisted or lowered without the other
therefore one pair of halliards suffices for both
fast at or near the
fore-sail is

boomkin

lower part of the mast

sails.

The tack

of the main-sail is

made

whilst the tack of the piece which forms the

secured in the bows of the boat, or to the outer end of the bowsprit or

and the clew

is

worked with

fore-sheets, just as

50

an ordinary

fore-sail.

One

The
of the

advantages of this rig

may be worked

but the boat

is

to

Split

Lug.

that in tacking the yard need not be dipped or lowered,

windward with the

facility of a fore-and-aft

rigged boat,

and without once lowering the yard or slacking the halliards

It is

The

an old-fashioned

rig,

seldom used at the present

clay.

Querida, though of the split-lug type of rig, differs in several respects

from

the ordinary split-lug already described.

The most
the head of

one-third of

striking peculiarity in the rig of the Querida

which
its

is

length in front of the mast

with the mast, the fore part of the yard

from which the

is

the outstanding fore-sail,

slung from the outer fore-end of the yard, which extends about

fore-sail is slung.

One

is

but the

luff of the main-sail,

being in line

bare from the mast to the extreme fore-end

of the

advantages

of this rig is that the fore-sail

ahvays stands at the same angle as the main-sail, being guided, moved, and adjusted by
the yard itself

out

by the yard

so that

when running

before the

wind the head

so as to catch the full benefit of the

although not laced to the boom, yet

is fitted

with

of the fore-sail is held

the foot of the fore-sail,

boom, the inner end of which works

in a goose-neck attached to the fore part of the mast,

51

wind

and the outer end

of the fore-sail-

The
boom

Sailing- Boat.

stands about two feet above the stem, arid

is fitted

with guy-ropes so as to regulate

when running

the position of the outer end of the fore-sail-boom, particularly

The

wind.

direction, as

shown
and

beyond

the fore-end of

is

The main-sail is narrow at the head, but broad

boom which extends the sail over the stern and a little
the boom being fitted to the mast with a goose-neck the boat

laced to a

shown

also carries a triangular-shaped top-sail, as

The

Querida

is

owned by Dr.

P.

W.

in the illustration.

Hughes,

of

Eyde,

is

one of the boats of the

Rediving class, and has proved a highly successful and capable boat

many cups and

before the

in an oblique

it

in the illustration.

at the foot
it,

with a batten, which extends across

fore-sail is also fitted

the

winner

of

other prizes in the various matches she has contested in the Solent

and neighbouring: waters.

YARMOUTH SALVAGE YAWL*.

Yarmouth Salvage Yawl.

These splendid

boats, formerly the admiration of all

who

visited

Yarmouth, Cromer,

Lowestoft, Aldborough, and some other watering places on the eastern coast, are
a relic of the past, having been superseded

who remember them.

They were the longest and

by steam boats

now

a matter of regret to all

swiftest open sailing-boats in the world.

Some

them

of

being upwards of sixty feet in length, 1 and from ten to twelve feet in breadth, with
a remarkably sharp and gracefully formed bow, rising gradually from amidships
stern

was

bow and

also
stern.

somewhat

elevated, so that they

They were propelled with

1

The yawl

Reindeer, of

the
at

oars in calm weather or adverse winds.

Yarmouth, was 69

52

were much lower amidships than

feet.

Yarmouth
When
of

sailed,

at

The advantages

hand on the beach.

throw

the crew frequently had to

as

Yawls.

they were ballasted simply with bags of shingle, an inexhaustible supply

which was always

that

Salvage

all

of

being so ballasted, were

their ballast

overboard on beaching

they had only to untie and open the bags and shoot

it out, which
The boat was then light and buoyant and
on touching the beach, the crew quickly jumped out and hauled her up out of danger.
They were always well-manned and cleverly handled and in strong winds and heavy
seas, all, except those who had the actual management of the sails, squatted down in

through a heavy

surf,

was merely the work

of a

few moments.

the bottom of the boat, to preserve

With

sail sixteen

stiff

its stability.

breeze on their quarter, these

Yarmouth yawls have been known

to

knots in an hour, a pace unequalled by any other kind of open sailing-boat

in the world.

Their beautiful proportions, large

sails, lightness,

and buoyancy, added

seamanship of their crews, gave them a reputation among the

to which, the exquisite

who remember them.

Yarmouth yawls were rigged with three masts, on each

boating class such as will never be forgotten by those

When

under

sail,

which they carried a

the

lug-sail, the largest, or main-sail,

forward, and called the fore-sail or fore-lug

They were

and the smallest

with a bowsprit, and in

also provided

being amidships

fine

aft, called

weather they

lug-sails close-reefed
viz.,

fore- sail

the mizzen.

set a fairly large

In a strong wind or gale, the jib and bowsprit were dispensed

jib.

of

the next size

Avith

and the

sometimes, on such occasions, the two smallest only were used,

and mizzen, in which case the main-mast was lowered, thereby enabling

the boat to ride easier in a heavy sea.

These yawls were employed not only

for the purpose of taking out pilots to passing

merchantmen, but also as salvage boats.

crews, each
fellows

man

They

generally belonged to companies or

being entitled to a share in the earnings

who manned them were

Hundreds

gales to ships in distress.

their daring exertions.

a hardy, fearless

It

of lives

class,

bows

of the boat

to sea in perilous

and valuable cargoes have been saved by

was no uncommon thing

in a

heavy sea

the crew to be constantly employed in baling out the water that

surf breaking over the

The brave

of the boat.

who ventured

when

for

two or three

of

was shipped from the

in the perilous surroundings of the sands

on which the wreck was lying.

Nothing daunted by wind or weather, when they espied a ship

of distress flying, or a signal for a pilot,

at sea

with a signal

they launched one of their famous boats from

the beach and at all risks proceeded towards the ship, sometimes a distance of ten or
fifteen miles.

It

was truly wonderful

to witness the

buoyancy and

capabilities of these

boats in a heavy sea.

One
never
on.

if

great precaution

which the crew adopted in the management

possible to allow a

heavy sea

to strike the boat a-broadside,

of

them was

but always stem

In turning the boat, when the waves were running high, they watched for
53

'

The
smooth

'

then,

if

rowing,

all

Sailing-Boat.

oars on one

side pulled

one way, whilst the others

backed water, and the boat, although of such a great length, was quickly round.
Certain parts of the eastern coast,
shoals,

some

of

off

Norfolk and Suffolk, abound with sands and

which are many miles out at sea

of the services of such boats

the value, therefore, in those parts,

and crews could not be over-estimated by the shipping

and mercantile community in the days preceding the steam boats which have now
superseded them.

YARMOUTH BEACH

Yarmouth Beach

The modern type

of boat

Boat

BOATS.

"Britann

employed by the beach boatmen

at

Yarmouth

at the

present day, though very different to the yawls above described, are a fine, capable and

powerful class of open sea-boat.

They
out for a

sands

are used chiefly in the

sail

summer

season for taking visitors and pleasure-parties

on the open sea in the Yarmouth roads and neighbourhood

of the

Scroby

and, although boats of a similar class are employed at other popidar sea-side

resorts, there are

no finer or more able sea-boats than those at Yarmouth,

above given

best type

a powerful and splendid sea-boat.

is

of

which the

that of the Britannia, one of the largest, most modern, and

illustration

54

The
The Britannia was

built

Yorkshire

Coble.

by the Messrs. Beeching Brothers,

many

the well-known and highly-reputed designers and builders of

of

Great Yarmouth,

of the

most famous

yawls and other boats in that neighbourhood.

The dimensions and other

particulars of

the Britannia are:

breadth, 12 feet; depth, 4 feet 9 inches; Cutter-rigged;

The

and copper fastened.

four

spars

are mast,

27 feet; bowsprit (outside stem), 14

gaff,

and in

fine

The most

42^

feet;

30 feet; boom (length), 35 feet;

This boat

is

managed by

a crew of

weather by three.

and laborious work in relation

difficult

launching and hauling up.

that of

hand on the beach

is at

hoist,

feet.

Length,

clench built, entirely of oak,

For

this purpose,

to

these large beach boats

however, every

such as capstans, cradles fitted with

chain cables, and such-like

so that they are quickly

modem

rollers, turn-tables,

hauled up out of the

is

facility

warps,

surf,

high

and dry on the beach, where they are turned round and got ready for launching again
with as

little

It will

delay as possible.

be remembered that the

late

Mr. James Beeching (now Beeching Brothers),

and boat builder, was in the year 1850 the successful

of Great Yarmouth, ship

competitor, amongst two hundred and eighty others, for the prize offered

Duke

of

Xorthumberland

qualities specified

by

for the best

model

of a life-boat

by the then

combining certain standard

a carefully selected Committee formed for the purpose, and to

examine and decide on the two hundred and eighty models afterwards exhibited
Somerset House

The model of the Beeching prize life-boat was

the United Service Museum, where it still remains.

in that year.

wards deposited at

at

after-

THE YORKSHIRE COBLE.

The
form

of

Cobles of the north-east coast of England are, probably, the

most perfect

open sailing-boat for putting out to sea in rough weather of any yet invented

(life-boats alone excepted).

Cobles are of Yorkshire origin, and from time immemorial

have been renowned for superior qualities as safe sea-boats, when under experienced

management
1

but in unskilful hands they are as liable to disaster as other boats.

work a full description was given, with an illustration, of the Northumberland

but the whole chapter on Life-Boats, occupying about 20 pages in the previous edition
work, has been, to the Author's regret, unavoidably crowded out for want of space in this edition.

In the previous edition

or Beeching Prize Life-Boat

of this

of this

55

The

Sailing-Boat.

Cobles are the favourite and prevailing form of boat

coast,

when

the weather

rough weather

but that

is

along the north-east coast

bad

and

is

it

but beautiful, bow, sharp and hollow

from stem

to stern

for the stern presents a

used there

in the first place, they have a high,

and a graceful wave-like form

of

rim

the latter point the graceful proportions of the coble cease,

at

is

upon which a north-

sea.

Cobles have several very distinct features

flaring,

considered safe to put

is

seldom that any other

a very perilous rock-bound coast,

is

wind causes a tremendous

east

all

that stormy and dangerous part of the Yorkshire

no other description of open boat (unless a life-boat)

to sea in

in

At Flamborongh Head,

England.

of

flat,

The rudder

raking surface.

is

deep and narrow

reaching

four feet or more below the bottom of the boat, in a slanting direction, and acting

both as rudder and keel (or aft-gripe)

it is of infinite

service in a

heavy

the deep

sea,

hold of the rudder enabling the steersman to keep the boat from broaching-to.

These boats have no actual keel

quite

towards the stern, where the form of the boat

flat

The

amidships.

bow

coble

is

flat floor

indeed,

much narrower than

is

and gunwale.

generally sailed under a single fore-and-aft lug-sail, a small fore-sail

being occasionally used, and, in fine weather, a

cobles, fitted

gives them a good

bulged out in form, abaft the bow, but 'tumble home,' or

sides are

incline inwards, at the top

The

but the sharpness of the

aft,

All along the other part of the bottom they have a very

fore-gripe.

upon the most approved

The

jib.

plan, so that

it

lug-sail

is,

in modern-rigged

need not be dipped or lowered on

coming about.

To

the floor of the coble, near the bows, are fitted three separate heel-steps or

sockets for receiving the heel of the mast, so that in light winds the mast

an upright position
aft,

in a fair breeze

in a raking attitude

bows

The larger
the

tall

heavy

is

sea,

class of Cobles generally carry

and to

The

In

fine

sail is

stepped in

two masts, though one only

weather the short mast

is

mast tends

aft rake of the

sail,

it

reefed and the mast

assist it in rising to the

one in fine weather and the short one, with a smaller

seas.

is

stepped in the middle step, which inclines

very raking.

boat in a heavy

of the

is

and when blowing heavily, the

stepped in the third position, which

ease the

it

is

to

waves.

used at a time,

in stormy weather and

sometimes utilised as a bowsprit for a

jib-sail.

When

a jib

used, the bowsprit

is

is

not placed in a horizontal position as in other

open boats, but with the outer end tipped up like the jib-boom of a schooner, the
advantage of which

when

is

obvious.

If the bowsprit

pitching in a heavy sea, would plunge

the pressure of the

sail,

boat under the waves

and the

sail acts as

it

were run out horizontally the boat,

under water and soon carry

it

away, and

acting on the bows, would assist in burying the head of the

but by inclining the bowsprit upwards, such an

a lifting, as well as a powerful drawing

56

sail.

evil is avoided,

The
The

Yorkshire

safety of the coble under

adjustment of the main-sheet

sail

in a

depends in a great measure on the proper

strong -wind

Yorkshire Coble (under

frequently to be eased and

is

humoured

Coble.

to the

it

is

never made

fast,

hut has

sail).

wind and waves, particularly when the sea

running high.

When

ballasted, the coble has a great hold of the water forward,

but very

little aft

the deep- diving rudder has therefore to be shipped before anything can be done with

the boat under

sail.

This rudder

is

then a powerful lever for preventing the boat from

57

The

Sailing-Boat.

broaching- to in a heavy sea, which a coble would be very liable to do in the absence of

such a rudder, by reason of the sharp fore-gripe of the bow.

In order further to guard against such an

centre-boards, have been introduced

answer

fairly well

of a keel-boat,

when

for

in

evil,

some instances revolving

keels, or

among the north-country boatmen, and found

the centre-board

is

down, the coble has

all

both in working to windward and reaching or running in a heavy

Cobles are used by

all classes of

boatmen on the north-east coast

to

the properties
sea.

for instance, there

are pleasure-boat cobles, fishing cobles, pilot cobles (the engraving represents a pilot

coble with its sail struck, and about to approach a ship for the purpose of putting a
pilot

by

on board), and there used

The

steam-tugs.

some

of these are

from ten

or just abaft the mast.

five feet

be salvage cobles, but the

to fifteen tons burthen,

middle-sized coble

two inches in breadth, and two

of this size projects four feet

to

largest sized cobles are those

below the

superseded
;

about twenty-four feet in length, by

in depth

the rudder in a coble

stern.

few hours before dusk ou a summer's evening during the herring season a very

interesting scene frequently

may

be witnessed, as several hundreds of these boats leave

the different ports and harbours on the coast.

whole

is

now

and have a cabin, either in the bows

two inches

feet

latter are

employed in the herring fishery

fleet

all

Not a white

are tanned for preservation from

be seen among the

sail is to

wet and mildew,

to

make them more

durable.

The
in

coble fishermen often go

company with the Scotch

many

miles from the coast, and drift their nets

luggers, Dutch,

and other fishing

the English and foreign markets are supplied with

The North
dexterity

come

of

boats,

from

all of

England boatmen manage these cobles with remarkable

and though often exposed

to gales at sea

to grief.

58

which

fish.

on that perilous

coast,

skill

and

they seldom

;:

The
As an open

Yorkshire

by those of any other form, with the

Yarmouth yawls, before described (but now extinct)

sea-boat, the coble is unequalled

exception only, perhaps, of the old

and the

latter,

be

remembered, were adapted

it

coast, whilst the coble is for the

It is astonishing the

chief danger to

Coble.

heavy

meet the requirements

to

seas these cobles will live in,

guard against, as in

sea-going boats,

all

is

under

skilful

occurrence for a breaker to curl over the stem and

Among
wind.
On

many

position, instead
aft

When

do.

handy

in, stern

that position

The

over on

to beach, easy to row,

of the oar

portion of the loom,

unshipped,

is

its

grounds on the beach,

more

side as boats with

it

keeps

its

upright

dead wood

or less

first,

because they row easier and better in

is

those of other boats.

They

which
going

An

the

flat

part of the loom rests on the gunwale, and

adrift,

turned close

iron ring

is

manner

to that of

firmly attached to the coble oar at

loosely over a standard iron thowl-pin, so that there

fits

two separate

usually joined to the other by two iron bands, which secure and

in that position will not admit of being feathered in a similar

with a round loom.

consist of

being a square or flat-sided piece, and the blade, with a short

hold the two parts firmly together

may be

and good on a

and the same when being towed.

loom

of the oars

a very rare

it is

them, as would be the case in

rowing these boats in smooth water, whether before the wind or

coble oars are different to

equipoise,

the

the stern being of less draught of water than the

coble, thus backed,

falling

of

first

otherwise, they are generally propelled stern

parts, the

'

approaching the beach, or going into shallow water, the rudder

and when the

poop

other boats of a different form.

other good points, they are

and the coble backed

forepart

'

handling

broaching-to in a heavy sea

and when they scud before a gale they are so quick and lively that
a heavy sea with

of a shallow

deep seas of a bold and rocky headland.

in,

although

left

is

suspended over the sides of the boat

its

an oar
proper

no danger

and they

either towards stem or stern, without unshipping.

In small rivers and shallow waters the coble would prove inferior as a sailing-boat,

on account of the deep rudder and high, flaring bow.

Some persons have, however,

occasionally taken so great a fancy to these boats as to insist on trying experiments with

them in smooth-water

rivers, for

which purpose they have been

fitted

with a revolving-

keel or centre-board, and all the lower part of the rudder extending below the boat has
to

be cut

off

and added

to the aft part,

flat-bottomed sailing barge

bow

is

an impediment to

making

it

of the

but, independently of the

fast sailing in

same shape as the rudder

want

smooth water, from

causing the boat to blow to leeward.

59

of a keel, the

its

of a

very high

catching the wind, and

The

Sailing-Boat.
THE LATINE

The

Latine rig

fications, in

boat,

countries.

and one that never

picturesque,
in

Eastern origin, but has long been used and adopted, with modi-

is of

European

if

EIG.

It is a pretty

fails to

and graceful-looking rig for a pleasure

win admirers amongst those who

the sails be true latines, well cut, and fairly

are fond of the

But there

set.

is

no rig

much depends on the shape and make of the sails.

Latine sails never look better than when gliding along on a summer's evening under the

which the pretty

shadow

effect so

of lofty hills, or

beneath the frown of high basaltic

cliffs

their tall, slender peaks

and white triangles contrasting favourably with the dark features

In shape the latine
of a large jib-sail

it

sail is triangular,

requires a long,

of

mountain scenery.

with a slender, pointed peak

stiff

tapering yard to spread

60

it

or precisely that

with

effect.

Lahne

The
The mast

for the latine rig is placed in the boat in a position raking forwards, or

towards the bows of the boat

Boats

Rig.

under

sail fast

the very long yard that

the boat, therefore

it is

very short, but requires a back-stay.

when

this rig, particularly

required to set the

is

close-hauled

sail fairly, often

the one objection

is,

considerably longer than

somewhat cumbersome and inconvenient

down on deck, which, however, is seldom

when the boat is rigged with a single latine

for stowing away if let

The inconvenience only arises
when two or more are used, the yards

necessary.
sail

are not so long as to be inconvenient.

For latine-rigged boats

of broadish build, carrying only

required would be nearly twice the length of the boat.

latine sails, then each

The yards

yard would be at

one mast and

the yard

least the full length of the boat.

for small latine-rigged sailing-boats are usually of

one-tenth the weight of solid pine spars

dry, the yards of the larger craft are

sail,

rigged with two masts and

If

but as bamboo

is

bamboo, which

more

or less brittle

sometimes made of several pieces

not

is

when

of light, tapering

spars spliced together, the thickest'part being in the middle.

Good sound bamboo

to procure in

The

spars suitable for latine sails were, until recently, very difficult

England, though found in abundance in far Eastern lands.

latine rig is best suited to

and strong winds,

seas

smooth water and light winds, but perilous in heavy

because

difficulty of satisfactorily reefing

of

the

them.

loftiness of the

The peak

peaks of the

sails

of a latine sail cannot

and the

be dropped

or lowered with the facility of a gaff-sail,

the

sail close to

in a

heavy sea

But

in

the yard

though brails are usually fitted for frapping

but even then the swaying to and fro of the lofty yards

sometimes attended with danger.

is

smooth water the rig

is safe enough, for although the peak of the sail stands

very high, the principal breadth and body of the canvas is low a great consideration in
rigging all open boats.
It is also worthy of remark that when running before the wind,
if the boat be rigged with two latines they may be
goose-winged,' that is, boomed out
'

over the gunwale, one on each side of the boat, as

next page, which

is

and having a ton

of lead

shown

by nine

fast-sailing

and

beautiful

their

sizes

may be

lofty-peaked and graceful-looking

probably, witnessed the activity of the crews Avho

which they climb the slender yard, frap the

interesting and amusing to British sailors.
vessels,

when

beam,

seen

off

sail,

seen,

and among

Everyone who has cruised in

boats.

Mediterranean waters, and along the coasts of Spain and Portugal,

the latine-rigged vessels and

These

feet

on her keel outside.

In the Mediterranean, latine-rigged vessels of various

them are many

in the illustration on the

that of a latine-rigged boat thirty-five feet long

man

is

familiar with

sails,

and

has,

them, the nimble manner in

and perform other

feats of

seamanship

the coast of Spain in fine weather, are seldom without

two or three of the crew clinging

to

some part
61

of

the yard, or at the top of the

.

The

Sailing-Boat.

Latine.

Sails goose-winged.

stumpy-headed mast, where they sometimes remain for an hour or more

for

what purpose

The

it

would be

latine rig is

at a time,

but

difficult to say.

found in various parts of the world.

It

is

used on most of the

navigable rivers of India, also in and about the Mediterranean Sea, on the Eiver Nile,

62

Norfolk
and the Lake

of

Geneva.

of land-locked waters,

It is

River Latine.

an excellent rig for a sailing-boat in the neighbourhood

and where light

airs prevail

but for strong winds and rough seas

other rigs are to be preferred.

SAILING-BOATS OF THE NORFOLK EIVERS AND BROADS.

The
The

Sailing-Boat.

extensive and interesting locality of the Norfolk Broads and inland rivers

well adapted for boating

large tidal rivers

The power

of

kind totally different to that

of a

it is

is

of the coast, or of

consequently the form of boat and the rig for sailing on the Norfolk

many

rivers differ in

but

'

respects from those of the sea-going and coasting class.

coming about

with rapidity and precision

'

indispensable in a

is

sail-

ing-boat destined to navigate the narrow, tortuous rivers which intersect the fens and

meadows

The form

of Norfolk.

broad in proportion to length

small yachts

of hull of the inland

some

them

of

so broad as to resemble,

is

therefore very

on deck, the back

of a turbot.
They have usually a leaden keel running the whole length of the bottom
and the draft of water varies according to the size of the boat but it is never very
;

deep, as in some of the broads they navigate the water

The
mizzen

shown by the

latine rig, as

and

one that was formerly

is

much

for the pleasure-boats of that locality.

tortuous rivers, where short tacking

off

shallow.

is

and lug-

illustration, consists of a latine main-sail

is

in

vogue on the Kiver Yare, in Norfolk,

It is admirably suited for

unavoidable

narrow

and

Avaters

but quite unsuited to the open sea

the coast of Norfolk.

Boats for turning to windward in narrow rivers must be short and wide
rakish craft would be unmanageable in such waters

consequently the rig

a long,

well chosen

is

for the locality.

Among

the Norfolk latines are some fast-sailing and attractive boats after this rig

the largest are twenty-six feet on the

beam

They have good

six inches.

The

latine fore-sail,

two, and

is

from stem

in fact, the main- sail,

is,

peaked up by a yard

The customary length

when

to

stern-post),

sail

well made, stands nicely

safe

person alone.

management

beam

and ten
is

feet

eight feet

is

much

the larger

sail

of the

of almost incredible length in the larger-sized boats.

yard for the smaller

of

size is

from forty-nine

with lofty peak

flat,

and the boat

is

to fifty

feet

but notwithstanding

thus

this,

the

extremely handy under such a

any other manoeuvre requiring quick movements.

rig in tacking, staying, or

The

(i.e.

accommodation, and a broad, open cockpit or well.

interior

which

enabling them to set a very large

sail,

ram

the smaller size are sixteen feet on deck, whilst the breadth of

of a boat rigged

After the latine fore-sail

in this

manner may be performed by one

under the control

is

once

set, it

the person attending the main-sheet, and

may

be turned about in any direction with

ease and precision.

the mast

and as

An

iron traveller

is

is

entirely

connected with the

this is the only fastening

by which the

boom

sail is

of

at the lower part of

held down, the Norfolk

may be worked with almost equal facility to that of a revolving-rigged boat.

The boom is elevated a little above deck, so that nothing may incommode the crew the
latine

mizzen works of

Ihe Norfolk

itself

with

little

or no trouble.

latine is altogether a
1

most useful and ingenious rig

Infra, p. 82

64

et seq.

for short tacking in

Thic
smooth water, in
narrow waters

fact,

La tine.

Strangford

none can compare with

for beating

it

np against wind in very

but for wide waters and sea-going purposes, the Norfolk latines were

never intended.
It is
so

much

matter of regret that this graceful and interesting form of rig

in favour as

enormous length

used to be on the Norfolk rivers

it

of the

yard required for spreading the

stowing a spar on board which

is

sail,

is

not nearly

the objection being, the

and the inconvenience

majority of the small yachts and pleasure-boats of the Norfolk inland waters are
rigged after the fashion of the Upper

Thames

of

Consequently, the

three times the length of the boat.

now

boats and the more popular Solent rig.

THE STEANfiEOKD LATINE.

The Strangford

This

is

who kindly

modern form

sent the

of latine rig,

Latine Rig.

upon

Author a description

a plan adopted

of it

His lordship's well-known

engraving has been made.

and boat-sailing are alone

sufficient to

by

the late Lord de Eos,

with a drawing, from which the above

recommend

it

skill

and

and experience in yachting

appears to be a handy and

it

Aveatherly rig for a small boat.

It will

the mast

be seen that the boom

by a jack-rope,

a,

which

is
is

small blocks, or of metal thimbles,

either partially for reefing, or

from the fore end

of

and

ratline

b,

but the yard

d,

is

composed

kept to
of

two

thus enabling the yard to be lowered,

wholly for striking

sail,

without disengaging the tack

the boom, which would have to be done

and held to the mast by a

The boom and

parrelled to the mast at

hauled taut by a small tackle,

if

the yard were hoisted

traveller.

gaff thus close like a pair of compasses

65

and the

reef -points being

ic

The
run from the apex
reefed

is

Sailing- Bo at.

at the tack, to the usual distance

brought down lower, but the aft-power of

it is

on the aft-leech, the

sail,

when

not diminished. 1

NOKFOLK WHERRIES.

Norfolk Wherry,

These

vessels

broads of Norfolk

may
:

properly be described as the inland cargo boats of the rivers and

they are used chiefly for the conveyance of heavy merchandise, such

as corn, flour, meal,

&c, and

bricks, lime,

and other building materials,

various towns and business places on those water ways.

owners on the Broads have

fitted

up some

Of

and,

it

and from the

of these vessels as pleasure-wherries,

provided them with centre-boards to enable them to navigate under

of the locality

to

late years enterprising boat

appears, with considerable success

sail

and

the waterways

the whole of the cargo-carry-

ing portion of the wherry being thus utilised and fitted with saloon sleeping cabins, and

them into house-boats for small boating parties,

summer of the opportunity of a few weeks' inexpensive

other accommodation, and so converting

who,
1

it

seems, avail themselves in

The Author has

brought

it

called this the

'

Strangf orcl Latine,' as the inventor, the late Lord de Ros,

into use at Strangford.

66

first tried

and

Norfolk

Wherries.

and thoroughly enjoyable boating and fishing excursions on those interesting and
picturesque waters the Norfolk Broads.

The Norfolk wherry

is

shallow, barge-like form of vessel, unsuited to

flat,

from 20

30 tons

and in length from 50

to

60

by 10

feet,

sea-

They

going purposes, or indeed any other than the navigation of those inland waters.

12 feet

to

vary in

size

beam

they have a very large and broad rudder, and when laden, draw only 1\ to

to

3 feet of water.

The wherry

which

is

but there

is

a heavy contrivance, standing well forward in the bows, and

is

rigged with one

is

The mast

no boom.

is

pivoted just above deck to a

heavy

only, a

sail

hoisted with the aid of a windlass, and the gaff

is

or main-sail

with chain

slings,

whereby the mast can be raised or lowered at

passing to and fro under the numerous bridges that

tabernacle,'

'

pleasure, for the convenience of

The

span the inland rivers and canals of the locality.

is

gaff- sail

fitted

raising

and lowering

of the

mast

accomplished with facility by means of iron weights of several cwts., which are placed

in a case affixed to the heel of the mast

vance of mast,

sail,

and gaff

are no shrouds on either side the

the wherry, being set

and, assisted

by a windlass, the whole

mast

but a stout fore-stay

up by means

made

is

contri-

There

quickly raised or lowered as occasion requires.

is

stem of

fast at the

the windlass and double-sheaved blocks and

of

tackle.

The

main-sail

is

usually fitted with a bonnet, laced to the foot of the

used only in light winds, but taken

off

when

is

sail

this is

heavy.

the mast-head these wherries carry a small vane, attached to a slender iron staff

At

with a metal revolving tube, to which a

direction in

under

the wind

sail,

which the wind

is

blowing

little flag

the narrow winding rivers of the Broads

where the direction

of the

is

attached, to

indicate the true

this contrivance is indispensable in navigating,

wind can be seen

as,

at a glance

contrary to large open waters,

by the

ripples on the surface, in

these land-locked canals there are no such indications.

In a calm or head wind, recourse

ordinary barge-pole

with a wooden
the

mud

or the

fin or

banks

the quant

is

is

Quant (Norfolk).

had

shod at

to
its

Quant, or Quanting-pole, similar to an

lower end with a stout iron ferule, and

shoulder just above the ferule, to prevent

of the river

and

at the

it

from going deep into

upper end with a knob or shoulder-piece,

which the wberry-mau presses his shoulder when propelling the wherry.
Quanting the wherry against a strong wind is a somewhat laborious task.

against

67

The

Sailing-Boat.

In the summer season much pleasure

for fishing

may be

derived by a small party with a taste

and boating on fresh water, by a few weeks' sojourn and cruising in a

modern well-equipped wherry on the Norfolk Broads.

THE SOLENT

BIG.

andicoot" (Solent Rig).

The

chief characteristic of the Solent rig (erroneously called a

in the sail-plan of the main-sail, which, as will be seen

08

'

lugger rig

by the above

')

consists

illustration, is cut

The Solent Rig.

with a very pointed peak, thereby combining top-sail and main-sail in one.
that respect from a gaff-sail, and also in the fact that, instead of a gaff,

yard

and when

to the mast,

though

it

seldom

is

nor

hoops or rings, as in some other modes of

bowsed down
boom.
boat

to a cleat at the

laced to a

yard stands nearly parallel with the mast, and thereby

fairly set the

answers the purpose of main-sail and top-sail combined.

be laced

It differs in

it is

is

rig.

it

The

fore-leech of the sail

may

necessarily held to the mast

The tack

of

the Solent main-sail

by
is

lower part of the mast, just below the goose-neck of the

So rigged the boat will stay, on being put about, as readily as a cutter-rigged
the foot of the

sail

fore-sail is also

in the Solent rig

carried, and,

laced to the boom.

is

on the larger

class of boat, a jib as well

but no

top-sail.

It is not at all surprising that the rig

has become very popular in our small-class

69

Sailing-Boat.

The

is a powerful and effective one

It is pretty and attractive
fleet,
ordinary
on a small yacht or a half-decked sailing-boat; is handy and safe under
gaff-sail.
a
for
required
management, and may be used with a shorter mast than that
The Solent rig first came into general use amongst the small racing- yachts on the

racing and pleasure

Solent,

in the year 1889.

It

was introduced by Mr.

Lapthorne and Eatsey, the eminent

sail- makers of

Tom

Eatsey, of the firm of

Cowes, Isle of Wight

and has been

a favourite rig for the smaller class of racing yachts ever since.
It

was

not, however, a

new

invention, as boats so rigged have occasionally been in

use on the rivers of the East Coast for

many

years past

boats of very similar rig more than forty years

illustration

from the pencil

of the late

Mr.

J.

certainly

is

so rigged a

not a lug, and

'

lugger.'

No

it is

sail

calls it

'

misnomer

'

'

as the

is

shown by the

lived at Stour Lodge,

that the rig has

the Solent rig

to call it

which

when he

E. Kirby,

But now

Essex, on the banks of the Eiver Stour.

popular on the Solent, the Author

and the Author himself had two

ago, one of

become generally

more appropriate.

lug,' as it also is to call a

It

boat

cut with such a peak, aud standing nearly parallel with

the mast, can either properly or correctly be termed a

70

'

lug-sail.'

Neither does the fact

Bembridge
that a yard

headed

sail,

is

Club

used instead of a gaff make

so cut that a top-sail

may

it

Boats.
lug-sail, the latter

be set above

it.

being a square-

THE BEMBEIDGE CLUB BOATS.

Bembridge Club Boat.

These

boats,

with the

now well-known Bembridge

rig,

were designed by Captain

E. du Boulay, of the Boyal Victoria Yacht Club, in the year 1889, for the
16, 20 and 46.
The drawing from which the illustration was made, and the
the Author by Captain du Boulay.
1

Bembridge

See engravings of luggers, supra, pages

to

<

71

details as to dimensions,

&c, were kindly sent

The
The

Sailing Club,' Isle of Wight,

Sailing-Boat.
boats are the property of the Bembridge Club, and

intended chiefly for the use of the members of that Club to practise boat-sailing

They

are open boats with drop keels

and

flat

rounded

or deck-way, leaving an open well with plenty of

and

room

Their dimensions are 16 feet over

halliards.

all,

for manipulation of the sheets

by

5-feet- 4-inch

ballasted with 7 cwt, of inside ballast and an iron keel weighing 3 cwt.
is

made

With

of galvanized boiler plate.

in.

square stern, and a scantling

floor,

beam; they
;

are

the drop keel

the keel up, they draw only 1 foot of water

the object being to enable them to navigate the shallows off the east coast of the Isle of

Wight.

The
one

rig of the

sail,

Bembridge Club boats

and

consists of main-sail

top-sail

combined in

with a batten on one side representing gaff and main-sail peak, as shown in the

illustration,

and a separate

The combined

fore-sail.

main-sail and top-sail are hoisted

one halliard, the yard being hooked to a traveller which holds

it

close to the

by

upper part

The mast is stepped forward in the bows of the boat, and the main-sail
boom reaching to the extreme end of the stern and extending about
2 feet beyond it. Beefing may be expeditiously performed by slacking the halliard, and
then rolling the flap of the sail round the boom (to which it is abeady laced). The
boom can revolve only when pulled away about a couple of inches from the mast. As
soon, therefore, as the requisite extent of canvas has thus been rolled up, the boom is
of the mast.

has a revolving

pushed back

to the mast,

halliard being set

boAvsprit,

up again.

and

is

immediately locked in

The tack

which extends about three

its

feet

beyond the stem, the

luff

leads from the mast head

bowsprit, and the fore-sail

may

through the hollow

roller

to

end of the

of this sail

seized to a light hollow pine-wood roller, with a brass reel at the lower end.

stay

by the

original position

of the fore-sail is secured at the outer

being

The

fore-

the outer end of the

thus be readily rolled up, reefed, or furled, as

may

be

by a pull on the ratline attached to the reel. The Island Sailing Club at
Cowes and the Hythe Yacht Club on the Soiithampton river, have each two or three

required,

of these boats for the use of

members

of their

72

Club in which

to practise boat- sailing.

Sailing- Canoes.

SAILING-CANOES.

Sailing-Canoe, with Radix patent folding centre-plate.

The

illustration

shows the contour

Eadix patent folding

centre-plate.

of a sailing-canoe of

fitted to the stern of the canoe, as usual, is

to enable the canoeist to

The

rig

is

that

known

with the modern self-reefing

The
most

The
light

of

yawl

and charming

of the

rudder from the well

little

boats

some are

them have a revolving centre-board, and

spars,

being

of the canoe.

fittings.

fitted

many

of

them, very

with one mast, some with two

occasionally one

may be

rig varies, but the favourite is the battened gunter-sail, with

bamboo

of

rig for canoes, with battened lug-sail, fitted

smaller class of sailing- canoes at the present day are,

attractive

type, fitted with a

forward of the mizzen-mast, the object being

have complete control

as the ordinary

modern

be observed that the rudder, instead

It will

seen with two.

self-reefing fittings,

and a balance rudder.

73

The

Sa iling-Boa

t.

Yacht Club,
Tliose competing for prizes in the sailing matches of the Koyal Canoe
according to
constructed
must
be
clubs,
or in the matches of some other canoe sailing
details
other
and
area,
sail
depth,
breadth,
length,
the requirements of the club as to
:

they

are also required to

or to be of a heavier class

be

fitted

with bulkheads, and to be unsinkable

if

capsizable

and non-capsizable.

Sailing-canoes are of various sizes, and are classed accordingly when competing in
The chief advantages of a small sailing-canoe are that, if the wind
sailing matches.

Cruising-Canoe (Rushton).

fails,

the canoe

paddle

may be

structure is so light

haul

it

propelled

and, being of easy draft,

by a

pair of light sculls, or

may be

a double-bladed hand-

and handy that the canoeist can readily

lift it

and the whole

out of the water and

up on going ashore.

The

sail-carrying

power

of a canoe of this class

or that of the position in the

canoe of the canoeist,

depends mainly on the live

who

sits

or reclines

more

ballast,

or less to

and in a
to the strength or power of the wind upon the sails
wind he may sometimes be seen leaning over the gunwale, with the object of

windward, according
strong

by

navigated in shallow water

74

Sailing- Canoes.
throwing his whole weight out to windward to counterpoise the canoe and keep her on
her keel.

In some

American sailing-canoes, and

of the small

sliding- seat is used,

which may be

slid out to

out over and beyond the gunwale, as

means

of counterpoising the

and comfortless

position,

power

worthy

on an outrigger

of the

of the

New

Indian Archipelago

if

so also in

windward

some

so that the

of the British, a

canoeist

may

no doubt very effective as

wind upon the

sail,

sit

but a somewhat perilous

South Sea Islanders and other natives

of the

Canoe Rig (Rushtcm).

where, at whatever season of the year the inevitable capsize occurs,

the venturesome athlete finds the water nicely warm, and himself, probably, none the

worse for his ducking

the result of the capsize

not
is

however, in the chilly waters of the British Islands, where

so,

usually anything but agreeable.

Under the rules of the Thames Sailing-boat Association,

crew to hang outside the boat are not permitted.
'

75

'

appliances for enabling the

Sailing- Bo at.

The

THE MOHICAN

This
is

is

a rig of

American

may be

reefed in a few

and

origin,

adapted for a single-handed canoe

is

the

moments by the

EIG.

one of the best for a small sailing-canoe

sail

may be

set or

lowered with

single occupant of the

canoe.

facility,

It is

it

and

one of

Mr. Rushton's admirable contrivances for small sailing-boats.

THE HUMBEE YAWL CLUB SAILING-BOATS.

The

sailing boats of this enterprising

description in the pages of any

and popular Club are well worthy

work devoted

to the subject of boats

To the Humber Yawl Club belongs the

and

of note

and

boat-sailing.

credit of the introduction of a

modern

type of canoe cruising-yawl, possessing advantages and capabilities unsurpassed by

those of any other canoe club in the United Kingdom.

The

chief merits of the type are, its

ample internal accommodation, consistent with

76

Sailing- Canoes.
and depth, power derived from large displacement, moderate
and it is a safe and capable craft in a sea-way.
sailing powers

length, breadth,

possessing fast

77

draft, yet

Sailing- Bo at.

The
The cruising-yawls
some

the

of

Humber Yawl Club

the

of

are not all of this

modem

type:

vary considerably, but internal accommodation has always

ones

older

been kept in view as an indispensable adjunct to those destined for cruising purposes.

Nor are the boats of this Club all of the same class and rig some that are destined
mainly for the Humber, Hornsea Mere, and other home waters, are only half-decked,
;

whilst others are open boats

some are rigged

are Centre-board Canoe-yawls

at present a

few only

and some as Cutters

as Sloops,

which there are House Boats, Sailing Dinghies, &e.

and recently a One-Design Class has been

of the class

besides

but by far the greater majority

but

started,

have been constructed.

In the modern type, the overhang fore and aft has been introduced, but only to a
limited extent, and that chiefly in the yawl-rigged boats,

been utilised for the purpose

of stepping the

thereby the loop-tiller of the older

style,

whereby the aft-overhang has

mizzen-mast abaft the rudder-head, and

which encircled the mizzen-mast, has been

superseded.

The modern design

is

adaptable to a single-masted and single-handed cruiser as

well as to those of the larger class of yawl-rigged cruisers;

fairly reasonable extent of
all

but always reserving a

accommodation for two persons, in a permanent cabin,

times dry and cosy, the middle part of which

left entirely clear,

is

at

thereby greatly

increasing the extent of cabin room.

The dimensions
of

the Club, are:

overhang

bow, 2

of one of the boats of the

Length
feet

stern,

L.W.L., 5 feet 3 inches;

1"25 tons; ballast

iron

The construction
added

is

over

1 foot 9 inches

draft

(extreme),

main keel and

In the cruising-yawls

The

at

iron keel

is

with

flat

bent keel, the

fin

bolted up through the dead

being

wood

of

floors.

of this

Club the members do not confine themselves to the

some

and dykes

of

of

them venture year by year on

Holland and Belgium; and the year 1897 saw, for the

German waters than which no finer canoe

have been chosen. The upper reaches of the Elbe and

the flag of the H.Y.C. in

could, perhaps,

Mecklenburg

lakes of

and

(extreme), 5 feet 9 inches

displacement, 2,800 pounds, or

cruises

foreign waters, the favourite locality for their excursions being the inland seas,

rivers,

the

beam

Year-book

length on L.W.L., 18 feet;

keel, 1,181 pounds.

cruising waters of the British Islands

in

type, as stated in the

3 feet;

essentially that of a canoe,

after the hull is completed.

the tin and the

modern

21 feet 9 inches;

all,

offer pleasant

new Kaiser Wilhelm Canal

and interesting

affords a ready

varieties to

first

time,

cruising ground

the picturesque

the canoeist;

and accessible route

to

the

and
broad

tideless waters of the Baltic.

The

illustration of the canoe cruising-yawl

acquisitions to the

Humber Yawl

The Lapwing was intended

Lapwing

is

that of one of the most recent

Club.
to

be

adaptable

78

as

far

as

possible to the various

Humber
purposes

of

Yawl

Club

Sailing- Canoes.

home and abroad

inland cruising both at

a boat

alike

suitable

localities,

as for the land-locked waters of Holland,

as well

for

home

navigating the waters of Hornsea Mere, the Humber, Bridlington, and other

Belgium, Denmark, and

Germany.

The Lapwing

17 feet 6 inches;
5 feet 7 inches;

The Lapwing

are

beam,

is

and a

Length over
draft

feet;

of

steel rudder,

Member

is

of the

23 feet 6 inches; length on L.W.L.,

all,

hull,

feet;

with centre-plate down,

the steel centre-plate weighing about

300 square feet;

area,

sail

two hundredweight

Max Howard, who

from a design by Mr.

is

Her dimensions

H.Y.C.

sharpened on the lower edge.

rigged with one mast only, and has three battens extending across

the main-sail from fore-leech to aft-leech

the complete rig being baften main-sail, and

roller jib.

The
long

In order to get the advantage of a

is worthy of special note.
two chain wheels are used, connected by an endless chain kept taut by

steering gear

tiller,

a turn-buckle

the arrangement does

away with the

The

projecting far into the cock-pit.

cock-pit

The mast does not come below, but works

valve.

necessity of having the tiller

self-baling,

is

with waste pipe and

in its tabernacle above deck, thus

avoiding the difficulty of manipulating the centre-plate arm, which works through the
mast-step as shown in the illustration.

In the Year-books
not
of

the

only in

of the

the

for

purpose

similar trips,

Humber Yawl Club

Wash and

Holland, Belgium,
of

other

Northern
affording

home

are

waters,

some excellent notes on

but also

in

the

cruising,

waters

inland

The notes are written

who may be contemplating

Germany, and Denmark.

information

others

to

and they contain, besides, much useful information as

charges and other details, of which

many

a cruising canoeist

to cost, Customs'

would be glad

to

avail

himself.

For comfort, handiness, and convenience

type

better

could

be adopted than one

Mr. Albert Strange, the designer of some

Yawl Club.
The design
from the board
of the

H.Y.C. and

chiefly for the

The

of
of

the Otter Canoe- Yacht

Mr. Albert Strange.

of the

Lower

illustrations

Through the courtesy

Canadian Boyal

Lawrence Biver.

of

the

acknowledge the assistance

no

hy the master hand

of

those designed

(of

St.

most approved boats

which

of the

Humber

illustrations are here given) is

was designed for Mr. B. J. Durley,

Lawrence Yacht Club, and was intended

Otter

complete as to

details,

&c, that

it

would

and Members of the Humber Yawl Club the Author has been enabled
Lapwing from the Year Books of that Club. Eroni the same source he
he has derived as to details, &c, in the narrative above given of the leading

of the Captain

to reproduce the illustrations of the

desires to

so

as a Cruising Canoe- Yacht, probably

of the

The

St.

Otter are

of

features and objects of the sailing-boats of the Club.

79

The

Sailing- Bo at.

80

Shuldham

Revolving Rig.

's

be superfluous to add to the description what can be better ascertained by reference

to them.

"Otter," Canoe,

sail

plan.

SHULDHAM'S REVOLVING
This singular but ingenious mode of rig

Molyneux Shuldham,
other
its

original

originality

when under

on a

Many
tests,

and

sent

the invention of the

is

the

Captain

late

Author drawings, sketches, and

information, together with a brief history of the invention, showing-

is

enabled from his

the able management of

Stour,

qualities

who kindly

and success under repeated

which, the Author

rivers

Ii.X.,

RIG.

Deben, and Orwell,

to

trials at

own

its

Woolwich and elsewhere

inventor, in

testify

besides

personal observation of one of the boats,

to

its

Harwich Harbour, and on the

power, handiness, and weatherly

Avind.

years ago, the revolving rig was frequently submitted to public and practical
Avas entirely successful

under

Ar arious

81

trials,

which

called forth letters and

Thie

Sailing-Boat.

from some of the then most eminent officers in the Navy, all acknowledging the
remarkable capabilities of boats rigged on the revolving plan.
The invention of the revolving mast and rig appears to have originated entirely
reports

The ~Kavy Board were

with Captain Shuldham.

the non- originality of

it

have a shear-mast which revolves on part

1

at fault in their

of a circle.

Vessels fitted with, tripod masts, which revolve on part of a

(Vide infra, Foreign Boats.)

endeavours to find out

the Chinese boats bore the nearest resemblance, some of Avhich

The Sooloo Pirate Boats are

also used a shear-mast.

82

Captain Shuklham's

circle,

are

common

first

notion

in the Indian Archipelago.

also rigged with a shear-mast.

The Ancient Egyptians

Shuldham 's Revolving Rig.

to contrive the rig of a boat so as not only to sail well,

was

He

conceived the idea that the most perfect

and be a moveable plane with

as a board,

but to be easiest handled.

would be that which would stand as flat

axis on a line with it, and which could be

sail

its

placed in any position so as to receive the fullest or the least effect of the wind's

power.

was supposed, when the yacht America entered our waters in the year 1851, that
of lacing sails to booms, and making them stand as flat
boards but it is a plan which Captain Shuldham seems to have adopted from his
It

no Englishman had ever thought

as

which date from the commencement

earliest experiences,

of the present century,

when

he rigged a sloop with only two working sails, main- sail and fore-sail the fore-sail was
laced to a boom, which was found very convenient, enabling the inventor to work to
;

windward without any

by leading two fore-guys within reach

help, merely

at the helm.

Captain Shuldham says he discontinued the rig on account only of his having found

very troublesome in a heavy

One gentleman,
says, that

declare

'

his report

trial

which took place

and although the vessel

it

was

Brighton adds

at

was leaky and very objectionable

disadvantages,

she

clear to

windward

of

the revolving

trials of

saw the plan tried

and not for

'
:

built for stowage

as a trial vessel,

all

rig,

sail,

Another, also a Captain in the

upon was

tried

speed, and she

went

upon

and readiness in lowering the

be the handiest rig I ever witnessed.'

Navy, on reporting a
here

Navy, in

a captain in the

for squalls, for convenience in reefing

it to

it

squall.

yet

under these

the fast-sailing craft which were

opposed to her, and fully established the superiority of the plan, as presenting a means
of effecting a

windward passage with greater speed and

certainty than

any vessel

of the

rigs hitherto in use.'

The

principle of the invention consists of

two or more spars

affixed to a base turning

upon a strong iron pivot, the upper end of the spars being secured

by

a cap, so that the

depends for support on an iron spindle, stepped in an

The original invention was confined to two spars only for
iron socket on the keelson.
but for those of six tons and
the mast, which is all that are necessary for small boats

whole machinery

of

mast and

sail

upwards, three or more spars, fixed as a tripod, will answer better and add stability

and safety

to the

strain off the

working

of the boat, as the

mast then supports

itself

and takes

all

the

boom.

For larger or decked boats, a top-mast may be

to great advantage in light

winds

fitted

also a ring-tail

and a jib-headed

boom and

top-sail used

stern- sails, for

running

before light winds.

The boom and bowsprit must be contrived

far

of

spars,

and may extend as

boom and

bowsprit, but with

two separate

over the stem and stern of the boat as a cutter's

considerable spring at each end; the main-sail, fore-sail and jib are maintained as one
sail of

triangular shape, laced all the

way

along the

83

boom and spread by

a tough yard.

The
The

when

sail,

wrinkle

and

Sailing-Boat.

properly made, .should stand just as

as it

as

flat

moves with the mast and not around

it, is

a board, and without a

never deranged from

its

drum-like surface.

At

right angles with the sheer and on the revolving base, are fixed

which the boom

lies

these serve to keep the outer ends of the

boom

two iron

rests in

The

aft rest

up.

Revolver Scudding.

much higher than the fore one, so as to keep the boom from dipping in the
when lying over in a breeze. The fore end of the yard is hinged to the fore end

should be

water

of the bowsprit

by means

radiating lines along the

With

of

sail,

an iron joint or goose-neck;

from the fore end

of the

boom

the reefs are formed in

to the aft-leech of the sail.

regard to the due proportion of spars for the triangular

be three-fifths of the whole, and the bowsprit two-fifths

84

sail,

the

boom should

but for a lug-sail the bow-

Shuldham 's
sprit should

Rig.
>,

Revolving-

be a trine more than one-third

of the

whole length.

If

there be less urea

of canvas forward, then the strain on the sheet, in sailing before the wind would be

greater,

The

which

would be well

it

to avoid.

slings should be placed on the

main yard about two-thirds of its length from

by which means it is

the fore end, leaving only one-third to extend abaft the mast,

impossible for the peak of the

sway

sail to

to leeward, as the

peak

of a cutter's

main-

the
it being kept in a direct angle with the boom, thereby defying any bend of
sail
yard or belly to the sail. Tim length of the yard must be exactly three-fourths the
length of the boom and bowsprit, so as to preserve a central pressure under every
;

increase or reduction of

The bowsprit

shordcl

sail.

be loaded

at the outer

This

the weight of spars and sails to leeward.

plan

but

when

carefully considered

it is

end with

may

lead,

run into

to counterpoise

it

appear at hrst sight an injudicious

not only practicable but ingenious.

The masts are supported in various ways, according to the tonnage

In open boats, a flat-shaped revolving mast without rigging will answer.
boats or small vessels a
rollers

vessels,

or iron pivot supports the Avhole

wooden

between two circular sweeps

or

firmly

rings,

For decked

strain.

circumference of the revolving base,

are affixed to the

of the vessel.

In larger

Avhich

secured to the gunwales

work

and deck,

supporting the whole strain in every direction.

A very strong
this

may be

double or treble block

readily inferred,

lieu of the main,

gaff,

when

and one that

therefore be strong,

and

fore-sail,

is

it is

will overhaul easily.

The

revolving base

and

The purchase should

shears should be let into the

and well secured with hoops.

is shown above the bulwarks

it

In the illustration, the revolving base

of explanation.

The

revolver's halliards are in

jib halliards of a cutter.

mast-head with great nicety, riveted to

done for the purpose

required for hoisting the revolver's sails

remembered that the

this has

been

not of necessity fixed so

is

on the contrary, in several of Captain Shuldham's boats the revolvingbase was hidden below the bulwarks, and the shears only were seen above the gunwale.
high in the boat

In rigging and

fitting a revolver, the novice is advised

particular from the instructions here given, as Captain

plan, before perfecting the invention;

not to deviate in any essential

Shuldham

tried every conceivable

and his best and most approved notions with

regard to the rig are here stated.

It is one of the
incline

upwards at

main features

in

the outer ends, as

the revolving rig that both

shown

bowsprit ami boom should

in the engravings.

sail made to fit a yard oj the

The consequence was, that with one reef down the boat carried
an unpleasant Aveather helm with two reefs an increased one and with three she could
hardly be kept from luffing into the Avind's eye but by making the yard about fourthe sail Avas the
fifths the length of the boom, the centre of the Avind's pressure upon

The

inventor once tried the experiment of a revolving

same length as

the boom.

85

Sailing- Bo at.

The
same in a longitudinal direction under

all

reduction of canvas.

This experiment at once

convinced the inventor of the absolute necessity of maintaining a due proportion in the
revolver's yard

and boom.

One-masted Revolver.

The

after

shows a revolving-rigged boat with a

illustration

single

was the contrivance of a friend of the Author' sj who,

studying and experimenting upon the Shuldham revolving rig, contrived to produce

mast, instead of a tripod

this

Single-masted Revolver.

a rig with

which every manoeuvre capable

of

being performed with the shear-masted

revolver could be done with his single-masted revolver.

contrivance in the fewest possible words

topsy-turvy, thus

it

making the base revolve around the

mast revolving around the base.

In

all

To

state the principle of the

was by turning Captain Shuldham's tripod

single mast, instead of the tripod

other respects he followed the

86

Shuldham

rig.


Shuldham 's Revolving Rig.
MANAGEMENT OF REVOLVING-EIGGED

AS TO THE

A revolving-rigged boat,
kind

when

go the

way

quickest

what

and sheet

of sailing or laying a vessel to

would suppose a vessel could be

wind abeam on the quarter

again,

what

to place

sailor

However,

about?

sailor

would be by easing

of putting a revolver about

was a good plan

What

points itself head to the wind.

would dream

sailor

sailor

sail

hove to

'

or nearly right aft

some

'

with

all

And what

off

for

all

of the

of sail should

them

all at

the

much experience. As the power

much more than any other rig can

once but by

and

also

upon judging what

be carried with prudence.

of the peculiarities of the revolving rig, at first sight, will strike the novice as

rig is that the vessel

may

other methods.

all

One

singular evolution belonging to the

actually be hove-to with all sail set and the

on the quarter, and kept in that position during pleasure

when wishing

to stop the vessel

suddenly to avoid

which

collision, or to

is

way given

or

This

may be done and

may be

sailed stern fore-

again to the revolver in a few seconds.

vessel

may

be laid-to with her stern to windward, or

A two-masted revolver when

close hauled might, in case of emergency,

or put about without the aid of a rudder,

merely by a slight sway

the revolving method the dangerous practice

of

ends of which arc made fast to the fore end of the

jybing the

its axis,

bringing

it

fore

and

boom

aft or at right angles

be guided

of the sail.

and may be entirely avoided, the whole being worked by means

twisted on

wind abeam

a great convenience

allow of a boat coming

alongside to shift a passenger or goods from one to the other.

By

it

And

bowsprit?

the above have been tried and proved over a ad over again

curiously at variance with

The

with the

set,

would imagine that

sailor

would suppose that a vessel having no way upon her could be put

will to carry as little sail as possible,

most.

And

Again, what

her flying kites

end

the latter

the main- sheet?

possibly carry, a great deal of revolving seamanship must depend

Many

when

would suppose that the

stern foremost ?

of the vessel's ballast at the

inventor not having discovered

amount

easily handled, but it requires another

is

of seamanship, constant attendance at the halliards

is let

is at

understood,

BOATS.

sail

is

optional,

of a bridle,

thus the

sail

both

can be

with the keel with great

velocity.

The revolving rig will answer for almost any description of sail. The shape is not
any one particular form more than another the lug or any other sail can be

limited to

worked on the revolving principle with equal facility.

For vessels navigating intricate channels or crowded waters, the revolving rig
peculiarly adapted, as the vessel

may

be almost instantaneously stopped by

reversed.
1

The whole

of this is verbatim

from the pen

87

of the late Captain

Shuldham,

all sail

is

being

The

Sailing-Boat,
&

In the event of getting aground, the revolver's

instant to help her off

may

it

may

sails

all

occasions, be

therefore, on such

be thrown aback in an

found very convenient

to sail a vessel stern foremost.

Another important feature is that the shear-mast may be easily and quickly lowered,
without the necessity of unrigging or deranging a single rope or unbending the sails

great consideration and convenience for passing under bridges.

A
with

large spread of canvas can be set in running before the wind, and

Again, the nicety of

its

balance renders

worst apparently that can happen

is,

of the revolving sails

experience, but

when once

fly fore

and

aft,

may be added

smooth water, the

certainty of staying, either in a sea-way or in

The working

may

stated

and the small compass in which the evolution

little

be reduced

impossible to be taken aback, aud the

it

that the sail

To the many advantages before

the wind.

may

more simply and expeditiously than by any other mode.

less labour,

facility in

wearing

performed.

is

by means

or point itself to

the quickness and

some

of the long sheet or bridle requires

and

learnt is simple

One end

perfect.

of the sheet

should be made fast to the extreme end of the bowsprit, and rove through a single block
at

any convenient distance from the

aft

end

the other end of the

the boom
made fast there, leaving as much

of

in the sheet as to belay the bight

when

the

boom

In waring without jybing the

boat's hull.

sheet

should be passed to the end of the bowsprit and

is

sail,

when the boat is nearly right before the wind

the man at the helm must lay hold on the other
;

slack

squared or at right angles with the

the sheet must be eased off or let go

whilst the

boom

is

swinging overhead

part of the sheet and haul through

quickly, which gives a bridle on the other side of the boom, forming both a fore-guy
a sheet,

which may be belayed

In addition

to the bridle a short

the standing part

affixed to the

made

and

or not.

main-sheet might be used for working to windward,

fast amidships

and the

fall,

leading through a single block

boom, can be instantly unrove in bearing up

to

The

run before the wind.

short sheet will be found convenient, although unnecessary, the bridle being sufficient
to

answer every purpose.

When

sailing close-hauled, in a shear-masted revolver, the top-sail only can

addition to her large

them.

sail,

It is in sailing

additional sails will be

Reefing
to

which

The

it

flic

be

set in

flat

with

with the wind on the quarter or abaft that the advantage of

felt.

Revolving Sails.

may be

first

because the others cannot be made to stand equally

There

are one or

two modes

of reefing

revolving

sails,

Avell to call attention.

and best

is

by

lacing the foot of the sail to a

correspond in colour with the

sail.

iron stanchions at the extremities of

This board

boom and

is

flat

board, painted white to

pivoted at both ends, and works in two

bowsprit, so as to be turned easily

it is

provided with self-acting catches at each end so that a reef can be taken by merely a

88

Shuldham 's Revolving Rig.

half -turn of the board,

and by several turns the

the board the reverse way, the reefs

sail

may be

may be shaken

out

speedily furled.

By turning

the halliards must be slacked

Revolver close-reefed.

If a sail of triangular

during the performance.

shape

is to

be reefed in this manner, the

reef-board must also be triangular.

Another method

any reef -board or

of reefing

roller,

quadrangular and triangular revolving

will reef the sail on a small scale,

The

sails is

without

but by lacing the reefs with an endless rope, a pull of which

and a few pulls on a large oue.

greatest objection to the revolving rig seems to be the

room which the revolving

base occupies in the boat.

The

invention of the revolving

rig

was

for

many

years

patented

the patent,

however, expired in the year 1839.

1

This

(See post,

'

mode of reefing sails appears

Malay Jellores,' &c.)

to be similar to that adopted

by tbe islanders

of tlie

Indian Archipelago

The.

Sailing-Boat.

CENTRE BOARDS, SLIDING KEELS, AND REVOLVING TCEELK

Centre-board keel, 1774.

Centre-boards, as a

leeway when sailing

means
'

of holding a sailing-vessel to

on a wind,' are

ancient

of

windward and

contrivance,

for preventing

derived from the

catamarans of South America.

In the year 1774 a boat with a centre-board extending about two-thirds of the length
of the keel

was built for Lord Percy

which, as far as

is

known

at Boston,

and afterwards brought over to England,

was the

at the present day,

first of

the kind brought into use

in British waters.

Captain (afterwards Admiral) Schank

termed

is

said to

and there are several models

sliding keels,

of

have been the inventor

them

in the

of

what are

United Service Museum.

u
Sliding keel, 1794.

The

'

invention,'

more short planks

if

such

it

may be

of wood through a

termed, consists merely in that of sliding one or

slit,

or

slits,

cut through the keelson so as to

permit of the planks being dropped through to the extent required, below the keel, with
the object of preventing

manner

lee- way

when

the ship

as that in use for centuries previously

is

close hauled, in precisely the

same

Pernambuco in

their

by the natives

of

catamarans. 1

Captain Schank's invention was publicly tested so long ago as the year 1791, on
the cutter Trial, and highly laudatory reports thereon were

made

to the Admiralty.

Captain Schank also about that time published a short treatise on the subject.

The Revolving Keel, which

or the sliding keel,

is

a totally different contrivance to either the centre-board

was invented by the

1

late

Captain Shiddham, B.N.,

Vide infra, South American Sailing Rafts.

90

when

prisoner of

Revolving Keels.
war

at

Yerdun, in the year 1809; the original model then made by him

Museum

the

at Ipswich, Suffolk

model was

also exhibited in

London

deposited in

is

at the Adelaide

Gallery, about the year 1829.

Eevolving keels have since been in

under the name

Centre-hoards.

of

The

common

both in England and America,

use,

probability

is,

that the idea of the revolving

was taken from Captain Shuldham's model in the Adelaide Gallery, and about
that time found its way across the Atlantic, and was introduced under the name of a
keel

'

Centre-board.'

It

is,

however, precisely that of Captain Shuldham's revolving keel.

Totally different to the sliding keel, as also to the centre-board,

single pivot or bolt through the fore part of the keelson,

lowered at pleasure.
of

lead,

works

of

adding strength

wooden

to the case,

and avoiding the

Eevolving keels are

down)

itself,

down.

is

case, lined or

it

it

revolves upon a

may be

raised or

in Captain Shuldham's invention,

ballast

to

is

The keel

a certain extent.

ribbed with copper or zinc, for the purpose

keeping the keel clear of the woodwork, decreasing the

of different

shown

getting jammed.

forms, that most generally adopted

is

(when

let

in the illustration above.

that in which the revolving keel assumes a semi-circrdar form

There are various other types

others of metal

of

liability, otherwise, of

of triangular shape, as

Another form
let

revolving keel

and thereby serves the purpose

in a water-tight

friction,

The

whereby

of revolving or

but of whatever material,

if

'

when

drop keels,' some of wood,

turning on a pivot

when

raised

and

lowered, they follow Captain Shuldham's invention above described.

There are

also different

ways

of raising

and lowering the revolving keel

91

the most

The
primitive and simplest

is

by means

Sailing-Boat.
of a keel-rope passed

upper part of the keel, which gives a double power

affixed, consisting of a

power

By

to twelve.

and lowered with

The

this

simple but readier

to

to the

the keel-rope a tackle

is

means a keel weighing 5 cwt. and upwards may be raised

facility

centre of

round a sheave fixed

very small four-fold and a treble block, which will increase the

by the man

at

the helm, the utmost extent of raising

being up to the deck beams, wbick just brings

boat.

gravity

mode

is

is

its

lower edge even with the keel of the

thus vertically moveable at pleasure.

by means

of a small

wheel or ratchet.

SAILING BOATS WITH REVOLVING KEELS.

The "Truant.'

92

An

equally

Sailing Boats

A yeak

or

Revolving Keels.

with

by the surprising

after the great revolution in yacht building caused

two

performances of the schooner-yacht America in British waters in 1851, there came

another craft from
yacht.

New

York, but of diminutive

was a sailing-boat

It

of different

size in

form and design

comparison with the America

anything previously seen

to

in England, being very broad and very shallow, measuring only twenty feet on the

water

but of three and a-half tons burden, and rigged as a Sloop, with fore-sail and

line,

main-sail both laced to booms.

This

little

boat was called the Truant, and was constructed with a centre-board (or

drawn up or let
down at pleasure, after the manner of the late Captain Shuldham's invention.
The performances of this little vessel in beating to windward and scudding before
no English boat of her size could sail so close to the wind,
the wind were astonishing
nor run so swiftly before the wind and the result was, that the Truant completely
rather revolving keel), which was pivoted so as to be capable of being

vanquished on the river (as her larger

sister

the America had clone on the sea) every

boat that competed with her.

Another boat
similar success

of

was rigged with a

United

Una, followed shortly afterwards with

similar type, called the

but the rig of the Una was different to that

States.

Truant, outsailed

single gaff-sail, but without

any

of the Truant.

fore-sail,

This boat was also fitted with a revolving keel.

all

The Una

after the Cat rig of the

The Una,

like the

the British boats that competed with her, and thus a sort of second

revolution in racing boats was brought about.

These two boats, Truant and Una, were constructed upon the then most approved
lines of the

any kind

New York

of boat

boat builders, and were in

It is events such as these that

the spirit of enterprise so largely shared

The advantages
the revolving keel

of the British Islands.

and boat designing, and fed and fostered

among them.

of a centre-board (or revolving keel) are, that it

to enable the boat to

to

respects different to those of

have stimulated the British yacht and boat racing

fraternity to a closer study of the art of yacht

working

many

which had previously been seen in the waters

be sailed in shallow water

down,

it

and,

when

may

be drawn up

in deep water,

materially assists the boat in holding

its

by

course

letting

when

windward, or when reaching or sailing on a bow-line.

wooden centre-board does not make the boat any stiffer under sail, only more
but an iron or other heavy metal revolving keel, if sufficiently deep and
heavy, assists (when let down) in making the boat somewhat stiffer, but is not alone
weatherly

sufficient ballast to enable

her to carry a large spread of

The Author has seen (though not

sail

in a strong wind.

recently) shallow sailing boats, in shape just like

a tablespoon without the handle, but fitted with a revolving keel.

Supra, p. 31.

93

Such boats bear a

The

Sailing-Boat.

striking resemblance (with the exception of the revolving keel) to

class of

Sampans seen

Boats

such a type are not

of

from the force

and

breeze,

in Chinese waters,

so

fit

which however are never

some

of the smaller

sailed.

to carry sail, because of the

danger

of capsizing

wind and sea striking them underneath, when listing to the

forcing the hull over and bringing the revolving keel close up to
of the

the surface.

A shallow boat
list

much under

bilges

and

with a revolving keel or centre-board should never be allowed to

sail.

so of

Such boats are meant

any shallow form

may

only means by which boats of such a type

without

and

by

ballast, is

illustrated in

fitting

to

of sailing boat

them with a

sail

on their bottoms, not on their

with a high centre

and bulb keel

fin

The

of gravity.

be rendered safe under pressure of

after the

sail,

manner described

subsequent pages of this work.

Centre-boards and centre-plates, whether revolving or fixed, are undoubtedly best

adapted to boats of a shallow form

for

they are not suitable for a deep-bodied boat, or

any but small shallow yachts and

sailing

boats.

Our

enterprising cousins,

Americans, seem to rely upon them for yachts of any and every
to

some

which

of their larger sized racing yachts

sailed the

centre-board

for instance, the

match with Valkyrie II. in 1893, was

made

of

two plates

set apart

size, as

they

American yacht

fit

fitted

with ribs between

the

them

Vigilant,

with a bronze revolving

;

the space of two and

a-half inches being filled with cement.

It

hoArever, considered very questionable

is,

assistance

down

to

to

a large, deep-bodied vessel.

some ten or twenty years

or less popular in British waters

since

later,
;

such an adjunct
period before

is

of

any material

alluded

to,

1852,

small yachts with revolving keels were more

but the popularity of that type of yacht has long

ceased, although revolving keels

common enoueh wherever

if

At the

and centre-boards

small sailing boats are used.

94

of various shapes are still

Revolving Keels

and Rudders.

RADIATING AND FOLDING KEELS.

Folding Centre

plates, or

Drop folding Heels, have

occasionally been tried

perimented npon in this country, but with indifferent success.

They

are,

and ex-

however, used

with approval in various parts of America, their application and use being chiefly confined to Sailing Canoes.

board,'

are

and

made

'

are the 'Eadix Patent folding centre-

either of plain steel, galvanised steel, iron, brass or bronze,

weight or thickness, as

The advantages

may be
it

and

The
of

folds

up

when

size,

sailing in shallow water,

REVOLVING OR DROP RUDDER.

Revolving or Drop Rudder.

For

latter

on

into its slot, or case, in the keelson, so that there

no projection above the floor-boards of the boat.

any

required.

of the folding centre-plate are that

drawing up the drop-plate,

is

The most approved

Brough's radiating centre-boards,' both American inventions.

illustrations of boats fitted with radiating

95

and folding keels see pages 73 and

74.

The
The
canoes.

revolving or drop rudder, shown

Its advantages are, that

assistance in preventing lee-way,

to the level of the boat's keel,

The

Sailing-Boat.

illustration is

when

by the

illustration, is

the revolving plate

is

used chiefly for sailing

down

and on going into shallow water

and yet retain

its

it

it

is

may be

of material

pulled

up

guiding power to the boat.

from one of Eushton's best and strongest form of drop rudders.

Mr, Eushton also has an improved form

of

drop rudder, designed specially for racing

Canoes.

END OF PABT

96

II,

PART

III.

PRACTICAL.
RUDIMENTARY.
D'ye mind me, a

'

sailor

should be every inch,

All as one as a piece of the ship,

And

with her brave the world, without offering to flinch,

the moment the anchor 's a-trip.' DlBDlK".

From

AS

the

to

practical

performance

the

of

art

Boat-sailing,

of

pensably necessary for the amateur Boat-sailor to be what

is

it

is

not

termed

'

indis-

an able

seaman,' capable of laying ont on a yard-arm in a tumbling sea, skilled in the

nse of the marlinspike and the art of making long and short splices in a rope, turning in

making

a dead-eye, stropping a block, passing seizings and

neat sailor-like manner

be of service to him

though knowledge and experience

when

in difficulties at sea, yet

it is

all

the ordinary knots in a

of the

kind

may sometimes
know

necessary that he should

the rudimentary and practical part of the art of boat-sailing before he aspires to under-

take the control and

Hope

is

management

composed

yarns twisted together.

is

of a sailing-boat.

of three or

Yarns

more strands

each strand consists of a number of

in small ropes are

sometimes called threads.

the strongest and most tightly twisted, and the best rope of

through blocks
other rope,

it is

cheaper than

it is

also

used in the rigging for shrouds and stays

the most expensive.

hempen rope

it is

boats, particularly for halliards

liable to kink.

all for

Wire rope

Manilla rope

is

clean looking, and

it

made

many

being heavier than

of white flax,

much used

and

is

generally

in yachts and pleasure-

requires to be well stretched

has, hoAvever, for

Bolt-rojw

working freely

when new, or it is very

hempen rope

years past superseded

The Rudimentary part of this work is of necessity considerably abridged in this edition, as the space was
required for other matter, rendered necessary by the greatly increased variety of sailing-boats and small j-achts.
1

And the Author had less hesitation in abridging it, from the fact that since the previous editions several rudimentary Treatises dealing exclusively with those subjects have been published, notabty, Sir George Nares' wellknown and comprehensive work on Seamanship, which deals exhaustively with all the minor details of rudimentary
seamanship, blocks, knots, splices, &c, &c, which treatise has passed through several editions, and is a thoroughly
reliable

work on the

subject.

97

;;

The

Sailing-Boat.

Standing Rigging are those ropes which are stationary, and seldom require alteration,

and stays.
Running Rigging are ropes which reeve or work through blocks and sheave-holes, as

as shrouds

halliards, braces, &c.

The main-sheet.

This rope

is so

a rope by which the main-sail

hauled in or eased

is

fast to the clew of the sail or the outer

important

when

the boat

is

end

let

off

and

of the mainsail-boom,

is

It should always be kept clear

under way.

ment, so as to be ready to be

by inexperienced
The main-sheet is not a sail, but
it is that rope which is made

often mistaken for the main-sail,

persons, that explanation cannot be too clearly given.

go in an instant, and so

one of the most

from

to release the

all

entangle-

boat from the

pressure of the main-sail in case of a squall or sudden gust of wind.

Fore-sheets are ropes of similar use as applied to the fore-sail

the aft clew

of the fore-sail.

trimmed, eased

by means

It is

off or close-hauled, as

When

occasion requires.

an iron hawse and the fore-sheets are led

they are attached to

of the fore-sheets that the fore- sail is

aft to shift the sail

the fore-sail works on

from side to

they are

side,

called bow-lines.
Sails.

a sail set

sail

upon a

extended by a yard and slung from the middle

fore-sail is the sail standing in the

between the mast and the stem

A jib

is

and

flap

sail.

To

luff is to

To jgbe

head

of every sail is the

the lower part the foot

the aft part the aft-leech

the lower fore corner the tack

by putting the helm down

or wear (the reverse of to luff)

when running

or towards the

is to

And

side.

is

blowing

or towards the lee side.

sway the

sail

free or before the wind.

windward

the top aft

the lower aft corner the clew.

bring the boat's head closer to the point from which the wind

boat to the other,

boat-sailing,

of the boat in front of the mast, or

the fore-sail on the bowsprit.

The upper part

luffing is performed

helm up

bows

the fore part the luff and fore- leech

corner the peak

called a square-sail

of the boat.

sail set in front of

Parts of a

is

gaff, or a stay, is called a fore-and-aft sail.

it is

over from one side of the

It is

performed by putting the

the most risky performance of

and therefore requires caution in execution

weight of the main-sail falling heavily from one side

all

in

the sudden jerk of the whole

to the other

being likely to upset

away some part of the rigging, or the mast. The most judicious
manner of jybing when under a heavy press of canvas in a strong wind is by
then, when the sudden jerk comes allow the
hauling in the main-sheet gradually
The
sail to feel the main- sheet, and of its own power, to draw out the slack of it.
precaution is sometimes adopted when jybing in a very strong wind of lowering the
peak, and sometimes that of tricing up the main-tack, both of which are good and wise
If the sail be fitted
precautions when manipulating a large and heavy gaff-mainsail.
the boat, or carry

with

brails, it

should be brailed up close to the mast, and then

98

all

may be jybed in

safety.

Rudimentary.
By

carrying a weather helm

helm has

(close-hauled) the

putting the helm

down

is

implied that in steering the boat on a straight course

to he

kept a

towards the windward side;

little

and on

the boat should instantly obey her helm, and shake the

the eye of the wind, termed " scautilising " the

sail in

If a boat refuses this in a breeze

sail.

she cannot be said to carry a weather helm, and, as a moral certainty,

it

is

because too

much head-sail is set and until such is reduced the boat will not be under safe command.
The weather side is that side of the sail against which the wind blows.
The lee side is the opposite side to the weather side.
;

The port

side is the left-hand side of the boat or vessel,

looking forward from the

stern.

The starboard

side is the

right-hand side of the boat or vessel, looking forward from

the stern.

The port

tack.

A boat

blowing on the port

The starboard

or vessel

tack.

A boat

wind blowing on the starboard

on the port tack when sailing with the wind

when

or vessel is on the starboard tack

sailing

with the

side.

To port the helm is to put it over to the port side.

To starboard the helm is to put it over to the starboard side.
To tack, to put about, or to' stay, signifies turning the boat (head to wind) so that
wind blows on the other side of the sails all three are terms applied when beating

the
to

is

side.

windward.
To

on a tvind or by the wind.

sail close-hauled,

as close to the

wind

Sailing large, going free, or off the wind.

beam or the quarter.

To bear up, or to
little

These are terms which signify

sailing

as possible.

keep her away,

is

These imply sailing with

the wind on the

by turning her head a

to alter the boat's course

from the wind.

To tveather any vessel, point or object, is to sail to windward

Wind abeam. The wind is abeam when blowing full on one

of

it.

side of the boat or at

right angles with the keel.

Sailing

beating or working

closely to the

wind

as possible,

to

windward are

applicable to working the boat as

all

and by tacking from

side to side to

work

a jjassage ahead,

though the wind be against you.

Lying-to or Laying-to.

and

sail,

Hove-to.sails

Keeping

aweather so that

To

Keeping the head

of the vessel to the

the vessel as nearly stationary as possible

it

little

if

by hauling one

of the

acts against another.

box off is to haul a head-sail aweather so as to

her head

wind with very

so arresting progress.

'

pay the boat's head

off,'

through bad steering or otherwise she has come too near the wind.
99

or turn

The
The

buoy watches

when

Sailing-Boat.

may be

it

It does not watch

seen floating on the surface.

when

by the force of the current or otherwise it is held down under water.

To set up the rigging is to haul it taut by means of the lanyards and dead-eyes, or by
the modern rigging screws.

To weigh

up or

the anchor, is to pull it

from the ground or bottom.

lift it

Under wag (sometimes erroneously termed

under way when moA ing ahead with the

r

In reefing,

tie

Never allow any person

to stand

when under waj

sailing-boat

them

set.

of

boat or vessel

sail.

on the thwarts or

on the gunwale

sit

of

an open

sail, let

go the halliards and haul down on the fore-leech

sail.

One man should always

by the helm

stay

until the sails are down.

Collisions

helmsman leaving

other mishaps frequently occur with open boats through the

Tackles, Purchases, Sfc.

Blocks,

The

the sheave and the pin.

the sheave

is

such are the most durable

sailing-boats,

when

composed

of

three

parts

the

The

best sheaves are

and the pin

made

is

the bolt which

of brass or gun-metal,

much

and

lighter than solid ones,

Blocks are of various denominations according to the

are to be preferred for boats.

is

hollow brass sheaves, being so

purpose for which required

convenience

boat's block

shell is the outer part or case containing the sheave;

the circular roller on which the rope runs

holds the sheave inside the shell.

For

and

his place

before the sails are lowered.

shell,

is

In lowering or taking in a
or luff of the

any one

sails or

the points without rolling the

'under weigh.')

they are very important essentials in

all sailing vessels.

blocks shoxild be no larger than consistent with strength and

too large they look heavy

and clumsy, and encumber the boat

unnecessarily.

Blocks are single, double, treble, or fourfold

running block

is

according

to the

number

of sheaves.

one attached to the spar or other object to be raised or

lowered.

A standing block is affixed to some permanent support.

A snatch block is a block with one sheave, having an

iron

hook

at one

end and a

clasp at the side to admit the bight of a rope, without the delay of reeving or unreeving

the whole.

tail

making

block has a single sheave,

fast temporarily to the

long tackle block has

and

is

strapped with an eye-splice and tail-piece for

mast or rigging.

two sheaves one above another

these are sometimes called

sister-blocks.
A. fiddle block consists of

two single blocks one above the other but both in one

the upper one being the larger

of the

shell,

the object being, for the upper rope to have play clear

under one,

100

Rudimentary.

morticed block

made by morticing out

is

a block of

wood

and fixing a

or spar

sbeave in the aperture.

Double,

and fourfold

treble,

the working of the rope

blocks are

thus, a

used where extra power

weight

may be

which four men could scarcely do

lifted

fourfold block

by

required, and to ease

is

man with

one

the aid of a

Avitk the aid of a single block.

The

main-sheet of an ordinary- sailing-boat generally runs through one double block and one
single,

thereby enabling a fairly large

whip-purchase

smallest piirchase of

be trimmed by one person.

sail to

merely a rope rove through a block with one sheave.

is

It is the

all.

purchase formed of two or more blocks, with a rope rove through each

tackle is a

for hoisting or other purpose.

gun-tackle purchase consists of two single blocks with a rope rove through both,
is fast to

the strop of the upper block.

purchase

is

one end of which

luff tackle

formed by a rope leading through a single and a double

block, the end of the rope being fast to the top of the single block and the fall leading

from the double block.

All tackles have standing and running parts, the standing part
as remains

between the sheave and the part secured

The fall

between the sheaves.

Dead-eye.

and backstays

by rigging

much of the rope

much as works

wood, with three holes in

it,

and a groove cut round

used for turning in the ends of shrouds

It is

lie in.

the three holes are used for reeving the lanyard through

up the shroud

is so

the running part so

the part laid hold of in hoisting or hauling.

is

circular piece of

the outer edge for the shroud to

when

setting-

Dead-eyes are now superseded in yachts and sailing-boats

or backstay.

screws.

bulVs-eyc

is

wood

a thick piece of

of circular

shape with a hole through the middle

and a groove round the outer edge.

The trunk

step.

This

is

used for the purpose of avoiding the inconvenience that

often exists in short open boats carrying a lofty mast.

the boat has to be rowed,

over the
sittersT

fitted

~~

bow

it

is

or stern of the boat

For~boats

and from

its

great length

of this description the trunk-step is

with a shifting spring-thwart

the trunk-step

When

may be

the mast

is

lowered and

sometimes found inconvenient for the mast to protrude

it

it

often

intended

incommodes the

and

if

the boat be

will tend further to shorten the length of mast, as

carried several inches higher on account of the extra support

derived from tbe elevated thwart.

The mast-clamp

is

considered a superior contrivance to the trunk-step.

It is

one by

which the mast may be raised and lowered in the boat by one person with great facility
the heel of the mast working on a pivot, and secured, when raised, by an iron pin

the whole performance being only the

work

of

101

a few moments.

The

Sailing-Boat.

BOAT-SAILING.
1

The breeze

fills

My

's

my

sails, so

adieu to the land

unfmTd, I 've the helm at my hand.

What sport is more pure, what pleasure more sweet,
Than the sail and the breeze when kindly they meet.'
ensign

The Author.

IVest 6 Son, Southsca,

There

is

no more charming and delightful recreation than boat-sailing

never was a time within

memory

of

man, -when

it

and there

stood so high in the ranks of popular

outdoor pastimes as now.

The good

taste of those

who

healthful amusement, nor on one

amateur boat-sailing

is

indulge in

undeniable.

rendezvous of our racing

fleet,

it

was never bestowed on a purer

more useful and

Who

patriotic.

The

or

more

groAving popularity of

has not experienced such at our regattas, the

where yachts and boats from every

102

club,

and

ladies fair

Boat-Sailing.
from every part

of the surrounding

country grace our aquatic

festivals

with their

presence and participation, sharing the triumphs of the victors and administering sweet
solace to the defeated.

From a

It

is

fihoto

by

/''i/.i 11

the sailing-boat that gives the charm, as

it

s*

Son, Con

does also the finish, to

many

a beautiful

picture of lake or river scenery, as artists the most gifted will readily acknowledge.

Yachting,

princely recreation when conducted on the larger and

may be enjoyed with most of its charms and delights upon a
scale, by men of moderate means and humbler aspirations.

although

luxurious style,

is

one that

smaller and less costly

Boat-racing, as a sport, requires skill and experience, with promptitude in difficulty.

Hesitation and indecision almost invariably lead to trouble and disaster.

come

to close contest in a sailing-match

sailing

becomes an

severest test;

art.

Then

it

is

with some

that the skill of the sailing-master

and combined with that

skill

is

And when we

boats of the

of the fastest

is

fleet,

put to the

the further requisite of sound and

unerring judgment.

There

is also

another occasion

when

boat sailing becomes an art

overtaken by sudden squalls and strong winds in a heavy

103

sea.

and that

is

Avhen

The
On

Sailing-Boat.

such occasions the sailor-skill of the helmsman

called into requisition.

is

experience enables him to anticipate the squall and to shorten

so that

when

down upon him he

the gust swoops

is

sail

prepared for

His

with due deliberation

it,

and meets the sudden

impulse with promptitude and intrepidity, as he eases the helm and slacks the main
sheet, yet keeps

good way

'

From

'

on the boat, and so safely weathers the

Bcken &> Sou, Comes,

a photo by

" Eione "

It is not always,

of IV.

I.

becalpied.

however, that strong winds and heavy seas try the

most; the tedious disagreeables

next to impossible

squall.

of

a calm cause .sailing to

and distances, the performance

of

skill

and patience

become irksome, because

which would occupy but a few

minutes in a breeze, require hours in a calm.

It

is,

too,

always advisable in these days of bulb-keels and deep

boat sailor should

(if

fins that the

amateur

his boat be one of deep draft) be well acquainted with the

and sandbanks in and about the

particularly on a falling tide

shoals

the waters in which he indulges his pastime,

locality of

and the more

so if

he has a party of friends with him on

board, because of the risk of being left grounded on the shallows in that ludicrous pre-

dicament in which the poet Moore found a sailing-boat and crew, when he penned the
beautiful couplet

'

I saw from, the beach,

when the morning was

shining,

A bark o'er the waters move gloriously on,

I

came when the sun o'er that beach was declining.

The bark was still there, but the waters were gone.'

104

Boat-Sailing.
Boat-sailing Clubs.
sailing clubs are of

and

so

numerous the

outnumber the yacht

The

Yacht clubs have existed

more modern

sailing-boats

for

upwards

So popular

is

of a century

but boat-

the pastime of boat-sailing,

and small yachts, that boat-sailing clubs bid

fair to

clubs.

members

class of

enterprise.

for

whom

these clubs were established are those who, for

financial or other reasons, prefer to indulge their love of sailing in a less costly

pretentious

manner than

that involved in the building, fitting, and keeping

up

and

of a large

yacht.

Enrolled

among the members

of the boat-sailing clubs are,

keenest and most prominent yachtsmen of the day

members

of

however, some of the

some

of the principal

yacht clubs in the kingdom, but who nevertheless join a boat-sailing club because of the

encouragement they give

the competition
in the matches

There

is,

is

to,

and interest they take

between yachts

the humbler pastime, in which

less,

than

of the larger type.

moreover, the greater satisfaction that the owner of a small racing-yacht or

sailing-boat is generally expected to steer

sine

in,

every whit as keen, and the pleasure and excitement nowise

and

sail

her himself

qua non in the Corinthian and some other sailing clubs.

105

and, indeed, such

So that

it

is

often happens

The

Sailing-Boat.

that besides the advantage of being far less costly, there

is

more sport in the boat-sailing

class of racing-yachts.

matches than in those of the larger

Model Yacht Clubs.Besides our Royal Yacht Squadron, Eoyal and other Yacht Clubs,
Boat-Sailing and Canoe Clubs, there are in various parts of the British Islands, Model Yacht
Clubs,

among

the

members

which are some

of

kingdom, and others who design and build

length,

which are

sailed

of the

little

by members on the

most eminent yacht designers in the

model yachts, from

3 to 5 or 6 feet in
of the public

and ornamental waters

lakes

parks, to the endless diversion of the onlookers, particularly those of the juvenile class.

The members

of these clubs

have their miniature regattas and sailing-matches for

challenge cups and other prizes, matches which are as keenly and earnestly contested as
those of the larger class of sailing-boats.

Some

designed and

of the tiny fleet of these clubs are of exquisite model, ingeniously

beautifully constructed, their rig,

with the most modern type

sails,

fittings

being in every respect in accordance

and the newest and most improved equipment

of hull,

they are a credit to the ingenuity and

And who among

and

skill of

and

who design and build them.

London Parks has not Avitnessed with

those

the frequenters of the

pleasure on a fine summer's day a fleet of these miniature vessels careening to the breeze

under pressure of their snow-white

sails,

furrowing the surface of the lakes, throwing up

among the ducks and

here and there a feathery foam, and gliding to and fro

conscious

of

their

harmlessness and familiarity

And

shore, like veritable yachts on a veritable sea-board, to the

throngs of spectators of every

geese, all

from shore to

so they speed

amusement and

delight of

class.

STABILITY.

The

stability of the sailing-boat implies its

wind upon the

sails in

power

to

withstand the pressure of the

a breeze without heeling over to such an extent as to incur

the risk of a capsize.

A sailing boat which has

of poor stability is said to

be

good
'

stability is said to

crank

'

under

sail,

be

'

stiff

'

under

sail

which implies a tendency

but a boat

to capsize.

Boats that are rigged in any form that enables them to carry the broadest part of
their sails low,

have a greater advantage in preserving their

stability

under a heavy

pressure of wind than those which are rigged with lofty sails and wide-spreading gaff.

The
and

(b)

stability of the sailing-boat

from a proper, or

scientific,

must be derived

adjustment of the

These are the two essentials whereby the boat

under pressure

of sail in a strong

With regard
vessel that gives

to

(a)

'

from the form

of the hull

enabled to maintain

its

stability

wind.

the form

it stability,

is

(a)

ballast.

of

the hull

'

it

is

not the mere depth of the

but rather the beam (or breadth) in proportion

106

to length

Stability.
although beam

without some

is

not alone sufficient to enable a boat to carry a pressure of

artificial assistance,

down

placing a certain weight of ballast as low

that, if it

And

'the

scientific

adjustment of the

particularly in a boat of the racing fleet

position, the best sailing

An

in the boat as possible

can be placed outside at the bottom of the keel,

as to (b)

ordinary open

estuaries, tidal rivers,

powers

sail,

such as that derived from a counterpoise, provided by

for,

will be the

ballast.'

This

is

so

low indeed

more

effective.

a matter of

skill,

unless the ballast be placed in proper

be ascertained.

of the boat will not

sailing-boat

it

home waters on broad

intended for cruising in

and such-like, may be ballasted with a few hundredweights

Beien

& Son, Cowes,~I. of

of

IV.

lead or iron, securely placed on each side of the keelson beneath the floor of the boat

when

but

it

ballast her

is

intended to

upon modern,

more than a century

'

carry on

'

past, that

'

pound

two pounds carried inside the boat'; and

then, but

it

is

her as a racing boat,

scientific principles.

only within

And

of lead

as to this,

will

it

has been

on the outside

this trite old

maxim

the last thirty years that

its

is

be necessary to

it

known

of the keel is

as true

now

as

for

worth
it

was

general application to the

racing yachts of the pleasure fleet has been adopted. 1

Still

the fact remains, that in racing yachts of the smaller class the outside

ballasting has at most yachting centres recently

1

When

become quite

mode

of

general.

a youthful boat-sailer, the Author was often reminded by old boatmen and river pilots of the advan-

:
and accordingly he tried the experiment on an open sailingbut found it inconvenient on account of the difficulty it occasioned (through the
additional weight) in hauling up and launching the boat from the soft sloping banks of the river where he then
indulged his pastime, consequently he discontinued its use.

tage of lead or iron bolted to the keel on the outside

boat, with great success

107

The
With

Sailing-Boat.

regard to the contrivances that have heen resorted to from time to time for

the purpose

of

preserving

leverage caused

by pressure

and procuring the greatest resistance

stability,

upon the

of the Avincl

In some of the larger of our racing

ingenious.

by running molten lead

into

sails,

fleet a

many

of

them

are,

to

the

undoubtedly,

deep and broad keel

is

formed

an iron frame or casing, so formed that the heaviest part

the point of greatest lateral resistance.

is at

In yachts

the smaller class tbere

of

of the outside ballast

is

considerable variety in the arrangement

one of the most successful being that of a deep wooden keel

heavily weighted with longitudinal castings of lead, bolted to the lower part of the

Another

keel.

the

'

fin

is

and bulb

Each

'

that of a

mode

of these will be

centre-plate weighted with bulbs of lead,

steel

termed

of ballasting.

more

fully explained in subsequent pages of this work.

Mr. Harold Fraser.

TRIMMING AND BALLASTING.

The

trim of a sailing-boat, as of a racing yacht,

is

and cannot be disregarded without incurring the risk

Trim depends on the accurate adjustment

outside.
sails

Although a boat be ever

so

a matter of primary importance,

of disappointment

of the ballast,

perfect in

and

defeat.

whether inside the boat or

form and symmetry, and though her

stand ever so well, unless the boat be in good trim her best qualities cannot be got

out of her.

Many

a race has

been

lost

being out of trim, such as being 'too

by the best and

much by

swiftest boat of the fleet through

the head,'

or, vice versa, 'too

much by

the

stern.'

To trim

a sailing-boat

is

to arrange the ballast so that the boat

water in that position in which she

It

is

therefore

an

important

will,

when under way, do her

preliminary to

108

good

sailing in

may

sit

upon the

best in point of speed.

every boat that the


and

T,rimming

Ballasting.

proper load water-line should be correctly ascertained

any deviation

stances, should there be

in

and then, under no circum-

from.it, nor should the boat

be put out

of trim

any degree whatsoever.

A boat is

supposed to be in trim as regards the

sails

when, with a moderate

she carries her helm amidships, or with a slight inclination to windward

any or but

say, will sail a straight course without

little steering.

trim, the boat should carry a weather helm, should

movement

The

of the

In order

Avind,

that

is

to

be in safe

to

come about quickly, and obey every

helm, however slight.

heaviest and greatest quantity of ballast should be placed in the aft part of the

-~ J^,

From a photo

by

boat and amidships

Avith

whilst

little

or

none should be

laid before the

one mast only), and none in the extreme end of the stern.

important that this rule be strictly adhered to

buoyantly

when

a boat rises to the waves so

her bows are not- depressed with ballast.

portion of the ballast

may be stowed

in

mast

front of the mast in

In smooth

some boats

it is

it is

much more

Avater, a
i.e.,

small

supposing

the mast to be stepped not less than a third of the boat's length from the stem

narrow sailing-boats

rigged

(if

In sea-going boats

in long

generally necessary to place some of the ballast before the mast,

but ballast should never be placed in the bows of the boat.

109

The
The boat should not be laden

Sailing-Boat.

too heavily with ballast, but merely weighted

down

to

the true bearings or proper load water-line.

move.

Should

almost inevitable.

when

may

not
is

be secured beneath the

all

but in very small boats and those launched from the beach
It should, however, be lashed or secured, so that it cannot

clone.

the boat lurches or pitches.

Errors of trim are of

undetermined

when

over, the ballast

lists

speaking, the ballast should

Strictly

always be

the boat

suddenly into the lee-bilge of an open boat a capsize

it fall

platform of a sailing-boat
this cannot
slip

when

very necessary precaution that,

It is a
slip or

common

and in boats

the weight of the

occurrence so long as the centre of gravity remains

of the smaller class

helmsman and

such

the more difficult to ascertain

is

crew put the boat out

his

of

trim, unless such

weight be judiciously distributed.

In ballasting a boat for sailing in a sea-way

buoyancy be not too high.

If it

is,

is

it

essential that

the motion of the surface water will cause her to plunge,

roll,

w ould not do

for

power

the centre of buoyancy were lower

if

of the boat

she cannot carry

may be

eisail

in

smooth water,

with

effect in

is

centre

of

if

and

strain in a

manner she

whatever the sail-carrying

her displacement

is

not equal to the strain,

rough water.

In ballasting small oj)en sailing boats, that kind

in the boat

the

the boat will not only be unable to do her best, but

always to be preferred.

110

of ballast

which takes up

least

room

and

Centre-plates
The

best ballast for small boats

is lead,

no material object, as

room

for

may

it

but of

Lead

times costs more than the hull of the boat.

is

Bulb-keels.
all
is,

kinds the most expensive

it

some-

however, preferable where expense

be stowed away in a very small compass, giving more

stiffer under sail than by any other kind

accommodation, and rendering the boat

of ballast.

gold, it will

Lead

creates neither rust nor dirt

always realise

its intrinsic

worth

iu

and when done with,

like

silver

and

whatever shape or quantity.

CENTRE- PLATES AND BULB KEELS.

" Semibreve," designed by Captain du Boulay.

modeen mode

of ballasting small yachts

and sailing-boats

is

by

a fixed fin-keel of

gun-metal, or lead, more or less thick according to the size of the boat, bolted to'the

under part

of the keelson

on the outside, and extending the whole length

This was introduced in the Solent racing

fleet in

Boats so ballasted proved very fast under

sail,

111

of the keel.

the year 1888, with remarkable success.

and stood up well

to

their canvas in a

Sa iling -Boat.

The
The deep form

fresh breeze.

former period was, about that time, or

of the

of hull

shortly afterwards, discarded for the shallower type with the fixed centre-plate

to

which was afterwards added the leaden bulb.

The Semibreve.

The

by the designer) represents a

of BemLeybourne Popham, and built by Jacobs of

illustration (from

a drawing

1892 by Captain E. du Boulay,

sailing-boat called the Semibreve, designed in

bridge, Isle of Wight, for Mr.

Bembridge.

F.

W.

Her dimensions were 22

feet over all

An

interesting feature in relation to this boat

the

first

beam

5 feet 6 inches

draft 3 feet.

that she appears to have been one of

is,

boats built on this side the Atlantic with a bulb-keel, having 5 cwt. of lead

bolted on to her keel on the outside.

In the same year (1892) boats were designed and built with bulb-keels by Nicholson
of Gosport, Sibbick of Cowes,

and by

The Semibreve proved a great

rigged with two

only

sails

latter being, that she

had

others.

success as a prize winner in her

mainsail

and

foresail

year.

first

She was

a peculiarity with regard to the

boom, a curved brass pipe pivoted to

as a sort of spinnaker

the front part of the mast (as shoAvn in the illustration) for booming oat the foresail on
either side

when running

Fin-and-Bulb Keels.

before the wind.

The modern

keel) consists of a broad

centre-plate and bulb-keel (termed fin-and-bulb

and deep centre-plate

wood,

of

iron, steel, or other metal, of a

thickness consistent with the size of the boat, firmly bolted to the under part of the

Fin-and-bulb keel.

keelson

the lead ballast consisting of two longitudinal castings usually in the shape of a

split cigar (or torpedo),

each weighing several hundredweights more or

the size of the boat for which intended.

The two

the metal plate at the lower edge, one on each side

which

a very powerful lever

acts as a counterpoise against the pressure of the

the boat remarkably

stiff

under

sail

and

such

less,

according to

sections forming the bulb are bolted to

is,

wind upon the

is

thus formed,

sails,

and makes

undoubtedly, an ingenious and very

effective mode of ballasting a boat and enabling her to carry larger sails than she could
by any other mode of ballasting. And for a racing-yacht of the smaller class, probably
no better mode of ballasting, with a view to stability and sail-carrying power, could well
be devised. But the cigar-shaped bulb-keel, projecting as it does beyond the plate both

fore

and

aft,

in

some

of the boats, has its disadvantages, as it is liable to

112

picking up

Fin-and-Bulb
under-water-floatage

as sea-weed,

&c.,

and

if

Keels.

the bulb should happen to come in coutaet

with a hawser on entering or leaving a harbour, the boat would be very liable to
disaster.
is

There

however, other modes of contriving the bulb-keel in which there

are,

no projection from the plate either fore or

aft

many

which are described and

of

illustrated in subsequent pages of this work.

The great advantage

was the primary
form bolted

of outside ballast, particularly that of lead affixed to the keel,

initiation of bulb-keels,

to the outer sides of

which began with lead castings

deep wooden keels (as in the Semibreve)

advantage of which in enabling a boat to carry a pressure of

sail in

in longitudinal
;

the enormous

a strong breeze

was

at once apparent.

In 1892 a half -rater, American boat, from a design by Herreshoff, with

fin

and

bulb-keel of the type indicated by the profile illustration, was introduced and proved a

In 1893 British yacht and boat builders introduced a similar type

remarkable success.

with

steel plate

and leaden bulb, which, for a time, took the place

of the

wooden keel

and lead bulb before mentioned.

The introduction

of this

form

of keel

by British designers was the

result of

many

experiments as to the best mode of preserving the stability of sailiug-boats by means of

outside ballast, and
ballast

had the great advantage

and thereby,

if

of dispensing

fairly designed, affording

accommodation in the larger boats;

disregarded, and in time, advantage

with

more space

all

kinds of inside

for internal

and cabin

but, with a view to racing, displacement

was taken

was

of the elasticity of the rules of rating

and measurement, with the result that racing boats

of the

skimming-dish type became

the prevailing class.

The

profile

shows a close imitation

of the Herreshoff

type

of fin-and-bulb keel

a British designer.

113

by

Sailing- Boat.

The

Boats of extreme breadth and shallowness with fin-and-bulb keels were constructed
hut they nevertheless sailed very fast in
of them the merest skimming-dishes

some

smooth water under strong winds, and proved great prize winners.
Undoubtedly, the leverage of outside ballast
bulb type

are, practically,

uncapsizable under

and bulb keels must keep

to

is

so great, that

much

as maintain

an upright position

and

her

if

is

of the fin

for,

if

the bulb

gone for the time

sails

and

fixed centre-plates

deep water, or they come to grief:

touches the bottom, the boat's power of maintaining stability

cannot so

many

But boats with

sail.

she

be standing, any wind

will capsize her.

The
Silva, a

profile

shows the Sibbick type

of steel fin

and cigar-shaped leaden bulb.

of the 3 6 -foot

famous boat and highly successful prize winner

L.B.

class,

The
was a

boat of this type.

Every
developed
of

which

alteration

new
is

in

the

mode and

conditions

of

measurement

exaggerations or departures in the form of the boat

has, apparently,

the worst feature

the diminution of displacement.

Under the

rules of the

this departure has

from time

for boats of this class, that

Y.B.A. in the fin-bulb type

to

of boat of the smaller class,

time become more and more glaring

what

is

sacrificed in space

abundantly amplified in power, speed, and safety

but

it

is

claimed

between deck and keelson,

and that they

are,

besides,

is

an

inexpensive boat to build, by reason of their rounded form and the absence of any keel,

excepting the centre-plate and bulb.

The

profile illustration is that of a

showing a different arrangement

Since the year 1894,

very successful boat by a British designer,

of the fin-and-bulb keel to those of the Sibbick type.

among the

smaller class of racing-yachts the broad, shallow

114

Fin-and-Bulb
boat with

been

much

The

tin-

bow

and-bulb keel and spoon

Keels.

(or rather

Praam-bow,

for such

it is)

has

in vogue.

profile

shows the contour

of another boat

lead bulb keel,

which proved one

of the fastest of her class.

For sailing-boats
half raters, the fin

became the fashion

of the racing class

and bulb type

of the

known

of boat

of the Sibbick type

as half-raters, one-raters,

proved faster than any others

day in the Solent and some other

always water sufficient for them to ride

and as such are not intended

accommodation on board them

afloat.

They

for cruising yachts;

is

with

are,

steel fin

and

and two-and-aconsequently

it

where there

is

localities

however, typical racing-boats,

the displacement

is

small,

too limited to permit of their being used for

and the

any other

purpose than that of match-sailing.

Whatever the advantages of the steel fin, or plate, may be over the wooden keel
it would appear that many prefer the latter even for racing purposes.

with lead bulb,

\]:gjg0ff0%SSffifa

The Speedwell^ 24 feet, designed by Mr. Arthur Payne, and built by the firm
Summers and Payne in 1896, is a boat with a wooden keel and leaden bulb this boat
:

115

The

Sailing-Boat.
many

figured conspicuously in the Solent and neighbouring waters in

and subsequent

in that

same firm have

built a

leaden bulbs bolted to

Boats of the

winning a great number

seasons,

wooden

36-footer for Mr. A. E. Orr-Ewing, with a

close of the seasou, lifted out of the

steel fins

steel plates

and the boats, minus their

off,

and cigar-shaped bulbs,

water by means of a derrick

removed from the

are then unbolted and

unbolted and taken

recently the
fin

and

it.

and bulb type, having

fin

matches

sailing

And

of prizes.

then the plates themselves are

keels, are then

and bulb

fin

are, at the

their leaden bulbs

stowed

shelves one above another in boat-sheds, almost with the same facility that

away on

long rowing-boats are so stowed.

Experiments have from time

time been tried with

to

liftahle

bulb

apparently with indifferent success; such are not, therefore, very likely to

The

general use.

inventors of

bulb keel'

with the patent

sails

AND

SAIL-FITTING.

a boat, as of

a yacht,

when viewed

conspicuous and picturesque feature, as the

upon the surface

she

is fitted

of the waters.

sails of

sails

are

And

of

'

Fairbrass

he

who

is

and bring out her best

at

a distance, form its most

vessel glides along in a lively breeze,

proud

of his boat will take care that

of sails,

such as will show her

may be

the boat

proper proportions,

the

itself,

best

off

sailing powers.

a boat, whatever the rig, are of primary consideration;

ingeniously contrived

brought

And

little

with an appropriate and becoming suit

to the best advantage,

The

The

bulb keel.

lifting

of

into

one of these; and several boats have recently been constructed

is

SAILS

The

but

come

one or more of them have, however, considerable

confidence in them, seeing that they have patented their inventions.

lifting

keels,

and

its

mode

qualities

sailing

for

however

of ballasting, unless the

of

the

boat cannot be

out.

unless the sails are cut and

stand with that

windward, and

flat

made with

true sail-maker's

skill,

they will not

and drum- like surface so conducive to holding a good course

will not be of that propelling force

and assistance

to the

to

boat they

otherwise would be.

An

out of place on a good boat,

ill-fitting sail is

and usually more or

the boat.

The Angulated

Jib.

less

making and standing of

It

is

an eyesore

to a nautical onlooker,

a hindrance to the display of the best sailing powers of

to those who have given attention to the

when made according to the common method,

must be obvious

sails,

that jibs,

116

Satis
do not retain,

and

it

when

set, so flat

and

Sail-fitting.

a surface as fore-sails, boom-mainsails, and gaff top-sails

has been generally admitted, that

if

jibs

on a principle that would ensure their standing

The

late

jib,

which, from

knuckle, and makes a stronger and flatter

Every seaman
the other
flat

the

is

sail

construction, avoids the defect of the

its

and particularly on

jibs

much

In regard to boom-main sails and

difficulty,

usage,

of a vessel materially

and are now generally laced

117

fore-sails,

they are made to stand

at the foot to
flat

by which the bagging or bulging

when close-hauled.

render them almost useless

depend on

that will trim to the same angle as

long existed in getting large jibs to stand equally

after

made

gained.

than any previously produced.

aware that the sailing qualities

sails,

sails.

without

could be

trilateral sails

many advantages would be

Mr. Matthew Orr (of the firm Orr, Hunter, and Co., of Greenock) was

the inventor of the angulated

the cut of

and other
flat,

is

booms

with the other

but a

sails,

difficulty

particularly

increased to such an extent as to

The
From

Sailing-Boat.

a consideration of these facts, Mr. Orr, in or about the year 1851,

method

a different

making

of

the aft-leech, and termed

consists in a (then)

calculated

all sails

by him

the

new arrangement

'

angulated method

effect

the poAver

of

consequently their more advantageous impulse to the vessel;

deviated from long established custom,

to

the principle of which

;
'

or combination of the materials used, in a

produce a more favourable

to

was led

the foot of which formed an obtuse angle with

on

acting

manner

them, and

and although the plan

and superiority have been abundantly

its utility

confirmed by subsequent tests and long experience.

The
to

method

principle of the angulated

to place the cloths in

is

such a manner as

do away with the knuckle, by binding the warp threads so that they are

upon by the

strain

from the clew

carried

Angulated

sails,

as

the wind

common

jib,

in the

to

sails are also

the fore-leech

other

from the

it

meet the straight threads

made with

and the angulated

less cloth, as

jib can

much

longer,

be made

the strain of which

is

and requires

from the clew

upper and lower part of the

liable

to

jib has a further

shake; and

when

to trim to the

much

trimming

less

to the stay,

is

c.

roach on

same angle as the

of the sheets

whereby
is,

it

to

than the

forms a

bag-

in consequence,

trimmed when close-hauled.

advantage over the ordinary one in being

the vessel

are

running from the point

and when half -worn

sail;

acted
a,

and comparatively even surface

particularly difficult and troublesome to keep properly

The angulated

b,

all

strain bands, a

they do not require so

stretches equally, presenting a flat

it also lasts

The

(See engraving.)

sheet.

in stays with the

less

sheet to windward, the

angulated jib takes effect sooner than the other. 1

1

work

This description of the angulated

(1853),

and

jib,

together with the engraving, was published in the

in each of the subsequent editions.

The

(so-called)

(1898) is therefore not new.

118

'

first

edition of this

recent invention' of the angulated

method

and

Sails

Sail-fitting.

BATTENED

SAILS.

Bekcn&= Son,Cowes,

A
the

battened

sail

sail signifies a sail fitted

horizontally

with

the outer, or aft leech of the

flat

of

IV.

wood, like

strips of flat

the object being to keep the sail

I.

laths,

and prevent any

athwart

flicker at

sail.

Battens are not applied to the

sails of

yachts of the larger class;

chiefly for the main-sails of small yachts, sailing canoes,

and small

sails

they are used

made

of

duck

or other light material.

Mode of fitting

men

the

leech, recourse has

first

Battens

to the

Sail.

Among

of recent years to obtain a flat-standing main-sail

been had to the Chinese mode

applied to the main-sails of sailing canoes

and

The

of a width, length,

many

aud

to

of

contrivances of boating-

avoid any flicker at the outer

battens

by members

and are now in common use on the main-sails

the British Islands.

the

and

of the

reefs.

These were

Eoyal Canoe Club

of small sailing-boats in every part of

battens are simply narrow strips of pine, of lath-like form,

and thickness in proportion

but tapering in thickness at each end.

When

to the size or

breadth of the

applied to the main-sail of a

sail,

sailing-

canoe they are about one and three-eighth inch in breadth by an inch in thickness at the

middle part, where the greatest strain will

eighths of an inch.

The

be,

but tapering at each end to about two-

battens are slipped into sheaths or pockets formed across the

119

The
from the fore

sail

Sailing-Boat.
by sewing

to the aft-leech,

a reef -band along

In boats of a

it.

larger size and carrying larger sails than a sailing canoe, three battens are sometimes

attached to the main-sail, but they do not usually extend entirely across the
partly so, and always

The
in

some

commencing

battens are not always sheathed in a pocket in the

sails, fitted

manner

In others, the battens are utilised

to that of the Chinese,

one or more battens as

This mode

may be

who

reef

of shortening sail is

the

be taken in the

sail

sail

now

single-handed

when, by hauling the

by hauling the

sail

to the sail,

one

for reefing, in a similar

down

to the extent of

required.

sailing-canoes on account of the facility

may

only

manner above described

with knittles for the purpose, the battens are laced

on each side of the canvas.

sail,

at the outer leech.

generally adopted in small sailing -boats and

it

affords for expeditious reefing;

by means

ratline taut, the batten,

and with

it

the

120

fitted to

sail, is

clown to the boom, and the two are thus securely laced together, and the
reefed in less than a minute of time.

as a reef

and

of a ratline readily rove

sail

drawn

thereby

R>

EIGGING.

Wiue

rope has

now

almost

superseded

entirely

standing rigging of yachts and sailing-boats.

in proportion to size (or rather diameter)

the rope

is

composed being considerable

yachts and sailing-boats,

thoroughly

is

hempen and bolt rope

much more slender, and

for

the

stronger

the breaking strength of each wiro of which

It is so

and the

manufactured

finest

wire rope, made expressly for

a special quality of steel, so that

of

it

is

reliable.

The most important considerations in regard to the use of wire rope for the rigging
much neater and more slender appearance, its greater strength and
durability, its non-liability to shrink, stretch, or yield after wetting, and the very much
smaller sheaves, &c, through which to reeve it, than those required for hempen rope.
of yachts, are its

For

instance, the fore top-mast stay of a ten ton racing-yacht

is

invisible at a very

may be riding at anchor in the

land.
And even under the searching

short distance to persons ashore, though the yacht

harbour only a few hundred yards or so from the

power

of the camera, the picture

sometimes

fails

to

depict the slender wire-rigging

of the yacht.

Wire rope, for many years after its invention, so far as its use is concerned on board
was used only for the standing rigging but of late years, a strong, tough and

yachts,

kind has been manufactured expressly for use in the running rigging of yachts

flexible

and such

is

now

and running

generally used for top-sail and jib top-sail halliards, as also for runners
out-hauls, bobstay-falls,

tackles,

topping-lifts,

and almost every other

purpose for which hempen and manilla rope were formerly used in the running tackle of
a yacht.

Rigging Screws.
rigging of a yacht

Dead-eyes
all

.such

are

now wholly

discarded for setting up the standing

bulky contrivances being superseded by the modern

invention of right and left-handed rigging screws, which are

called

'

marine silver

'

now made

and no racing-yacht, whether large

standing rigging set taut by means of dead-eyes and lanyards.

121

or

of a

small,

white metal

now

has her

The

Sailing- Boat.

BETTING SAIL.

The

illustration is

from a photograph by Bekeri & Son,

Cowes, showing some

of

boats of the two-and-a-half rating class, setting sail and getting ready for the start in a
sailing

match on the

On
jib

setting sail

first see

then cast

off

Solent.

say in a small yacht rigged with three

that the bobstay

is

the main-sail lashing, and

the fore-sail, and lay

you

set the head-sails

then hoist the

and
up and trim the sheets

are each clear

course

is

to

main-sail, fore-sail

clear the main-sheet

and halliards

and ready

may

then

for use

be cast

the boat quickty and there

it

and put up the helm

unfurl

three sails ready, hoist the main-sail

off

is

up

the peak should not be entirely set

and

hoist the
;

all

peak

coil
:

slip

of the main-sail.

until the

main

Having got away

from the moorings.

is

clear,

Whilst under way rim the

the halliards neatly and separately, so that they

lay

them on deck, the

fall

end undermost.

and the sheet given

if

If the

before the wind,

freely.

on slipping from the moorings among crowded shipping,

the head-sails haul

and

the main- halliards fast on one side the mast, and

windward, or on a reach, bowse down the main-tack

the main-tack
If

make

fore-sail,

set the fore-sail fairly,

jib

make

Having thus got

;

the peak-halliards on the other

well set

sails,

and the bowsprit bowsed clown at the outer end;

out ready to hoist; haul out the jib on the bowsprit, and run

it

the jib-sheets to their berths.

before

secure,

but very small space in which to do

it is
it,

necessary to turn

having

set

one of

aweather, chop the peak of the main-sail, ease off the main-sheet
the boat will then turn as

122

if

on a pivot

if

she be in proper trim.

Reefing.

REEFING.

Beken &= Son, Con

'

One

night, as

And

we drove with two

reefs in the main-sail,

came on low'ring upon a lee shore,

Jack went up aloft for to hand the top-ga'nt sail,
A spray washed him off, and we ne'er saw him more.

The

illustration

is

the scud

from a photograph by Beken and Son,

yacht Ermin, of the oG-foot racing class

numerous

Reefing, or shortening

in reefing

sail, is

whether
before

it

performance by every one

be an open boat or a decked one.

setting

and experience

sails as

Cowes, of the cutter-

and the winner

of

a necessary precaution that should be well understood

of practical expeditious

sail,

nor

when under way

of the

who

It is not so

ventures to set

from any

in smooth-water

strong wind, a heavy sea, a threatening gale, or squall.

skill

of

a highly successful boat

prizes.

and capable
in a boat

-Dibdin.

sail

difficulty

the test

is,

in a

Such are occasions when the

amateur boat-sailor are called into requisition for reefing the

expeditiously as possible.

Every person who ventures

to

leave

the

123

shore

and take the

command

of

The
sailing-boat, should therefore

sea

Sailing-Boat.

be capable

for it is impossible to tell

how

of

down a reef-earing in
may be compelled to reef

hauling

soon he

a tumbling
in order to

ensure a safe return to himself, his crew, and his boat.

Small sailing-boats have usually one or two reefs to the main-sail, whatever the rig
larger boats

and yachts have, generally, three

reefs

and sometimes

Beefing should be done in anticipation of a strong wind or heavy sea

always be commenced in time, performed

for lost

moments

skilfully,

and with as

four.

little

should

it

delay as possible

in fair weather are difficult to regain in foul.

In a sailing match the boat

stagger under her canvas

is

kept on her course without reefing as long as she can

but on such occasions there are always plenty of hands

aboard to

assist in the prompt management of the sails.

Under ordinary circumstances, when about to reef the

sails, luff

the wind, though not so close as to allow her to come about

you intend
and make
to.'

Now

to set a smaller jib, first take in the other

it

fast

then haul the

close to

fore-sail

to the

boom

and make the main-tack

fast

completed, set up the peak, ease

will then be

off

then

tie

do not

up the points with

roll

the

sail.

'

laid-

off

the

the reef and securing

reef knots all along the

The

reefing being so far

the main-sheet, trim the fore-sheets, and the boat

under a single-reefed main-sail.

similar manner,

down

if

aweather

haul in the main sheet as close as possible, and the boat will be

with the reef-earings

sail

up

lower the peak, then the main sufficiently for the intended reef; cast

main-tack, and begin at the earings or outer end by hauling

it

the boat

ease off the jib-sheet, or,

Another reef may be hauled down in a

and the boat will then be under a double or two-reefed main-sail

so of a third reef.

Mr. Harold F,

124

and

Reefing.
The

illustration at the foot of the previous page, is

Zerlina, a seven-ton cruiser,

being lowered, hut her No. 1 jib

instead of her No.

ought to have been

set.

Never
secured

tie

from

standing, which, however,

left

jib, a storm-jib,

'spit-fire,'

you may then shake out the

sound and strong

to
;

it is

is

first

of the

yacht

fore-sail

not good seamanship

or lower ones have been

reefs one at a time, as the

your reef-tackle before setting

for

photograph

or the very smallest jib on board,

the points of a second or third reef until the

Always look

under close-reefed main-sail, in heavy weather, the

sail,

wind

decreases.

and see that the earings are

seldom necessary to reef except in heavy winds, which try

the strength of ropes and tackle as well as the stiffness and power of the boat under
pressure of

sail.

Boat with roller fore

The
tioned

illustration is

and described

from a photograph of one

at p.

71.

It is

of the

Bembridge Club boats men-

introduced here as shoAving the working of

the roller fore-sail.

Reefing by rolling the Sails
of a boat

window

by means

roll-blind, is

a simple, but

of a revolving, or

not novel, contrivance for reefing the

roller-spar,

after

the

manner

of

sails

an ordinary

sometimes found very convenient for small single-handed boats,

125

The

Sailing- Boat.
by means

-whereby the fore-sail can be reefed

ratline attached to a reel affixed to

of a

the bottom part of the roller-spar, and led aft to the

The Roller-loom.

may

reefing-taekle,

small-sized

mainsail, too,

stem sheets

it

only of late years that

is

or cockpit of the boat.

with a revolving boom, or ratchet

fitted

if

be reefed and furled in a similar manner

Although

sails.

it

but

and has been used in a more primitive form

Malay Archipelago

for centuries past, 1

where

it

it

in the boats

answers best for

is

a very ancient

and vessels

reefing and furling the sails of the larger class of outrigger sailing-vessels.

in use

more than

fifty

vessels

in the

by

rolling them,

Southampton

by

years ago

his revolving-rigged boats. 2

the late Captain

Shuldham

There are several other modes

which have been

pilot boats, the

in

common

of the

day the common mode

to this

is

it

has come into general use

and sailing-boats in the Solent and neighbourhood,

for small yachts

contrivance,

The

It

was

of

also

for reefing the sails of

of reefing the sails of small

use for

many

years past; notably

Channel Islands fishing-smacks, and

And

others.

an improved mechanical contrivance by Mr. Roger Turner, of Beecles, Suffolk, was

recently patented.

SAILING TO WINDWARD.
'

Thus

tars at sea, like

swabs

at

home,

and tack are biass'd,

The furthest way about we roam,
To bring us home the nighest.'
lij taek

Sailing to windward
boat-sailing.

The

is

Dibdin.

one of the highest accomplishments in the art of yacht and

precision of the eye

and the

delicate touch of the

hand

at the

helm

keeping the boat close to the wind without sacrificing one iota of the power of the
in pressing the boat onwards,

required of the
Sailing to

'

man

And

the truest test of good and skilful boat-sailing.

is

the narrower the channel in the beat to

windward the greater

is

in

sails

the skill and discretion

at the helm.'

windward

being, therefore, one of the most interesting

and exciting per-

formances connected with the art of boat-sailing, the tyro should spare no pains to make
himself master of

use of the

tiller,

it

and with that view he must thoroughly accustom himself

and practise

to the

sailing in all the varieties of light airs, gentle breezes

and

strong winds.

The

art of sailing a boat against the

wind by sundry zig-zag performances

that requires considerable attention, a watchful eye,

the rudiments of the art

may

be learnt in a few lessons, the art

fection of boat-sailing, can only be acquired

and frequent practice

Vide infra,

Supra,

'

'

by long experience.

Boats of the Malay Archipelago.'

Revolving-rigged boats,' page SS.

126

itself,

is

one

for although

which

is

the per-

Sailing

Windward.

to

One of the principal tilings for the young helmsman to attend to in sailing to windward with effect is to watch the fore-leech of the main-sail or that part nearest the mast.
The boat should be sailed as close to the wind as possible without shaking this part of
the sail, which is always the first to quiver to the breeze, and thereby to warn the helmsman of too close a luff. Some sailors steer by a vane at the mast-head, and some cannot
but such is an uncertain guide in boat-sailing, and it
sail a vessel properly without one
;

West &> Son,

is

a bad practice to steer

all

very well

sailor

when

who wishes

by

the wind

to

become

Lady

if.

of the

West steering her yacht

Some

is light,

steer

but

by the

at best

indicator

bear up a

the instant the slightest waver

little

ripple

on the water, which

an uncertain guide.

skilful in the art of sailing to

eye upon the fore-leech of the main-sail, which

the least motion of the

is

is

Soutlisea.

to victory.

windward

may be

The young

boat-

will practise his

always the most faithful and unerring

perceptible in this part of the sail he should

tiller will suffice if

127

the boat be in proper trim.

Thic
happens that the Avind

It often

is

Sailing- Boat.
unsteady, blowing sometimes in a continued strong

breeze for two or three minutes or more, and immediately afterwards a light wind follows

On

but this occurs chiefly with easterly winds, which are generally irregular.
occasions great advantages
luff of the main-sail, for

gusts than in others

may

such

be gained by watching the effect of the Avind upon the

the boat can bs sailed tAvo points nearer the Avindin some of the

then

is

helmsman

the time for the skilled

way

to Avedge his

to

Avindward of his opponents.

But
of

it is

only by practical experience that the amateur boat-sailor can acquire the art

keeping the boat at the best angle to the Avind, and

::

Another point
is

a very powerful

that the sail

lation

fills

add

sail

importance

tAvo

is

keeping her

the trimming of the jib-sheets.

more or

all its

power.

less, either

The

in hauling

full.'

Avell-cut jib

jib-sheets require skilful

manipu-

them

them

too taut or in easing

too

to or diminish the progress of the boat.

The amateur boat-sailor should also make a

when under-way, and inculcate
all

'

-r:-~rrr??~V-.

boat as possible

them

the Avhile

on a good boat, but the jib-sheet must be trimmed to a nicety, so

and draws with

an inch or

freely, will

of great

all

keep doAvn as

practice of sitting as

Ioav as possible, as it assists the boat

128

low down in the

the same practice Avith his crew,

making

more than many persons

Sailing

Windward.

to

would suppose, upon the principle that the lower down in the boat the ballast is, the
stiffer she will be and the better she will sail.
Therefore, in half-decked boats more
particularly,

no part

of the shoulders

nor even the head of either of the crew (below their

Son, Cowcs,

I.

of

IV.

Thetis," no heads above deck.

eyes) should be seen above deck during the critical

moments

of a

closely-contested

sailing-match.

See the illustration above of a well-trained crew in this respect.

The greater the

smooth water

force of the

wind the

watch the wind, that should the

sailing his boat

the

sail to

windward

up

to it

with

to

'

may

be sailed to

keep her

them

ance

the boat.

full,'

to quiver, for a

that

is,

to

shaking or quivering

129

iu

advantage by

well-known maxim in

sails full of
sail is, at

In beating to windward in a very narrow channel it is

work the boat under main-sail and fore-sail the jib is the
;

when

but never so as to allow any part of

It is a

keep the

it

will so narrowly

slightest variation occur, he will take

all possible precision,

quiver or hinder the boat's progress.

part of
to

closer the boat

and in racing, or match-sailing, an experienced helmsman

sailing to

wind and not allow any

the time, of but

little assist-

best to take in the jib

sail that

and

puts the boat ashore

s

The
in channels
it

which are

becomes necessary

On

so

to

Sailing- Bo at.

narrow that a vessel

no sooner round and on a fresh tack than

is

put her about again.

putting the helm down,

but gradually, that the boat

'

to

come

may obey

getting the boat round, that the

helm

about,'

is

it

quicker.

it

jammed

should not be put over too suddenly

Some people
over

all

are

at once

so impatient in

and oftentimes the

boat misses stays in consequence, which not only causes delay and vexation but danger
as well.

Another practice equally erroneous

fairly round,

and

it

by which means she

loses

way

is

putting the helm up before the boat

then becomes necessary to haul the fore-sail aweather, to pay her head

main sheet must be eased

is

or lays head-to-wind without going ahead

off,

or the

to allow her to veer off into the wind.

In crossing a tide-way there

is

always a tendency, more or

strength of the tide, to cause the boat to

make

lee- way,

less

particularly

according to the

when

Nothing but experience and good judgment, combined with a knowledge

close-hauled.

of the locality,

can enable the helmsman to estimate the extent of lee-way and to lay his course accordingly.

But when

crossing a tide-way in Avhich the set of the tide

130

is

favourable to the

Reaching and Sailing

course of the boat

it

acts in a contrary

on

Bowline.

way, and enables the boat

to hold a better course

and the helmsman to point her closer to the wind.

of discretion is required as to the proper sized jib

In sailing to windward a good deal

to set.

a general rule a boat will go to windward better with a small jib than with

As

Many a race has been lost through carrying too large a jib when working
The effect of a large jib is to sag the boat to leeward, particularly when
It is a
but little way on her this may be seen when the boat is put about.

a large one.
to

windward.

she has

good rule that although the jib-sheet

never be trimmed until the boat
Topsails are seldom of
in very light airs

much

is

the

is

first to

fairly going

be eased

assistance to a boat

and under high

cliffs

they

off

on coming about,

it

should

ahead on a fresh tack.

are,

when working

to

windward, except

however, of great service in reaching

and running with a free wind.

But, withal,
unless a

it is

number

impossible to bring out the utmost speed of which a boat

of preliminary points

be

first

carefully attended

to such

is

capable

as ballasting,

sails, trimming the sheets, &c, &c, each of which is almost

and cannot possibly be learnt without considerable attention and
experience but with these combined a good sailor with a good boat will frequently have
the satisfaction of finding himself foremost in the race. And experience, with skill, may

rigging, setting

an art ia

and shifting

itself,

make many an

old-fashioned vessel beat a

new

one.

BEACHING AND SAILING ON A BOWLINE.

t

The
By
when

reaching

is

meant

the main-sheet

is

Sailing-Boat.

with a side wind.

not quite close-hauled

and the sheets "are eased

The

sailing

off so that all

jib -sheets so that the boat feels all their

of the sail to flap or quiver,

The

ahead.

greatest speed at

The

and on

hoat

said to be on a reach

is

a bowline, Avhen the Avind is free

the sails draAV powerfully.

when

principal points to attend to

any part

sailing

power

on a bowline

but so that every inch of

which a boat can

are, to

trim the main and

not so that they stand too slack or cause

sail

helps the boat to go

brought out when sailing on a

sail is

bowline.

Long
if

boats are fastest for this branch of sailing.

judiciously ballasted, will pass

many

boat of narrow form of hull,

a good sea-going boat in smooth water, with a

reaching or bowline wind.

Should a heavy squall strike the

sails

when reaching

in a strong wind, the

should be put doAvn and the boat brought up head to wind

sudden and there

but

if

helm

the squall be very

not sufficient sea-room for luffing, the main-sheet should be slacked

is

as quickly as possible,

by which means the pressure

boat will quickly recover

of the sail will

be eased and the

itself.

In bearing up or wearing when on a reach, if the wind is strong or squally the mainpeak should be lowered and the main-sheet slacked, or there may be danger of carrying
away the mast. If the boat has running tackle or back- stays, they will be a great
support to the mast on such occasions.

When
lee

a boat

is

capsized in bearing

bow, which, in hazardous

pressure of

sail in

sailing, is

up

or wearing, the water first comes in over the

sometimes nearly driven under water.

a strong breeze, burying the lee scuppers of the boat

ging her along on her beam ends,

is

perilous sailing, and,

in a

heavy

sea,

and dragthe risk

is

thereby considerably augmented.

SCUDDING,
'

This branch

of

OR RUNNING BEFORE THE WIND.

wet sheet and a flowing sea,

A wind that follows fast
And fills the white and rustling sails,
And bends the gallant mast.' Cunningham.

our pastime

is

one that should

particularly during a strong wind, or in sqiially weather

it

may

be performed with caution,

although to the inexperienced

appear the most simple and easiest mode of sailing as the boat travels more upon

an even

keel,

and without lying over on her

side as she does in sailing to

yet experience has shown that scudding in a strong wind

because of the risk of the main-sail suddenly jybing.

132

is

windward

often attended with danger

Scudding,

A back-stay

or

necessary

is

Running Before

when running

before a strong wind, in order to protect the

The shrouds

mast from being carried away.

Wind.

the

are no protection to the

mast when sailing

with the wind abaft.

running before the wind the main-sheet should be given out freely, the
The main-sail should be
off to leeward but set up to windward.

When

running tackle cast

allowed to blow out as

much

but not so as to chafe against the lee-shrouds

A
in order that the main-sail may hold a better wind.

as possible,

the main-tack should be cast off

ng before the wind.

watchful eye must be kept upon the

be suddenly jybed,

sail

sheet
if

run

is all

there be

i.e.

sail

blown over

and attention paid

out, the boat is almost certain to

much wind and

sea.

by wavering

avoid a jybe

if

to

leeward

the

wind

But in order

to avoid this

symptoms

when running
of

may
is

The

directly

being taken aback

helm should instantly be put down a

Should a squall suddenly strike the main-sail when running before

mast

the main-

little

so as to

possible.

appear too heavy for the boat, by putting the helm

gust

for should the

when

be capsized, or the mast carried away,

before the wind, should the sail exhibit the slightest

as

to the

to the other side of the boat,

down immediately,

the.

wind, and

the force of the

be eased considerably as the boat comes up into the wind, and probably the

thereby saved from being carried away.

boat should be steered as straight a course as possible

133

when

scudding.

The

The
fore-sail will

out

of little or

no use when going directly before tbe wind, unless boomed

tbe jib-sheets should be slacked, and the jib allowed to draw as freely as the

other

sails.

When
peak

be

Sailing-Boat.
o

the wind

fresh and squally

is

of the main-sail

it

may sometimes be

on a sudden emergency, or to

advisable to lower the

up the main-tack,

trice

either of

From a photo

Bekm

by

"Will

which

will take

some

o' lh'

of the strain off the

&>

So,

Wisp" scudding.

mast

but the safest precaution

is

to reef the

main-sail and take in the jib.

The danger

of

scudding or running before the wind

than in smooth water, and a boat

safety of the boat

is

is

much greater
when she

generally hard to steer

and crew, when scudding in

heavy sea

in a

heavy sea

pitches.

The

or strong wind, depends

almost entirely on the watchfulness aud skill of the helmsman, who, on observing the
least inclination of the sail to jybe, should instantly ease

If the main-sail has

no boom,

it

will be the

more

down

liable to

the helm.

jybe suddenly, therefore

when running before the wind.

should always bear in mind when a squall strikes the

extra precaution must be used with such a sail

The amateur
the boat

is

sailor

in danger, that he

side as the sail

is (to

must put the helm down, that

put the helm up,

is

to

push

should be distinctly impressed upon his mind.

134

it

is,

from the

push
sail)

it
;

sail

and

towards the same

and

this precaution

Boat

Stays.

in

BOAT IN STAYS.

boat or vessel

when

about, and

is

'

in stays

'

immediately after the helm

the sails are all shaking in the eye of the

put down to bring her

is

wind

but on a fresh tack or reach

may

the case

When

the port

clear

is

in stays in squally weather,

moment, no way on

when thrown suddenly on her

free, lying in coils, when the

and

instantly in case of peril.

until the boat is fairly

Long
little

The

stays,

a critical moment, for should the

is

it

is

is

danger of upsetting the boat,

not going through the water, therefore

is

i.e.

side,

answer

boat

is

The

to the helm.

sheets should be

'put about,' so as to be ready to

go

let

jib-sheet especially should be kept slack and in hand,

round and has recovered way.

more sluggish

boats are always

craft

no longer in

be.

a boat

has, at the

will not

is

or starboard tack, or port or starboard reach, as

Avind take the sails aback, or a squall strike them, there

which

but directly the fore-

has 'payed off' the head, and brought the boat round, she

sail

in stays than short ones

beamy

the short

quickly round, generally before danger can touch her, whilst the long

rakish craft makes a more extensive circuit in

'

coming about,' sometimes shooting ahead

considerably in the performance, and so fore-reaching upon her shorter antagonist.

Missing Stays.

This term implies a

or to

answer her helm when

head

to

failure

on the part of the boat

'come about,'

to

put down for the purpose of bringing the boat round,

it is

windward.

Should the boat miss stays in a squall, the main-sheet and jib-sheet must be

and the

or slackened,

boat so

When
but

pressing rqwn her,

is

it

or less risk

made

occurs in a strong
for the boat

let

'

wind

when

coming about,'

is

or squall, or in a

in stays has no

It is a

matter of prudence

incurred,

heavy

sea, there is

her, consequently she

on her

way

on the part

squall,

as

it

is

and

sails.

is

is

is

see that they are all clear

helmsman

the

of

also

in a
if

heavy

she

and

sea,

misses

of

a sailing-boat to

for fear of

the risk

boat be

stays.

If

Bx;t

sometimes considerable risk in 'putting about,' because the stern

alternately out of the water, and the rudder powerless

of a

very

It is necessary

again.

and the danger attending the boat

heavy sea there

it

always more

judiciously ballasted, and in good trim, she will never miss stays in smooth water.
in a

go

go the halliards of the

seldom any danger attending

way on

to attend to the sheets,

fast until the boat is fairly

avoid putting about in a

let

throw the

possible in time to save the boat from capsizing.

be capsized should a gust of wind suddenly strike the

therefore on

not

if

a boat misses stays in a light wind, there

when

liable to

after which, if the squall

on her side as to leave her in momentary danger,

flat

that

sail

hauled to windward

fore-sail

wave.

135

when

the boat

is

on the crest

The

Sailing-Boat.

BRING-UP AT M<

TO

)1UN(

)(

iS.

photo by

Belccn if Son, Comes, I.

ofW.

Boats at moorings.

'

" I've heard," cried out one, " that you tars tack aud tack,

And
But I

what strange dangers befel you

know what's moorings " "What don't you ? " cries Jack
your ear-tackle then, and I'll tell you."
Dibdin.

at sea

don't

"Man

'

vessel riding by two or more anchors in different directions

boat's moorings consist of

anchored in different directions

mooring-chain about
part of the bridle, to

it

is

said to be moored.

two ends

a smaller chain, called a bridle,

is

of

is

mis-management than getting

like

required to be

'

brought up

into

which are

secured to the
to the

muddle with the

at a particular spot, or

'

upper

'

dropped

Bungling hands when endeavouring

these elementary performances, sometimes run foul of neighbouring boats, and

alongside
effect

when

the

midway from each anchor, and a buoy is attached

mark or watch the spot where the moorings lie.

Nothing looks more

sailing-boat

strong mooring-cliain,

'

a large yacht or a landing place.

their ineffectual attempts to

fore-sail

and peak

their fingers,

'

bring-up at moorings

of the main-sail,

'

to

in

keep hoisting and lowering the

hauling the boom over, dropping anchor, jamming

working themselves up into a

state of perspiration

136

and excitement, getting

Bringing-up

Moorings.

at

and toppling

their legs entangled in the ropes,

over,

head foremost in the boat, and

sometimes overboard, to the amusement and ridicule of bystanders, whose hearty laughs
at

such lubberly seamanship increase the

and add

difficulties

to the perplexities of the

unskilful amateur.

An

experienced sailing-master, however,

enabled to

is

much

drop his boat alongside another, with as

'

bring-up at moorings,' or

coachman drives along

ease as a practised

the street and stops the carriage at any particular door.

Bi'inging-up at moorings in a crowded harbour, though an elementary performance,

is

skill

and

with head

sails

one that should be done with

comes boldly up

to his berth

the task almost to an inch, and Avithout

or

any other

be borne in mind in

It should

but

skiff requires

making

a scratch

'

bringing-up at moorings

it

requires in

may

room, and

little

cannot always be stopped in a

On coming up

running.

easily be

'

The

experience,

with

all

sail

moment when

and,

if

in

it

light sailing

a fresh breeze

than an ordinary

size

skiff,

blowing or a strong tide

is

a tide-way, allowance

sweep round must

made

strength of

for

and

after a

will be an easy matter, in a light wind, to lay her alongside even

standing, but of course, shaking in the eye of the wind.

first

sometimes

own

of his

laid alongside with precision after

boat should be luffed boldly alongside in a good sweep

little

however,

sailor

that the greater the

'

coming about.'

to moorings, the distance required for the

be measured with the eye

current.

and confident

upon the surface

but a boat heavily ballasted, and of a larger

skilled

boat.

length of the boat, the more sweep

practice

precision.

doAvn and main-sail standing, and performs

to take in the

necessary to

moorings are hooked,

so

that the boat

jib,

may have

keep the fore-sail standing

the

until

as to be ready to haul awe'ather

less

It

way on
moment

usual

is

It

her.

and pay her head

is

the

before
off,

in

case of a faiku-e in the performance.

Never attempt
wind

to lay a boat on, or too near, a lee shore in a

and on going up

to a berth at moorings,

heavy swell or a strong

never do so before the wind (except in

a strong tide-way), but always to windward.

If

it

happens that there

is

but short

way than by

turning-room, and the moorings

cannot be approached in any other

running before the wind, lower

the sails except the fore-sail, and run the boat

as slowly as possible,

all

hook the buoy with a boat-hook, and make

fast quickly

up

with

the bridle.

To

steer the boat

when going through

the water stern

in the

same direction as that in which the head

When

drifting

first,

the helm must be put

of the boat is required to

with the current in a tide-way, the

aft part of the boat

be turned.

being deeper

than the fore part, the stern will have a tendency to drive faster than the head

which
set,

case,

and in order

and more head

to retain a proper control over the boat, less aft sail

sail.

137

in

must be

Sailing- Bo at.

Thic

FURLING THE

SAILS.

Fueling the sails also termed stowing the sails

merely implies rolling them
up neatly and in a sailor-like manner, after the boat is moored, or at anchor.
The main-sail is furled as follows
-The sail being lowered down into the boat,
place the gaff and boom close together, one on top of the other
then lift the flap of
'

'

the
gaff

the

sail

end
gaff.

over the boom, and lay the aft-leech over the

;

keep

The

all
sail

taut whilst another

hand

rolls

should not be rolled round the

flap,

hauling

up the loose

sail

boom nor round

it

taut from the

neatly and close to

the gaff, but close up

Then pass three or four small lashings round the sail and over the gaff,
and having secured them the main-sail will be furled.
The fore- sail may be furled in the following manner
When the sail is fixed to,
and traverses the fore-stay up and down by means of brass thimbles (the most usual
to

the latter.

way),

it

should be

spread over

it.

let

down

to the

stem

of the boat, rolled

In small boats, when the

fore-sail

is

up

neatly,

not attached

and an
to,

oilskin

or does not

traverse the fore-stay, but the rope on the fore-leech of the sail forms the fore-stay,

138

Match
then the fore-tack

Sailing.

may be unhooked and

the fore-sail rolled

up in the main-sail

or

stowed away separately in the locker.

Jibs and top-sails are generally kept in the forecastle, or in the cabin, or whichever
is

and most convenient.

driest

In small sailing boats having neither cabin nor forecastle,

they are sometimes rolled up in the main-sail.

After the main-sail

from the mast

to the

is

be put over

furled, a water-proof coating should

boom end

but

furled for any length of time.

it is

not a good plan to leave the

few days

it,

sails

extending
coated and

will sometimes incur the risk of

mildew

therefore they should be exposed to the air as often as possible.

The

sprit-sail is generally furled

after taking

should be rolled up inside the

rolling

sprit-sail.

cannot conveniently be fitted over a

When the
New

sails are

to dry.
is

by

sails

sail

close to the

mast

not

It is a neat

if

it

method, but an oilskin coating

wet they should be loosely

furled, unless they can be spread out

when

should be well and frequently wetted with salt-water,

In damp or wet weather

and must be frequently spread and exposed

attention,

part of the day

round

the fore-sail

furled in this manner.

under way, to preserve them from mildew.

much

up

it

out the spreet, and without lowering the main-halliards

the boat

sails require

during the driest

to the air

neglected for any length of time (although under an oilskin coat)

they are very liable to be disfigured and otherwise injured by mildew.

MATCH SAILING (SMALL

'

YACHTS).

The mast may be bending, and threatening the gale,

The gnn'l borne down deep a' lee
But the stoutest of hearts, and most daring of men,
Win the perilous race on the sea.' The Author.
;

The Start.

At the present

of starting the

day,

competing yachts

is

where there

the yachts come to the starting line

is sufficient
'

allowed to anchor nor to cross the line until the starting gun

any

of the yachts arrive at the line too soon

line is not defined otherwise

usually flag-buoys.

It is

sea-room, the usual

known as The Flying Start

under way with their sails set.

that

is

fired

'

in

mode

which

They

consequently

they are required to retreat.

The

all

are not
if

starting-

than as lying straight between two conspicuous marks,

obvious that a start of this kind requires sea-room, or a

tolerably wide expanse of water.

Another mode
is

less

of arranging the start is that

adopted in narrow waters where there

sea-room, and in rivers where there are strong currents

competing yachts are either anchored or moored in line

and head

sails

down, and sometimes with

all sails

139

in this

mode the

sometimes with aft

sails set

down, as may be previously arranged

The

Sailing- Boat.

by the sailing committee. At starts of this kind lots

are numbered
the weathermost being, usually, the most
:

Other modes

are

drawn

for stations,

which

desirable.

by special rules of sailing clubs, to meet

by reason of the limited space of open water.
the start, the sheets trimmed, and the spare ropes

starting are regulated

of

the requirements of particular localities,

As soon

as the signal is given for

of the halliards coiled

boat should squat or

and

laid in their proper places, every

man on board

the racing

down and so remain until required by the sailing-master to

The crew should not congregate altogether in one part of the

lie

perform some duty.

boat, but judiciously distribute themselves about the vessel, so as not to disturb her

trim or depress her

consideration

bow

the

weight

difference in the trim,

The Race.

In small yachts and open boats

or stern.

of

man

one

in

the

and consequently in the

Those only who have taken part

in the bold efforts that have led the

and excitement

of a public contest

way

efforts that are

an important

wrong place may make a material

sailing of the vessel.

in a spirited sailing match,

to victory,

and joined

can truly appreciate the pleasure

on the watery race-course, when every inch of the

rippling surface is as closely contested as

The daring

this is

made

if

life

in strong

and death were pending the

result.

winds and heavy seas by an undaunted

crew, and their earnest struggles for pride of place in the race have often and justly

been the subject

There

is

of public admiration.

no truer

test of skill

and daring in a

a skipper than the fact of his sailing

of the day, a

sailor,

hard-fought sailing-match in a strong wind

been sailed and

won by

and

and winning, among a

British yacht owners.

140

of skilful
fleet

seamanship in

of the fastest boats

and many such matches have

Match

Sailing.

There must always, in a sailing match, be activity and readiness among every
of the crew; and skill and sound judgment are indispensable at the helm,

member

particularly

The

if

'

carrying on

when

'

the wind

generally the winner of the race-cup.

attributable to the form of the hull
skill of

is

strong and the sea heavy.

boat that can be sailed fastest to windward

the

helmsman

and when

easy to understand

how

is

considered

of its course,

sailing

considered the best boat, and

of the

matches

cutter

"

how

slight a touch of the

is

is

justly

helm

will

Caress.'

and turn

it

may be won

a point or more off the wind,

it is

or lost through superior skill on

the one hand, and the least inattention or lack of skill on the other.

may

success

below the water-line, a good deal depends on the

it

Modern racing

put a well-trimmed boat out

is

Although very much

The same

test

account for the fact of a famous racing-cutter being signally defeated, time after

time,

when

in the possession

of

one owner, but,

on changing hands, turning out a

frequent winner.

In sailing-matches the race

sailing-master

by

is

is

sometimes

unable to obtain the lead,

another, and therefore unable to keep

At

the present

clay,

when most

of

or,

lost

by the

fastest

having obtained

it,

yacht because the

is

out-manoeuvred

it.

the small yacht sailing-matches

141

(particularly

The

Sailing-Boat.

those of the one-design classes) are

as his

own

sailing-master

it is

With

being out-manoeuvred by his antagonist.

on how she

is

handled.

capable of winning

it

Many

by the owners

sailed

a yacht of the

had she been handled

also

the converse

of

this

'

bold his

owner

own

'

acts

without

a good boat, success depends mainly

winning type

The

proof comes

steered to victory.

is

without mentioning names, for

Beken

Front a photo by

when

the match

loses

to the best advantage.

afterwards when, in other hands, in subsecuient matches, she

Take

rather, the

or,

necessary that he be able to

" Koorangah."

& Son, Cowes,

it

I.

is

an

oft-

oj IV.

occurring fact that there are, nearly every year, racing yachts of great repute, with

long strings of

victories

appended

to their

names, which, on changing hands,

retain that pride of place they previously occupied,

again and again in former races

The

failure lies, not

trim, the set of the sails,

of

which

is,

now

outsail

and the

rivals

them with apparent

fail to

they had vanquished

ease.

with the boat, but chiefly in the handling

sometimes in the

and perhaps half-a-dozen other small matters, not the

least

opportunity lost through the lack of sound judgment on one or more

occasions during the race.

The importance
already

been

to be attached to the

referred

to.

These,

trimming and ballasting

however,

142

as

well

as

of racing-boats

some

other

has

important

Match

Sailmeo

considerations, are preliminary steps, to Avhich due attention

Many

must be paid before coming

with any chance of success in a sailing match.

to the starting point

years ago a highly discreditable practice prevailed in match-sailing with the

smaller class of racing-yachts

that of

ballast trimming

very properly been discountenanced by

all

but

which has now long

British yacht clubs.

The

an unsportsmanlike and dangerous practice led to the introduction

unworthy the name

Those

sailing machines.

of a class of vessels

which were, not inappropriately, termed

British yachts, and

of

when under

vessels, to all appearances,

were enabled

sail,

carry a tremendous spread of canvas and to bear a great pressure of

a narrow form of hull

rakish form could hold themselves

canvas, whilst the

about half as

much

sail a sufficient

more men trimming heavy bags

and

or rather

from

was

to

sailing

how

stiff-looking cutter of the

quantum.

of shot

real shot,

all

of spars

and

same tonnage, found

of the vessel

above deck, were four or

such as sportsmen use to wing the

those they shifted from the leeward side to the weather side

lee-bilge to weather-bilge, according to the tack on

'

of proportion

peep into the interior

unseen by

for there,

to

although of

boats of such a

up under such an amazing pressure

more sturdy and

however, revealed the whole secret

feathered tribe

sail,

and they were rigged with spars wholly out

Strangers used to look on with wonder as to

to their tonnage.

since

sanction of such

hold her up,' or to

'

keep her

stiff,'

as they

termed

which the vessel

it.

In the absence

which they lugged from side to side

in the same manner, and then secured them from slipping by putting up slides or
of

bags of shot, were long bars

shifting-boards.

of lead or iron

The four men then cringed over

shot-bags until they heard the order

'

bout

to the other side as quickly as possible,

'

to

when

windward, or

laid

down upon

the

the shifting ballast was trimmed

and again they coiled themselves up on the

Racing cutter of

143

1850.

;
'

The
When

shot-bags as before.

was hard work

Sailing-Boat.
was much turning

there

work aboard the

in fact the hardest

to

windward ballast-trimming

As much

vessel.

as a ton

was

but an ordinary quantum of shifting-ballast for a ten-ton racing cutter of that period,

and

so in proportion as to larger vessels.

The
it

of

is

1850

illustration at foot of previous page, is that of a racing cutter of the year

introduced here to show the type of yacht and rig of that period, for the purpose

comparison with the racing cutter

of the present day.

Boats for racing purposes require to be very strongly built, or the great strain
caused by extra pressure of

When
possible

on the

if

sail

soon

with

tells

effect

upon some part

racing in small open boats, the crew should

When

floor so

much

the better for the boat.

by which means

down

helm

canting

Many

practised.

many more by

in a sailing-match

round

he

art of boat-sailing, before

therefore all preliminaries as to setting sail

windward

for

a race has been lost

too sharply, but

the boat will shoot farther ahead in turning,

come about quicker and be less likely to miss stays.

Every man should be more or less master of the
aspires to the

of the hull.

low down in the boat as

putting the boat about, the helm should not be put

slowly and steadily

smartly,

as

sit

berth,

by

&c, should be

first

well

and

learnt

cai'rying too large a jib on a wind,

and as

too large topsails, when, with a jib-headed topsail and a smaller jib,

the boat would have sailed faster and

made

But

less lee-way.

in reaching, running,

or sailing with the Avind free, the boat should be allowed all the sail she can carry
set

your spinnakers and topsails as large as the weather will allow, always acting with

But be the wind ever

a judicious regard to the safety of the spars and vessel.

light, those butterfly sails will

so

not answer on a wind ; on the contrary, they retard the

progress of the boat, and deny her a fair chance.

may sometimes be

In tacking to windward in a race, great advantages

manoeuvring

but

nautical

experience, and are scarcely a

The

in yacht-racing

i.e.,

object of taking the

When
sail closest

fit

subject for book-teaching.

on next page gives an exhibition

illustration

of

what

is

termed

wind out

of

her

sails

and

obtains the greatest advantage

enabled to lay a

'

blanketing

one yacht gliding to windward close alongside another, with the

so obtaining

an advantage.

on a wind, the sailing-master who watches the wind and the

variations in the

gained by

mano3uvres can only be well learnt by practice and

wind

much

for

in the course of an

it

hour or

better course than at others.

these and Avedge his

way

possible, so long as he

can do so without shaking

to

luff of the

main-

often happens that there are slight

less,

He

and

windward; constantly creeping

its

at

some moments he

should take advantage of

as close to the

power out

of the sails.

wind

The

is

all

as

fault

in those unaccustomed to match-sailing, generally lies in their too great fear of not

keeping the

sails full

and

so,

having once placed the vessel close to the Avind they are

144

Match

Sailing.

careful to keep a straight course, and, regardless of any variation, the)' steer as straight
as an arrow for

plan "when

'

some object ahead or on shore.

running free

'

but the

man who

Row,

undoubtedly an excellent

this is

so steers a racing vessel

will very seldom succeed in bringing her in first at the

winning

helm should Avatch constantly

by keeping

of

the main-sail

for variations in the wind,

and by the most

occasionally to squeeze the yacht a point nearer to the wind.

ing.

tion to such opportunities,

good advantage
golden chances

but, be

when

effective,

and

it

and instead

When

sailing

strict atten-

and instantly embracing them, that they can be turned

it

to so

remembered, that in a sailing match they are assuredly

attentively and opportunely seized.

much on

then becomes a

by

luff

enabled

will be

It is only

at the

on the

Blanketing her opponent.

In trimming the sheets in a sailing match, a good deal

pull of an inch too

on a wind,

The man

his eye

helm he

delicate touch of the

when

goal.

the jib-sheet

of acting as a
'

when on

a wind,

of discretion is required

may

render the

powerful drawing-sail, half

its

sail far

less

power may be

lost

lee driver.'

on a bowline, care should be taken that the sheets are trimmed so that

every inch of the canvas draws aud assists the boat in the most effective manner.

145

The
When

Sailing- Boat.

running before the wind in a race, the main-sheet should he paid out

the jib and fore-sheets eased

off,

and

all

the sails allowed to

freely,

draw powerfully and

assist the boat to their utmost.

mistaken notion

It is a

when on
appear as

wind

if

to set

up the shrouds

the mast should have a

benumbed when

close-hauled

little
;

of the

mast too taut in a racing vessel

play.

If too confined

giving the mast more play, the boat will be released as

appear as lively under

sail as

the vessel will

whereas, by easing the weather-shrouds and

it

were from

its

bonds, and

a bird on wing.

BOAT-EAC1NG BY LADIES.

From a phi>t:>

hv

Boat-racing^by lad

At

the present day Avhen lady-sailors are conspicuous at our sailing matches, and

participate con amove in the pastime,

it is

no uncommon occurrence to find a lady at the

146

Boat-racing
helm

in a sailing-boat on the Solent,

And

coasts.

any more than

coast.

And

in their small cruising-yachts on a fine

racing

ladies

of the regattas

helm

summer's day.

it

members

of

yacht and boat-sailing

fair

charmer may be found taking her place

throughout a spirited and exciting sailing match

perhaps, that every yachting lady should be her

1

many

often to be seen at the

they actually have small racing-yachts built and equipped expressly for

and maintaining

Be

at other boating places on our

have such a love for the sea and aptitude for boat-sailing, and take such

and thus, occasionally a

it is

lady-sailors are

a prominent part in aquatic recreations (some as

clubs), that

Ladies.

indeed, boat races by ladies have become frequent at

on and about the English

Some

by

his as

boat-sailers in

it

own

stations of the

skilful lady

Solent

some

steered their yachts to victory in keenly contested sailing matches.

147

helm

principle,

sailing-mistress.

may, there are undoubtedly some very

and about the yachting

at the

upon the

amateur yacht and

of

whom

have often

The

Sailing-Boat.

AS TO THE MANAGEMENT OP SAILING-BOATS IN SQUALLS.

But again we pressed on her, the gale still increasing

Not a squall now and then, but a squall without ceasing

The amateur

boat- sailer

who

eye to windward,' particularly

if

ventures to set
in an

sail in

open boat.

-Tiir

Author.

squally weather

Squalls of

must have an
wind require watching,
'

and attention to the helm and the main and fore-sheets. The danger lies in the boat,
being suddenly thrown upon her beam-ends whilst the main-sheet is fast, and thus overpowered at a moment of incaution on the part of the helmsman. If the main-sheet be
free,

and the boat

carries a

good weather-helm, and the helmsman be on

148

his guard, there

Management of Sailing-Boats
is

nothing to fear on a sqnall suddenly striking the

and ease

On

off

he should put the helm down

the main-sheet.

wide expanse

sails

Squalls.

in

of water, signs of

some few moments before

may sometimes

it

a sqnall

may

generally be seen on the surface

reaches and strikes the sails of the boat

be seen at a distance of

many

miles

for shortening sail before its effects are felt

but in narrow

imaginable

such are the most dangerous of

From

all squalls

and

Mr. Hill

a photo by

Charley.

whenever

instant,

sailing

anywhere near high land

sweeping down the valleys with great

emerges from the shelter

of

force,

some high

or

mound

let

go in an

sometimes come

squalls

for

and often catch the boat

cliff

except, that

always ready to be

is

sailing

besides, difficult to

suggest a means of avoiding their dangerous effects on an open boat

double caution should be taken that the main-sheet

usually time

the suddenness

all

it is,

at sea a squall
is

and when

rivers,

under the land, squalls often come down upon the boat with

close

and

which case there

in

in a calm, as

it

and many and sad are the

accidents that have arisen from such squalls.

"When

sailing in

an open boat,

if

a heavy squall

of the main-sail should (as a precaution) be lowered,

should be brailed up.

sail

sails
all

observed approaching, the peak

a gaff-sail

If only a light or little squall it

may

but then the boat should be immediately luffed up to

Avay

squall,

is
if

or, if

but not so as to lose

it,

keep the boat going, or she will not answer the helm.

douse the fore-sail and drop the peak, ease the sheets, and

It is easy to distinguish

light

squall

119

from

a sprit-sail, the

be allowed to strike the

'

heavy one.

If

The

very heavy

stand by

'

the helm.

light one

flits

The

Sailing-Boat.

over the water like a dark cloud; but a heavy one, or

" Luff

'

luff

Then we

When

take in the

"

moment,

it

squall,' brings

peak

if

in an open boat,

of the main-sail

with

it

"
!

was hinder d.'

tho' her progress

safest to let the fore-

it is

and, as a further precaution, to

jib.
if

the sails be reefed, and the boat a safe and powerful one,

nothing to fear under judicious management.

is

through

with

safety,

by

'

sailing her narrow,'

fore-leeches of the sails arc just on the shake

man

white

shout, " a white squall to wiad'ard

was the

to drop the

In an ordinary squall,
there

eas'd her a

threatened with a white squall,

run down, and

sail

'

white crest of foam upon the tops of the waves

fierce- looking

i.e.

so

The boat may be conducted

close to the wind that the

but great caution

necessary

is

by the

at the helm, lest the sails be taken aback.

In

all cases of

heavy

squalls, it is of the highest

for if she loses

the boat ;

way, or

stationary, the

is

double forca and treble danger to what

way on

boat with no

it

would

her will not answer

importance to keep good way on

squall will

if

her

to

tell

upon her with

moving rapidly ahead

and

helm,

in

is

and

such

event

unmanageable.
If a

squall

should strike

should be put down

for

if

a mistake

and

this

the

whilst

sails

the

boat

running

is

helm

free, tire

a very important precaution to take in such cases,

is

be made, and the helm put up, the squall

will,

if

heavy

one,

almost inevitably capsize the boat.

CAUSES OP BOATS CAPSIZING.

Notwithstanding the numerous and melancholy accidents that occur, year after
mismanagement and upsetting of sailing-boats, there are persons who

year, through the

Avill

not take warning therefrom, but persist in rushing headlong into dangers which,

with ordinary prudence, they might certainly avoid.

The

casualties that occur to sailing-boats

occasioned

by

stress of weather,

whereby they are

but are mainly attributable

Boats are not so frequently capsized on account of large

heavy

seas, as

they are from mismanagement or carelessness

sometimes occur in fine or moderate weather.

capsizing

are inattention

to the

main and

Among

jib-sheets;

particularly the head-sails, or those before the mast

improper trim of

hull,

whereby the boat

upset, are not always

to causes
sails,
;

within control.
strong winds, and

accidents of the kind

the principal causes of boats

wrong adjustment

carries a lee-helm instead of a

150

of

the

sails,

large and disproportionate spars

weather-helm

of Boats

Causes

Capsizing.

missing- stays; sluggishness on coming about; insufficient ballast; the ballast shifting

and rolling over

leeward

to

the

through the blocks or sheaves

reckless pressure of sail

up

jamming

of a rope,

the sail not coming

whereby

down

overcroAvding the boat with people

checked in running

it is

freely
;

blocks

ill-fitting

intoxication

standing

over the gunwale; and various other causes, some of which

in the boat; leaning

are hereinafter explained.

The

illustration

is

from a photograph

Harbour, and the steam launch of

assistance.

Cup

at

The Eos was

the

of

the Eos, half-rater, capsized off

the winner in the

Eyde.

Probabl}' one of the most glaring indiscretions of those above mentioned

-

allowing the boat to carry a lee-helm

.

or later

Cowes

Company rendering prompt

year 1897 of the 100 West Challenge

Liquid Fuel

the

first squall,

is

that of

as such is a certain precursor to disaster, sooner

or even a strong breeze, will inevitably capsize a boat under

such circumstances.

There are two principal causes for a boat carrying a lee-helm

the boat's ballast

much

is

too far forward

one of which

is,

that

and the other (or more usual one) that she has too

head-sail in proportion to her aft canvas.

The illustration on the next page is from a photograph of the Eos taken a few
moments before she was capsized. It will be seen that although the main-sail is closereefed, she was carrying a fore-sail nearly as large as the reefed main-sail
a great
!

mistake, and probably the cause of the mishap

as

it

seems impossible that the boat

could carry a weather-helm with such a disproportionate spread of head-sail.

Every person who ventures on the water in an open

151

sailing-boat ought to

know

that

The

Sailing-Boat.

the most important rope, unci that on which the safety of the boat often depends,

main-shed ; next in importance to which are the fore-sheets,

jib-sheets also.

it

coil, so

sudden emergency

made

fast,

as to be

boats are capsized, the reason

fails

sails,

should

Care should be taken that

and

this

the Avind, on the wind, reaching, or otherwise.

"Eos"

able cause

the

but more particularly the main-sheet, which should never be

be not entangled, or in auy way hidden from view

confusion at the

is

head-sails, the

ready to be run out without obstruction, in case

except in the slightest and most simple manner.

sailing before

two

All the halliards, and indeed every ro2>e belonging to the

be laid in a separate
of

or, if

moment

of

is,

whether the boat

In

many

cases,

is

when

just before cap

simply, that the person attending the sheets, in his

danger

from

fright, inattention, or

to slack the main-sheet until too

late,

and

some other unpardon-

at a period

when

his

own

weight, and probably that of other inmates of the boat, suddenly jerked over to the

leeward
It

side, actually accelerate

sometimes occurs that the

the upsetting and deny the boat a chance of righting.

coil or fall

of

152

the sheet becomes entangled or twisted

;;

of Boats

Causes

about something in the boat, so as to render

may

persons

E.g. suppose the

probability.

all

or

times

end

it

prove

its

coil at

the

to

be lying in a neat

of the sheet, to

and ready for running out

clear

need any comment

to

who know

part leading from the clew of the sail being uppermost, and

of the boat, the

apparently

fall,

many

Many

impossible to be let go suddenly.

consider this as very unlikely to occur, but there are others

has unfortunately happened too

bottom

it

Capsizing.

in

an

Now

instant.

the chances are,

that after sailing about a short time, this rope becomes slightly deranged, particularly
if

there

is

much

any circumstance

of a rolling motion, or several persons in the boat, or

occurring to call the attention of the person attending the sheet to some other object

the neatly coiled main-sheet

and

if

then forgotten, becomes entangled or foul of something,

is

required to be slacked meets with some impediment to check

the main-sheet block, and thereby the boat

is

capsized.

rope,

through a block, assumes a meandering or corkscrew form, and

is

its

course through

when drawn

rapidly

very liable to catch

round something or other in the boat, such as an oar, a boat-hook, a cleat, or person's
foot
any slight check from either of which may cause an obstruction, and consequently
;

a capsize.
is not always to be relied on in the event of a capsize has
and recently confirmed by the lamentable accident which occurred
on the 11th August, 1898, whereby an expert swimmer (Mr. O'Connor Glynn) and a
friend of his, Avere both drowned through the capsizing of a boat of the Dublin Bay

That expert swimming

often been proved

Colleen

class, in

Killiney

from the Bray Regatta

revealed,

at

the

once,

Bay

to

Kingstown.

cause

when returning home

when brought to the surface

not during a sailing match, but

of

The sunken

the melancholy

boat,

catastrophe;

bodies

the

of

both

occupants of the boat being found entangled in the spare part of the main-sheet, which

was wound tightly round their bodies: and thus it appears they Avere inextricably
Mr. Glynn Avas the son of the
entangled and drawn down Avith the sinking boat.
Hon. Sec. of the Dublin Bay Sailing Club, and Avas, as already stated, an expert
swimmer.
becomes kinked

It is not unfrequently the case that a rope, although neatly coiled,

on getting wet, particularly

and

if

neAV

so in either case, the sheave

between the parts

a wet rope

of

the block

NeAV rope

of the shell.

if

also liable to SAvell

is

not

may be
Avell

and become

choked, or the rope

stiff,

jammed

stretched and the turns taken out

before reeving through the blocks, will he liable to twist in such a

therefore, simple as those precautions

may

manner

as to stop

appear, they are very

its running freely

important to be observed in fitting neAV ropes to a sailing-boat, particularly those used
for sheets, AA here a temporary obstruction may occasion the most disastrous consequences
;

for

if

the sheet be not instantaneously cleared,

hoat must inevitably be capsized.

the obstruction, in such a case,

when

the

sail is

struck

Perhaps the most effectual manner

would be

to out

153

by

a squall, the

of clearing

away

with a pocket-knife and cut aAvay the

The
sheet

Sailing-Boat.

an experiment which has, ere now, saved boat and crew from destruction, even

thrown

after being

flat

on beam ends, and the water pouring in over the gunwale.

Small sailing-boats passing under the lee of large vessels, in squally weather, are

very

be upset on the instant after passing the

liable to

the wind out of her

there

sails,

has

any way on her

little if

The boat having

vessel.

and

lost

a squall then strikes her,

if

great danger of a capsize unless the sheets be slack and clear.

is

In moderate weather, or during a steady breeze, with a clear sky, and when not
likely to be squally,

hitch

in the sheet

'

part.

boatmen are frequently inclined

this is

to take

what

termed a

is

slippery

'

done by twisting the bight of the rope once round

careful sailor, however, will never,

sheet of an open boat to be belayed

its

own

under any circumstances, allow the main-

he either holds, or orders, the slack to be held

in the hand.
It

sometimes becomes necessary, in light winds, to row and

from lack

either on account of a foul tide or

incautious,

if

made

the sheet has to be

The more prudent course would be

fast,

wind; but such

and no one be

either to lower the sails

with the use of oars and trust to the

oars, or to dispense

sailing,

of

sail at

the same time,

a proceeding is highly

left in

charge at the helm.

and depend entirely on the

used whilst

If oars are

sails.

they should be employed on the windward side of the boat

there

consider-

is

able risk of irpsetting the boat, through catching the oar under water, with the flat side
of the blade

oars are

Among
the ballast

keeping

may

uppermost,

employed on the

it

if

the boat lays over or suddenly catches a breeze

when

other causes of boats capsizing, and one as likely to occur as any,

is

the

lee side.

placed upon the floor without auy platform over

secure from shifting

when,

if

the boat

lists

it,

or other

is,

when

means

of

over in a seaway, a slight puff

cause a more than ordinary lurch, and the ballast slips from the windward-bilge

to the leeward,

When

and then no

effort

running with the wind

boom than with

it

can prevent the inevitable result.

fair abaft, the sail is

more

liable to

a watchful eye should therefore be kept

main-sheet must not be made fast

jybe without the

upon the

sail,

will assuredly upset the boat, though only in a moderate wind.

leeward,

it

no more

effectual

way

of capsizing a boat

under

stiff

There

is

sail.

Boats may also be upset by having too large and heavy

much leeward pressure, and materially weakens the stability of
sailing-boat should not be too

and the

for should the sail jybe with the sheet belayed to

a mast, which gives too

the boat.

mast for a

and unyielding, nor a shade stouter than necessary

to sustain the pressure of the sails in a stiff breeze.

154

of Boats

Causes

MANAGEMENT OP ROWING-BOATS

AS TO THE

The

When

action of the sea

upon a boat running

on the top of a heavy wave or

then, as the sea recedes, the boat

when

water,

is

into a

called

'

The next motion

into the boat.

happen either under

heavy surf may be thus described.

hurled forward, and the bows are buried under

broaching-to,'

and the sea then runs over the gunwale

that inevitably follows

There

sail or oars.

is

are fifty to one that she will be

swamped.

breaker follows the boat up astern,

it is

your

lives,

men

What must

back her astern

stern-sheets creep forward a

breaker strikes

moment

much

It is

it

away from

every one of you

it

and

is

but

if

'

let

By

the

Then

it.

be done on the impulse of the moment

'

man

For

in the

this effort the

allowed to folio w her up

tried the sea will either curl over the stern,

over the gunwale.

be regretted that the crews of wrecked

to

moments bordering on

water by the

roller broadside-on, the chances

to lighten the boat's stern

such an experiment

or the boat will broach-to and take

may

This

Experience teaches, that when a heavy

the boat more kindly and passes on

astern, so surely as

in

lifted out of the

useless to attempt running

hard at

a heavy lurch on the other

considerable difficulty in preventing a boat

and should the boat broach-to and meet a heavy

a question naturally arises,

is

or capsizes the boat.

fills

from broaching-to, when stem and stern are alternately

;

SEA.

the bows arc lifted high out of the water

roller,

and another sea breaks completely over and

waves

A HEAVY

IN

the sea acting powerfully on her head and fore-gripe, twists her round

broadside to the waves

side,

Capsizing.

vessels,

who

take to their boats

despair, should recklessly endeavour to gain the shore amidst

the fury of the gale, driving their boat through heavy surfs, ignorant of the risk they
incur

aud, as a dead certainty in such a case, the boat

command

sufficient presence of

mind

threaten them astern, and keep her bows on

when

could only

might often land in

gale,

safety.

It

is,

to

must be swamped.

Now,

if

they

back their boat when heavy seas

pulling in the teeth of the gale, they

however, more advisable to keep out at sea during a

provided the boat be kept stem on, than to incur the risk of forcing her through

A boat will not rise

breakers.

so

buoyantly over surf as over an unbroken wave.

Short boats with high sides are not equal in a heavy sea to long ones Avith

bow and

stern

and low

The

sides.

short boat

rising-

would be tossed end over end, whilst the

long one, under skilful management, might be taken through the surges in safety.

Many

sailors

though

of long experience in sea-going vessels, are

the necessary acquirements for

hour

of

in a

unacquainted with

heavy sea

and when the

danger arrives, no wonder at their courage forsaking them, as they abandon the

wreck and hasten

No

managing an open boat

class of

to their certain

men, either

doom

in

an open boat.

at sea or ashore in our

155

maritime islands, or in nations far

The
and

distant,

Sailing-Boat.

understand the management of boats in a sea-way so well as those fishermen

and boatmen who pursue their daily avocations on the most exposed parts
These men learn from daily experience the

safest

the difficulties and dangers before mentioned

when

that the safest plan

wave

mode

to face the

is,

drive the stern of the boat at the very crest of the wave, with

And

can give.

buoyant as

our coast.

of

conducting a boat through

and they have found, and well proved,

them astern

threatens

of

all

danger boldly and

the impetus the oars

they are always careful in heavy seas to keep the bows and stern as

possible, not suffering

any one

to sit there, nor

any ballast to be stowed

in

either of the ends.

THE DROGUE.

A Drogtte
rope

it is

is

a conical-shaped collapsible bag,

gradual^ tapering

Drogue

made

of stout canvas

bound with small

about two feet in diameter at the mouth, and four feet six inches in length,

fills

to

a point at the lower end.

with water and draws heavily

tripping-line

is

made

fast to

When

towed by the mouth, the

thereby checking the progress of the boat.

the apex or pointed end, and,

by

slacking the towing-

may be readily drawn

boat's gear when in a rough

rope and hauling on the tripping-line, the Drogue collapses and

on board again.
sea.

They

Drogues are a valuable acquisition

serve to check the boat's

therefore, of great assistance to the

Every boat, whether

disaster,

by

assisting the

on to the waves

they are,

crew in preventing the boat from broaching-to.

sailing or rowing,

be provided with a Drogue

to

way and keep her end

which goes

the precaution has saved

to sea in

many

crew in keeping her head to the

ride out the sale at sea.

156

stormy weather, should

a small fishing-boat from

Avind,

and

so enabling her to

Management
of Sailing-Boats
o

AS TO THE

MANAGEMENT OF SAILING-BOATS IN A

'

blew great guns, when gallant

It

Was
And

taking in a

Gale

in

GALE.

Tom

sail,

squalls came on in sight of home,

That strengthened to a gale.' Dibdin.

In order to manage an open sailing-boat or a small yacht with safety in a

mnst have had considerable experience in boat-sailing. There

sailing-master

more or

less

danger to be apprehended

and those

entrusted should possess considerable nautical

discretion.

But with

these,

skill,

to

whom

gale, the
is

always

the control of the boat

is

combined with good judgment and

and years of experience as

well,

it is

sometimes beyond

the power of the most skilful to prevent accidents, under such trying circumstances of

wind and waves.

No

experienced boat-sailer would, under ordinary circumstances, venture to set

in a gale
as ships

sail

but there are occasions when unexpected gales overtake sailing-boats as well
and at such times it would be well to know how to manage the boat with the

greatest chance of safety.

It is

always of great importance that the crew should have

man at the helm. Firmness of nerve, decision

confidence in their boat, and also in the

and good judgment, are highly

time

many

boat

accidents

consequent mismanagement.

essential

occur

The man

qualifications in a

through
at the

157

timidity,

sailing-master at such a

hesitation,

indiscretion

and

helm should be courageous, but wary

The
if

his courage forsakes

becomes more or
is

Sailing- Boat.

him the danger

less bewildered,

increases

and on the approach

really necessary, perhaps the boat is capsized or the

"When signs
turned to the

of

sails

the

moment he

gets unnerved he

he can do what

of danger, before

mast carried away.

an approaching gale are detected, attention should be immediately

;

it is

always best to shorten

sail in

time and so prepare for the

Sea boat with balance-reef.

worst

the

sails

should therefore be reefed as closely and promptly as possible, and

head- sails that can be dispensed with should be lowered and taken in

must be inboard
to reef the

and

if

the boat will obey her helm without a

bowsprit by drawing

boat plunges in a heavy sea.

should be

set,

it

inboard, to save

it

and smallest

boat be a two or three-masted lugger, or

if it

little

jib, it will

'

wend without a
'

head-sail that

all

the canvas

be advisable

is at

jib,

a spit-fire

hand.

If the

have a mizzen, the main-sail should be

lowered and entirely dispensed with, and the boat sailed under a

158

all

from being carried away when the

If the little craft will not

or the very stoutest

fore-sail

and mizzen

Management of

may both be

practicable, these

or, if

main-sail, or a trysail,

Sailing- Boats

in

Gale.

lowered, and the boat sailed under a close-reefed

furnished with one.

if

In a very heavy wind,

if

you

after close reefing

find

you have

too

still

much

sail, let

the throat of the main-sail run clown and lash the jaws of the gaff to the boom.

Some

sea-going boats have a line of reef -points leading from the throat of the main- sail to the

When

cringle of the upper reef at the outer leech.

tied down,

all

it is

the snuggest reef that can be

and these reef-points are

so fitted,

made

and

in the main-sail,

termed

is

'

balance-reef.'

The

balance-reef,

which extends diagonally across the main-sail from the throat

upper reef-earing of the

seldom

sail, is

men's boats of the larger

fitted to a pleasure boat

but usually to

revenue cutters, pilot vessels, trading

class, to

as are unavoidably at sea in heavy weather,

when

craft,

to the
fisher-

and such

a small sail only can be set with

safety.

To make use

of the balance-reef, each reef has first to

be hauled down and the reef

points securely tied, the throat and peak halliards being lowered accordingly, the throat
of the sail is then lowered so that the jaws of the gaff

come down

boom, to which

to the

they are then made fast and the reef-points of the balance-reef are then tied
the

sail

after

which the peak may be

up again and the boat

set

is

all

along

then under

sail

with the balance-reef down.

Preliminary precautions

in

anticipation of a gale.

three persons in a boat, overtaken

three sails set

main-sail,

in

and

roll it

set a

The mast bends

and no harbour

jib,

lash

jib,

like a twig,

it

of

now suppose

us

man

at the

is

nearer than ten miles, and

an increasing

gale, so let the fore-sail

securely, take one reef in the main-sail,

run the bowsprit

take a second reef in the main-sail, and try her to windward.

and the

bowsprit threatens every instant to snap

little

helm keep the main-sheet

clear,

and ready

all

these

to ease off at

jib-sheet aweather, whilst a third or fourth

in the main-sail.

heavily

The waves

try her cautiously to windward.

or luffed a

little,

as the approaching

main sheet and one

To

'

there are so

She

flies

waves meet

In luffing

stand by' does not strictly imply that the

be sitting or kneeling.

(if

now running

many) and
it

is

let

he

haul the

last reef is

high, and the boat

through

her.

sails

hauled

pitching

madly, and must be eased

Let one hand stand by

(')

the

at the jib-sheet, whilst the other remains at the helm, cautiously

watching the threatening waves.

are

off

movements

any moment

must not leave the helm an instant let the two other hands attend the

down

a crew of

being cutter-rigged and having

boat up, and set the very smallest jib you have, but in

luff the

the

up and

very small

and

Let

gale, the boat

There is every prospect

that dead to windward.

run down,

fore-sail

by a

A man may

'

stand by

'

man

to the heaviest, the least

should be on his legs;

a rope in any position

let go.

159

it is

that

is,

motion of the

tiller

far better that he should

be ready to haul in or

The
will generally suffice

answer
or

her helm

to

be careful not

to get

helm on the approach

boat under

then

luff, as it

but slightly, to get the

Be not

lose all

way, or she will not

keep her

heavy wave that

full

and keep her

is likely to

at

it,

and only

bows

drive the

of the

were, into the very crest of the wave, which will impede the

more

and such must be regained by bearing up

that the boat

sails full again,

may

instantly,

not roll over into the trough

frightened at the boat's rising and falling with the waves, so long

helm

as she answers to her

fear

good way on

of a

boat's progress for a second or

of the seas.

to allow the boat to

take advantage of every smooth sea, which usually follows three

more bouncing waves,

ease the

Sailing-Boat.

she can be kept from broaching-to, there

if

is

nothing to

on that hangs the chief danger.

Wheu

the sea

is

abeam and the boat

most perilous position

of all

by the waves,

in the trough formed

and until she can be got round head

it

is

the

danger

to Avind, the

continues.

Never attempt
broaching

to carry too

wind, makes the boat wild and

No

may

if

lie

in coils, clear

down

such increases the risk of

as

it also,

when

before the

at the helm,

and he should bawl out so that

his orders should be instantly obeyed, as in his

bear,

and when she can bear-

low as possible in the bottom

as

and free from kinks

of the boat

and every movement

of the

no longer.

it
;

every rope

crew should,

performed without standing up.

possible, be

The

cringe

man
;

what the boat can

position he can see best

bows under water

difficult to steer.

not be lost in the wind

The crew should

a heavy sea

sail in

one should give orders but the

his voice

should

much

well as that of running her

to, as

boat should not be sailed so near the wind as in smooth water, but the

must be kept

full

and

them

boats are upset by large fore-sails

in a gale,

and

to set a storm- jib instead

much

Should the sea increase so

small fore-sail.

sails

will be found that the faster the boat goes, the quicker she

Many

will obey her helm.

to do without

it

the waves from breaking over into the boat,

it

therefore

but

as to render

it

if

no

it is

advisable

jib, set

a very

impossible to prevent

will no longer be judicious to attempt

turning to windward.

Avoid putting the boat about, unless

for

open boats in a heavy sea

bear up, and

sailing

if

it

can be done safely

in stays.

a port can be reached with the

than running directly before the wind.

the boat has too

ment.

when

is

Get

much

into

sail,

wind abeam,
If,

lower the peak of the

smooth water

the most perilous time

It will, therefore,
it

in scudding,
sail

little,

be more prudent to

will be a safer
it

mode

of

should be found that

according to your judg-

as quickly as possible to get out of danger.

Boats and vessels are often Avrecked through the rudder being unshipped or carried

away by a heavy
and secured in the

sea.

All sea-going boats should, therefore, have their rudders hung

safest.

manner

To Rule out a Gale at Sea.

possible.

This

may
160

appear a bold undertaking in an open

Management of Sailing-Boats
boat or small sailing vessel

means
ing.

When

any attempt
is

may

to reach the land or force the boat

made

fast to the

middle part of the

be kept to the wind, and she

astonishing

how a

force of the sea,

and

may

raft of the

may be

so ride out a

kind

(i.e.

made

so fights the battle of the

may be used whether

a Drogue, (') or

an

spars.

afloat

and averting

oar, will

to ride

In

this

by them from

manner the

of a

waves

for the boat

raft,

sail or

and

this contrivance

without one.

ride in safety.

Supra, page 156.

END OF PART

1G1

III.

In the

a loosened sail attached to a yard,

;

and

if

a sail be used, a

weight

If the

not very deep, and you have a small anchor, with sufficient rope, the raft

It

few spars lashed together) breaks the

answer the same purpose

still

With

of several days' duration.

the clew, which will impede the drift of the boat.

anchored, and the boat will

boat's

prevented from broaching-to.

the boat be laid-to under a small

may be suspended from

ahead would be certain

keeping her

heavy gale

absence of spars, or anything wherewith to form a

is

of

and these may be successfully performed by lashing a few

good sea-room, an open boat

is

mode

and casting them overboard, allowing the boat

spars together,

rope at the bows,

head

however, sometimes not only practicable, but the only

it is,

the time to consider the best

the surrounding dangers

Gale.

from being swamped, and consequently the crew from drown-

of saving the boat

destruction, then

in

water

may be

PART
SMALL

THE

in
of

numerous

fleet of

sailing matches.

and

YACHTS.

racing-yachts of the smaller class that spangle the waters

and around the coasts

sport

RACING

IV.

of the British Islands afford

amusement

to

those

who

take

hy

delight

far the greater extent

in

keenly-contested

Small Racing
admiration the graceful movements of the fairy

snow-white

Yachts.
fleet,

with their

tall

slender spars and

And, indeed, how few among the spectators and admirers

sails.

of that

picturesque scene, are aware that the secret of success in the champion of that fleet
is

not alone in the skilful handling of her helmsman, nor in her

and other

sails

visible

features, but in her invisible proportions beneath the surface of the waters she furrows.

That the modern type

of racing-yacht of the smaller class, the result of the sail-

area rule of rating and the load- water-line of measurement,

is

form

to

be encouraged

and permanently adopted, few will admit.

Some

with their shallow form

outcome

stern, the

racing-yachts

small

the

of

appearance,

the

of
of

of the rules of rating

present

are

clay

stem

outreaching

hull,

very attractive

and

and measurement before referred

boats of such a type,

if

of sufficient stability to

spread, sail very fast,

is

unquestionable.

are capable of forming a sound

judgment on the

Eacing yachts of such a type are costly

and expensive

to

comfort being sacrificed to speed

career

is

ended,

it is

the purposes of

they are also to rig and

to build, as

the consequence

those

least, of

subject.

The accommodation aboard

keep up.

of sail-

will eventually prove to be

merely an ephemeral type of boat has long been predicted by some, at

who

That

to.

cany the Y.K.A. allowance

But that such

in

overhanging

cramped and limited

is

that

is,

when

fit
;

out,

every

the yacht's racing

seldom that such a boat can, with advantage, be adapted either to

a cruising yacht or to the more humble occupations of the native

boatmen and fishermen.

The time was (and not

so

very long ago) when the owner and crew

of

a racing

yacht of eight or ten tons onty, could go round the coast, take part in the regattas,

winning cups here and there

when

and owner and crew

all

sleep comfortably aboard

many

the career of the yacht was ended as a racer, she did good service for

afterwards to the local fishermen and boatmen.

accommodation aboard a modern

and the termination

of

rater

Not

so

now, however, the (so called)

of that tonnage, is

'

and

years

mere higgledy piggledy

her racing career also terminates her ephemeral existence; so far

any useful purpose

at least as

'

is

concerned.

EFFECT OF MODEEN EULES OF MEASUEEMENT.

Under

the

large as a

modern

rules of

measurement whereby the load-water-line

with a linear rating for sail-spread, what

for length,
'

ten-tonner

hands as the

'

'

of fifty years

ten-tonner

The adoption

'

ago

and the

is

termed a

'

five-rater

five-rater requires a

is
'

crew

is

the basis

nearly as

of as

many

before mentioned did in her day.

for the smaller classes of racing yachts of the load-water-line-length

163

The
rule of

Sailing-Boat.

measurement, has proved disastrous in

struggle has been to take advantage of

its

its elasticity

effect,

as

every year since, the

by an extension

of the dimensions

above and beyond the load-water-line to such an extreme that in some of the
productions the apex of the angle, as

and

stern, is scarcely perceptible

sail,

it

and when the boat

latest

emerges from the load-water-line towards stem

is

lying over under pressure of

her load-water-line becomes a nonentity.

On

the introduction of

the rule

it

was, unfortunately, at once

smaller classes of racing-yachts, and advantage

was taken

of

adopted by the

every loophole to produce

a boat of the ne plus ultra type that should outsail the prize winners of the previous
year.

Meanwhile the popularity

of boat racing

necessity for safety and seaworthiness

was increasing day by day, and the

in view in the structure of a

was seldom kept

boat intended for cup winning.

of small racing-yachts of this class the comforts of

In the design and conformation

cabin accommodation are wanting
eclipse in speed the latest

the one object being to turn out a boat that shall

champion

of the season

construction has been carried to extremes

being lightened.

and with that

everything except what

object, lightness of
is

used as ballast

For experience teaches that the lighter the material

164

of

which the

'

of Modern

Effect
boat

Rules

of Measurement.

constructed the more buoyant she will be;

is

length in

forms the basis of

considerations

the

measurement

and, accordingly, planking

scantlings thinner

still,

whereby

band-box

and some

strained,
'

carrying on her

bulwarks

In those

mere

as thin as possible

of the

being

important

are

has been used, and

been produced, such

wind and lumpy

bulwarks are sometimes discarded altogether

substitute.

And

even in racing-cutters

reduced to save weight and windage

is

the

The

sea.

of the

in others a

larger class

sometimes found to stand only eight or ten inches above the deck.

of

as,

almost certain to be more or less

reduced in height as to be only two or three inches above deck.

of wire is the

thing of the kind

all

these

upper strakes either torn asunder or the seams opened when

of the smaller class

is

is

in the struggle for victory in a strong

too, are so

rail

the rail

'

rating,

style of boat has

in a short time, under the pressure of racing canvas,

L.W.L.

consequently, whilst the

for

smallest

and

lightest

description

spars, blocks

consistent

with

Every

and tackles
and

strain

strength.

And

it

was only in the early part

forward by the T.E.A. requiring

all

of the present year

between decks with transverse bulk-heads

fitted

(1900) that a rule was put

racing yachts 'exceeding 36 feet rating' to be

a certain

of

thickness

and

also

requiring them to have cabin, lockers and fittings, with water-tanks of not less than
fifteen gallons capacity.

This, undoubtedly,

is

a wholesome and good rule

but

it

only applies to the larger

class of racing-yachts.

It

was found that the development under the mode

showed a persistent disregard

as to displacement

which

standing room, nor even sitting room beneath the deck

form

of boat

with a

steel fin or plate

and a heavy lump

of

rating before referred

of course

meant no cabin

sails.

of lead called a

'

bulb-keel

wind upon

In some

by the

or

but instead, a broad, shallow

bolted to the fin at the lower part, to counterpoise the pressure of the
the

to,

of the racing craft of this

latter

illustrations in

type the

fin

and bulb are ingeniously concealed,

being spread upon the plate in a flatter form, as will be

seen

by

subsequent pages, showing the forms of hull of some of the fastest

1

Supra, pp. 112 and 114.

165

The
of

Sailing-Boat.

but in others there

the racing fleet;

no such disguise, the lead bulb, in two

is

longitudinal halves, being bolted to the fin one half on each side.

Boats of such a type are undoubtedly the fastest of the day in moderate weather
they are also quick in stays, and remarkably

The long-reaching bow and overhang

nearly

all,

their sail inboard,

under canvas.
stem, enable them to carry

and dispenses with a long outstanding boAVsprit

boats do not require any very large

deep water

stiff

at the

sail area.

They must however be kept

all,

or'

and such
afloat in

they cannot, with impunity, be allowed to touch the ground.

From

a phofo

!<y

'PIover"s Solent one-Design Yacht

The further

effect of the rule

has been that

it

has given remarkable impetus to the

building of racing-craft of a smaller class than previously, at every place where yacht-

And

sailing is indulged in as a pastime.

it

has also led to the introduction of every

conceivable variety in design, with a view to obtaining the greatest speed within the
limits

of

the rule

some

of

these

are

ingenious, others

curious,

whilst

some are

actually grotesque.

The

majority of the smaller class have, however, given ample proof of their sailing

and sea-going

qualities,

added

to

which

their speed in

166

smooth water, with a good

of Modern

Effect
breeze,
of

is

simply marvellous

them spinning

Rules

of Measurement.

as also their remarkable agility in

round, in answer to the helm, as

upon a

if

their canvas in a breeze, furrowing the surface of the waters,

coming about, some

Standing up to

pivot.

and presenting a picture

such as would assuredly captivate the most imaginative spectator.

such as these that have engendered the favour and popularity of the

It is qualities

among amateur yacht and boat owners.

smaller class of yachts

not a desirable class of boat, being

fit

only for racing

and

ends, they are dismantled of their sails

and

fin-plate

after all, they are

spars, hoisted out of water, their bulb-keel

unbolted and removed, and the hulls are then stowed away on cross

manner

shelves in the laying-up sheds, after the

another

But

and as soon as the racing season

of

rowing boats, in

tiers,

one above

and there they remain until the boat-racing season comes round again.

and

Essentials of Safety
or for cruising

In every yacht whether destined

Seatvorthiness.-

on open waters, the

A frail

safety and seaworthiness.

first essentials

of the designer should

and unseaworthy boat

is

for racing

be those of

a curse to the designer, a

coffin to the sailor.

It is doubtful however,

kept

strictly in

for the

if

the essentials of safety and seaworthiness can always be

view in these

clays of

smaller class of racing-craft

keen competition

particularly in the designs

not through any want of

skill

on the part

of

the designer, but because of the emulation of yacht owners in the races of the day,
to possess a faster

yacht than others

an emulation that nothing can quell and such

as neither time nor years can exterminate, because

The one
sailing
line

incontrovertible fact

depends mainly on the

'

is,

it is

inherent in the spirit of man.

that the success of every yacht destined for match-

lines

'

or

form and design

of the boat below

the sails and rig being merely auxiliaries, or secondary features

for

the rig, the boat will be beaten unless her lines be true and her form and

the tvater

whatever

symmetry

correct.

Effect of too frequent Changes in Rules of Measurement.

different designs in racing-yachts has

chief cause of so

many

whereby speculative and experimental boats have from time

rules of measurement,

time been built,

The

been the frequent changes in recent years of the

many

of which,

to

however meritorious, have but an ephemeral career

before them.
It is

very doubtful

and construction

of

if

such frequent changes, affecting as they do the design, form

yachts, are

any permanent gain or advantage either

racing or to the science of yacht architecture

rules

which

influence,

from time

for

to time, the type

it is,

to

yacht

unfortunately, the measurement

and design

of the small, as well as

the large, racing-yacht.

The

chief merit of these frequent changes

is,

the patronage and encouragement

they bring to designers, yacht-wrights, boat-wrights, and sail-makers.

And

although upon the whole, the

result

167

has

been

great

and

manifest

The
advancement in the science

of

further development, and indeed

Sailing-Boat.

yacht and boat designing, there

it is

impossible for

measurement and rating rules continue

evasion, unreliable,

to

it

as hitherto

yet room for

is

be otherwise so long as the

fluctuating,

imperfect, open to

and in other respects unsatisfactory.

The time will come, and perhaps it is not far distant, when tonnage (or internal
by some other name) will be revived, as the only sound basis on which to
formulate and establish a reliable and lasting rule of rating
and when all excrescences
capacity

such as
rating

fin

and

cheaters

and bulb-keels and overhangs, fore and

fuller

will be the subject of extra

powers will be given to sailing committees

every type from taking

of

aft,

part

in

the sailing

to

exclude measurement-

matches of

any

the

of

yacht clubs.

SAILING BOATS OF THE BEOAD AND SHALLOW TYPE.

Boats

of great breadth of

board and shallow form of

beam

in proportion to length,

hull, are not

by any means

combined with low

as they involve the danger of capsizing unless under very experienced

Boats of this type, as a

plate

of

only

for

heavy metal.
sailing

in

rule, carry

They

are

no ballast

not

inaptly

free-

a desirable type of sailing boat

management.

but some have a revolving centre-

termed 'the limited draft

smooth shallow water and over

tidal flats,

where

it

class,'

fit

would be

impracticable to venture with boats of ordinary draft.

Deck, plan, skimming-dish type.

Broad and shallow boats

furrowing

it

sail fast

with light winds, they skim the surface instead

and they are mainly dependent on

or party) for their sail-carrying

power in a breeze.
168

'

live ballast

'

(i.e.,

of

numerous crew

The
The

effect of a

reliable powers,

Broad and Shallow

rough sea upon a shallow boat

to cripple the craft in its

such as are conspicuous in smooth water

boat to pitch and toss and

crested

is,

make

Type.

considerable lee- way

most

a rough sea causes such a

she rises and mounts high-

waves and then down she bounces into the trough

of the next,

thumping the

water with such force as (apparently) to make every plank in her structure quiver,

and

at the

same time scattering showers

of

spray at every thump, and

all

the while

making unsatisfactory headway.

As

to the best proportion of

easy to solve

beam to length in a sailing-boat, it is a problem not

beam may be entirely successful in one form of boat,

a certain extent of

which would be a

failure in another of a different type

it

is

believed however that

the controlling proportion must be sought, not in regard to the length, but in that of
the displacement.

169

The

Sailing-Boat.

THE UPPER THAMES SAILING-BOATS.

so famous for its rowing matches, has also its small class of
and probably in no inland river in Europe is there to be found a greater
to
pleasure boats (chiefly of the rowing class) than on the River Thames

The Upper Thames,

sailing hoats

variety of
classifv

them would be

tedious, to give a description of each class a task

beyond the

Upper Thames Sailing-boat.

purpose and intention of this work

suffice it to

design and beautiful proportions, particularly

to the sailing fleet,

say that there are

among

many

of exquisite

those of the rowing class;

but as

they are not so numerous nor so various in form and design as the

rowing boats.

The Boating Clubs on the Upper Thames are many, but the Boat-sailing Clubs are
both are however well patronised, and the pastime of boat-sailing is freely
indulged in nearly all the year round, though to a far greater extent in the summer

fewer

170

Thames

Upper
months

but then

it

is,

Sailing-Boats.

too often, impracticable because of the prevailing calms

and

lack of feeblest zephyr wherewith to aid the fairy fleet and enliven the scene by

and fro from bank to bank and reach to reach on the glassy
But when favoured with a gentle stirring wind, there is no
prettier sight to the lover of inland scenery than a lively fleet of Upper Thames
Sailing-boats wending their course up and down the tortuous reaches of that beautiful
enabling them to
surface of

river,

flit

to

the river.

amidst the picturesque surroundings of

wooded banks,

fertile

tall

oak and elm

trees, luxuriant foliage,

meadows and green sloping uplands; studded here and

with many a noble mansion and extensive park with

and fattening on the luscious herbage which the rich

cattle, deer,

soil

of the

there

and sheep grazing

Thames Valley every-

where produces.

The

inland boat- sailers enjoy a calm and happy time so long as they are equipped

with a suitable boat; but

it

should always be borne in mind that in lively breezes and

strong winds, a boat with too great a spread of

upper reaches

One

of the river as

of the

sail is just as liable to

most successful

of the

modern racing

Tiger Cat, built in the year 1895, from a design

this boat has

In her
of

been one

first

which were

conspicuously

1899 was

of continued success

down

among

at the

six second

and one third

fleet

of

The

is

the

career of

to the present time.

won twenty -five

and every year

the prize winners on the upper river

head

of the coast.

on the Upper Thames

by Mr. Linton Hope.

season, out of thirty- three starts, she

firsts,

be upset on the

on the lower, or even on the broader waters

her class at the Bourne

End

and

prizes

since, she

eighteen

has figured

so recently as the year

sailing-matches; and in the

season of 1900 she has proved a formidable opponent to most of the more modern
productions.

171

The
The dimensions
load-water-line, 16

down), 4

'

of the Tiger Cat are

ft.

3 inches;

Length
ft.

over

7 inches

owned by Messrs. Watney and Ricardo

is

and through the courtesy

illustration of the Tiger Cat

It is unfortunate that

the

beam, 5

all,

22

6 inches

ft.

length on

and her draft (with centre-plate

ft.

She
Club

Sailing-Boat.

management

spars and
butterfly

Upper Thames Sailing

'

am

from an excellent photograph by Mr.

some men,

chiefly those

who

are

more

enabled to give an

C.

Ingham Eeeves.

or less venturesome in

open sailing-boats, will persist in rigging their boats with larger

Those large

pretty and pleasing to the eye as they are, can only be carried with

impunity in light
strong wind,

the

than they can carry with safety in a strong breeze.

sails
sails,

of

the latter

of

of

gentleman I

airs

and gentle

breezes

for

directly they are

greeted

with a

seems to intoxicate their slender forms and set them staggering and

it

reeling beneath the blast, to such an extent as to incur danger to themselves and their

crew, as the latter try in vain to keep their boat in an upright position on an even
keel.

on the Upper Thames is, unfortunately, brought somewhat into

by the modern type of racing-craft now so conspicuous at most of the

Boat-sailing
disrepute

up-river

sailing

shallowest type

matches.

can properly be called

such there
to

is

Many

of

the boats of the racing fleet are of the very

by a stretch of the imagination that they

them being as shallow as a Butcher's tray in

so shallow that it is only

'

Boats,'

some

of

no boat (properly speaking) to get

hang down

their

legs

inside

them

into, scarcely

consequently the

I'.ch-n

& Son,

room even
occupants

for the
sit

upon the

Co;

scantling like tailors on a shop-board, with their legs either doubled under

sprawled out in an uncomfortable aud unbecoming attitude.

172

crew

And

them

or

yet these tray-

and

Small Raters
shaped

among

are

boats

the

chief

Dangers
&

their

prize-winners

in

the

sailing

matches on the

Upper Thames.
Happily there are however

most

at

of the principal boating stations

on the

river,

roomy and reliable, with ample interior capacity,

and occupants, in ordinary' weather, without risk of

sailing-boats of a different type, safe,

and capable

of carrying their sails

upsetting.

An

At

illustration of

the Bourne

End

one of these has already been given at page 170.

sailing-matches in the latter part of the

the weather was very suitable for up-river boat-sailing

contested,

by Mr.

and proved very popular

T. Foster

Thames Valley

the

month

of June,

1899,

and the matches were well

Sailing Club was represented

Knowles' very successful boat Ulva, in the match for the Thames

Champion Cup, which she

Avon.

And

again in the season of 1900, the Ulva retained

her position as one of the fastest of the

winning among other trophies, the

fleet,

Queen's Cup for the second year in succession

besides

which she won the Duke

of

Connaught's Cup of the Upper Thames Sailing Club, and the Champion Cup for the

Thames Valley

Sailing Club, the latter also for the second year in succession.

SMALL RATERS AND THEIR DANGERS.

JmiK)iMi,iBiBiL

From afhoto

i**

'

H*

-"e*.**^

Bcken &> Son, Comes,

In

Group

Among the

-|f'

of

Small Yachts

class of small raters so popular

figure conspicuously at the regattas

off

I.

of W.

Ryde.

with the boat-sailing fraternity, and which

and sailing-matches on the South Coast, are some

that are absolutely dangerous in certain circumstances of wind and water.

The avidity with which any point

race, has led to

advantage

of

is

seized

extremes in the form and construction

the length and size of spars and spread of

sail

upon in order

to

of boats of this class,

win a
and in

so that risks of upsetting are

run

almost daily in season.

Some

of these boats are said to be uncapsizable

be unsinkable

the

first

are certainly the

more

173

others, if capsizable, are said to

desirable of the

two

and the other,

The
if

actually uusinkable,

may

Sailing-Boat.

not perhaps lead to loss of

experiment had best not be put to the

life

on being capsized

but the

test too often.

The more dangerous boat is that which is both capsizable and sinkable, not so
much by reason of any defect in the form of hull, but because of being over canvased.
Often, the reason why they are capsizable is, because they are insufficiently ballasted
Sometimes the reason

in proportion to the extent of sail they spread.

form

of hull,

It

which shows the boat

which would prove mere death-traps

some

the shallow type of

of

The

winner

in

lies in

The famous Kismet

whose only

illustration is that of a sailing-boat of British design (1896), of

The

of centre-plate.

hands, however, in a sailing-match in Dublin

extreme type,

Daireen, a boat with a similar dagger-

Probably in the

experienced hands of her designer the Daireen Avould be safe under

are

class

a boat of this type, but never-

is

blade centre-plate, which was her only ballast, was also of this type.

Bay on 13th

sail.

In other

April, 1895, the Daireen

was

she heeled right over, filled and sank.

The danger

of a capsizable boat is increased

the main-sail gets under water

assuredly turns over and

It is

this

ballast is a metal

of scores of prizes.

with a dagger- blade form

capsized

the crank

good breeze.

Of

inexperienced hands.

centre-plate racing-boats

centre-plate or revolving-keel.
theless, the

to carry sail at all in a

be feared, however, that there are some very successful prize-winners

to

is

be unfit

to

fills

if,

when thrown upon her beam

as the result then

may

ends,

that the boat cannot right, and

unless assistance be promptly at hand.

but a poor justification to the designer that

not sink, though she

is,

if

the boat should capsize she will

turn bottom upwards.

Other racing-boats are rendered uusinkable by water-tight bulkheads, air-tight

cases,

air-bags and other contrivances.

put to the

test,

unless very strongly

is

of

of

which they are constructed.

of clanger in these unballasted

in carrying a spinnaker in a race

and in some

and light material

inconsistent with the thin scantling

Another and great source

But these bulkheads sometimes burst when

made and such strength would seem to be

the boat-sailing

and over-canvased boats

the danger of so doing has often been realised

clubs

the

consequence, been prohibited.

174

use

of

spinnakers

in

race

has,

in

Small Raters.
THE SOLENT.

From

The

a pilots

/]'

the

elite

of

locality of the Solent

and

is

its

upon

its

Castle, delightfully situated

waters.

admirably adapted

is

In no part of the British Islands

to the

requirements of the

is

there to be found a fairer course

and sailing-boats than that which in

Ave find that

there are

now no

less

Sailing Clubs within the vicinity of the Solent, such

to the popularity of

is

its

racing

waters,

a great variety of yachts

the smaller classes of racing-yachts

floAvers of the

than seventeen Yacht and Boatis

tolerably conclusive testimony

Yachting and Boat-Sailing in that favoured

clubs within the confines of

surprise that there

of

on the banks

Medina.

season graces the waters of the Solent.

And when

many

the

and the numerous regattas and sailing-matches that are annually held

for our racing-fleet, nor a finer display of yachts

summer

of the

is

the Eo}'al

neighbouring waters with their extensive cruising

grounds, bays, harbours, and estuaries,

fleet,

Cowes

Harbour forming the estuary

of the Solent at the entrance to the

pleasure

the main land

fashionable Yachting', and the headquarters of

Yacht Squadron, whose Club House

The

Wight from

Solent sea which, separates the Isle of

rendezvous of

Sou, South

it

is

locality.

and sailing-boats

175

so

more particularly

and amongst them are some

fleet.

With

not by any means a matter of

of

the fairest

The

Sailing-Boat.

THE SOLENT CLASSES RACING ASSOCIATION.

This Association was founded
President,

0.

Col.

in the year 1898.

A. Grimston

members, delegates are appointed

Yacht and Sailing Clubs

several

The
of

of

Dunraven, K.P.,

and in addition

to

the Council every year, one from each of

to

in the

neighbourhood

is

the elected

the

of the Solent.

principal functions of this Association are, to promote uniformity in the ranks

the Yacht

matches

of

and Boat-Sailing Clubs, more particularly for regulating the

smaller

the

intention of the
It

The Earl

Vice-President;

is

classes

sailing-

racing-yachts in accordance with the spirit and

of

Yacht Pacing Association.

was assumed

at first,

on the formation

of the Solent Classes Association, that it

would clash with and operate prejudicially to the Yacht Pacing Association, but there
was in fact no foundation for such an assumption, nor was such ever in contemplation
on the contrary, its object was that of co-operation with the Y.R.A.

The

duties

of

the

have thus

S.C.P.A.

far,

been ably carried out;

and the

Association has proved not only a most useful and successful one, but has supplied
a

want

felt

for

some long time

regulation of the sailing-matches,

past

now

the

in

arrangement

numerous

so

of

the

and

courses,

and about the Solent and

in

its

adjacent waters.

One

of its earliest functions

Yacht Clubs to the dangers

was that

rounding the same marks as those

The Solent

Classes (as defined

24 and 18 feet 'linear

And

all

rules

sailing

the attention of the affiliated

by

rating,'

numerous hair-breadth

the

Y.P.A.,

of

escapes.

the Pules of the S.C.P.A.) consist of yachts of

and

of the Solent

One-Design

yachts racing under the regulations of the S.C.R.A.

of

on the same day,

which had been the cause

of the smaller classes,

several lamentable accidents, in addition to

36, 30,

of directing

of the larger classes of yachts in races

except

One-Design

the

Classes,

Classes.

must observe the

for

which

special

regulations are provided.

THE DIFFERENT CLASSES OF SMALL RATERS.

The
are of

different classes of small raters,

more than ordinary

which have become numerous

interest to those

who

of late years,

take pleasure in boat-sailing

and

although the frequent changes in the mode of measurement and rating have proved
discouraging to small yacht- owners, because

many an owner

of the

champion boat

of

the season has found to his dismay in the following year, that his boat has become

176

Small Raters.
by reason

outclassed or disqualified from taking part in the races of her class,

new

rules of rating and measurement.

of

This, however, will not preclude the

some

Author

from describing and illustrating in these pages boats that were famous in their day,

and such as were a great attraction on the waters

of the various boat-racing localities,

the scenes of their bygone triumphs.

And
of

it

should be observed that the object of the Author of this work

is

not that

describing and illustrating merely the principal winning yachts of the smaller or

other classes, nor of recording their victories (except incidentally)

are

to

matters.

be found in periodical publications of the

Space here

only permits of a selection

and from others having some striking peculiarity

of type,

day,

view

of

showing by

which

details

from some of the most famous,

illustration

of rig or other

remarkable

and description the changes and

advancement made in recent years in the design, type and rig

and

all

of design, class signification, originality

with advantages not possessed by others, novelty

quality, with the

devoted specially to such

of small racing-yachts

sailing-boats.

THE CLASS TEEMED HALE-RATERS, AND THE

From a filiate

18-FEET

LINEAR RATERS.

by
Start of Half-r.ilers.

These are

a very popular class, the smallest of the racing fleet of

decked boats in

the neighbourhood of the Solent, but probably the most numerous.

177

A A

Sailing- Bo at.

The

Boats of this class are seen to best advantage in light winds and smooth waters.

They

are not adapted for strong winds

and heavy

18-foot

The

illustration

is

seas.

Linear Rater

from a pen-and-ink sketch

of

one of the class

known

as

an

18-feet linear rater.

beautiful boat of this class, designed

by Mr. A. E. Payne and

178

built

by Summers

Small Raters.
and Payne,

of

Southampton, in 1897, for Mr. Ogden Goelet, was exhibited at the

at the Imperial Institute at Kensington in that year, with all

Yachting Exhibition
her

sails,

rigging and full equipment, where she was one of the attractions of the

Exhibition.

The

hull

was apparently that of a powerful-looking boat of the bulb-findceel type,

The keel or fin being so constructed that the bulb had

18 feet on the L.W.L.

the appearance of being

of a piece

all

the bulb-keels of the Sibbick type.

of the cock-pit, or well,

The

rig

with the plate

from

differing in that respect

The boat was decked

over, with the exception

all

which was encircled with an oval coaming.

was that already described

triangular in shape, and laced to

so that at the mast-head,

it

as

'

the Solent rig

boom and yard

the main-sail being nearly

;
'

the latter being very prettily peaked,

stood only about six or eight inches from the mast, and

There were three battens in the outer

the lower end about five feet from the deck.

leech of the main-sail, the lower one extending about three or four feet along the
in horizontal position, the

object

of

being,

the battens

shivering in the wind.

sail just

two others higher up the

keep

the

sail

the upper end

flat,

of the main-sail yard.

of

which was

and the lower end had a galvanised

reel,

sail

and somewhat shorter: the

and prevent the outer leech

three reefs, the upper one crossing the

The main- sail had

below the lower end

a roller yard,

to

sail

The

fore-sail

hoisted to the

upon which a

was attached

was wound,

reefing-line

unwound as might be required, so that by a pull or two of

Avas wound round the yard like a roller window-blind, and so

the

to

of the mast,

upper part

the

line

or

fore-sail

reefed to any required

extent.

The boat was rigged with two sails only (main-sail and fore-sail), and there beingno bowsprit, and the boom of the main-sail not extending beyond the outer end of
the stern, all the sail was inboard.
The standing rigging

consisted of

two slender wire-rope shrouds ou each

side,

leading from the mast-head to the outer side of the gunwale, just abaft the mast.

The aft-shroud was

shiftable,

working on a white metal hawse,

to

which

it

was

attached by a small shackle and thimble, and might thus be shifted fore and aft,
The halyards were rove
within the extent of the hawse, as might be required.

through small marine

silver blocks, each

similar single-sheaved blocks

with double sheaves, at the mast-head

were fastened

to the

and

deck on each side of the mast, to

which then passed through small " fair-leads " (brass

pipes, or thimbles) in the coamings at the fore part, and were belayed to cleats
affixed to the under part of the deck inside; and the fore-sheets were treated
in a similar manner, so that when under way, none of the crew need leave the
receive the fall of the halliards,

well of the boat; every rope being under the control

well.

179

of

the

man

or

men

in

the

The

Sailing-Boat.

Diamond. The illustration is from a pen-and-ink sketch of a small racing-yacht

named the Diamond, a Solent- rigged 18-feet linear rater, designed and built in 1897,
by C. Sibbick and Co,, of Coves,

The boat has

looking boat.

a fin-bulb-keel of the

'

Sibbick type,' and

She was exhibited, fully-rigged with her

Yachting Exhibition

at the Imperial Institute,

180

is

a beautiful

sails set, at

and powerful

the International

Kensington, in the summer of 1897,

Small
where she was an object
to the

Raters.

of .considerable attraction,

and

The Diamond

decked

is

all

Her

bottom.

tin-plate is of

She

over excepting the well or cock-pit.

amidships with riddle-pattern bow, clean run

full

Avas afterwards sold

and taken

Mediterranean and then to Russia.

steel,

and has

aft,

which the lead bulbs are

to

is

broad and

flat

full,

bolted,

rounded

one half on

each side at the bottom of the plate, and extend aft beyond the plate as shown in the

The rudder

illustration.

She

the tin-plate.

is

of

is

oblong shape, large and deep, and of the same metal as

rigged with two

only, main-sail

sails

beyond the

inboard, but the main-sail extends about a foot

and

the latter

fore-sail,

The

stern.

main-sail

all

is

of

the Solent rig, very pointed and nearly triangular, has a long yard, the peak standing

high above the mast and nearly in line

the fore-sail-hoist

is

Avith

The mast

it.

some boats

therefore not so high as in

fore-stay is of steel AA'ire-rope of slender proportions

it

by

stay.

same

There are

also tAvo small wire-rope shrouds

The main boom

the illustration.

is

and

tall,

The

rating.

the fore-sail being attached to

six small marine silver snatch-hooks, so that on being let down,

and shifted for a smaller or larger one in a

off

by no means

is

of the

it

can be taken

feAV seconds Avithout casting off the

on each side the mast, as shoAvn in

attached to the mast by a goose-neck in the usual

way, and the same marine silver hoop-band, Avhich receives the spike of the goose-neck,
has a shoulder and socket in which to receive the spike of a goose-neck in front of the

mast for a boom

to spread a spinnaker

The main-sail

by

is

laced to the

a brass shackle.

From

height as the length over

boom

required.

as Avell as to the yard, the tack being held doAvn

tack to peak the main-sail measures nearly about the same in

all of

boom and one on

blocks on the

when

the boat itself

the haAvse

the main-sheet

the hawse

is

rove through three

is

about sixteen or

of brass

eighteen inches in length, secured to the deck at about six feet from the outer end of

The

the stern.

and are made

main-sheets

falls

fast to

of the halliards are rove

marine

through brass leader-pipes in the deck,

silver cleats inside the cock-pit

and

so also the fore

there are no outside cleats, all are inside the cock-pit

and

so that there is

no necessity for anyone of the crew to go on deck, and so put the boat out of trim Avhen
sailing a

match

halliards

and sheets can be readily hauled

by the hands in the cock-pit Avithout putting

The
full

descriptive details here given of this

and minute, the boats and rigging

complete and modern style

taut, eased

and slackened

a foot on deck.

and the preceding boat

are,

both of them,
the

most

not that they differ in any material particular from

many

of

each being in

other boats of the same class, of like build and type

or describing others in subsequent pages

it

all

respects of

but because that in mentioning

may be unnecessary

to

go so fully into such

small details.
It should

be further observed that the boat (Diamond)

small class knoAvn as 18-footers, and

is

last

above described

not the 36-foot linear rating boat

181

is of

the

named the

The
Diamond
in

1897

(also designed

Sailing-Boat.

and built by Sibbick and Co.) which was racing in the Solent

the latter was cutter-rigged, and carried a top-sail,

jib,

and

flying-jib besides

main-sail and fore-sail.

Spruce IV.

An exquisite model

Yachting Exhibition

at

of this

Mr. Brand (the owner)

below was made.

remarkable

little

boat was exhibited at the

the Imperial Institute in 1897, from which the illustration

also kindly sent the

Author some interesting

particulars of the yacht's career as a racing boat.

" Spr

Spruce IV.

is of

(then of Oxford,

1895

when

Gresham

of

was designed and

Burnham), and made her debut

built

by Mr. H.

C.

Smith

as a racing yacht in the year

she was owned and sailed by Mr. John Arthur Brand, then of Dartmouth and

Street,

of shallow

the half-rater class

now

form

London, under the Burgee of the Minima Yacht Club.

of

hull,

but very broad amidships

182

She

is

a boat

her chief peculiarity being her

Small Raters.
deep, narrow fin-plate extending 6

bulb-keel attached
in

two

ft.

3 in.

below the bottom

the latter weighing 100

lbs.,

and being

of tbe boat,

with leaden

of saucer-like shape, bolted

halves, one on each side of the fin-plate.

Spruce IV.

a Solent-rigged boat, and carries a short bowsprit, so that her fore-sail

is

aud

(or rather jib

fore-sail

combined) stands out about two feet beyond the stem

main-sail also extends about a foot beyond her over -hang at the stern
fitted at the

fore-leech,

lower part with a batten Avhich extends across the

and serves the double purpose

which can be

reefiug,

and lashed down

sail flat

her
is

from outer-leech to

and

facilitating the

performed with the four tackles (shown in the illustration)

readil}-

to the

keeping the

of

sail

the main-sail

boom.

During her racing career

in the early part of the season of 1895, after a series of

was unexpectedly defeated four times in succession her owner suspecting

something amiss with her fin-plate, had her hauled up and examined, when it was

victories, she

found that the plate was badly bent, probably through having touched the ground in
water too shallow for the deep draft of her

and the boat was afterwards taken over

in Oyster Bay,

Long

and reaching, but

to

fin.

Island, with the Ethel

in the race

A new fin-plate was

then substituted

America, where she sailed a series of races

Wynn, the

latter beating her in

running

windward Spruce IV. had the advantage, and was

to

declared winner of the International Cup, September 1895.

Spruce
(Mr.

former

an 18-foot boat built by Sibbick and Co. in 1896 for the same owner

V.,

A. Brand), was a

J.
;

fin

and bulb-keel

but not of the same type as the

boat,

she was however a highly successful prize-winner.

with great regret that the author records the fact that, since the above was

It is

written, Mr. J. A.

Brand has died

and the yachting fraternity deplore the

loss of

an

able boat-sailer and enthusiastic yacht owner.

The

Wee

boat Wee

Wix.

Among other boats

Win though measuring only 15

she

feet.

for

may be mentioned

ft,

6 in. on her

L.W.L., measures 23

the American

ft.

5.

9 in.

The Wee
L.O.A.

therefore a long boat with considerable over-hang, which in fact conceals her

is

short

of this class

Win, a very successful prize-winner during the years 1892

L.W.L. she has

The Wee Win is
;

small-class

a bulb-keel weighing 3 cwt.

and her draft

is

just under three

a shallow type of boat of small displacement, designed and built

racing by

the

American designer Mr. Nat.

Sutton.

183

Herreshoff,

for

Miss

The
The Kismet, which has had
Hope, who, in most

shallow tapering stern

Kismet had

a highly successful career, was designed by Mr. Linton

matches she

of the earlier

She

steered her to victory.

:

is

Sailing
o -Boat.

originally a

centre-plate

of

"Kismet"

plate to the rudder-like shape

is of

Bull's metal

was generally

at the

helm and

bow and

she has a small open cock-pit and a cambered deck.

shown

and

is

shape

dagger-like

his design to the rating rule of the period,

weight,

sailed,

a broad, and shallow boat with a fine sharp

The

but in order to adapt

Mr. Linton Hope altered the form of the

[in

The

in the engraving.

plate

which

is

150

the only ballast (excepting the crew) carried

lbs.

by

in

the

The rudder is of the same metal, and of the shape indicated by the engraving.
The boat is steered by a forked or double-headed tiller the advantage of which is that
when the steersman is sitting out to windward in a strong breeze, the helm maj- be put
down Avithout moving from his position. The rig of the Kismet is somewhat different
boat.

to that of other boats of her class

the main-sail which

184

is fitted

with bamboo

spars, is

Small Raters.
very broad at the bottom, and extends a

little

beyond the stern

of the boat

but the

upper part of the main-sail narrows more rapidly upwards than in the majority of boats
of this class

the sail

is

nicely pointed at the peak

by means

of a short

bamboo

gaff.

Across the main-sail, above the boom, there are five bamboo battens, each sheathed in
the sail at about equal distances one from the other, and extending from outer to inner
leech of the sail

by

boom

the three lower battens and the

light metal crescent-shaped gaff -jaws

the

sail itself

are each attached to the mast

being laced to the

gaff; the main- sail, so fitted and contrived, stands as flat as possible

be

difficult to contrive

yard similar

to that

The Kismet

is

and

fit

a sail to stand flatter

is

it

would

attached to a roller-

a boat of elegant and graceful design, and her rig

keel constitutes her only dead- weight ballast,

the

the foresail

boom and

indeed

already mentioned and described.

suitable for a small, shallow racing-boat of her type

sail

it is

is

perhaps very

but bearing in mind that her drop-

obvious that with her large spread of

she requires very careful and skilful handling in a strong breeze.

The boat itself was on view at the Yachting Exhibition

summer of 1897, and as the heroine of so many spirited

interest

and

at the Imperial Institute in

contests,

was an object

of

attraction.

Hope is the designer of many other small winning

among which may be mentioned the Coronis, /Sorceress, Eos, and

Besides the Kismet, Mr. Linton

boats of similar type,
others, all of

which

are,

undoubtedly, very fast-sailing

craft,

and have proved very

successful prize-winners, but are nevertheless an undesirable type for

any other purpose

than that of match- sailing, being so very shallow and carrying no ballast excepting the
drop-keel; and they have absolutely no accommodation aboard, and are a dangerous

185

B B

The

Sailing-& Boat.

type of craft in a breeze under the management of any but the most experienced hands,

such as the designer himself,

who has

so frequently steered

them

to the front in

most

of

the matches they have sailed.

Sailing-boats of this type usually rely on their

three persons

who

sit to

'

live ballast,'

windward on the covered part

i.e.,

a crew of two or

of the boat as she careens to the

breeze, and they shift from side to side on every tack.

The Viva.

Among the

half-rater class the Viva, a fin

and bulb-keel

boat, figured

conspicuously in the years 1895 and 1896 as the winner of 85 prizes in those two seasons.

The

illustration

on page 185 shows Viva and Pique in close contest

off

Calshot

Castle.

The Viva was designed and built by Sibbick & Co., of Cowes, for Mr. A. H. E.
Wood. She was, however, subsequently defeated by a boat of a totally different type,
the Lotus, designed by Mr. Linton Hope, which instead of a fin and bulb-keel had a
drop centre-plate of dagger- like shape, but no other ballast excepting her crew.
The
Lotus seems to have outsailed

all

the bulb-keel boats in running and reaching

hauled on a wind the others had the advantage.

but close-

boat of the Lotus type appears to

require a special kind of seamanship in the handling, and would probably be somewhat

unsafe (in a strong wind), in the hands of anyone unaccustomed to that sort of boat.

When

it

was found that boats

of the

'

turn-turtle,'

dominating the

class of the 18-foot linear raters, the

commencement

of the

were really

or capsizable type

Yacht Eacing Association

at the

year 1898 passed a resolution to the effect that no certificate of

rating be given to any yacht which has less than 15 cwt. displacement without her crew,

and that any yacht having a previous

certificate of rating

and being

of less

than 15 cwt.

displacement, should be disqualified.

This well-timed resolution successfully eliminated the skimming-dish and capsizable

craft

from taking part in the races with the legitimate type

186

of half -raters

and

18-footers.

Small Raters.

A FLAG FOE EVERY VICTORY.

From a photo

Beken&r' Son, Cowes,

by

"Sayonara" (A

Sayonara.

The

Sayonara

is

T.

of W.

flag for every victory).

of the half -rater or

Mr. A. E. Payne, and built by the firm Summers

18 -feet

& Payne

class

was designed by

in 1898, for her owner,

Mrs. Lucas, and proved the most successful boat of her class in that, her

The Sayonara

is

The InyaU, an

W.

a remarkably attractive looking

18-foot linear rater, designed

and capable

by Mr. H.

C.

first season.

little boat.

Smith, of Bnrnham, for

Leuchars, has been a very successful boat, winning in the season of 1898 no

Mr.

J.

less

than thirty-two prizes from thirty-nine races, seventeen of which were

and

fifteen

of

second

first

1899 and 1900.

The Inyati

is

prizes

and she has since kept up her reputation in the subsequent seasons

a boat of the

'

Eestricted Classes

187

'

of the

London

Sailing Club.

The

Sailing-Boat.

THE CLASS TERMED ONE-RATERS, AND THE

24-FOOTEES.

<5h

The

ordinary dimensions of the one-rater class are as tinder:

18 feet 6 inches

to

21 feet

length over

all,

24 feet

beam, 6

Son, Cowes.

I.

ofW.

Length on L.W.L.,

feet 6 inches to 7 feet

draft, 2 feet 7 inches to 3 feet.

Though

essentially a boat for light weather, this

more popular every year, and was one

of the sail-area rule

increase in

beam

of the

was a class that became more and

most successful following the introduction

notwithstanding the changes in design, whereby there was a slight

as well as in sail-area, but (perhaps unfortunately) a decrease in dis-

placement.
'

built

Fay I.' This boat, known

by Fay & Co., in 1894, she

as a one-rater,

season, heading the roll of winners with a long

A profile,

showing the form

was designed by Mr.

Avas a boat of foremost

188

M. Soper and
first

list of prizes.

of hull of this boat, has already

(supra).

J.

rank as a racer in that her

been given

at

page 114

Small Raters.
Most

of the boats of this class are of the

weighted fin-keel type

and, like those of

the half-rater class, they perforin best in light winds and smooth water.

The Boat-sailing Clubs usually

by

limit the

number

hands

of

to three in sailing

matches

the boats of this class.

one-rater

150
500

is

of a larger class

much

less

expensive boat to build in proportion to

the cost of a one-rater, sails and

whilst a two and a-half rater costs from

to

all

300

size,

&c, than one

complete, being from

to

400

and a

100

five-rater

to

from

600.

After the change in the rules of rating and measurement by the T. E. Association,
and so far as racing was concerned, owners
the one-raters were left out altogether
Under a subsequent rule,
found them left on their hands as out-classed boats.
;

however, some of them were enabled to be classed among what are

'

now termed

the

24-footers.'

From

The

ft" photo

illustration is

Son, Coivcs,

by

from a photograph

of the boat

Fay II,

I.

of

IV.

built in 1895.

Her

4
owner, Miss Lord, steering.

The Gaiety Girl,

one-rater,

was designed by Mr.

189

C. P. Claytou, for

Mr. F. Norman,

The

Sailing-Boat.

Darbyshire, of Liverpool, and built by Sibbick

successful boats of her class,

and

" Gaiety

The dimensions
L.W.L., 20

ft.

2 in.

of
;

Gaiety

beam, 6

&

Co., in

1894

she was one of the most

so continued for several vears afterwards.

Girl

ft,

6 in.

were
;

Girl.'

length over

draft, 2

ft,

all,

26

ft.

11

in.

(with centre-plate up).

length on

Lead keel

(with centre-plate) Aveighing 12 cwt,

This boat was of a broad and somewhat shallow type, though not so shallow as some
others of her class

and she had a square overhanging

Prom

a photo by

Beken b Son, Cot

'

The Gallia,

one-rater,

built

Gallia."

by Sibbick &

Ashburton, was a very successful boat of her

and standing up well

to her canvas.

stern.

In her

first

190

Co.,

class,

of

Cowes, in

1895, for

Lord

remarkably fast in strong winds,

season she

won 25

prizes,

13 of Avhich

Small Raters.
were

firsts

and 12 second, and in subsequent seasons she scored numerous other

victories.

The Speedwell.

Of

by Mr. A. E. Payne

the 1896 boats of the 24-feet class, the Speedwell, designed

Miss Cox, proved remarkably successful, heading the

for

list

of

winners of her class in the seasons of 1896 and 1897, and she has ever since retained
her reputation as one of the fastest of the 24-feet
boat of her class in

many

of the

class,

being frequently the leading

matches she has sailed in the subsequent seasons

of

1898, 1899 and 1900.

The Speedwell
wooden

fin

from most others

differs

and leaden bulb

no fewer than 145 prizes

of the

and during the

first

same

class,

inasmuch as she has a

three years of her racing career

won

thus bearing testimony to the advantages of the wooden

fin

over the steel plate.

An

illustration of the Speedwell has already

From a photo

been given at page 115.

Beken &> Son, Cowes,

by

Tartar VII., a 24-foot linear rater, is the property

known racing yacht owners on the South Coast.

the best

191

of

I.

of W.

Mr. Alfred Hewett, one of

Mr. Hewett has from time

to

The
time been the owner of a numerous
boats, and,

Sailing-Boat.
fleet

of

Tartars, all of

which have been racing

with one exception, very successful prize winners.

Tartar V. (of the

fleet)

was, perhaps, one of the best, she was designed and built

by Sibbick & Co., of Cowes, and was a long shallow boat with a fin and bulb-keel
she made a great reputation in the season of 1896, though perhaps not greater than
some others

The

of

Mr. Hewett's boats.

illustration

on previous page

is of

Tartar VII., but Mr. Hewett has a subse-

quent boat known as Tartar VIII.

Beken &= Son, Comes,

The Triangle
by Sibbick

&

is also

one of the class

known

I.

of W.

as 24-footers,

Co., in 1897, for the Earl of Harrington,

was designed and

and has the reputation

of

built

being

a sturdy and powerful boat, winning no less than 24 prizes in her first year, of which

seven were

firsts.

The Bandicoot,

built in

1898 (the third boat

on the 18th June in that year, and heads the

season of 1899, with 55 winning

list

of that

of

name), sailed her

first

race

winners of the 24-feet class in the

flags.

Bandicoot III, as in the case of the two previous boats of that name,

192

is

from

Small Raters.
Summers & Payne, who have

design by Mr. Arthur Payne, and was built by

constructed a fourth boat, also

named Bandicoot

all

recently

four boats having been built for

Capt. R. Dixon, an able and enthusiastic 3'acht sailer and owner.

Beken

Amongst Bandicoot's competitors

designed and built by Sibbick

&

Co.

in the season 181)!)

<S-

Sou, Cowes,

was the Madge,

I.

0/ W.

new

boat,

These two boats were frequent competitors, not

only in the neighbourhood of the Solent, but at the AVest of England Regattas

193

c c

and

The

Sailing-Boat.

although the Madge was a powerful opponent, the Bandicoot seems to have proved the
better boat of the two.

Beken

Front a photo by

The Eione,
Capt.

Fenwick

a one-rater,
:

she

is

was designed and

& Son, Comes,

built

an attractive looking boat

of

year of her racing career proved one of the best of her

194

I.

of

II'.

by Sibbick &

Co., in 1895, for

good proportions, and in the

class.

first

Small Raters.

THE CLASS TERMED "TWO AND A-HALF LINEAR RATERS," AND THE THIRTY-FOOTERS.

-Si

West &> Sou, Southsea.

The dimensions
line,

26

ft,

beam,

Amongst

: Length

of these boats are

7

ft.

6 in.

draft, 4

ft.

over

6 in. to 5

the Solent racing-fleet this class

is

all,

30

ft.

very popular

to constitute a fairly comfortable boat Avhether for racing or

therefore, a

numerous

fleet,

length on load-water-

ft.
;

the size being such as

day cruising

rating.
the One-Design Classes) since the adoption of the sail area rule of
too, of

very suitable

size for

Their chief defect

they

are,

and are probably the best productions (apart from some of

is tlie

They

are,

amateur racing and summer day sailing.

very limited displacement, and consequent curtailment

of

cabin space.

The Gareth. One

of the

most famous boats

of this

class one which year

after

Gareth.
year continued to outsail all her newly constructed rivals was the
Mr.
C. E. Nicholson, of
by
designed
was
owner)
The Gareth (Mr. A. Henderson,
that firm in the
built
by
was
and
Gosport,
of
Nicholson,
and
the firm of Camper

year 1892.

She was therefore one

of the earliest of the tin

and bulb-keel type which

appeared on the waters of the Solent.

The

Gareth,

though a long and somewhat shallow form

190

of boat, is of a fnll-bodied

The
section,

run.

and has a

She

is

fine graceful

of the

Sailing-Boat.

bow and long

counter, showing great

power and clean

Solent rig, and carries a rather longer yard, and consequently

higher peak, to her main-sail than some of the more modern boats of that
sails are all inboard,

and the main-sail

is

laced to the boom.

19G

rig.

Her

Small Raters.
It will

be observed on reference to the illustration, that the form and design of

the fin and bulb differ in several respects from those of subsequent designs of the fin

and bulb type.

T

]N

o boat of her class

when

has ever made a greater reputation than the Gareth.

In 1892,

remarkable success

made her appearance, she was foremost in every match she

next and every subsequent year we find her still competing with
among the very elite of her class, in the Solent, the Mediterranean

and other waters.

In the year 1894, she heads the

the year
sailed

she

and in the

first

with

list

fifty

winning

flags;

and

even so recently as the years 1897 and 1898, despite the recent changes and alterations
in the rules of

yachts of her

measurement and rating, she figures conspicuously amongst the winning

class.

The Corolla

is

another two and a-half linear rater designed by Mr.

Nicholson, and built by the firm

The

Corolla is a powerful

Camper and Nicholson,

and attractive looking boat

with a graceful cut-water stem and boAv, and a

This boat w as
r

first tried

with

fin

of

broad and shallow type, but

and bulb-keel.

novel arrangement of the

197

Charles

in 1894-5, for Mrs. Schenley.

fin

bulb-keel,

whereby

The

Sailing-Boat.

by two plates, one

The arrangement did not prove

the cigar-shaped bulb was held

other at the

her

aft.

at the fore part of the keelson, the

satisfactory,

and was discarded

after

trial race.

In her altered form the Corolla proved a great success, in fact one of the fastest
of

her class

particularly in a fresh breeze,

inferior to those of the

The

Corolla

has

when

she displayed powers but

little

famous yacht Gareth.

rather

less

beam than

majority

the

her

of

class,

but

is

remarkably well-built boat, and has strong and durable narrow-planked decks.

The

Corolla, in

1895 (her

first year),

won fourteen first prizes

won fourteen firsts out

but her rival Zivola (Hon. Mrs. Oliphant)

Again
year.

out of fifty-five starts

of forty-eight starts.

in 1896, the Corolla proved a formidable antagonist to the

And

in

1897 she won seventeen

prizes, five of

them being

Bekcu & Son,

The Yaqueko, two and

a-half

rater,

198

is

new

boats of that

firsts.

Coikcs, I.

of W.

an American boat

designed

by Mr.

Small Raters.
and was a distinguished racer in the Solent and neighbourhood under

Herreshoff,

the old rating rule in the sailing-matches of 1895.

be observed that this boat has a gaff main-sail, the chief peculiarity of

It will

which, as also of the fore-sail,

American

style)

if

made

is

thereby gained.

in

is

that both sails are

the object being, probably,

way but
The Menem,

the usual

And more

similarly rigged.

it

very

is

also

to

made with

the seams crosswise (an

ensure their standing natter than

doubtful

if

any

satisfactory advantage

an American boat by the same designer, was

recently the Swanhild thirty-footer, also American;

all

three of which proved very capable and successful boats in British waters.

The Lorette,

the two and a-half rater class, was built by Sibbick and Co.,

of

and made an excellent record in

Avhich were

firsts.

189-3,

winning twenty-eight

prizes,

her in four of them, and Avas some distance ahead of her in the

ground.

the

And

twenty-two

of

This boat met the American Vaquero in five matches, defeated

at

the

West

of

fifth,

when

she took

England regattas the Lorette was again very

successful, never once being beaten.

From a photo

The

JSTanta, of the

two and a-half rater

and built in 1895 (Mr. T.

The
prize

of

illustration is

Son, Comes,

by

class,

/.

of

IV.

was designed by Mr.

W.

Fife, Junior,

C. Burroughes, owner).

from a photograph taken

of this boat

when winning

the Island Sailing Club at Cowes, and showing the steam yacht

the distance.

199

the

first

Bona

in

'

The
Valeria

Sailing- Boat.

was another very successful boat, designed

by Summers and Payne, for the Earl of Albemarle.
The Valeria was raced in the Solent in the year 1896, and was afterwards sold and
sent out to Australia, where she sailed in the matches of the Eoyal South Australian
Yacht Squadron, but was heavily handicapped, and had to give time to boats twice
I.,

a two and a-half rater,

by Mr. A. E. Payne, and

her

size

built

notwithstanding which she appears to have more

than

'

her

held

own

with them.

From a photo

West

by

(5

Son, Sonthsca.

" Strathendrick " and "Petrel'

Strathendrick and Peirel.

the thirty-foot class,

viz.,

The

illustration is of

two

of the

most famous boats

Strathendrick and Petrel, which, in the seasons

of

of

1898 and

1899, were in frequent contest at the regattas and sailing matches on the South Coast,

with Mayfly and other boats of high repute.

200

Strathendrick (formerly

Valeria II.)

Small Raters.
was one

of

Mr. A. E. Orr-Ewing's boats, and

yacht of the thirty-footer

The Petrel was

also

lias

made

a high reputation as a racing-

class.

one of the most successful boats of the class in the same

seasons, including that of 1900.

The Swanhild.
American

Amongst

boat, a Herreshoff

the thirty-footers of the season of

1899 was a new

named Swanhild II (Mr.

production,

E. Bicliel), a

C.

graceful and attractive-looking boat, sloop-rigged in the usual American style, with
gaff main-sail,

short bowsprit,

and single head-sail

crosswise, similar to the Vaquero, already described

Swanhild II. proved a

weatherly qualities

match

fast

It will be seen

that she

At

firsts

in

German

being

by the

the close of the season (1899) she was,

comprising ten

flags,

firsts

in

her races in

waters.

illustration

contour and body- plan of the Swanhild,

of

design: the end view of the fin-bulb keel

less

sails

a type differing in several respects from those of any boat of British

is of

bottom part, a sort

and

both

illustrated.

and powerful boat in smooth water, and she had good

however, credited with nineteen winning

the Solent, and five

the seams of

but when the water was much ruffled or loppy, she was no

more sturdy opponents.

for her

and

of fan-tail

overhang fore and

form

aft

(if

such

but there

than

in

is

many

it

may be termed)

reveals, at the

apparently great power in her hull,

of

the Solent racing-yachts

of

her

class.

The dimensions
(extreme), 7-61

ft,;

the head-sail 291 sq.

of the

850

: L.O.A.,

sq. ft., of

34-08

ft.

L.W.L., 25-89

which the main-sail takes 559

ft.

beam

sq. ft,,

and

ft.

During the season

made

Swanhild are

sail area,

their appearance

of

1899, two remarkable productions of the thirty-footer class

among

the racing fleet in and about the

waters of the Solent.

H. Ward-Humphreys), and the Flying Fish (Mr.

Harley Mead)
the latter being the designer and builder of both boats, which were
but thenof similar type, shallow and very flat-floored, with fin and bulb- keels;
most striking peculiarity was their extraordinary extent of overhang fore and aft.
The Petrel
The Marjory was tolerably successful at first, but latterly was not so.
These were the Marjory (Mr.

CI,

201

D D

The
and Mayfly, both boats

of.

two

Sailing- Boat.

or three years earlier date, defeating the Marjory in

several contests during the season of 1900.

It is doubtful if racing-boats of

the thirty-footer class will retain the popularity

they enjoyed

few years

an attractive

are

but

yacht,

playthings

and the

they

cost

to that of

nevertheless

are

when kept

costly

exclusively for racing

building

of

They

since.

small racing-

size for a

equal

nearly

is

a five-rater or thirty -six-footer

but the accommodation on board

cramped and limited

now

as

very

is

constructed.

oO-EATING CRTJISEK.

The

which are from

illustrations,

original

drawings, represent a design for a 30-rating

One-Design

intended for a

cruiser,

They

are from the

Class.

Mr. John

board of

S.

Helyer, of the yacht-building firm of Field

&

Co.,

Southampton, the designers and

of

builders of some of the most famous cruising

yachts of the day

One-Design

and some others

Class,

as

also

the Solent

of

of the

0. D. Classes.

be observed

will

It

illustrated is that

of

design

the

that

an excellent type

of

Cruising Yacht, combining, amongst other

desirable

those

qualities,

good

of

cabin

accommodation with safety and power

as a

cruiser.

The dimensions
38

ft.

beam

(extreme)

(Thames),

tons

12

tons

cwt.

L.W.L., 1\ cwt.

202

ft.

rating,

7-ij|;

displacement,

are:

Length

load-water

length,

in.

Y.K.A.,
cwt.

over

line,

tonnage
30

lead

displacement,

all,

ft.;

ft.;

keel,
1

in.

jo-Ratmg
It is a great

with

all

recommendation in these

Cruiser.

clays of scanty displacement to find a

30-rater

the requirements of a cruiser, including, more particularly, six feet head-room in

the cabin, with couches, sleeping berths, and other comforts and conveniences seldom

found so complete in a modern cruiser of that

size

and the whole

so

well arranged as

apparently to leave nothing to be desired.

The

plans, sections

and dimensions

qualities of sea-worthiness

and

also

fast sailing

seem

to indicate a type of boat in

which the

have been kept in view, without sacrificing

203


The
any

of

the

comforts

that

may

Sailing-Boat.

be reasonably expected

on board

a yacht

of

such

limited rating.

The yacht
fore-sail, jib

is

and

cutter-rigged,
top-sail.

The

and under ordinary cruising canvas

sail

Main-sail

area being

...

...

589 -94

sq. feet.

Top-sail

108-22

Head-sails

231-34

929-50

sq. feet.

Total sail area

...

carries main-sail,

THE CLASS TERMED 5-RATERS. AND THE 36-FOOT LINEAR RATERS.

West cV Son, Southsea.

"Emerald" and "Forella"

The

5-raters

and 36-footers are the largest

racing-yachts.

204

racing.

of

those

known

as the

small-class

Small Raters.
In

this

have a larger and more attractive

class Ave

size

a racing-boat

for

that requires a crew of five or six hands in a sailing-match.

ought,

31

therefore,

have

to

stipulated dimensions are

ft.

beam, 9

square

ft.

in.

length

draft,

one

good accommodation below deck.

fairly

The
;

Boats of this class

over
9

ft.

all,

to

in.

36
6

ft.

ft.

length on load- water line,

sail

1,250

area,

to

1,300

feet.

Iu a boat of the 5-ratiug class something more than a mere skimming-dish

The

expected.

of

size

5-rater

is

sufficient

cabin accommodation, with sleeping berths, &c.

those

designed and built for match- sailing

seldom more than

undoubtedly plenty
great,

4 feet

to

3^-

everything

room on deck, and

of

to justify

such, however,

their

a 5-rater of 1892,

power and speed under

is

being

They have
are very

sail

not to be found.

was designed by Mr.

and was

C. E. Nicholson, jun.,

Mr. E. H. Langrishe, who afterwards sold her

built at Gosport for

keelson

thus sacrificed to racing.

but comfortable accommodation below deck

The Dacia,

not the case with

is

the depth from deck to

is

is

her affording comfortable

to

the

Earl of

Dudley.

The Dacia

is of

some respects

peculiar type, with a deep fin-bulb keel of different construction in

to other

fin-bulb

keels (as will

be

seen on reference to the profile

above).

The Dacia

is

nevertheless a powerful and weatherly boat, and has been a remarkable

success as a racing-yacht of

her class

good in

all

weathers

and on

all

points of

sailing.

In 1892 she

and

won

The Fenella
in

thirty-three

Avas generally steered

is

first

prizes

and three others out

a boat of graceful proportions, designed

1894 and subsequent seasons made a high reputation

The
section,

Fenella

is

of thirty-nine starts,

by Lord Dudley himself.

by Mr. W.

Fife, jun.,

and

as a racing-yacht.

handsome and powerful looking boat

Avith

a broad full-bodied

but long and shallow Avith a Avide fin-plate and bulb-keel, as shown in the

illustration

on next page

and a large rudder

fitted to

her fin-plate

she has a long,

sharp bow, and shallow, rounded stern.

The

Fenella

is

rigged Avith two

sails

only, of the Solent type

205

she has a short-

The
standing bowsprit, and her fore-sail

Sailing-Boat.
is

laced to a boom.

The

Fenella

is

altogether a

splendid and powerful looking boat, and has proved a very successful prize-winner.

206

Small Raters.
The Norman,
Captain

J.

a 5-rater, designed and built

Orr-Ewing,

her class in that, her

is

first

by Sibbick &

Co., of

Cowes, in 1895, for

a buoyant and powerful looking boat, and proved the best of

season, winning no fewer than fifty-two

prizes out of fifty-six starts.

The Norman

is

207

broad and

full

first

and two second

amidships, with a fin and

Tin
bulb-keel
fore

and

she has a

aft.

fine,

graceful bow, and very clean run, with considerable overhang

The Norman

is

probably one of the fastest of her class ever turned out by

success

continued year after year under the able handling of

Sibbick

&

Co.

Captain

J.

Orr-Ewing's skipper

The
Captain

Sea
J.

Her

Sailing-Boat.

Shell

is

Shawyer.

from a design by Mr.

G.

L.

Watson,

Orr-Ewing, but was built at Cowes by Sibbick & Co.

and shallowest

of her class in the

" skimming dish" type

neighbourhood

of the Solent,

first

year (1895) she

formidable rival to the Norman.

had no bulwarks and but

is

Glasgow,

for

the broadest

and belongs

to the

she has a deep fin-plate with heavy leaden cigar-shaped bulb

bolted on to the plate, half on each side, at the lower extremity of the

In her

of

She

A'ery

won

fin.

twenty-three prizes, and occasionally proved a

She. usually sailed best in a

strong wind, but, as she

low coamings, was a wet boat in rough weather.

recentty (1898) had bulwarks and higher coamings fitted to her.

'IDS

She has

Small Raters.
The Heartsease,

&

5-rater (or 36-foot linear rater),

was designed and

built

by Sibbick

Mr. C. L. Orr-Ewing, and proved one of Sibbick's best productions;

her class among twelve others, and the winner in almost every race she

Co., in 1896, for

the champion of

She was afterwards sold to Prince Colloredo Mansfield, who

sailed.

is

an Austrian.

" Heartsease."

long string of
In the Eiviera the Heartsease raced as a 10-tonner, where she Avon a
On that
there.
boat
successful
most
the
was
Eegatta,
1898,
and at the Genoa
flags
debut in May,
her
since
prize
100th
her
winning
of
honour
the
occasion she achieved
134
end of the season of 1899 was able to display no less than
;

1896

and

at the

winning flags

The

illustration is

from a photograph shewing the yacht Heartsease when displaying

her first winning flag in May, 1896.

209

E E

The
The "Westra,
1896

Sailing-Boat.

5-rater (or 36-footer),

was

also designed

and bnilt by Sibbick &

Co., in

her rig was altered in 1897 from that of a sloop to a cutter, a bowsprit and jib

bein; fitted to her.

BBHWOH

The

Westra proved one of the best of her class

starts she appears to

The

have won twenty -four

illustration is

in her first season out of thirty-four

first prizes

from a photograph

of

the

and seven second.

Westra under reefed mainsail and

foresail.

The Hermes,

5-rater (or 36-footer),

was designed and

"Hermes"

for Capt.

John Orr-Ewing.

36-footers.
It will

In her

first

She

is

season she

be seen from the

(36-ft.

built

Co., in 1897,

rater).

a powerful-looking boat,

won

by Sibbick &

and one

of the ablest of the

twenty-five prizes, eleven of which were

profile of this boat that

210

her bulb-keel

is

firsts.

of a different

form

Small Raters.
to that of the

The

Korman and most

fin of the

Hermes

is

of the other earlier racing-boats

much broader

of a

by

this firm of builders.

shape, and the rudder

is

attached to the

aft-end of the fin; whilst the lead bulb, instead of being of torpedo-shape projecting

beyond the
projection,

An

extends the whole length of the lower end of the

fin,

and

is

illustration,

from a photo

shewing the yacht under

The Koorangah,
1897

(a fin-plate

sail

of the Hermes, has already

36-foot linear rater,

and bulb-keel

was designed and

boat), for C'apt. J.

been given at page 34,

built

Orr-Ewing.

steered her,

and she wound up the season with twenty-seven

nine

and a long string

starts,

without any

in her full cutter rig.

by Sibbick &

of forty-one flags.

211

Her owner

first prizes

The Koorangah was

Eoyal Southampton Yacht Club Medal for best average of her

of 1898.

Co., in

In the early part of the

season of 1898 she was one of the most successful of the class.

of the

fin

rounded at the bottom.

usually

out of forty-

also the

winner

class in the season

The
The Forella,

36-foot linear rater,

E. S. Parker, in 1897, in

which were

The

Sailing- Boat.
was designed and

built

which year she was the winner

of

by Fife & Son,

twenty-one

for

Mr.

prizes, nine of

firsts.

Forella

is

a long, narrow, and deep-bodied boat,

and was a keen and successful

contestant throughout the seasons of 1898 and 1899, having for her rivals some of the

most famous racing-yachts

all of

of the Solent, including

which she was in frequent

contest,

record of twenty-five prizes, twelve being

and

Koorangah, Eileen and Emerald, with

at the close of the season of

firsts

1898 had a

and thirteen second.

36-foot linear rater (cutter rigged), was designed by Mr. Arthur

by Summers & Payne, for Mr. CD. Eose, and sold by him to Mr. J.
Gretton, M.P., in 1897, in which season she was the champion of her class; she has

The Emerald,

Payne and

built

since changed hands twice.

In the season

of

1897 she had frequent contests with Hermes and Heartsease,

See illustration of Emerald and Forella racing, supra, p. 204.

212

of the

Small Raters.
same

class,

Mr. Gretton himself being usually

at the helm, steering his beautiful boat

to victory.

The Emerald was greatly admired

as one of the prettiest yachts of her class, with

her graceful lines and shapely run.

This yacht was also a frequent competitor in the season of 1898 with the yachts
Eileen, Forella,

and Koorangah.

The Eileex,

&

36-foot linear rater,

Son, of Fairlee, for Mr.

in the season of 1898,

Emerald, and Forella.

Mason

S.

she

The

Eileen

The Endrick. Among

is

Fife, junr.,

class,

one of the best of her class

and built by Fife

including Koorangah,
she

won twenty

prizes

the Solent 36-footers of the season of 1899 were two

by Mr. A. E. Payne,

and built by Sibbick &

a

W.

Solent rigged, and was in frequent contest,

and twelve second.

boats, the Endrlck, designed

The Endrick had

is

with the most celebrated cutters of her

in 1898, eight being firsts

Kestrel, designed

was designed by

wooden

fin

for

Mr. A. E. Orr-Ewing

Co., for Capt. F. C.

and bulb

new

and the

Bridgman.

keel, the Kestrel a metal fin

both were very capable boats and were in frequent contest together.

213

and bulb keel


The
The

Sailing-Boat.

Endricle appears to have sailed in fifty-three matches that season,

four flags, thirty-three of which were

In the season of 1900 there were no

than five

less

structed within the adjacent waters of the Solent, viz.

From a photo

and won forty

firsts.

new

boats in this class,

IVest

by

The Sakumtala, which was designed and

built

all

con-

by Sibbick &

6r=

Son, Sont/isea.

Co., for Capt. J. Orr-

Ewing.

The Doris, from

boat was at
altered

first

a design

Mr.

J.

Oscar Clark.

and her canvas had

to

be reduced

by Mr. Chas. Nicholson,

slightly over her rating,

form she proved a very powerful boat.

214

for

This
in her

Varieties

Type.

of

The Polynia, designed by Mr. Arthur Payne, and

Mr.

W.

S.

built

by Summers & Payne,

for

Armitage.

The Cuckoo, another Sibbiek boat, designed and built by that firm for Miss Oust.
The Moonflower, also a Sibbiek boat, for Mr. C. L. Orr-Ewing.
These five new boats, together with the Endrick, a last year's Payne boat, were
frequent contest together
of the

all

Yacht and Sailing-boat Clubs

The Sa/amtala proved by

most

through the season,

of the

Doris,

matches she

and Endrtck, the

of the Solent

latter of

of the fleet,

new

prizes in

year,

and

boats.

OF TYPE OF SMALL YACHTS.

VARIETIES

The

first

rivals in Polynia,

which made a great reputation the previous

she has, too, a somewhat fuller section than either of the

fluctuations that have taken place in the form

particularly in those of

winning

though she found very formidable

sailed,

in

matches

sailing

and neighbourhood.

most successful

far the

aud

at the regattas

the racing classes, have been

and design

of

small yachts,

many and remarkable

during

the last fifty or sixty years.

From time

to

time

designers have

come forward with

a neAv type

of

vessel,

Profile (old type of racing-yacht).

destined,
qualities;

in
in

the

designer's

some cases

mind,

in size from the 50-ton cutter of

on the Serpentine in

The aim
fleet is

the E.Y.S.

Hyde Park on

of the designer

is,

eclipse

not always

of

of

to the

merit.

in

speed and sea-going

Designs, too, varying

tiny model, or insect class, seen

a bright summer's day.

and apparently always will

some distinctive

special

others

all

others disappointing.

concerned, to design a boat that shall outsail

Apart from those

if

to

successful, in

As

class, are

to

all

many

be, so

far as the racing-

others that compete with her.

possessing features of interest

such of these of which the Author has

been enabled to obtain sketches and other particulars, descriptions and illustrations
are given in the following pages.

215

The

Sailing-Boat.

" Tiny," 8-ton Cruising Cutter.

The Tiny, an

8-ton cruising cutter, built in

and built by Messrs. White Bros.,

of

1897, designed by Mr. H. White,

Itchen Ferry.

The
Mr. W.

Yseult, 10-rater, built in 1892 by Messrs. Fife and Son, from a design by
Fife, junr., is a boat of great power and exquisite design, the winner in

the

year of her career of sixteen prizes, fifteen of which were

first

subsequent

record

shows

that

she

retained

and her

firsts;

her reputation as a very

successful

prize-winner.

The

Trial, 21 feet L.W.L. (three tons),

is

boat

of

remarkable type;

she

was built by McAlister in 1889, from a design by Mr. W. Scott Hayward. This boat
has considerable breadth of beam and very deep keel and aft gripe, with heavy
metal ballast attached to the under part of the keel.
The Trial was a highly successful competitor in the

Southport Corinthian Yacht Club and the

sailing

Lytham Yacht Club

of her career.

216

matches

of

the

in the earlier seasons

Varieties

The Janetta,

Type

of

by Mr. A. E. Payne, and

6-ton boat), designed

a 2^-rater (or

built in 1890, is a capable looking model,

though somewhat peculiar in type, with

her triangular keel and deep form of rudder.

The Coce>a-Whoop, by

the same designer, built in 1889,

Another boat

similar type, termed a

also of

designed in 1890 by Captain

body than the

keel,

the

Beatrix,
year

5|

Orr-Ewing, shewn by the

tons,

1892, for the

ft,

beam, 7

ft.

'

(a 5-rater),

profile above, is of fuller

form

of triangular fixed fin-

of a powerful sail-carrying boat.

designed

Hon.

be seen by the contour sketch.

L.W.L., 21

a boat of similar type.

typical winning boat

Janetta, but with a considerably extended

and has the appearance

The
in

J.

'

is

W.

and

built

Euthven,

is

The dimensions

draft, 5 ft. 9 ins.

217

by
a

Sibbick

boat
are

sail area,

of

&

Length
620

Co.,

of

Cowes,

peculiar type as will

over

all,

sq. ft.

p f

34

ft.

Sailing-Boat,

The

Manx

The
boat

Cat,

graceful

of

1893

2-| -rater,

proportions,

(formerly

bow and

fine

clean

known
run

the

as

Polynia),

is

good beam and

she has

powerful bearings, and was always considered a capable boat under

She was,

sail.

however, subsequently converted into a steam launch by the Liquid Fuel Engineering

Company.

The

Squall,

described

as

was

2-rater,

built

in

Mr. A. E. Payne for the Earl of Erne, of the L.E.Y.C

beautiful boat.

It will

overhang

fore

both

aft,

that

she

American yacht

The

Squall

Besides,

is

design by

and

a powerful

has

long-shaped

keel,

which

is

heavily

(though

in

diminutive) resemblance to the famous

Vigilant.

however, not so

is,

and she has more

boat.

from

and

in addition provided with a revolving keel

is

bearing a striking

respects

be observed from the profile that this boat has considerable

weighted at the lower part, and

these

1893

rise at

too,

the

flat

bow and
Vigilant

in the under part of the bilge as the Vigilant,

stern

and more dip amidships than the American

carries

her fulness well

the Squall has a longer and more slender-proportioned bow.

218

up

to

her bows, Avhilst

Varieties

The Kelpie,
the

L.E.Y.C.,

is

also

described

as

Type.

of

and

2-rater,

as

belonging to a

racing-yacht, broad and full amidships, with a sharp, graceful

has a long triangular-shaped fin to

which her rudder

she has a centre-plate revolving-keel, as

'

The Helen
triangular
all

fin,

(one of

some

shown in the

is

bow and

attached;

described as

clean run; she

besides which

Helen " (Lord B

Lord Brassey's yachts)

is

a boat of remarkable type with

of a boat possessing

She was taken over to Australia in 1896, with a view to

of the small class

The Sarnia,

of

illustration above.

and revolving- keel besides, and has the appearance

the qualities of a racer.

sailing in

Member

a boat of powerful and beautiful design, the very beau-ideal of a

matches

of the

modem

Eoyal Yacht Club

6-rater,

1897,

is

design by Mr. Eichard Hartwell, late of Guernsey, and a

experience of the Guernsey Model Yacht Club.

219

of Victoria.

model yacht from a

Member

of long practical

The
The yacht
hull

is

named Sarnia

rounded

bilge,

bow and long graduated

strong

and sail-carrying power

bulb-keel differs in several respects from

many experiments by

form

of

run,

all

which are considered the

that the arrangement of her fin and

other fin-keeled boats, and

all

the designer, with a variety of keels, the

and

plate of the Sarnia giving sufficient stability

or aft

of that Island.

profile illustration of the Sarnia, that her

that of a boat on the best and most approved lines, with a flattish floor,

is

best points for speed

of

name

after the ancient

be observed from the

It will

Sailing-Boat.

is

the result

centre bulb-fin-

and the smaller,

lateral resistance,

giving steadiness and fine steering qualities, the space between the fins

fin,

freeing the water without friction or impediment.

Mr. Hartwell has designed, besides models,

several

which have

sailing-boats

proved successful prize-winners.

And

in the Guille-AU&s Public Library

and Museum, Island

of

Guernsey,

may

be seen a handsome Model Yacht, 'upon the most improved modern principles of
nautical construction,' from a design

men

considerable attraction to nautical

Mr.

by Mr. Eichard Hartwell, which

visiting the Museum.

The Wee- Winn, described as a 10-rater model yacht, designed and

W. M. Paxton, 1897. This is a model yacht with fin and bulb-keel

and ingenious contrivance, as

may be

tapering to a point at the aft-end

is

on reference to the

seen

bulb, which in shape resembles a marlinspike

biggest

but

it

first

steel

or not the contrivance

is

somewhat

satisfactory

There

it

is

similar

shewn in
swung on the

Badminton

in her altered

series,

Lord Dufferin's 4-ton yacht and

the

it

had

at

did not prove

form the Corolla was a great success. 1

'Yachting,' Vol.

sails,

be doubtful;

2^- linear-rater,

arrangement for her bulb-keel, but as

was discarded, and

in the

is

may

conducive to fast sailing

should be mentioned that the famous yacht Corolla, a

The

and gradually

fin-plates, as

the rudder

of novel

(See illustration on next page.)

aft-end of the stern-fin.

Whether

two
them

of

by

built

illustration.

at the fore-end

affixed to

the illustration, leaving a wide open space between

of

an object

is

II., p. 26,

Lady Hermione, the

a skeleton drawing

sails

being

all

workable

The yacht is apparently of beautiful construction, yawl-rigged, and a

The description of the sails, rigging, &c, as given in the volume
principle.

single-handed.
lifeboat in

referred

to,

is

very minute, and well worthy the study of those desirous of fitting

and rigging a small yacht, or a

rope and

sail

entirely

sailing-boat,

under the

immediate

upon the principle

control

manageable single-handed.
1

Supra, pp. 197-8.

220

of

the

of

having every

steersman

in

fact,

Varieties

Wee-Win, model yacht

tions,

-with novel

of

Type.

arrangement of

page 220.)

221

fin

and bulb-keel.

(See observa-

Th'ie

Sailing-Boa t.

CURIOSITIES

We

AND

RIG.

adding yachts and boats to our pleasure

are, too, continually

of strange things

OF TYPE

so that, in fact,

some

fleet in

the shape

of the curiosities of type of British craft are

and even grotesque.

peculiar

The majority of these are, perhaps, to be found among the smaller class there are,
however, many eccentric departures among the larger class, and it may be stated
generally that some of them are very fast under sail, but the majority are more or less
;

failures in that respect.

And

so

we have

shallow, deep and

yachts of every conceivable shape

medium and extreme

short,

revolving keels, centre-boards,

many

other varieties and

others,

who

But

it is

centre-plates,

peculiarities,

long and narrow, broad and

some with fixed

fin keels,

instructive

to

yachting men, designers and

by the study and

close observance of the forms of hull

of the

from time

to time

most eminent designers, and the principles upon which

boats of such infinite variety are designed and constructed, that

much

useful guidance

obtained and knowledge acquired as to the form best adapted for fast sailing.

And, in the Author's view, the scope

to

others with

take interest in novelty of form and curiosity of type.

emanating from the hands

may be

keels,

bulb keels, loaded keels, and

models from the hands

of

of inquiry

and investigation should not be limited

British designers, since

much

is

to

be learned from a

study of the models of other nations.

The Heathen Chinee

its

Anglo-Chinese rig

she

about four tons burthen

has several peculiarities, not only in form of hull but also in

is

a boat of the canoe type, being alike at stem and stern,

she has a moderate displacement,

beam and

and

draft, easy lines,

small immersed surface, and a sufficient sail-area, so contrived as to be easily handled,

and with

little

weight or bulk

of gear aloft.

Landseer MacKenzie, and built at Erith by

winner of many cups in the course of her

The

success of the boat

is

The Heathen Chinee was designed by Mr.

McWharter in 1877, and has been the

J.

career.

probably largely due to her

0,9.9,

rig,

which possesses several

Curiosities
advantages that
area of sail

is

in canoe-form

fit

it

and

fitted

with reefing-gear, which permits

same

size

is

battened

sails

are

one or two reefs being

of

The battens are of bamboo, from

The Heathen Chinee, both in hull and

could be secured.

one inch to an inch-and-a-quarter in diameter.

many features that are worthy

much to commend her to those who

contains

comparatively large

The

time than the outer earing alone of a

facile expedition, in fact, in less

cutter's mainsail of the

there

specially for a boat of limited stability.

carried on very light spars and with little gear.

hanled down with

rig,

and Rig.

Type

of

of a careful

study

desire a safe

and, though a novelty,

and handy boat

of light draft

of water.

The Fan Tan, which

is

a boat of similar type

and design

to the

Heathen Chinee, but

West &= Son,

Front a photo by

So7tths,

about twelve feet longer on L.W.L., and proportionally larger, was also designed by

Mr. Landseer Mackenzie.

She was built by Mr.

223

J.

A. Poole in the year 1888-9, for

ThIC

Sailing-Boat.
owner allowed her

cruising purposes, but her

won

of nine starts, she

The Fan Tan,

compete

to

in several sailing matches in the season of 1890,

when, out

eight prizes, open and handicaps.

as originally designed,

had two centre-

Heathen Chinee)

plates (similar to those of the

hut during

the winter of 1889, Mr. MacKenzie had one of the centreplates (the aft one) removed, her balance rudder

was

dis-

carded, and an ordinary rudder substituted with raking

by the profile sketch

made proved great improve-

stern post and dead wood, as sheAvn

at side

ments

the alterations thus

to the boat for all practical purposes.

The dimensions
36 feet

down

beam, 9

6 in.

are

draft, 6

Length on L.W.L.,
ft.

(with centre-plate

8 ft.); displacement, 11 tons; sail-area, 1,200 sq.

weight

on keel

of ballast

The

the

rig of

Heathen Chinee,
fitted

Fan Tan

of

ft.

viz.

(all lead),

Fan Tan
:

similar

is

ft.

4 tons 17 cwt.
to

that

two masts and bat's-wing

the

of

lug-sails

with bamboo cross battens, from one inch to an

inch-and-a-quarter in diameter, which serve to keep the

and enable the boat

sails distinctly flat

The

to the wind.

sails are

to

hang very

quickly set and

may be

close

readily

lowered, there being no gaff halliards to manipulate, but

only one halliard to each

as

it

sail,

and

lifts

which snug the

sail

comes down.

The designer
cruising,

going

in

reliable

states that

he finds the rig handy for

good for getting under way, coming

and out

of

that he can readily vary the extent of sail

dispensing with the main-lug, or

Avith

either of

which the boat

is

by

setting

decidedly

by

smaller,

Moreover, the

economical as regards the number of

hands required on board, as

224

under perfect control,

as she is also either with or without a jib.

rig is

to anchor,

crowded harbour, and always

also of sails

and gear.

Curiosities

of

Type

and Rig.

DEMPSTER'S TRIANGULAR YACHT "PROBLEM."

Some
exhibited

thirty or forty years ago a remarkably curious boat, called the Problem,

by the

times respecting

inventor, Mr.
it.

The

hull

Henry Dempster, who

was

of triangular

shape

called
;

upon the Author

the stern-post being

was

several

made

to

rake at the same angle as the stem, so that both met and terminated in a triangular
point under water, and thus formed simply an angular keel.

The yacht was twenty

Dempster's Triangular-Keel Yacht "Problem."

was iron built, and ballasted with lead. It was

being placed exactly in the centre, and in an
main-mast
rigged with three masts, the
upright position; the fore- mast had considerable rake forward, and the mizzen-mast the

feet in length,

and six

same proportion

feet

of rake aft.

beam

It

was rigged with two square

main-mast, one above the other, and a triangular

225

sail

sails,

on each

which were
of

set

on the

the other masts.

o $

Tin
These triangular

Sailing-Boat.

were on a revolving

sails

principle, the

Dooms being each secured

at the

centre of gravity, one to a pivot on the stem and the other to a similar pivot on the top
of the stern-post,

by which means they would turn round and round, clear of the masts,
The sails thus possessed a double
to any degree upon a circle.

and could be trimmed

advantage, and, with the help of the triangular hull, could perform

many

rapid revolv-

ing evolutions, which no other boat could so quickly accomplish.

Among

other experiments

by the inventor was a very remarkable

Newcastle-upon-T}me, by driving two posts into the bed

of the river at

one, tested at

low water mark,

one on each side the channel, across which a strong iron bar was lashed horizontally, in

Plans of Hull, Deck and Midship Section.

a similar
posts,

manner

marked

to a leaping-bar.

and inches,

to feet

risen sufficiently high to

Problem required to
strike it

sail

pole or gauge

to indicate the

was then erected alongside the

When the tide had

depth of water.

show that there was one

foot

and a half

less

water than the

clear of the obstruction (consequently that the vessel

with her angular keel), she was sailed stem on at the bar, a

stiff

would

breeze blowing

at the time; she then

went over it by rise and fall, similar to a horse jumping a gate.

The performance was repeated several times in the presence of a large assemblage of
spectators.

The advantages

of a triangular hull (as stated

226

by the inventor)

are, that a vessel

Curiosities
might be made particularly useful
compass

is

often necessary

always be kept

afloat

but

it

is

rivers,

Author

principle,
of

in a small

It has also

been

is

required.

invention of a triangular hull has not, as far as at present known, been carried

out in any other vessel than the inventor's Problem.

to the

where much turning

answer in deep water, and the vessel must

well adapted for trawling and fishing boats, and indeed,

any vessel where much turning

The

narrow

for

will only

and Rig-

in fact, such a vessel could not lie aground.

suggested that the invention

for

Type

of

his

wish

to build

The inventor

often expressed

and equip a trawling and fishing boat upon the same

with a large well for live

fish

and he was sanguine as

to the ultimate success

such a vessel in the fishing trade, but from unavoidable circumstances he was not

able to carry out his wishes.

Models and plans

well,

of

Mr. Dempster's invention

&c, and curious mode

Inventions at the Kensington

The
Author

illustrations of the
;

Museum.

kind

of boat,

Model-room

with

for Nautical

Problem (body and deck plans) are from drawings by the

that of the vessel under sail

Weed on and

of this ingenious

of rigging, are exhibited in the

is

from a proof impression

of a

engraved by Smythe, which Mr. Dempster brought

purpose of illustration in the pages of this work.

wood-cut drawn by

to the

Author

for the

It is also published in the brochure

referred to in the note below.

SWAN

BOATS.

Sailing-boats in imitation of a large swan with

'

See also an amusing

little

work by Mr. Dempster,

entitled

'

its

wings extended, though a

The Decked-welled Fishing

Boat,'

&c,

1868.

The

Sailing- Boat.

and have been already alluded

under the head, ' Boats of the Ancients."

curiosity even at the present clay, are of great antiquity,

to in the early part of this work,

In shape, the body of the swan forms the hull

which the

They

and in some instances, the rudder

sails are hoisted,

The

foot of the swan.

of the boat, the

sails are also

made

to resemble the

is

The

sails

when running

swan

and sail-maker,
In the

this

may

and with a

little

when

sailing

with a side

to

is

make them resemble

as closely as

ingenuity on the part of both boat-builder

be accomplished.

body

in building the boat the

first place, if

in imitation of the

before the wind.

chief object to be attained in these boats

possible a large white

made

extended wings of the swan.

consist of a single latine, or rather a settee-shaped sail,

wind, and of two such

neck the mast upon

and roomy boat

view, a very broad-beamed, safe,

will

of the

swan be kept

be the result

;.

strictly in

the fore part should

be covered over so as to represent the shoulder or lower part of the neck of the bird, and
yet to form a fore-cabin, and the aft part should also be covered over, so as to represent
the

rump
The

of the swan,

central or

and

main

to

form an aft-cabin or sail-room.

part, of

which, though partly uncovered

the boat should form the principal cabin, the roof of

when

the boat

in use,

is

when

the hatches are closed

resembles the back of the bird.

The

sails

should be made to look like the extended Avings of the swan, and

perly cut and well-made, will have precisely that appearance

and

this

whether

when both

sailing

sails are

with a side wind, in which one

After the

set.

sails are

when viewed

sail

Both

by means

sails are hoisted

is

suffice to

at anchor,

with

at a distance of a

sails

when viewed

through small brass blocks at the

or

more

is

cross, in

There

is,

Devonshire.

or

was

It

little

who

sail.

and tackle properly

Even
when seen

at a distance, of veritable swans.

though more

built,

for curiosity's sake than

until recently, an ingeniously contrived

Swan boat

at Star-

used to be an object of considerable attraction to visitors as

also to railwa} r passengers,

Dawlish,

sails

very remarkable.

Boats of this kind have occasionally been

otherwise.

and the

furled and lying along the back, the resemblance

hundred yards

aft-

render the imitation a striking one.

of halliards rove

These boats, when ingeniously constructed,

when

few dexterous touches

top part of the neck of the swan, separate halliards being used for each

arranged, have the appearance

pro-

used, or scudding,

made, they may be painted at the

leeches in imitation of the outer feathers of the swan's wings

with a paint brush and dark paint will

only

if

at a distance

on the train stopping at Starcross, between Exeter and

could see from the carriage windows of the train, the

Swan boat and

auxiliary the Cygnet, either lying at anchor or under sail on the Exe.
1

Supra, page

228

3.

its

Curiosities

of

and Rig-

Type

TWIN SAILING-BOATS.

There can be no doubt

with the native islanders

as to the invention of

of the

Western

twin sailing-boats having originated

Our

Pacific.

earliest

voyagers speak of the

double canoes they met with in the Indian Archipelago, and of boats of a narrow form
of construction furnished

Some
some

safely.

respect

with outriggers for the purpose of enabling them to carry

sail

of those islanders are ingeniously contrived in this

twin canoes

of the

open boats, and others with considerable capacity for carrying

as small

cargo.

idea of placing two boats of a narrow form side

The

securing them in that position

stability of the

but

one

by means

by

preserved by the counterpoise of the other,

is

few

side, at a

feet apart,

and

platform placed over both, whereby the

of a

is

perhaps ingenious,

has never been but a temporary success in European countries.

it

Several attempts at twin boats, and boats with outriggers, have, From time to time, been

made

in this country

and in America upon the principle

of those of the

Indian Islanders,

but the designers have generally been disappointed in the results, for the reason probably
that their

mode

of joining the boats together

was

too

stiff

and unyielding

as

compared

such twin boats as the flying proa of the Ladrone

Avith the matchless contrivances of

1
Islands, the double canoes of the Fiji Islanders and the sailing canoes of Ceylon.

SIR
It

is

WILLIAM SYMONDS' DOUBLE BOAT.

more than a century ago

since one Sir

contrived a double boat and sailed

between two masts, one

it

William Symonds,

with an ordinary lug

which was stepped in each

of

of the

boat, the masts being placed so

the masts were then

that each leaned towards the other over the sides of the boats

joined together at the top, where a double-sheaved block was

hung

apex, and

by means

of

which the

sail

Eoyal Navy,

which he suspended

sail,

just beneath the

was hoisted and the yard suspended between the

masts.

The

boats were placed side

by

side, in fact

held close together

by two wooden

bars

lashed across the gunwales, one at the bows and the other near the stern.

Double

boats, or boats

with parallel

keels, only

answer when placed wide apart, as in

the double canoes of the Fiji and Friendly Islands. 2

The
1

Most

objections to their general use in frequented waters are

of these are described

and

illustrated in subsequent pages of this

2

Infra,

'

Foreign Boats.'

229

the space they occupy

work. Fide

infra,

'

Foreign Boats.'

The

Sailing-Boat.

and the wide spread they make on the surface

motion of each

is

apt to wrench

break the platform,

of the

water

away the one from the

unless very substantially

united.

added

to

which the separate

other in rough water, and to

Mr. Herreshoff, the eminent

yacht-builder of America, actually patented a duplex boat with flexible connections, in

was ever heard of it afterwards.

The most recent production of the kind was in the year 1898, when a Canadian
double boat of shallow type, named the Dominion, was built to sail a match against an
American boat for the Seawanaka Challenge Cup. The Dominion proved the faster of
or about the year 1876, but little

the two, and the cup was awarded to her; but on objection being afterwards raised that
she was not a bona fide boat but a raft of catamaran type, the Canadians immediately

gave up the cup.

THE UMBRELLA BOAT-RIG.

&* Son, Sonthsca.

Umbrella Boat.

In the season of 1896 a sailing-boat appeared on the Solent with a singular kind
of

rig,

the

sail

Wilson and the

resembling a large Umbrella.

late

Mr. Percy

S.

boat with a view to improving upon

Pilcher,
it.

230

It

was the invention

of

Mr.

W.

who were then experimenting with

Gr.

the

Curiosities
The

sail,

when

and Rig.

Type

of

had precisely the appearance

spread,

the mast of the boat forming the stick

contrivances in connection with

it

and

open umbrella

of a large

was understood that most

it

So far as sailing with a free wind, the boat would go ahead fairly well
lower part of the mast was contrived so that

With

it

ten or fifteen degrees, whilst the boat

angle of

the

could be tilted on one side to an

itself

remained on an even keel.

the mast so leaning, the sail could be tipped up a

little

on one side and the

ahead with a wind on the weather quarter

boat would then go

of the

had been patented by the inventors.

but sailing to

windward was, obviously, an impracticable performance with the Umbrella-rig.

is

claimed for the

carried as

as its chief

rig,

by any other mode

r
to heel the boat OA er.

In

fact,

of

advantage, that twice as

rig,

and that the

sail

It

much canvas can be

has no tendency whatever

under any and every condition

of

wind and weather,

the boat maintains a perfectly upright position, sailing always on an even keel.

The Umbrella

sail is

of

oval shape, 30 feet in diameter, and

when

furled to the

mast, measures 16 feet.

The

boat on which the

load- water line

it

sail

was experimented with, measured about 17

was an old boat

feet on the

of ordinary type.

THE NAUTILUS-RIG.

The

profile

illustration is

aware, no boat of
Nautilus-rig from

merely a suggestion by the Author

such a rig has ever been constructed.

its

resemblance,

when

the

sail is spread, to

231

He

so far

as

has named

a Nautilus.

he
it

is

the

The

Sailing-Boat.

The advantages contemplated by the rig are, that it will ensure an absolutelysurface of sail when close-hauled, for going to windward, thereby enabling the
boat to sail closer to the Avind than by other ordinary modes
and a large area of
flat

can be carried in a more compact form than by any other mode of

sail

And

as regards

safety, the

entirely dispensed with.

Sail

whole

the sail stands low

of

may be

as well as the

convenient to invert

Although, when

But
the apex when it
main-sail.

set,

as
is

two

sails,

and

required to reef that

all

way than if rigged with lofty top-hamper.

The Author's design contemplates that
main-halliards.
as to be

it

in one, they are in

close-reefed.

the division being in line with the mast

yard, so that

more

sail.

the sails have the appearance of being

compact and low position, enabling the boat

the fore-

will be found

it

and

running before the wind, a powerful and extensive spread of

to

lofty peaks are

applies to

this

regards the foresail,

"Nautilus"

fact, in

shortened with great facility as the battens

enable each section to be folded up in fan-like form;

sail

rig.

down

for scudding

sail

to maintain a steadier

is

and

carried in a

motion in a sea-

the fore-leech of the main-sail be laced

can be readily hoisted and held close to the mast by the

Also that the aft-leech of

the

fore-sail

be laced to a

yard,

so

capable of being hoisted in the same manner as the main-sail, but as an

independent

sail.

END OF PART

232

IV.

PART
THE
a

BY

'

by
and

all

One

One Design

Club

competitors

is

'

meant a Class

the same size and design

all of

the

AND RESTRICTED

ONE-DESIGN

Class

Yachts

V.

in

which
the

institutes

sailing-matches

Sailing-boats

of

small

or

a form of boat chosen and adopted

the
of

CLASSES.

Class,

the

the

Class

being that one

object

meet on

shall

fair

and

equitable terms.

Start of the Solent

And, accordingly,
the

Class

the

and (usually) the

fleet

different

intending to

boat

the

of

same

shall

be

either

sails

cut

longer,

at

Cowes

compete

length,

but of the same form and design;

capacity,

moulds,

every

must be not only

One-Design Class

one

in

and

depth,

all

built

from the same pattern,

broader,

narrower,

model or design, or with a larger spread of

233

deeper,

sail

sailing-matches of

the

breadth,

so

and

internal

from the same

that

no

shallower,

one
or

of

of

than either of the others.

ii

Sailing- Bo at.

The
The

introduction

one-design

of

occasioned by

dissatisfaction

Eacing Association as applied

those

and

rules,

the

the

result

afforded

of

the

racing-yachts,

small

to

facilities

is

the uncertainty

measurement and rating

of

evasion,

for

the

of

frequent

and

Yacht

alteration

whereby unfair

of

advantages

coupled with the expense attendant on the short career of a

have been gained,

racing-boat

class

the rules

under

such

involving

rules,

the

building

of

new

boat

nearly

every year.

A
and

'

One

Class

ensures

One Design

similarity

of

between boats

sailing-matches

'

fixes

type
of

the dimensions of

in

all

the boat and the sail-area,

other respects, so that premier places in

by

a one-design class can only be secured

skilful

handling and superior seamanship.

Solent O.D. Boats Racing.

At the time when the proposal was

a one-design class there

Some

said that the proposal

yacht-racing,

as

prejudicial to

Such

brought forward (1893) to institute

if

adopted would

would damp the ardour

it

was asked,

'

cut bono ?

'

be detrimental to the best interests of

of the yacht-racing

fraternity,

and be

the development of high-class yacht-racing.

were

conception of a

it

first

was considerable opposition, and

naturally the
'

One

Class

first

impressions of

One Design form

'

234

those

of boat.

But

who were opposed

a

to

the

more mature consideration


Th e
of

proposal brought

the

that the

could

CLasses.

One-Design

about a different conclusion, for

was abundantly

it

one-design class of boats was not intended to interfere with

afford to build year

new

year a

after

racing-boat.

This was apparent from

members

the very opening sentences of the written proposal put before the
Solent Sailing Club at
'

first

its

introduction

This Meeting views with the

attendant

on

small-class

and not merely with a view

year to build a

after

The proposal
Solent

Sailing

greatest concern the ever-increasing

the

of a

Club,

new

to

of

the

of

the

majority,

the

who can

the encouragement of the few

expenditure

opinion that

It is strongly of

Solent.

conducted in a manner suitable to the means

should be

sport

racing in

clear

owners who

afford year

boat.'

One-Design Class was,

adopted by the
by other Yacht and Boat-Sailing

after further deliberation,

and followed shortly

after

Clubs throughout the United Ivinorlom.

Beken <V Son, Cowes,

The
to

chief

small-class

building of

recommendation
yacht-owners

new

for boat-racing to

of

of

a One-Design

avoiding

the

Class

is

I.

ofW,

the opportunity

heavy expenditure

boat every year or two, and of enabling a

keep a racing-boat with a certainty

of

man who

knowing

it

gives

involved in the

that

has a taste
it

will

not

immediately be outclassed nor become out-of-date as regards type and measurement.

And

the fact that the boats of the class are

235

all

of

one design enables a boat-wright

The
with an order to build a
per boat than

price

men

encourages
fear

was

each

built

to

type, or

'

some boat designed and

Another

advantage

compete in most

it

Yacht Racing Association

Certificates

that

is

'

one and the same moulds, upon the same

and the

lines,

and made by the same sailmaker, their

Being

rating.

by the same

constructed

all

to

Yacht Clubs without the

measurement aud

of

enabled

are

boats

the

various

the

of

one class and one design, and, usually,

sailing-

'

measurement

of the previous year.

one-design

'

sailing-matches

the

of

the

of

of the

built in evasion of the rules of

with a view to defeating the champion boat

plans,

And, further,

design.

different

with limited means to indulge in the sport of boat-racing without

meeting in their next year's contests some dark stranger

of

machine

from six to ten or more, to do so at a much lower

fleet of

if

Sailing-Boat.

sails all cut

of

all

from

builder,

from the same

measurement, and rating are

class,

all identical.

The One-Design

Classes

not intended for those whose ambition

are

that

is

of

possessing the fastest j'acht or the fastest sailing-boat or the most successful prize-

winner of the day.

The owner whose ambition

precarious

measurement prevailing

command

rules

of

and build, year

design

to

they intended for the owner

are

them from time

designs and adapt

year,

after

too of the inutility of his boat

finding

his

new

must, under the

so far

have the means

at

boat to meet the continual

who can

when her winning

boat, after one or

afford to build

from

own

his

to time to the current rules of rating, regardless

must be a courageous owner who, under existing

of

him

and the cunning evasions attendant upon them.

fluctuations of the rules

Nor

carries

at the present day,

career

rules,

two successful

And, indeed, he

past.

is

willing to incur the risk

is

overpowered by a

seasons,

craft

designed expressly to evade the rules to a greater extent than that of the designer
of

his

own,

and thus

expenditure of another

From
in

the

him no

leave

new

boat,

and

from time

scheme,

as

it

leaves

but

to build boats of different designs to

The One-Design
sailing-boat,

and

Class

its

sailing-boat for those

more expensive kind

a

cruising

boat

if

ad

much
any,

of boat-designing,

compete

for

costly

infinitum.

that

room

is

commendable

for

immediate

where the object

is

supremacy.

not applicable to any but a small type of yacht and

is

chief

little,

plunge into the

to

to time,

a yacht-designer's point of view there is not very

one-design

improvement or advancement in the science

of

but

alternative

so on,

recommendation

that

is

whose means do not permit

of boat.

with that

Most

of the

it

provides

of their

cheap

class

of

indulging in a larger or

adopted designs combine the requirements

of a racing yacht,

with ample cabin-room and other

comforts seldom found at the present day on board of our small racing-yachts.

The

career of a one-dosigner, though of longer duration than the ephemeral racer of the
season, is

perhaps less interesting.

sailing

23G

match year

after

year between

the

One-Design

The
same

fleet

of

may

one-designers

Classes.

time become monotonous,

in

and shorn

new

excitement and interest attending a keen contest between boats of

of

that

designs.

~No

such symptoms have, however, at present appeared.

The One-Design

Classes are patronised and supported

were intended, and the sport

the misgivings of those

And

of j^acht

and boat-racing

who were opposed

upon the minds

the United

Kingdom proves

Before adopting a One-Design

Air.

embarking and landing, lying

etc.,

is

etc.,

Class

of

boat

it

will

Boat-sailing Clubs

has already taken

it

be well
of

afloat at anchor, extent of cruising

for

confined

One-Design

which are matters that cannot prudently be put

Class.

237

consider

narrow waters,

considerable length and breadth of open water, and

all

to

the

water, facilities for

ground, and whether

or

be taken into careful consideration before deciding on a suitable

for a

they

notwithstanding

Harold Fraser, Glasgow.

the boats are intended for open sea-sailing, or

tides,

many Yacht and

the firm hold

the locality and other circumstances, such as depth

where there

whom

for

of the boat- sailing fraternity.

F? om a photo by

nature of

by those
flourishes,

to their introduction at the outset.

the adoption of a One-Design Class by so

in various parts of

still

size

how
aside,

affected

or

by

but should

and type

of boat

;
:

The

Sailing- Boat.

SUGGESTIONS ON THE FORMATION OF A ONE-DESIGN CLASS.

The

boats of a class should in

all

cases be built by the

the one time, and a complete set of templets should be

drawings
to

some builders have a slovenly habit

made

same

for

firm, and,

possible, at

each boat from the working

shifting one set of

of

boat as the work goes on, with the result that they get

if

templets from boat

hammered

or

pressed out of

and in weight, as when the outside

planking is planed, less is taken off a mean spot, than where showing full in another boat.
The hulls should all be as far advanced as possible before the draw to determine
ownership takes place, as some owners are much better acquainted with the actual building
operations than others, and consequently if such a one is allotted a boat in its skeleton
stage, he, by personally supervising the rest of the work, might possibly influence the
workmen to effect a trifling improvement over the others, whereas if he is unaware which
The best
will fall to his lot, the superior knowledge he possesses will benefit all alike.
shape,

and consequently vary the hulls

time to ballot for boats

just before the painting is begun.

is

Each boat should be painted

The

in the peak of the main-sail.

of

bunting, attachable to the

on the

case the owner objects to

The numbers on
it

is

best

sail

facilitate

Owing

to

the

much

and have a distinguishing number

have the figures on small squares

set in their

proper place, so that when fixed

This allows of the ready removal of numbers in

cruising.

committees starting the races

almost impossible to obtain accuracy

arrange

for this is to

by eyelets

them when

sails

colour,

distinctive

form

the figures will be upright.

sail

outline

in

if

cosmopolitan character

the

fleet

the

of

without them indeed

be numerous.

classes,

it

has been found

possible

to

programmes of regattas and club matches throughout the season.

the clubs are more inclined to reciprocate in the matter of prizes when

better

The committees of
members of their

club

owners in the

are

only for races and prizes, the strain

classes.

If

a class be dependent on

much probably

one club

up the whole season

through, and a repetition of the same course Saturday after Saturday becomes monotonous,
and the class unlikely to hang together so long as if a constant change of venue can be managed.
is

too

to be kept

advantage to prepare a calendar of fixtures at the beginning of each

time of start, amount of prize-money, whether the race counts
and, by adding also the
for points in connection with special prizes, if such be given
time of high-water at the place, much convenience is afforded, especially in a locality
where tidal streams play an important part
having all these details at hand, enables
It

season,

is

great

stating

definitely,

owners

to

holidays,

make arrangements
and

to

invite

far ahead, to

substitute

to

select the

take

their

time of year they wish to take their

place

in

the event of their not being

able to attend any particular race.

It

is

very interesting to follow the influence

of

these fleets on

modern yacht racing

unrecognised by any special rules of the Yacht Eacing Association, and yet not running

manner their popularity increases from year to year.

own rules, some of them necessitated by special local conditions
they bind their members hard and fast, and the members having had a voice in framing
them, keep them loyally in the spirit, to the benefit of the sport at large.
counter to that Institution in any material

They make

These

suggestions are from the pen of Mr.

to the Belfast

their

Lough One-Design

assisting the author with drawings

Classes;

James

and a Member

and photographs

of

Craig, Junr., Associate of the I.N. A.

Hon.

Sec.

Y.R.A., whose courtesy and kindness in

the Belfast Lough One-Design Classes he desires to

238

of the

The

One-Design

Classes.

THE SOLENT ONE-DESIGN

The

Solent One- Design Class

was one

CLASS.

O.D. Classes that were

of the earliest of the

formed after the discussions which took place on the suhject in 1893 and subsequent
years.

became

quickly

It

popular, and

was patronised by

some

most energetic and

of the

known yacht owners

best

neighbourhood

in the

of the Solent

and

the Portsmouth and Southamp-

ton Waters.

The
auspices

Club,

One

Solent

Design

though formed under the

Class,

the Solent Sailing

of

open

is

to

any member

of

a recognised Solent Yacht Club.

The dimensions
.

are

Length

3 in.

all,

33

ft.

length on load water-line

about 25
I

of the boats

over

draft, 5

ft.

ft.

beam, 7

sail area,

ft.

750

9 in.
sq. ft.

displacement about 5 tons, with

2 tons 13 cwt. of lead on the
keel.

Eig, cutter, with a bow-

sprit 6

ft.

fittings,

outboard.
there

that an owner

is

is at

As

liberty to

his boat internally as

(200

but

lbs. in

the

fit

he pleases,

and may have certain

extras;

to inside

a stipulation

specified

ground gear

weight) with stores

and fittings, common to the boats,

must be

carried iu a race.

The boats

One-

of the Solent

Design Class are from a design

by Mr. H. W. White. Ten of

them were built in 1895-6 by
White Brothers, of
Messrs.
Itchen Ferry, Southampton,

who

The
kindly sent the Author

drawings

Sailing- Boat.
and general arrangement plan, from which the

preceding illustrations have been made.

Several other boats have since been built from

the same design and moulds by the Messrs. White, and the

now

fleet

(a.d.

1900)

numbers more than twenty.

The

yachts, which are all keel boats, are of a cruising and sea- worthy type, and

compare favourably with the old 2-5 raters

and they have besides more room on board,

more comfortable boats.

better accommodation, and are in other respects

Beken &= Son, Cowcs,

I.

oj

W.

"Eilun," Solent One-Design Cla

They were
close
sail,

raced in 1896 and in every subsequent year, and have usually kept in

company throughout
and quite equal

their contests

to the

they have proved remarkably handy under

rough waters which, in strong winds, agitate the

Solent.

They were put to a somewhat trying ordeal at the E. Y. S. Eegatta on Aug. 5th,
1898, in a match organised by H.E.H. the Prince of Wales, when they sailed a
memorable race for a Commodore's Cup, presented by His Eoyal Highness, for
competition by yachts belonging to the Solent One-Design Class.'
It so happened that
the match was sailed in half a gale of wind,' and a heavy sea was running all the time,
thus putting these able little racing-yachts to a very severe test.
One of the conditions
of the race for the cup was that owners should steer.
Some of the yachts started with
'

'

240

One-Design

The
double-reefed main-sails,

fought their

way

to

all

wind and

were close-reefed

the others

windward

Classes.

but notwithstanding, they

thoroughly courageous manner, with an over-

in a

abundance

of

and

The boats were ably handled,

a most exciting and meritorious race.
The Eoyal trophy was won by the
the other boats of the class being in close attendance upon the winner
the

all

sea

for such

small

on deck well dusted with the dash

and sailed
Tangerine ;

craft

with coaming

sometimes awash,

of spindrift.

tenth (or last) boat was less than ten minutes astern

and

this over a long course (twice

round) marked out for them.

Bcken &* Son, Comes,

I.

of

IV.

Solent O.D. Class.

In 1896, the
headed the

list

first

year of the sailing matches of this One-Design Class, the Philippine

Her name has

of winners of the class.

since been changed,

which

is

also

the case with several other boats of the class.

The yachts

of the Solent

every year since their

first

One-Design Class have increased in number and

and some of the most popular and

introduction

sailing matches, of recent years,

on the waters

of the Solent,

interest

spirited

have been sailed by these

boats.

In the early part of the season of 1899, in consequence

number

of yachts in this

divisions,

and

was followed

to

O.D. Class,

award a separate

it

was found necessary

set of prizes for

in the season of 1900.

241

of the large increase in the

to divide the class into

each division

two

and the same course

The

Sailing-Boat.

THE REDWINGS.

The Eedwing

which was established on the Solent in the year 1896,

Sailing Club,

has a One-Design Small Boat Class, called

being the private property of a

elected a

member

of that

Club

member

is at

The Redwings
each boat of the class
Redwing Club and any one who is
have a Redwing Boat, and to take part in
'

liberty to

ng

the sailing matches of the Club.

'

of the

" Class

The boats

body

pla

are termed

'

Redwings because the

'

sails of

each boat are, by the rules of the Club, required to be made of a uniform material of red
cotton,

The

which has been

object of the

and giving the owner

selected for the purpose

Redwing

Sailing Club

of a boat

is

an opportunity

242

by the Committee

of the Club.

that of affording inexpensive class racing,

of exercising his skill in designing

her

The
sails

and

The form

rig.

One-Design

Classes.

of rig is therefore optional,

Class differs from other one-design classes, in

and in this respect the Bed wing

which the

sails

and

rig of each boat are

required to be identical.

No

spinnakers are allowed in the class-racing of

this club as separate sails,

but jibs

may be boomed

out.

Besides the' periodical

Eedwing

the

Club,

'

sailing-matches of the

Redwings

sometimes

are

'

competitors in other matches for prizes offered

by

other clubs in the Solent and neighbouring waters,

in

which they

bright

red

effect a

sails

pretty contrast, Avith their

intermingling

with

white

the

canvas of the yachts of other Clubs.

Eedwing Boats
E. Nicholson, and they are built by
The design

C.

of

the

Their dimensions are as under,

viz.

is

the firm of

Length over

t^>

'Jeanie"i

"Redwing"

by Mr.

Redwing

243

ciass -section.

Camper and Nicholson,

all,

22 feet 1 inch

of Gosport.

length on load

jm

Bekcn cV Son, Cowes,

Class.

I.

o/W.

The
water-line, 16 feet
draft,

3 feet.

beam

The

sail

Sailing-Boat.

(extreme), 5 feet 5 inches

area

These boats have an iron

optional.

ditto at L.

200 square

limited to

is

weight

the

keel,

W.

L., 4 feet 7 inches

bnt the form

feet,

must not exceed

which

of

of rig is

10 cwt.
There being no restriction as to the form
others with peaked, lug

with gaff-mainsail,

and one with a kind

fore- sail,

of

the Eedwings are rigged some

rig,

(or Solent

rig),

some with

but preference seems

of split-lug, 1

the gaff-mainsail, as the majority of the boats sporting the

to

Eedwing

sprit-sail and.

be given to
colours are so

rigged.

The Captain

of the Class

and Hon. Sec, Mr. B. 0. Cochrane,

Byde, courteously

of

Eedwing Club, and with

furnished the author with a copy of the rules of the

line

drawings and other particulars from which the above description has been written and
illustrations

made.

THE SOLENT 'SEA

The

Solent

'

Sea

Birds

'

are

recent

BIRDS.'

One-Design

existence in the early part of the year 1900.

The

Class

Yarmouth

Class

which

into

Wight.

Sir

The Sea Birds were designed and built by Mr. H. Gale, of Cowes.
Each boat has to be named after a sea bird, as the Class implies.
Length over all, 18 feet; length on L. W. L. 17
Their dimensions are:

feet,

Yacht Club, whose head-quarters are

Charles Seely, Bart.,
'

is

the

Commodore

at

in

the

Isle

feet, 9

The

of

of the Club.

'

beam (extreme) 6

7 inches;

came

was formed by the Solent

inches

boats

are

sail area,

feet;

beam

200 square

at L.

W.

L., 5 feet, 9 inches;

depth (midships)

feet.

each ballasted with 7 cwt. of inside iron ballast, and they have

a wooden bowsprit extending about 3 feet from the stem.

The

'Sea Birds' are a buoyant and powerfuldooking class of boats, sloop-rigged,

having gaff -mainsail and

foresail

the mainsail

is

fitted

with a boom in the usual

way,, and the foresail has a roller attached to the forestay, so that the spread of that

may be readily controlled single-handed.

The Sea Birds have wooden keels, and
The boats
plate of steel, weighing half cwt.
sail

'

'

have a bulk-head as shown by the

with a revolving centre-

are

fitted

are

half-decked and are required to

illustration.

It is

also

imperative that they be

and no deviation from the original design

absolutely identical in every respect,

permitted.
]

Supra, p. 51.

244

is

The
The boats
them were

One-Design

are oAvned exclusively

built in the first instance,

great satisfaction

are

by members

Classes.
of the Solent

Yacht Club.

and two or three subsequently

Six of

they have given

good sea-boats, safe and suitable for single-handed sailing on

the Solent waters and neighbouring seas, as originally intended.

Solent " Sea Birds "

Weekly sailing matches

The first sailing match
when, after
winner

spirited

body,

deck, and

are to be held throughout the season.

of the

contest,

'Sea Birds' came

the

Sea

Lark,

off

on Saturday, the 16th June,

Mr. Eamsay Saunders,

the Dotterel, Major Wingfield Stratford, being second.

245

was the

The
Through the courtesy
Yacht Club, the author

of the

Sailing-Boat.
Commodore and

the Hon. Secretary of the Solent

enabled to give illustrations and details of this interesting

is

One-Desisrn Class.

THE WEST OF ENGLAND CONFERENCE AND ONE-DESIGN

The West

England Yacht and Boat-sailing Conference

of

was established

year

the

in

1890, at

the

suggestion

of

an Institution that

is

Mr. A.

was that

The

Dartmouth, Yice-Commodore of the Dart Boat-Sailing Club.

Institution

CLASSES.

Bridson,

object

of

of

the

holding a Conference in the month of February in every

of

which Delegates from every Yacht and Boat-sailing Club in the south-west

year, at

England, between Portland Bill and the Land's End, should be invited
the purpose of adopting Bules as to Challenge

Cup matches,

Yachts and Sailing-boats,

of classification in small

of

to attend, for

establishing uniformity

arranging the dates for holding

of

the several Regattas of the various representative Clubs within the District of the

Conference, and for promoting,

Yacht and Boat- sailing in

generally, the welfare of

the south-west of England.

There are

now no less than twenty different Yacht and

West of England Conferences.

At

the Conference

there be
draft

three

classes

one to be

Boat-Sailing Clubs that are

represented at the

held

known

in

February, 1899,

One-Design Boats;

for

as

'

The Western 25

was unanimously resolved that

it

viz.,

feet

L.

of

large,

medium, and small

B. Class,' the boats of which

are to be built according to the design of Mr. A. F. G.

Brown, submitted by the

Torbay and Dart Sailing Clubs, and approved and adopted by the members

of the

Conference.

At present
and brought

this'

is

the only

class

of

the

three

that

has been finally adopted

out.
1

See the

'

W.

E. C. Handbook, 1899,' by A. H. Bridson, Esq.

246

One-Design
o

The

THE WESTERN

To

FEET

L.

E.

Classes.

ONE-DESIGN CLASS.

This One-Design Class was originated and adopted at the Conference of

W.
(at

E.

C,

At

meeting

which

held

W.

Col. K.

Commodore

Devon,

Torhay Sailing

the

of

Paignton,

at

Stnddy, Vice-

Club, presided) several designs were

submitted,

A.

G.

F.

among which that of Mr.

Brown was chosen and
and

adopted,
directed

to

the
for

call

Secretary

was

estimates

from

local bvrilders.

The dimensions and other general

One-

particulars of the boats for this

Design Class are as under

over

all,

28 feet; length

20 feet

line,

beam,

down) 4

feet,

feet

draft

10 inches
;

dis-

area,

sail

feet.

The boats
fitted

Length,

draft (centre-

placement, 2 tons, 7 cwt.

443 square

at load- water

(centre-plate up) 3 feet

plate

be sloop -rigged, and

to

with a drop-centre plate, work-

ing in an iron keel, and dropping about

roomy cabin with

2 feet below

it

about 4

9 inches of

feet,

head-room

and a self-emptying cockpit

ternal

fittings

of

Colonel

optional.

pointed

Captain of

the

boats

the into

Studdy was
the

Class,

be
ap-

and

Mr. A. F. G. Brown, Hon. Secretary.

It will

tions of the

be seen from the

body and midship

illustra-

sections

that the boats of this Class are of a

very powerful type, and well-suited

for

the

in the year 1899, as already stated.

the bays

and open sea

of

the

south-western coast.

247

in

the

early

part

of

that

year

The
The

illustration

distributed

over

the

63 feet; head-sail, 90

of

the

boat:

first of

area

ft.

being 289

how

the

square

sail

feet;

area

is

topsail,

L.R. One-Design Class sail plan.

these boats, built at Dartmouth,

August, 1899, when they sailed their

1

shows the rig and

of main-sail

feet.

Western 25

The three

plan

sail

the

Sailing-Boat.

first

made

their appearance

on the 1st

race over the Dart Boat-Sailing Club's course.

These illustrations are from drawings obtained by the Author through the courtesy of Colonel Studdy and

Mr. A. F. G. Brown.

248

One-Design

The

Classes.

In the season 1900 (the second of their career) seven boats of the Western
25 feet L. K. Class made their appearance; two of them, however, took no part in
the racing.

In the sailing matches

was

first.

Dartmouth on the

of the five at

September Jal

1st

Western Yacht Club, Mystery (Mr.

In that of the Koyal

J.

Mana

E. Benson)

was the winner, Argonaut (Messrs Stevens), 2nd, Jal Mana (Col. Studdy) 3rd, and
Narua (Major Dean and Mr. Longmore) last of the four; but at Plymouth on the
8th September, in the Minima Yacht Club Match for boats of this 0. D. Class,
Argonaut was

One

of

first,

the

Narua 2nd, and Jal Mana,

most

was a Channel race from Dartmouth

won by Jal Mana, Narua being

As to the final results of

to

matches;

prizes

of

of

which

which 19 were

Mana

Narua 49

6 thirds.

and 12

firsts,

appears that they sailed in

it

points,

list

with 111 points,

5 seconds, and 1 thirds.

prizes,

79 points, having

D.

the racing between the boats of this 0.

Mystery heads the

94 points, having won 29

Jal

of

second.

during the season of the year 1900,

39

3rd.

the season sailed by these boats

Plymouth on the 3rd September, which was

matches

interesting

10

which were

of

firsts,

all

no

Class,

than

less

having

won 28

Argonaut comes next with

11 seconds, and 8 thirds.

won 25 prizes, 8 of which were firsts, 11 seconds, and

having won 23 prizes, 2 of which were firsts, 9 seconds,

thirds.

THE RALEIGH

CLASS.

The Baleigh Class was started in the year 1897, under the auspices of the
Dart Boat Sailing Club, as a One-Design Class, but not being generally adopted
by Members of the Club, was discontinued in the following year, and is now
'

'

non-existent as

The Design

The

a One-Design Class.

Drawing and other

page was made.
is

particulars

author was, however, favoured with a

on next

the design from which the illustration

of

by Mr. G. Newell

Philip,

of

the firm

'

Philip

&

Son,'

Yacht

and Boat-builders, Dartmouth.

The
16

ft.;

dimensions

beam, 6

ft.

are

: Length

depth, 2

The boats were designed

the weight of 112

There were no

was not

to exceed

lb.

the

ft.

all,

18

ft,;

length

on load water-line,

to carry a centre-plate of an area of

6 sq.

ft.,

and

of

displacement being 18 cwt.

restrictions as

200

over

8 in.

to

the form of the rig, but the

total

sail

sq. ft.

249

K K

area

The
The revolving
of the

brass,

centre-plate,

Sailing-Boat.

which

weight above stated

is

of dagger-like shape,

besides

is

of

-^

in.

cold-rolled

which the boats were required

to carry

7 cwt. of lead-pig inside.

"Lassie" Raleigh Class

The

rig

the usual

deck

saii

and body plan and section.

of

way

all

the

halliards

and the entire control

being

of sheets,

fitted

with purchases and

halliards,

etc.,

is

set

up below

thus readily at hand in

the well of the boat.

The

'

Lassie

'

proved a good sea-boat and was handy and

250

fast

under

sail,

whether

in

and Restricted

One-Design

The

smooth water or a lumpy sea; and although not now

has been very successful as an 18-footer in

and she has won a good number

was again victorious

many
and

of prizes;

in matches she sailed,

Classes.
'One-Designer,'

classed, as a

a keenly contested sailing-match,

so recently as the season of

1900

whether over the sea course or the harbour

course of the Dart Boat Sailing Club.

DAETMOUTH ONE-EATER RESTRICTED

A new
W.

One-Eater

Restricted

Class

for

CLASS.

Dartmouth was decided on

by the

E. C. Conference at the close of the season 1900, for boats restricted to the following

dimensions and requirements

Length

The boats

displacement one ton.

over

all

not

to

exceed 22

The

ft.

be clench-built and half-decked.

to

least

It is antici-

pated that several of the Class will be built and ready to take part in some Class
sailing-matches to be appointed for next season.

Lord Rothes has already

built to

them.

THE DINGHY CLASS OE THE

This

is

Class

of

small

W.E.C.

open Sailing-boats recognised and adopted

West of England Yacht and Boat Sailing Conference.

The Boats of this Class are defined as 0-3 rating, old Y.R.A.
are

to be taken

over

all,

across the boat

ft.,

stipulations

the measurement

instead of on the water-line, in determining the rating.

Boats to be xinsinkable.

crew on board.

The

rule.

that they shall be open Boats not exceeding in length 14

by the

Draft not to exceed 12

Centre-boards,

from gunwale

to

when

in.,

housed, not

No

gunwale.

to

Avith centre-boards

The

housed and

come above a batten placed

bulb on centre-boards, and no outside

ballast allowed.

THE TEIGNMOUTH DINGHY (RESTRICTED

The

CLASS).

entrance to the Harbour of Teignmouth, on the Coast of South Devon,

very narrow and intricate of navigation ; and the Harbour inside

and sand banks, leaving only a narrow channel for deep

precluding the use, within the
other

Harbour

than those of shallow draft

at

certain

is

craft navigation,

times of tide, of

but outside the Harbour there

depth of water and ample sea room.

251

is

beset with shoals

is

and thereby
sailing-boats

always good

The

Sailing-Boat.

itself and the Eiver Teign, are however, a favourite locality for
and the Teign and Shaldon Corinthian Sailing Clubs are located in

The Harbour
boat-sailing;

the neighbourhood.

Teignmouth Dinghy body plan and

Teignmouth Dinghy sail

252

pla

section.

The Sailing-Boats
for

the

Teignmouth Dinghy Eestricted Class are well adapted

of the

The

1.

The Boats must be open

2.

The Bating must not exceed

the Y.B.A.
3.

No

4.

The

5.

The

6.

ISTo

The

centre-plate

boats

(i.e.

0-3

the

of

boat-

not decked in any part).

under the old length and

sail

area rule

below the garboards

must

when

not,

centre-plate casing

the centre-plate excepted.

housed, project below the keel.

must not stand above the

level of the gunwales.

bulbed or ballasted plates are allowed.

profile

illustrations

Ship

with

the

are

from drawings

of

and Yacht Building Company,

particulars

kindly forwarded to
of the

restrictions are as follows

the length for rating being taken over-all instead of on the water-line.

ballast is allowed

Teignmouth
which,

Classes.

and have become very popular with the members

locality,

sailing Clubs before mentioned.

of

and Restricted

One-Design

The

the

as

the

to

Author on

the boat

Limited,

restrictions

application, at

Century, built
for

attached

the

to

request

of

by the

Limbery

Mr. T.

were

the

Class,

the

Commodore

Teign Corinthian Sailing Club.

BRISTOL CHANNEL ONE-DESIGN CLASS.

This
of

1900.

an entirely new

is

It

was

initiated

Bristol

ten-ton

One-Design Class

class

which made

and adopted in the

its

first

latter

appearance in the season

part

of

the

1899 as

Channel O.D. Class-body plans and section.

for

small

yachts

owned

by members

Yacht Clubs in the Bristol Channel.

The Boats

year

are from a design

by Mr. Harold Clayton

253

of Penarth.

of

recognised

The

Length

Their dimensions are:

beam, 8ft. 6

in.

draft,

6 ft;

keel outside, 2 tons 7 cwt. 56

The

over

all,

35

ft.

length on load water-line, 26

displacement, 8-5 (tons); sail area, 794 sq.

ft.;

ft.

iron

lbs.

Bristol

Bristol Channel O.D. Class

in the "West of England.

Sailing-Boat.

It will

Channel O.D. Class

is

one of the largest of the One-Design Classes

be seen by the illustrations

254

of

body plan and mid-

The

and Restricted

One-Design

a sturdy sea-going form, with very

ship section on page 253, that the boats are of

moderate overhang fore and

all

aft,

Classes.

being intended chiefly for cruising purposes

yachtsmen who know the Bristol Channel are aware that boats intended

in those waters

must be good

and

for cruising

These Yachts have excellent cabin accom-

sea-boats.

modation, and are, apparently, a very desirable type of sea-going boats.

The

yachts of the Class are built, and building by the Penarth Yacht and Boat-

Building Company for members of the Penarth Yacht Club.

THE TRENT VALLEY SAILING CLUB ONE-DESIGN

The Trent Yalley

Sailing Club

was formed in the year 1886, with the object

and encouraging competitive

of instituting

on the Eiver Trent in the vicinity

of

sailing

among the Owners of sailing-boats

The Club has every year since

Nottingham.

Trent Valley One-Design Class body plans and

had

its

CLASS.

section.

principal sailing-matches on a broad sheet of water

some

fifty acres in extent,

known as the Trent Lake,' at which the sport has been both spirited and attractive.
The Commodore, Mr. W. P. Paget, a gentleman well-known to yachting fame,
'

has been a generous patron of the Club, presenting

year of

its

existence, with a

handsome

Silver

255

Cup

it

in the first

for competition

and every subsequent

among

the

Members

The

In addition to which, special prizes have sometimes been given, including

of the Club.

Sailing-Boat.

Cup presented by the Mayor and Sheriff of Nottingham.

The Trent Yalley Sailing Club has been a flourishing and

close of the season of 1887, the second year of

fifty-three

Members, with a

some enterprising

fleet of

boat-sailers,

beyond the home waters

twenty sailing-boats

who, in the course

Club

of the

home

of

the

The boats
Classes,

as the

and among

its

less

than

members

are

extend their cruises far

lists of

competitors at

from which they have

Trent,

trophies of success.

Members

of the

known

At the

successful one.

had enrolled no

of the season,

Trent Valley One-Design Class sail

two

it

and sometimes enter the

Eegattas on other inland waters than those

occasionally brought

existence,

its

of the

A and B

pi.

Trent Valley Sailing Club have been divided into

Classes respectively.

But

1897 that the Club decided on a One-Design Class; when,

Commodore, who generously supported

the Club, as a Club-boat for the use of

his proposal
its

by

it

was not

until the year

at the suggestion of their

offering to present one

Boat to

Members, and to build anotber for himself,

the proposal was unanimously accepted.

Designs and estimates were applied for and considered, and

Mr. C. Bathurst,

of

Tewkesbury, was chosen and adopted;

256

finally the design of

and seven boats were

;:

One-Design and Restricted

The

ordered to be built in the

first

Mr. Bathurst being the builder

The dimensions

W.

L.

L.,

12

ft.

with centre-plate up, 9

It will

modern

in.

season of the Class, which at once ensured

them

of

boats

the

of

beam, 5

Length

over

175

ft.

down, 3

leugth on

in.;
ft.

G in.

draft

be seen from the profile illustrations and dimensions, that the boats are of a

type, with a fair extent of overhang fore

The boats
1

success

sq. ft.

and

aft

beam and powerful

One-Design Class made their

shallow, they have good breadth of

of

10

all,

draft with centre-plate

sail area,

its

all.

are:

6 in.

ft.

Classes.

of

this

898, when, after preliminary

to

and

although somewhat

that,

appearance in the season

first

was decided that they should be allowed to

whereby their stability was greatly improved

trial, it

carry a certain weight of inside ballast,

and they were then found

aft-bearings.

be a handy,

class of boat for the

and comfortable

safe,

purpose for which they were intended. 1

THE ORFOED WHITE WINGS.

The Orford White Wings

One-Design

are a

through the instrumentality of Mr. A.

gentleman well-known
boat

Class,

in yacht-racing circles as the

Viva, of the half-rater class, the

established in the year 1898,

H. E. Wood,

Sudbourn Hall,

of

owner

of the

famous

Suffolk,

little

winner in the seasons 1895 and 1896

of

racing-

no

less

than 85 prizes.

The Orford White Wings were designed and built by Sibbick and Co., of Cowes,
Wight. Seven of the boats were constructed at the close of the year 1898

Isle of

and

in

the

the Spring of that of 1899,

since

when

several others have been added to

fleet.

Their

dimensions are

16 feet 8 inches

Length over

beam, 6 feet

all,

23

3 feet

draft,

feet

length

sail area,

on load-water

226 square

feet,

line,

It will

be seen on reference to the illustrations of general contour and midship section that

White Wings

the

are boats of exquisite

which they belong,

and combine the

model,

qualities

well
of

powers and sturdy bearings, and they are each required

weight

and

of

The

14 cwt.

foresail,

whose course runs

on the east coast

of

the class

at the

to

have a lead keel

White Wings is simply that

being fitted with boom and goose-neck

rig of the

the mainsail

The headquarters

adapted for the locality to

good sea-boats with weatherly

back

of Suffolk.

are

of a

at

Orford,

tongue

The Aide,

on the banks

of shingle at

after

of

of

of

the

a gaff-mainsail

in the usual

the

way.

Eiver Aide,

Orford Ness, near Aldeburgh,

running inland some few miles, and

Through the courtesy of the Commodore and Bear Commodore of the Trent Valley Sailing Club, the
Author is enabled to give illustrations of the form and design, with other particulars of the One-Design Boats
1

of this Club.

257

L L

ThIC
leaving Aldeburgh

Sailing-Boat.

on the right, flows over a broad extent

covered by the flowing

of

ooze,

which,

when

forms a wide sheet of water, admirably adapted for

tide,

small boat-sailing.

The month
Deben,
Stoxir

of

the Aide

Orford Ness

at

and within about 12 miles

and Orwell.

for yachting

and

The

locality of the

is

in

White Wings

boat-sailing, both on sea

and

first

match

the

of

is,

of the

Kiver
Kivers

therefore, favourably situated

river.

Orford " White Wings," One-Design

The

near proximity to the

Harwich Harbour, the estuary

of

CI

White Wings was sailed on the 29th of April, 1899, in

when there were seven competitors. It Avas a

a strong, squally, south-westerly wind,

trying ordeal for the

capable

and able

fleet,

little

but they one and

craft.

all

The Viva (Viva

proved to be good sea-boats, and

II.j,

Mr.

A.

H.

E.

Wood,

the

Captain of the Class, was the winning boat on that occasion.

The

Class has since

become

weekly during the season,

so popular that sailing-matches

at the

close of

which

boat in the Class was a prize-Avinuer.

258

(in

1899)

it

among them

are held

was found that every

One-Design and Restricted

Thic
The

the sailing-matches of the

result of

shows that Viva heads the

and 1 thirds

won by

with a total

of

White AVings

in

the

28 wins, comprising 16

season of
firsts,

19 00

8 seconds,

and the Challenge Cup, presented by Mrs. Fraser, having been again

this boat

now becomes

Kipper comes next with a

third prizes.

list

Classes.

Emerald

and ten third

prizes.

the property of Mr.

total of

21 wins, 11

of

next with 26 wins, but

is

It

appears that the

Wood

owner

as

which are

firsts,

of these five only

White Wings

of the Viva.

The

seven second, and six

were

sailed

first,

11 second,

no fewer than 47

matches in the season of 1900.

The Orford White Wings

are usually well handled,

appearance, worthy

of

are a smart, handy, and interesting class.

and they always present a

their

name

'

White Wings.'

clean,

And

East Coast they are objects of considerable attraction,

sailing-matches,

them

some

of

The boats

snoAV-white, and capable

at the

regattas on the

particularly

in

the

minor

which are specially arranged that they may take part in

in competition with other sailing-boats of similar dimensions.

THE YOKKSHIKE ONE-DESIGN

CLASS.

This One-Design Class came into existence in the year 1898 for Hull, Bridlington,

and

neighbouring

yachting and

boating

stations.

The

Class

was originated by

Yorkshire and Hull One-Design Class body plans and section.

Mr.

J.

M. Stony, and

members
Mr.

of

successfully formed

by

his efforts, aided

the various yacht clubs in the district.

J. S. Helyar,

and were built by Messrs. Field and

259

The
Co.,

by the

co-operation of

boats are from designs

by

yacht and boat builders, of

The
Itehen Ferry,

10 inches

240

feet

Southampton.

Their dimensions are

draft 3 feet 4 inches

and the

foresail

80

Sailing- Boat.

sail area,

Length, 25 feet

320 square

feet, of

beam, 6 feet

which the mainsail has

feet.

d Hull One-Design Class sail pla

These boats, as a One-Design

recognised as smart, handy

little

Class,

craft,

have

given

great

satisfaction,

and

are

excellent sea-boats, and fast sailers, and they

260

nearly always carry

which

fore-sails,

and Restricted

One-Design

The

all

enable

except in a heavy

sail,

them

regulate

to

the

sea.

They

spread

Classes.

are all fitted with roller

that

of

sail

according to

circumstances as regards wind and sea.

The boats
that there

is

off

the coast of Yorkshire, and so well matched are they

seldom but a small margin

match

as in the

thorough sea-going type, and their sailing-matches

of this Class are of a

on the open sea

are mostly

off

Bridlington

of difference at the finish of their contests,

Bay on June

30th, 1900, when,

among

five

starters

on

a 15-knot course, at the finish there were only three minutes between the arrival of

the

first

and

This

is

last boats.

THE ORWELL CORINTHIAN ONE-DESIGN

a small One-Design Class, having

CLASS.

headquarters at Ipswich, Suffolk, on

The Author has no

the banks of the Biver Orwell.

for the loan of

its

particulars of them.

drawings for the purpose of having illustrations made

He

applied

of the design,

&c,

but his request was not complied with.

THE SOUTHPOET COEINTHIA.N YACHT CLUB ONE-DESIGN CLASS 0-lo RATING.

This Class

of Sailing

Boat was originated during the year 1894, when the South-

port Corinthian Yacht Club offered a prize for competition

by designers

of small racing-

boats, for the best design for a 0-75 rater, limited in cost to a specified

j'75

Rating, One-Model Class

draught,

light

and

suitable

in

other

the

W.L.Y.C. and S.C.Y.C.

design to be for a good sound cruising boat, comfortable,

of

amount

respecls

to

fast,

the

and

safe as a sea-boat;

requirements

of

the

district.

The

W.
he
all,

prize

Scott
is

was awarded

Hayward, who

also of the

is

to

a well-known amateur

the

Commodore

Bhyl Yacht Club.

23 feet 5 inches; length on L.

The

W.

of the

designer of great repute, Mr.

West Lancashire Yacht

following are the dimensions

L.,

261

Club, as

Length

over

17 feet 8 inches; beam at deck, 6 feet

The

Sailing-Boat.

draft with
draft, 2 feet 2^ inches
at L. W. L., 6 feet 2 inches
inches
centre-board
feet
drop,
6
2
centre-board
inches
down,
4
feet
centre-board
8J
inside,
sail area, 130 feet; iron ballast on keel outside, 7-J cwt.
weight, ]i cwt.

7 inches

beam

6-|

The two first boats of this Class that were built were the Queer
and Imp, both of which proved very successful in most of the matches they sailed

cwt, of lead.

Girl

in their first year.

other boats were then built from the design, and the season

Two

1895 then opened with four

of

them

and

in

the following

year six more were

added, thus making a fleet of ten in 1896, which has since been further augmented

by the addition of several others.

The members of the West Lancashire Yacht Club
sought, obtained permission

requirements

they

Club

from the design and adopt

to build

it

of

seeirig

Class

I.,

These boats were designed by Mr.

0'75 rating.
are

Corinthian Yacht Club.

of

the

same model and design

The requirements

"Imp" West

CLASSES.

W.

Scott

as those

of

Hayward, and,
the

submitted for the design were,

Lancashire Y.C.

O.D.

Southport

first,

a good

Class.

making a passage in bad weather with comfort and

all which requirements have been undoubtedly
and the boats have given great satisfaction, and become the popular class

knockabout sea-boat capable

of

safety, and, secondly, as a class racer

fulfilled,

Yacht

as a Class.

WEST LANCASHIEE YACHT CLUB ONE-DESIGN

as already stated,

in these boats the very

the Southport Corinthian

262

and Restricted

One-Design

The

Classes.

their

West Lancashire seaboard, and in their first season that of 189G kept all
engagements in the sailing matches at Fleetwood, Lytham, Southport, Hoylake,

lihyl,

Llandudno, Beaumaris, Bangor, Menai, Port Diuorwic, and Carnarvon, covering

of

the

an extent

upwards

of

100 miles

of

made

in fact,
as

good a reputation

These boats,

sea.

along the coast that the Bhyl Yacht Club,

all

Hoylake Sailing Club, decided

the

also

so

open sea-coast, beset in parts with outlying

of

and sometimes a rough and heavy

sand-banks, strong currents,

on adopting them

as

One-Design

Class.

The dimensions and sail area, etc., are already stated, supra, pp. 2G1 2.
The illustration (p. 262) of the Imp, one of the Class, is owned and sailed by Mr. J.
Hatton Hall, Vice-Corn, of the West Lancashire Yacht Club. The Imp is the champion
boat of the class.
Her record is, for 127 starts, 97 prizes viz., 56 firsts, 29 seconds,
and 12 thirds. Number of boats in the Class, 13
average number of starters, 7.
The Imp was also winner of the Pilkington Champion Cup, 1896 and 1898
the

W.

L. Y. C. Challenge Cup,

1896 and 1898; the Hoylake Challenge Cup, 1896 and

1898; and the Rhyl Challenge

At

Chip,

1896.

close of the season of the year 1900,

the

of this class the

Wenonah (Mr.

it

was found that among the boats

Actor) had made the best record.

J.

W.

This boat also

Hay ward to
made the highest score in Club sailing-matches. The Wenonah was
steered during the racing season by Mr. E. L. Baddeley.
The Pixie was awarded the Champion Cup, presented by Sir G. Pilkington, to
the boat Avhich made the highest score of the season, including outside sailing matches

took the Helmsman's Prize, presented for competition by Mr.

Scott

the boat which

as well as

Club matches.

WEST LANCASHIRE YACHT CLUB ONE-DESIGN CLASSES

Class

II.

which were

named

after

H. Baggs.
16

ft.

in.

The Seabird
built

by Mr.

a sea bird,

Class, 0*5 rating.

11.

Latham,

and designed,

Their dimensions are

;

beam

of

at deck,

ft.

iron centre plate, f-in. thickness

These

jointly,

beam

at L.

sail area,

W.

182-2

W.

by Mr.
all,

20

L.,

sq.

new

boats are a

Cressens, Lancashire,

Length over

(CLASS

ft.

-3

ft.

ft.

II.).

class,

eight of

each of them being

Scott

Hay ward and Mr.

length on load water-line,

6 in.

The boats

draft,

ft.

3 in.

of this class

have

no outside ballast, but 6 cwt. of iron inside.

This

is

another O.D. boat of the strong cruiser type, designed to encounter the

heavy seas and rough weather

of the

Lancashire seaboard, and

263

is,

in fact, of similar

7 he

Sailing-Boat.

The

One-Design

and Restricted

West Lancashire "Sea-bird," One-Design Class sail

265

Classes.

pi

M M


Sailing-Boat.

Tht

WEST LANCASHIRE YACHT CLUB ONE-DESIGN CLASSES (CLASS

The

Class III.

Wilmer,

12-ft. Centre-board

Liverpool.

of

L. "W. L., 11

ft.

9 in.

Their

beam

(widest),

These

Class.

dimensions

are

ft,

are from a design

Length

in.

III.).

beam

over

all,

at L.

W.

12

by Mr. G. H.

ft.

L., 3

ft.

length on
9

in.

no

ballast,

" Tartar,"

This

is

new

to take part in the

class of

12

ft.

C.B. Class W.L.Y.C.

open sailing-boat

numerous

fitted

with a centre-board, and destined

matches for such boats of the various boat-sailing

sailing

Clubs on the coast.

The

Tartar, of

"YV. Ii.

which a

The Tartar

the Class.

is

Y. C, and Mr. A. Campbell.

same as that

was in 1898 the champion

profile illustration is given,

owned and

sailed

The

by Mr. E.

sail

of the Slut, illustrated infra at

of

L. Baddeley, Hon. Sec. to the

plan of the boats of this class

is

the

page 268.

SOUTHPORT CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUB ONE-DESIGN CLASSES.

The

12-ft. Centre-board Class.

11

ft,

9 in.

These boats were designed by Mr. G. H. Wilmer,

Their dimensions are:

Liverpool.
;

beam

at widest, 4

ft,

Length

5 in.

2 ft. C.B.

They were
a racing class

over

ditto at L.

12ft.;

all,

W.

L., 3

Scott

8 in.

no

W.

of
L.,

ballast.

O. D. Class S.C.Y.C.

originally designed as yacht's tenders, but

by Mr. W.

ft.

length on L.

Hayward, Commodore
266

were afterwards formed into

of the

W.

L. Y. C.

They

are

The

One-Design

and Restricted

Classes.

besides excellent knockabout boats, and in experienced hands have proved equal to those
of

any other

class of the

same

size

The

Ma

Ma

on the

coast.

Mie," Southport Corinthian Yacht Club.

Mie, an illustration from a photograph of which

of the Class,

and was

sailed

and owned by Mr.

W.

Scott

is

THE HOYLAKE SAILING CLUB RESTRICTED

"Slut" body

This

is

G in.

ft.

is

the

all,

ditto at L.

12

W.

ft.

L., 3

plan and section.

length on L...W. L., 11

ft.

10

in.

Champion

CLASS.

a 12-foot restricted centre-board class of the above-named Club.

Length over

sions

shown,

Hayward.

no

267

ballast.

ft.

6 in.

beam

Dimen-

at widest part,

Sailing- Bo at.

The
The design
pool

for this class of small sailing-boats is

by Mr. G. H. Wilmer,

of Liver-

The champion boat of the class, the Slut,

Hay ward (Commodore of the W. L. Y. C), was

there are fourteen boats in the class.

owned and

sailed

by Mr. W.

Scott

1892 by Crook and Sons, and has a remarkably successful record covering a

built in

period of seven years, during which she has

won no

less

than 165 prizes, besides seven

Champion and Challenge Cups viz., 100 first prizes, 46 second, and 19 third. She
was also the winner of the Hoylake Sailing Club Champion Cup, 1892, 1893, 1894, and
1895 also of the Khyl Yacht Club Champion Cup, 1896 the West Lancashire Yacht
Club Champion Cup, 1896
and the West Lancashire Crews Champion Cup, 1898.
;

Fifty of these matches were open to

did not exceed 12

This famous
sea-boat,

and

is

ft.

in length over

little boat,

well

known

all

comers, for boats of any design, so long as they

all.

although in appearance a fine-weather

at

Beaumaris, Bangor, Menai, Port Dinorwic, and Carnarvon, at

attends the Regattas, going to
of her

own

assisted

class,

craft, is

all of

them on her own bottom, and being

as crew.

268

which places she

sailed in the

always under the able handling of her owner, Mr.

by Mr. A. H. Mitchel

an excellent

Lytham, Southport, Mersey, Hoylake, Khyl, Llandudno,

W.

Scott

matches

Hayward,

by Mr. Willie Crook,

beautiful model,

exhibited (witli a record

Exhibition

at

and Restricted

One-Design
'^

The

appended

Imperial

the

at

Institute,

and proved an object

exquisitely finished,

of this

her

of

Classes.

widely-renowned

career) at

the

Kensington,

in

The model was

1897.

considerable attraction to

of

boat was

little

Yachting and Fisheries

all

interested

in the delightful pastime of boat- sailing.

THE NEW BRIGHTON SAILING CLUB 18-FOOT CENTRE-BOARD BESTRICTED

The New

Brighton Sailing Club

one of the oldest in the United Kingdom,

is

having been established in the year 1869, and appears

a girth dimension in

was, from

The

its earliest inception,

18-foot restricted class

one on the Mersey.

One

rule of measurement.

its

By

nominally measured 40

ft.

have been the

to

Practically, however,
ft.

40

sq. ft.

lOf in.
mainsail, 160
;

was formed

by the N. B.

and

in the year 1888,

rule

S. C.

this

sq. ft.

the popular

still

is

Club boats

measurement,

of

a restricted dimension class

exposed area of centre plate, 4

sq. ft.

Club

that of encouraging and promoting open boat sailing.

the rule of measurement of

it is

introduce

first to

of the principal objects of this

viz.

girth in feet x 1 T^ x extreme length in feet, girth being ascertained

tape completely round the boat.

13

CLASS.

Length over

the

of
:

class

Maximum

by straining a

all,

18

drop of centre plate, 2

ft.

ft.

girth,

area of

(exclusive of rounds in head, foot, and leach); area of fore

area of spinnaker, 80 sq.

ft.

sail,

Cloths of mainsail not to be less than 15 inches

in width.

No

evasion of measurement

is

permitted, such as cambered keels, elbowed stern-

posts, &c.

Bucklers not to drop below the keel.

No

ballast

allowed except a crew of four

hands.

The centre-plate not to exceed \ in. in thickness, if of metal.

The planking to be f in. thick, and of ordinary clincher build.
The timbers 1 in. by \ in., spaced 9 in. centres.

THE MISCHIEFNEW BRIGHTON RESTRICTED

This celebrated

boat,

one

of

the

New

Brighton Sailing Club Bestricted Class,

was designed by Mr. M. Treleaven Reade,

1891, and

is

now owned by

The model and

that

her

ment up

CLASS.

Messrs. F. H.

of

Blundellsands, and built in the year

Dent and

design of this boat are of

T. II.

Wood.

exact wave form,

under-water body retains the wave form as regards

to

20 degrees

of heel.

To

obtain

269

this

result

in

and so constructed

longitudinal displacea boat with

flared-out

The
sides,

it

was found necessary

head as she heeled over

working out

The

to

about 3

to

Sailing-Boat.

to

and she has maintained

since,

that

she tripped gradually by the

bow and

stern at 20 degrees heel

won

the

Champion Eecord Cup

of the

N. B.

S.

C,

compete with several other new boats by well-known designers,

11

ever

so

in.

Mischief, in her first year,

though having

her

design

the difference in trim of

showing how

her

Mischief "

reputation,

difficult

it

is

sail

plan.

having
in

raced successfully

in

a properly restricted Class

her
to

class

entirely

outbuild a successful boat, yet allowing of scope for modern improvements in model,
sails,

&c.

270


and Restricted

One-Design

The

The dimensions of Mischief are

Length over all, IS ft. beam (extreme),

Classes.

ft.

1-1-

10f in.
(bow) 2

in.

total
ft.

displacement,

1 in.

1,475

lbs.

freeboard (stern), 1

In the closing match of the

In the

spirited

start

match

to finish,

which

91

ft.

in.

1|

draft (with centre-plate up),

in.

maximum

(lowest),

ft.

girth,
in.

13

ft.

freeboard

6 in.

'Mischief "

body

season

of

ensued

ft.

freeboard

ft.

September, for prizes presented by Mr.

from

draft (with centre-plate down),

W.

pla

1900,

which was

sailed

on the 22nd

B. Anderson, there were six competitors.

the

Mischief led

and was declared winner

of

the

first

prize.

This boat, although

year 1891,

won during

is

still

the

built,

as

already

stated,

in

the

one of the best of her

class,

having

1900 (besides

other

prizes)

season

of

both the N. B.

S.

C. Challenge

the flags of the

B.

S.

C.

Shield and the Eecord

and M.

S.

C.

271

Cup

" Mischief "-mid-ship section..

for races sailed

under

The

Sailing-Boat.

OTHER RESTRICTED
Besides

One-Design

the

and

CLASSES.
already

Classes

Restricted

there

described,

are

One such Class was set on foot in December 1896 by the members
of the London Sailing Club, which then had its head-quarters at Hammersmith.
The boats of this Class 'were not to exceed 18 feet Y. R. A. measurement
some

and
17

others.

rating
cwt,

and

'

(ex crew),

the

further

and

thickness

minimum

were,

restrictions

minimum

displacement

planking and deck of

of

of

three-

eighths of an inch.

somewhat larger

'

same

18

as in the

Class

Restricted

boats were not to exceed 24 feet

was afterwards formed in which the

'

Y. R, A. rating

the other restrictions being the

Class.

ft.

adopted by the Royal Corinthian

Restricted Classes upon those lines were then

Yacht Club, the London Sailing Club, and the Orwell Corinthian Yacht Club. And
that the Restricted
at a meeting held in October 1898 a resolution was passed
'

24

ft.

Class be

reneAvecl

unaltered

further period

for a

of three years

from 1899,

subject to any Y. R, A. change of measurement.'

It will

be observed that

these

adopted the Y. R. A. rules of rating

Classes

that at the close of the season of 1898 no

The consequence was

and measurement.
less

than six of the alleged prize-winners out

the

prizes

cases

said

owing

be

to

being

objections

had

give up

to

taken mainly

in

load-water line

on

some

but from whatever cause they were found to

soakage;

to

measurement,

A.

R.

a fleet of ten

of

above their proper

the ground that they were immersed

be over the Y.

won,

have

they were supposed to

to

the rules

of

which they had

restricted

themselves.

The same
'

objection seems

Restricted Classes
It is

obvious

weather, and

'

which

that

when

small

light

to

sailed

yachts,

taken to

other

line,

of

small yachts

of

the

measurement.

measured on their load-water-line in dry

if

and buoyant,

be found immersed above that

been

have

under the Y. R. A. rules

will, after

thus showing

wet weather and long immersion,

how

unreliable and unsatisfactory

such rules must be.

Among
named

My

the

18-footers

Restricted

Lady Dainty (Mr.

S.

N.

Class

of

the

London

Griffiths) again

Sailing

heads the

list

Club the boat

for

the

season

of

1900, as the most successful prize-winner of her Class, this being the third year

in

succession in

And

in

which she has done

the 24

ft.

so.

Restricted Class

the

Muriel Challenge Cup.

272

Vineta

heads the

list

and takes

the

One-Design

Tin

and Restricted

Classes.

WINDERMERE YACHTS.
The

picturesque surroundings of

the

yacht and boat-sailing on the surface of

and

spirit to the picture

The head-quarters
is

which, without them, would be cheerless and unattractive.

of the

Eoyal Windermere Yacht Club are

midway on the

situated about

Lake Windermere add to the pleasures of

its waters
and the sailing-boats give life
at

Bowness, which

east side of the Lake.

Yachts becalmed on Lake Windermere

Although boat-sailing on
vantages and

its terrors

the perils which surround

which

encircle

it

perhaps beautiful
shelter squalls

and

its

trend

valleys

and

this beautiful

the

gusts

Lake has

waters, caused
far

by

the

natural

inland behind the lake,

and deep intersecting

of

charms,

its

wind, and

to assist

gullies,

craft

formation

its

disad-

the other in
of

the hills

however,

which,

serve

to

such in gathering power as thc}

and the inattentive helmsman and

his

powerful gusts overtake him in an unguarded moment

273

forming here and there

rush along the valleys and find an outlet on the surface of the lake
the fragile

has also

it

one in the shape of too frequent calms

crew,

when woe

should one

of

x x

betide

those

The
The danger

is

increased

Sailing-Boat.

considerably

such squalls almost invariably come, often

by the

ruffled

softest zephyr,

the joys and pleasures

to the cruise

and when

a sail in

and whose gay

In

of

spirits

by the wonted suddenness with which

when the surface of the lake is scarcely

all

lend

life

and

cheery with

society

adds charms

on board are bright

company with those whose

to the scene.

a photo by

no part

of

the

British

Islands

where boat-sailing

is

practised

is

there

by those having charge of a sailing-boat than on

The helmsman and crew must always be on their guard
the Lake Windermere.
against the sudden gusts of wind which come sweeping along the valleys, often
greater necessity for precaution

with

irresistible force,

giving vent to

their fury on

the

tall

slender

sails

of

some

hapless craft, perhaps nearly becalmed at the previous moment.

The Lake

is

deep and

its

waters are cold, and in years gone by,

274

when

precautions

The
were

observed than now, and

less

and Restricted

One- Design

when

experiences were fewer,

joyous boating-party have found a watery grave beneath

The boats intended

stability,

for

sailing

Classes.

its

many

a bright

on Lake Windermere must therefore be

and those who control them

must be prepared

stormy gusts, as well as for calms and gentle breezes,

all

and

glittering surface.

for

sudden

of

squalls

good

and

which are characteristic

of the land-locked waters of that delightful locality.

There
of

are,

yachts

and

besides the ordinary pleasure-boats of the Lake, two principal

sailing-boats

Windermere Yacht Club.

that

The

are

larger class are

the Club, which are rigged as sloops

Una

of the

t3'pe, also

and the

classes

by the Royal
the yachts belonging to members of

recognised

as

racing

craft

other, a smaller class of sailing-boats

belonging to members of the Club.

The

latter,

although not

actually decked all over, have very wide water-ways and high coamings round the well.

The present form

or

of

yacht of the larger class differs considerably from the previous

older type inaugurated about twelve years ago,

gripe,

full

bows, deep fore-

and straight stem.

The modern yacht

and

which had

is

W. Y. C. is a great improvement upon the older class,

with the new rules and regulations adopted by the Club in

of the E.

built in conformity

Sailing- Bo at.

ThU

the year 1897 for governing the size of yachts and their spars, which compete in the

matches of the Club.

sailing

From a photo

Bnmskill &*

by

[The illustration is that

of the Sirius, leading in a sailing

The new measurements and requirements

W.

Length of yacht on L.
to exceed 4

L.,

22

ft.

all,

Windermere.

match on Lake Windermere.]

are, briefly, as

length over

Co.,

32

under
ft.

overhang forward not

the angle of which shall not be less than 23 deg. Avith the water-line

ft.,

the contour of the curve of the stem at and about the water-line shall be a fair curve

much

the counter, or so

thereof as shall extend aft of the load water-line, shall not

intersect a triangle or the produced perpendicular thereof.

Freeboard.

No

yacht,

when on

her load water-line, shall have less than 2

ft.

6 in.

freeboard at the stem, and the deck of the yacht shall be carried aft from that point in
a fair and reasonable line or sheer.

Beam (extreme

outside measurement), not less than 6

ft.

6 in. without

beading or

moulding.

Draft not
Spars.

to

from fore side

exceed 22
length

ft.

of

of

mast

ft.

6 in.

when

the yacht

is

mast from deck to truck not

to

on her load water-line.

to

exceed 26

extreme end, not to exceed 15

ft.

ft.

8 in.

in length

yard not to exceed 18

Hoist

of mainsail not to

ft.

bowsprit,

boom, not

in length; gaff (measured parallel to boom), not to exceed 16

topsail

Hoist.

exceed 5

Leugth

ft.

to

6 in. in

in length.

exceed 16

276

ft.

jib,

from deck

to pin of jib halyard

sheave,

and Restricted

One-Design

The

when hanging

parallel to mast, not to

exceed 23

deck to pin of sheave on mast, not to exceed 25

Ballast.

No yacht

to

have

less

ft.

ft.

Classes.

9 in.

topsail sheave,

from

9 in.

than 32 cwt. of ballast, and no ballast to be carried

inside of the yacht.

Bulb-keels.

In case

not to be less than

beyond the wood keel

Rudder

of bulb-keels, the keel

in thickness

in.

(i

and in neither the wood nor lead

to be altered before

Fore and aft

and no

booming out

No

project, either fore or aft,

shall there be a return curve.

to be affixed to the stern-post in the usual manner.

The above measurements, which came

used,

above the bulb (whether of lead or wood)

and the bulb must not

January

sails

viz.,

1st,

into operation on

January

and

No

1st,

1897, are not

1902.

mainsail, jib

topsail only.

foot-sticks or jack-yards shall be allowed to

square

sails are

the gaff-topsails,

to

be

and no

of the sails permitted.

yachts constructed with shifting keels, steel keels, or plates fitted with lead in

bulb, cigar, or other shapes, attached to such plates, are allowed.

From

[The

a thota tv

illustration

shows the Turtle (Mr. A. R. Sladen) a long way ahead

of her

opponents, and winning in easy, graceful style.]

The most

striking;

alteration

between

the

new and

the

old

class

which the

The
ordinary observer will notice
stitution of the

is

Sailing-Boat.

the disappearance of the straight stern and the sub-

The new

modern curved bow.

those of the old class

the jibs are 4

ft.

boats are also 6

shorter on the foot

ft.

6 in. longer than

and the mainsail booms

are lengthened, but the total sail area remains nearly the same.

be observed that the yachts have great depth

It will

weight

of ballast

spread of

sail,

draft,

of

make them

practically uncapsizable

a very important and necessary pre-

caution in yachts destined to navigate the land-locked waters of the

Another precaution
to

good beam, and the

they are required to carry low down on their keels, with the limited

is

that two life-buoys,

'

Lake Windermere.

ready for immediate

use,' are

required

be carried on board every yacht.

The Windermere Eegattas,

place, are held annually in

the

at

which the sailing-matches

month

of

July.

There

is

of the

R.

W.

Y. C. take

generally a good entry, as

the competing yachts, which comprise two classes, are a numerous fleet

and when

favoured with a good breeze the races are most spiritedly contested.

From

a fihoto by

Brtuisktli

The

illustration

above

is

- Co.,

II

i ndcr

close finish.

from a photograph by Brunskill, showing the closing

278

and Restricted

One-Design

The

on the Lake Windermere.

scene, in a fine breeze, of one of the closest races ever sailed

The two leading yachts

are

Mimosa (Mr. W.

Classes.

and Cachalot (Mr.

T. Crossley)

J.

W.

Scott).

THE CLYDE SAILING BOATS AND YACHTS.

Yacht and

boat-sailing have for

many

years past been actively pursued

waters of the Firth of Clyde, more particularly at Rothesay, the

home

on the

of the

Royal

Northern Yacht Club.

The great estuary

the Clyde affords fine sea-room for cruising, and extensive

of

courses for yacht sailing-matches.

The

head-quarters of the Royal Clyde Yacht Club are at Hunter's Quay, Holy
The new Club House is beautifully situated, surrounded by lovely scenery
and commanding extensive views of the neighbourhood.
The old Club House was burnt down in the year 1888, and a new one erected on

Loch.

Such an expenditure speaks more

the same spot at a cost of upwards of 18,000.

eloquently than words of the flourishing condition of yachting in those parts.

The Firth
and beauty

Clyde, in respect of extent of sheltered sailing waters and variety

of

of scenery, has

The lower

Firth,

owing

no rival amongst the yachting centres

to its great

consequent heavy seas, as also to

convenient for racing courses.
the

more confined waters

its

distance from the headquarters of yachting,

The

of the

cruiser,

many

Loch Fyne, which

and should

harbours, natural and

in extent

is

not

however, has here greater freedom than in

upper Firth, with access to the

Island of Arran and the Cantyre coast

necessary there are

of the British Islands.

expanse and exposure to southerly winds, and

and charm

stress of

artificial,

of

scenery

fine

scenery of the

weather render shelter

on both sides
is little

of the Firth.

inferior to the

upper

Firth, also provides an ideal stretch of cruising water, open to even the smallest yacht

from the upper reaches, through the sheltered channel

But the home

run

of

Clyde yachting

of the sea in southerly

is

of the Ivyles of Bute.

the upper Firth, which, protected from the full

winds by the islands

of

Bute and the Cumbraes, provides a

long and broad expanse of sheltered water, flanked by

bare and rugged, others wooded from sea to summit.
in all directions into the heart of the

one and

all of

of

varying height, some

this inland sea

branch

off

mountains salt-water lochs of varying length, but

beauty surpassing even that of the Firth

Except in a few narrows, giving access

or no strength of tide,

hills

From

and the yachtsman

is

itself.

to the less-frequented waters, there is little

therefore free from the necessity of

making

his arrangements conform with tide-tables.

Nor
water

is

is

to

he hampered by shoals or the need

of entering harbours, for

good depth

be found almost ever y where to within a short distance of the shore

279

of

and the

The

Sailing& Boat.

and holding ground are such that yachts are moored

shelter

all

along the coast, and

******

if

reasonable care has been taken to have moorings of proper strength, no uneasiness need

be

felt in

any weather likely

to occur

during the summer months.

The great distance between the Clyde and the other principal yachting
makes

it

this, in

rules,

of a

home

impossible for the smaller boats to compete in other than

centres

waters, and

conjunction with the type of boat produced by recent Y. B, A. measurement

has resulted in the practical neglect of the Y. E, A. classes, and the development

type of craft better suited to the physical features of the Clyde.

K
3i"

The

principal

characteristics

of

these

boats,

both cruisers and racers, are con-

beam and draft to length, and high freeboard, with consequent

power. As overhangs are generally restricted, the boats present a

siderable proportion of

great sail-carrying

somewhat over-sparred appearance.

The absence

of shoal

water makes

it

unnecessary to curtail draft, so that in the

An

case of the 23-foot water-line Class a draft of over seven feet is usual.

equally great proportion of

draft to length

is

almost

found among the cruising craft; and

the Clyde boats are, as a rule, very capable performers to windward.

*

With

the natural

communication by

rail

of

and steamer provided between Glasgow and the coast towns,

not surprising that the sport of yachting has attained to

The event

advantages possessed by the Clyde, and the frequent and fast

the Clyde season

is,

of course, the

280

its

it is

present popularity.

well-known

'

Fortnight,'

when

The

and Restricted

One-Design

continuous racing for over two weeks

yachts to the
swelling the

smallest local boats,

number

Eacing, however,

is

many

provided for

all

Classes.

classes,

from the

first-class

representatives from other yachting waters

of entries in the larger classes.

is

not confined to this period of the season, as the numerous Clubs,

with yearly increasing funds available for prize-giving,

Saturday in the season, and the number of races offered

now
is

provide matches for every

growing

to

such an extent

make it impossible to avoid clashing of fixtures.

The pastime as pursued in Clyde waters could not be in a healthier state than at
present, and the demand for boats is such that no craft of merit need wait long to find

as to

a purchaser.

'"38

281

The

Sailing-Boat.

CLYDE RESTRICTED CLASSES.

23-FOOT WATER-LINK CLASS.

This, the most sporting of the Clyde

by the Royal Clyde Yacht Club,

classes, originated in the

to designs

282

building in 1800

by Mr. G. L. Watson,

of

two

cutter-

square-sterned boats, 23

rigged,

kept moored

over

ft.

in

all

Classes.

These were and are

length.

a moderate

rate of

These

hire.

still

members

the club-house at Hunter's Quay, and are at the disposal of

off

the Club at

of

same

and Restricted

One-Design

The

with another built to the

bouts,

but privately owned, were raced together, and gave such good sport

lines,

that a third boat

but, being

them,

joined

of

greater power, proved too fast for the pioneers.

In 1891, Verve, built for Mr. Robert Wylie

by Mr. G.

designs

to

L. Watson, in her turn

took the lead.

The season

1892 saw other boats taking

of

awakened

part in the racing, and interest being

the

in

yacht
that

representatives

class,

met together

clubs
year,

and drew

formation of
not to exceed

23

water-line,
of total.

JSTo

up

a class as

ft.

conditions

follows

centre-boards,

750

ft.

sq.

and Shuna,

to designs

and Norka, from the board

of

ndship section.

whereof mainsail not

ft.,

to

conditions

these

to

by Mr. G.

Wm.

Mr.

L.

29

exceed four-fifths

appeared in the class

Watson

Fife, jun.

the others,

three,

Thaler, Lala,

Vida (Messrs. Wylie) showed

the best record at the end of the season, having no less than 19
1 third prizes out of

(')

length,

or bulb-keels allowed.

fin,

In 1893, six new boats built

Vida, Pike,

of

the

for

Dimensions

30

all,

area,

sail

leading-

autumn

the

in

length over

the

of

first,

7 second,

and

Thaler (Mr. P. M. Coats) took second place.

starts.

The season 1894 produced one new

Vida and Thaler, the first-named again

boat,

which, however,

heading the prize

proved unequal

list

with

18

to

and

first

6 second flags for 30 starts.

The year 1895 saw the advent

advanced, of

Watson,

was

to

Vida II., built for

replace the

fairly successful,

first

at

season with 15

the
first

In 1896 the leadership

12

first

In

Wm.

A. Wylie from designs by Mr. G. L.

boat of that name, which was

head

of

now

and 5 second

the class two years later.

laid

up.

him by Vida I. before she was

was again taken by Vida

II. with a record

of the class

flags for

26

Vida II. finished

her owner having

of

22

laid up.

starts.

monopoly of the championship of

was interrupted by Mr. Robert Donaldson's Klysma, built, as already
1

The

1897,

however,

Mr.

illustrations of plans of the

Mr. CK L. Watson

of

Klysma

starts,

and 3 minor prizes out

also 3 firsts out of 6 starts credited to

of

Klysma, and, when the season was somewhat

but did not exhibit the qualities latent in her, and which were

destined to place her

her

first

of

Mr.

Wylie's

the

class

stated,

in

yacht Vida are from drawings furnished to the Author by the designer,

Glasgow.

283

The
1895, she taking

27

starts;

first

place

Sailing-Boat.

with 16

Vida II. following with 7

Possibly owing to this proof

first,

firsts,

that

second,

6 seconds,

competition with

" Vida I"

of

prizes

out

of

Vida II. was not hopeless,

in

member who

when eight new

The Eoyal Western

1898,

bringing the strength of the class up to 15.

Yacht Club, acting on behalf

third

for 19 starts.

sail-pla

a great increase of interest in the class was evidenced

boats were built,

and

and 1 third

preferred to

remain anonymous,

presented a cup to be awarded to the boat having the best average for the season,

284

calculated

by points

according' to

by Vida II., which thus resumed

13

with a record of
Mavis, both
places

new

and Restricted

One-Design

The

firsts,

boats,

respectively.

system laid down.

her

Classes.

This trophy was carried

accustomed place at the head of the

seconds, and

-f

thirds, out of

designed by Mr. Win.

Fife,

jun.,

33

starts.

took

JEspada and

second

Klysma changed hands before the beginning

of

off

class

and third
the

season,

The
and occupied a

Sailing-Boat.

prominent position on the prize

less

than that to which she had

list

attained in the previous season.

Only one new

boat,

by Mr. Alfred Mylne,

any advantage until

to

by name Lola, was added

brought out her latent

the class

to

in

1899, designed

The Lola did not show

the season was well advanced, when a new suit of sails

to the order of

Mr. M. H. Paterson.

more than

but too late to enable her to take

capabilities,

a modest place in the season's averages.

Though
previous

racing was

the
in

the total of boats belonging to the class was somewhat less than in the
yet

season,

number of starters was practically the same, and

The donor of the aggregate cup presented
handsome trophy again falling to Vicla TL.

the average

every whit as keen.

1898 repeated

his gift, the

The championship

of

the class has thus been held

seven seasons which have

the

since

Vicla II., the latter

having earned his

enough

original

type

boats

of

the

class,

for conversion into cruisers,

racing more
has,

consequent

by Mr. Wylie

organisation

flag since 189-3,

she has had to meet a constant succession of

The

the

of

or

less

however,

regularly in

proceeded

shallowing

of

the

and are

the

in

such

the

new
as

still

handicap
direction

underwater

286

for six out of

the

During these seasons Mr. Wylie has had but two

present basis.

and

elapsed

on

its

Vicla

I.

class

boats,

and during

this period

boats.
Vicla

1.

and

Pike,

were roomy

to the fore in that capacity, while

classes.

of

body

The development

decreased

and

lower

of

displacement,
freeboard,

the

with

thereby

and Restricted

One-Design

The

Classes.

reducing the head-room to such an extent that the modern boats are useless for cruising
purposes.

The

strong in competitors during

has not been so

class

the season just closed

(1900) as in the two previous years, the average number of starters not exceeding
Yida II was withdrawn from the class very early in the season, and her
eight,

much

absence did

damp

to

the interest

taken in the racing between the boats of

this class.

The Mavis
the latter

is

seems to have made the best average,

one of the two

new

23-footers

which joined the

Psyche II.
class at the

coming next

commencement

of the season.

THE CLYDE 17-FOOT WATER-LINE

This

was re-organized

class

constitution

of

Length over

the

all,

23-fodt

19

ft,

From

\>y

class;

length,

CLASS.

Committee which,

the
the

following

water

line,

Mr.

a fihoto by

17

II'.

in

1892,

arranged the

restrictions

being

agreed to:

ft,

total

sail

area

470

sq.

ft.,

centre-boards,

tin,

Harold Fraser, Glasgow.

" Hatasoo."

of

which not more than three-fourths might be mainsail.

No

or bulb-keels.

The

class

attained

to

some popularity, the most successful boats up

to

1894

being Harlequin, Celia, and Rosalind.

number

of

new

boats appeared in that year, some from designs by Mr. G. L.

287

The
Watson, and one by Mr. William
Bain,

first

The

prize

proved

was

so fast that in an}'

till

boats

owned by Mr. James

design from

the

other boats of

but very strong winds the destination of

Hatasoo did much

the end of the season of

first place,

kill

to

1897,

by the same designer were

deprive her of

latter boat,

in

practically a foregone conclusion.

great success of

continued

new

The

Fife, jim.

and named Hatasoo, differed considerably

the class, and

the

Sailing- Boat.

it

built to

and she finished her

the

class

and though racing

attracted but little attention.

Two

meet Hatasoo, but were unable

career,

to

which was terminated by the

expiry of the class at the end of 1897, with a record of one hundred prizes.

THE CLYDE 19-FOOT WATER-LINE

The

CLASS.

rules governing the 17-foot Class having resulted in the

development of an

undesirable

type of boat, a general desire was expressed that the class should be

allowed

lapse.

assisted

to

Conference

of

representatives

of

the

Clyde

Yacht

Clubs,

by the leading designers, was therefore held at the close of the season 1896,
of framing a rule whereby a more wholesome type of boat might be

with the object

produced, and the following restrictions were agreed upon

Dimensions.

ordinary spars,

Length
sails,

on L.W.L. 19

ft.,

to

be measured without crew, but with

and gear (including anchor and chain) on board

288

length over

24

all

ft.

straight

no

line;

taken at 6 of
-

Tax

part

the

of

boat to project abaft

beam not to be
L.W.L. from bow.

In

further condition shall be imposed,

To

viz.

shall

be

draft

is

taken at the
or exceeds

measurement
the

part

applied

in

of

('

draft

the

If

or

distance

of

of

12

of

the

sail

S
In this formula

to

minimum beam

L.W.L. from bow,

the

boat

at

at

that

point

line

AB

inches, the

be

^/~M~S

following

less

shall

The point B

AB.

above

is

the

section

a straight liue

line

the

section,

than 5

if

feet,

such
the

feet.

to

the

excess

carried

which must be a

L.W.L. on a

the

diagram by the

draft

from the

hollow, exceeds

reduction

following formula

extreme
feet.

to

Classes.

stern-post,
at

in.

the

in

the

ft.

be taken to an assumed draft of 5

shall

saffitta,

deepest

shown

addition
:

a section of the boat, taken at

be applied in the method

If

than

less

Small Displacement.

on

and Restricted

One-Design

The

by

side of

the

in inches over

the

boat,

boat

at

the

12 shall be

according

to

the

E'2 ) 2

S = Actual sail area to be carried by the boat.

MS = Maximum sail area allowed for the class.
E Excess sagitta in inches over the untaxed sagitta

For example, taking two boats, one with 12 inches

289

allowed.

of hollow,

and the other with

p p


The
16

Sailing-Boat.

would carry the

former

the

inches,

full

area (S) of the latter would he fixed as follows

The
sacrifice

ft.

No bulbs,
To be a

shall

Total

not exceed

500

feet,

while the

sail

(22-36 -1-33') 2

21-03 2

442 square

feet.

would require

for 4 inches' extra IioUoav the boat

and

the

and the

sail

The

jib.

to

be allowed.

angle of the gaff not to be more than

gaff not to be less than half the length of the

area not to exceed 500 square feet,

proportion of -80

spinnakers

measured from the goose-neck

To be limited

Crew

of

(22-36-16") 2

fin-keels, or centre-boards to

65 from the horizontal,

triangle to be

area

of sail.

gaff mainsail

Sail Area

sail
:

2 2
(,\/ 500 -4 )

would thus he that

effect

about 58

Keel

Rig

=
=
=
=
=

of

boom.

whereof the mainsail

allowed, the

base of the

fore

mainboom.

to five.

The Conference agreed

that the period of duration of the

new

class

should be

coincident with that of the 23-footers, viz., five years from the close of season 1897;

but that

should be recognised for the season 1897 should any boats be built in

it

time to compete.
Several boats,

mostly built to the rule, took advantage of the provision as to

recognition for the

honours

of

the

season 1897, and

class

were carried

some interesting racing was the

off

by

Verenia,

The

result.

designed and built at Fairlie

second place falling to Trebor, designed aud built by McLean, of Eoseneath.

The

season of 1898 brought additions to the

the prize-list being headed

class,

Mr. E. Clark's Vashti, a new boat designed by Mr. Alfred Mylne, with a record

29 prizes out

of

40

starts.

Verenia

took

by
of

second place from Zitella by a narrow

margin.

Two new

boats joined the class in 1899

and Jean, from the board

to the class, to

carried off

of

Trini/a,

Mr. Alfred Mylne.

designed by Mr.

An

W.

Fife, juu.,

aggregate cup was presented

be raced for on a basis similar to that of the 23-footers, and was

by Tringa, which earned 90 points out

of a possible 108.

Zitella

and Ceres

took second and third places respectively.

The

class has

perhaps not become quite so popular as was expected by

its

pro-

moters, although the restrictions have to a certain extent had the desired result of

evolviug a more capable type of boat than the superseded 17-footers.

It is regrettable

that the rules were not framed to allow of the boats being built with counters,

290

as

their appearance
also benefited

by

and Restricted

One-Design

The

Classes.

would have been much improved thereby, while they would have

The

speed.

in

box-counter

objectionable

might have been avoided

a simple restriction.

When

1900 opened,

season of

the

no fewer than

siderably augmented,

new

boats

class

had been con-

having been built

to the

new

Valmai (Mr. Eobt. Clark), making the best record for

one of these, the

restrictions,

was found that the

it

five

the season's racing, Tringa, the previous year's champion, occupying a comparatively

obscure position in this year's results.

The Valmai, which heads the

Cup.

list

with 31

prizes, is also

the winner of the points

and her prizes include the Clyde Corinthian (No. 2) Tarbet

Valmai was from a design by Mr. Alfred Mylne. MemsaMb, which ranks

competition of her

The

second in the

class,

with 24 wins,

class,

also a

is

Mylne

boat.

THE CLYDE 20-TON ONE-DESIGN

CLASS.

This is a new class (1899) it was the outcome of a desire on the part of several
owners to have a boat of medium size, speedy, strongly built, and with good cruising
;

accommodation.
necessary

to

This combination being unattainable under the Y.R.A. rules,

build

other

to

principle of a one-design class Avas adopted.

Plans

submitted to the intending owners by Mr.

Alfred

Mylne were

dimensions are

and

35

of

five

Length

ft.;

beam,

all,

11

50

ft.;

fine,

room}

room

in the saloon amidships.

r
,

cruising

pole-masted cutters,
of canvas, of

ft.

length on

draught,

with

boats,

six

They

and they carry

ft,;

They

are

head-

feet

are rigged as

1,700

sq.

which the mainsail takes 900

the topsail 225 sq.

The

boats to those lines.

over

10 tons of lead on the keel.

ballast,

The

was

accepted, and commissions at once issued

for the building

L.W.L.,

it

and the

restrictions,

sq.

Clyde 20-ton Class (mid-section).

ft.
ft,,

the fore-triangle 575 sq.

ft.,

and

ft.

illustrations

are from

drawings kindly furnished by the designer, Mr. Alfred

Mylne.

"When the yachts made

of

their appearance at the

1899 their attractive appearance, symmetrical

were the subject

first

races

of

general

showed that they

approbation,

while

also possessed

291

opening matches of the season

outline,

their

and internal accommodation

j>erformances

an excellent turn

in

of speed.

these their

The

sailing

The

Sailing-Boat.
o

292


The

and Restricted

One-Design

Classes.

matches throughout the season were very keenly contested, with the results appearing

hy the following

table,

which gives the class-racing only

Prizes.

JS'oyra

Tigris

Avalon
Snarleyyow.
Vagrant
'

Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.

M. Greenlees
T.

Wotlierspoou

0.

Maolver

A. F.

MacLaren

Gubbins

The
The
but

at

though primarily a

class,

the close of the

'

Sailing- Boat.
local one, did not confine its racing to

Clyde Fortnight

'

home

waters,

proceeded to Belfast Lough and Dublin

Bay, and there took part in the regattas of the local clubs.

The yachts have given

great satisfaction, and have amply fulfilled their owners' expectations.

fell

In the season of 1900, yacht-racing on the Clyde during the 'Clyde Fortnight'
It was,
flat owing to the absence of most of the larger class of racing-yachts.

\v

Mr.

therefore, left to those of the smaller classes to

of

these the One-Design 20-ton boats of the

interesting

and keenly contested matches

found that

Avalon was

and Vagrant

third.

of the racing,

points cup,

found

foremost

in

of

points

IT.

H arold Frascr,

fill

new

the gajjs in the programme, and

class

the season
of

Glasgy

provided some of the most

;

and in the result

competition,

Noyra

being

it

was

second

Rosemary, a new boat built at Dumbarton, was, at the close

at the

bottom

Noyra heads the

list

of the list.

of

Although Avalon takes the aggregate

the class in prizes, and Snarleyyow

second in that respect.

2',)i

is

a good

The

One-Design

and Restricted

Classes.

CLYDE ONE-DESIGN BOATS OE THE INNELLAN CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUB.

This Club was started in the winter
of small boats at a

moderate

cost.

It

of

was

1895 with the object

of

forming a class

at first intended that all the boats should

Start of "Innellan

" O.D.

Cla

be of one design, but there being some dissension as to type,

a division took place,

with the result that a number

by Messrs.

of the boats

Paterson, of Greenock, and almost as

many

were built

to a different

Mr.

IV.

'Lola" (Innellan Class).

295

to plans

Harold F,

J.

model by Ninian,

& H. M.
of Largs.


The
There were thus two types

Sailing-Boat.

of

showing Mr. Herbert Brown's Lola

and

third prizes for 34 starts.

proved

and able

fast

Length

dimensions:
3

draft,

little

over

Lola

is

They

second,

first,

one of the Largs-built boats, which have

are clincher

and

built,

following

the

of

length water-line, loft.; beam,

17ft.;

the

of

of the seasons

4 in.;

ft.

ft.

The other type was from

who

have the best average with 19

to

ships.

all,

One-Design boats carrying the burgee

Very keen racing ensued, the records

Club, in all numbering twent}^.

a design

by Messrs.

J.

and H. M. Paterson,

in preparing the design were required to keep in

view the

Greenock,

of

essential conditions

that the boats were to be cheap, fast, and safe.

The

original dimensions were, after their first season, slightly extended, they

with bowsprits, their keels lowered, and the

fitted

200

sq.

The following

ft.

dimensions

Length

water-line, 15
sail area,

decked

200

ft.

4 in.

sq. ft.

over
;

area increased from

are,

therefore, the

all,

17

beam, 5

ft.

ft.

3 in.

were

150 to

amended

length on load
draft, 3

lead on keel, 104; cwt.

ft.

6 in.

They

are

over with the exception of the cockpit, the

all

narrowest part of the

clincher built,

are

sail

of

deck being 10-^

larch

in.

The boats

and yellow pine on elm

frames, and are copper-fastened throughout.

"Innellan "

midship

The combined fleet of the class became so numerous

it was found necessary to constitute two sections in

that
sectit

order to avoid crowding at the sailing-matches

or the

Largs

The

section, comprising

illustrations are

12 boats

No.

2, or

jSTo.

1,

the Gourock section, comprising 14.

from drawings kindly sent by Messrs. Paterson, and show

the form of hull, with midship section and

sail plan.

296

The

One- Design

'

and Restricted

Classes.

Innellan " Corinthian One-Design Class sail pla

297

'}

The

Sailing- Bo at.

THE TAY "SEABIBD,"

IS

ft.

L. E.

298

ONE-DESIGN CLASS.

At

and

One-Design

The

the half-yearly meeting of the

Restricted Classes.

members

of the

Eoyal Tay Yacht Club, held on the 31st March, 1898,

it

was decided

linear raters,

Glasgow,
Class.'

Bros.

&

the

to

form

One-Design Class

18

of

ft.

from a design by Mr. Alfred Mylne,

boats

These boats were

Co., Ltd., at

known

be

to

all

built

as

the

'

of

Seabird

by Messrs. Gourlay

Dundee, and are sloop rigged, the

gaff-mainsail having Turner's patent boom-reefing gear.

They have proved

to

be capital

little boats,

fast,

V
Rater

midship

sectic

weatherly, and comfortable, and have afforded excellent

sport.

The racing has been very

close,

Osprey having the best record over the

two seasons they have beeu in commission, with

Tay "Seabird"

Class, 18-ft. Linear

291)

Rater-

first

sail pla

and 6 second prizes out

of

The
15

starts.

The

illustrations

Sailing-Boat.
o

on pages 298-9 are from drawings kindly furnished by

Mr. Alfred Mylne, the designer, from which

it

will

be seen that they are boats

great stability and powerful capacity.

THE HOLY LOCH SAILING CLUB ONE-DESIGN

n

Holy Loch O. D. Class body and deck

300

pla

CLASS.

of

One-Design

The
The Holy Loch

0. D. Class

and Restricted

was founded

the Spring Meeting of the Sailing Club,

it

Classes.

in the early part of the year 1898,

was arranged that a

when,

at

special class of centre-

board sailing-boats, from a design by Mr. Alfred Mylne, should be built, and adopted
Length over
bv the Club as a One-Design Class. The following are the dimensions
:

all,

16

ft.

Gin;

length on L.W.L., 10

ft.;

beam,

ft.

6 in.

beam

at

L.W.L., 6ft,;

The

Sailing-Boat.

BELFAST LOUGH ONE-DESIGN CLASSES.

Belfast Lough, the northern yachting centre
Ulster

Yacht Clnb,

of

which the Marquis

of Ireland, the

Dufferin

of

admirably adapted for boat-sailing and yacht-racing

comparative freedom from currents inside the

Start of Class

The Harbour
its

of Carrickfergus affords the safest

its

waters to 6

their

lovely

the
'

feet,

members

canoeing, single-handed boat sailing,

'

and (Mock Point.

anchorage inside the Lough, but

hence limiting the draft of vessels

all his

of

was scarcely a pleasure-sail upon

maritime diversion

by yacht-racing and

was a happy reminiscence,

many

duties, to find

of the

represented

lifetime been a staunch supporter of yachting

and

years' absence abroad

is

on his diplomatic

it

by

cruising.'

boat-sailing, always his favourite recreation,

annual gathering

is

Royal Ulster Yacht Club, the noble

of the

thirty years ago there

Lough, but now every form

The noble Marquis has

Royal

3 ins.

ft.

At a recent meeting of
Commodore observed that

of the

Commodore,

I.

entrance shallows at low water to only a few

navigating

is

a fine open sheet of water with

Heads

'

home

and Ava

him again presiding

and

after
at the

Royal Ulster Yacht Club and taking a keen and lively interest

in the sailing-matches of the

One-Design

Classes.

302

One-Design

The

and Restricted

The new Club House of the Eoyal Ulster Yacht Club

Commodore in April, 1899, is a fine

formally opened by the

worthy memorial

of the popularity to

Classes.
at

Bangor, which was

substantial building, a

which yachting and boat- sailing have attained in

those parts, and of the success and prosperity of the Club under the presidency of the

noble Commodore.

During the

last

the auspices of the

bourhood

of

the

few years great

members

Belfast

of

strides

have been made in yacht-racing under

the various Yacht and Sailing Clubs in the neigh-

Lough, mainly due

to

the

formation of the One-Design

Classes.

Prior to the year 1897 the idea of a One-Design Class had been acted upon by

the Bangor Corinthian Sailing Club (co. Down), which had four 2| raters (Shibbeal
type),

by

18-footers

Fife, in

1889; four 18-footers L.W.L. {Ulah type), by

L.W.L. (Uarda

type),

by G.

L. Watson, in

Fife, in

1891;

I.

five

1893; and six 15-foot C.B.

'Tadpoles' [Fidget type), by Vincent Craig, in 1896.

These were all in their way successful boats, and fine racing among themselves
was enjoyed during the years they were in commission.
The present Belfast Lough One-Design Classes were started with the utmost
care and forethought, all the experience gained in former years being applied to
ensure that the cost of the boats should meet the purse of the majority

combine as

far as possible the qualities of a racer

with the comforts

their build

of a cruiser

and, in the junior classes, special safety of construction for the passages between the
local

yachting centres such as Larue, Donaghadee, Ballywalter, Ardglass, Strangford

303

The

Sailing-Boat.

Lough, &c, a stretch of very forbidding

strong currents

of

the tides,

coast-line,

where the

with the attendant choppy

easterly

seas,

winds and the

necessitate an extra

streak of freeboard.

being six clubs in the Lough,

There

members

owners in each

it

was determined that owners should be

one of them, and that Committees should be formed of

least

of at

class,

all

the

thus ensuring that every boat received equal representation as

regards the formation of the sailing bye-laws, whilst the general rules were to be

and

similar for

to strictly

govern

all

classes irrespectively that

might be formed.

This enabled one secretary to undertake the complete management and control of
plans, specifications,

method

of

&c, and educated,

as

it

were, owners in the smaller classes to a

harmonious working which would be

in

eveiy respect

similar

in

event of their becoming possessed of one of the larger class boats at a future date.

304

the

The
CLASS

One-Design
I.

and Restricted

Classes.

OF THE BELFAST LOUGH ONE-DESIGN CLASSES.

305

R E

The
Class I.

The boats

and are known as the

of
'

this class

Sailing-Boat.
o
were designed by Mr.

Sea-bird Class,' each boat being

Flamingo, Halcyon, Merle, Tern, Whimbrel, and

The dimensions and other

Belfast

over

all,

37

ft.

3 in.

Lough, Class

I.,

length on L.W.L., 25

ft.

of coach roof, 5

measurement, 9 tons

registered tonnage, 5-80

coach roof, skylight, full counter,

Cutter-rig, Sails

flat

main-sail (laced

ft,

keel

9 in.

all

boats of this

L.W.L.-

.-5-lt.

head-room under heam

Fife, jun., of Fairlie,

after a

sea-bird, as

Widgeon.

of the

particulars

W.

named

are

: Length

sail pla

team, 8
sail area,

weight
deck

class

ft.

8 in.

848

sq.

ft.

draft,
;

ft.

tonnage,

of cast-iron keel, 3 tons 5 cwt.

fittings of teak.

foot 3 battens), top-sail, foresail, 1st jib,

306

3 in.

Thames

2nd

jib,

spitfire jib,

and Restricted

One-Design

The

balloon-jib, balloon-foresail,

Classes.

spinnaker, and trysail.

Builder, J. Hilditcli,

Carrickfergus.

Nine boats were

built to Class

The guiding

I.

grasped at the outset that a class of boats

among

and

themselves,

all

for the

one

of

or

minutes slower than other boats in making a course mattered

was 5

9 in. head-room under

ft.

an all-round comfortable

beams

of

coach

roof,

more being a few

little

when

the offset

plenty of freeboard, and generally

made such passages

craft that

con-

had been

fact

same design would race only

of the

chance

the

therefore

that

design and

principle in the

was comfort, not speed

struction of the boats of tbis class

as crossing to

the Clyde

or

English waters a pleasant cruise.

CLASS

BELFAST LOUGH ONE-DESIGN CLASSES.

II.

Class II. of the Belfast

Fife, jun.

Class
hull

I.,

which

is

of similar

but the Class

II.

keel,

all,

24

ft.

model

boats

Classes are also from a design

much

sail area,

2nd

ft.

and other
;

354-51
jib,

beam,
sq.

ft.

6
;

fact,

and not

in.

so full-bodied

Belfast.

particulars are
ft.

by Mr. W.

designed before

the same appearance in

Mr. R. E. Workman,

photo by

(laced foot 3 battens), 1st jib,

and were, iu

they have therefore

length L.W.L., 15

weight 15^ cwt.

boats,

are a trifle finer in the lines,

Their dimensions

proportionately.

over

Lough 0. D.

These are beautifully constructed

as

draft, 3

ft,

under
6 in.

Length
cast-iron

rig as per drawing, p. 309, main-sail

balloon jib, and spinnaker

decked, cockpit 8

ft.

The
by 4

&

ft.

Co.;

in., full

of two,

counter, flat keel

John

Hilditcli

Sailing-Boat.
;

all fittings teak.

of two,

Builders of

five,

A. Hutchinson

P. Mclveown.

To those who might desire to follow such a type of boat it is suggested that a
say, 2 ft. and less of a cut-away at the forestep,
little more length on the water-line

308

One-Design

The
would insure

their

not carry on enough

being

less

and Restricted

fidgety

when going about

handle

to

in

tack, the result of

having

lost

of the boat Sheelah in a squall is

Belfast

CLASS
Class

III.

way on coming

Lough One-Design

Class

stone.

Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Pearl,

II.

II

BELFAST LOUGH ONE-DESIGN CLASSES.

III. of the Belfast

some precious

much when meeting the wind on a

The illustration on page 149,

about.

one of the Belfast Lough One-Design Class

Lough

0.

D. Classes.

designed by Mr. Linton Hope, and are termed

after

they are too quick in stays, do

bad weather, consequently, unless handled

with great care, they are apt to heel over rather too

new

Classes.

'

named

Emerald,

Iolite,

Thus they have Amethyst,

and Peridot.
309

These are centre-board boats,

Jewels,' each of the boats being

Bert/1,

Coral,

The
The dimensions, &c,
length on L.W.L., 17

board down, 5
area,

ft,

276 square

Owing

to

ft.

6 in.

feet.

Sailing-Boat.

of the hoats

beam,

weight

ft,

this

of

6 in.

class

of centre board, 3 cwt.

Decked, cockpit,

the fact that nearly

all

over
in.

all,

24

owners in Class

m.
III.

ft.;

draft, centre

inside ballast, 15 cwt.

Builder,

full counter.

the

Length

board up, 18

are:

draft, centre

sail

Eoberts, Chester.

use Cultra as an

anchorage, Avhere the tide ebbs far out on a shallow beach, these boats were fitted with
centre-boards dropping through a dead-wood keel, iron shod,

hauling them up.

The}'- are a

very popular

class,

making

it

convenient for

inexpensive, and therefore within

the reach of most amateur boat-owners.

Mr. J. McC leery.

'Opal," Belfast Lough "Jewel" Class.

With regard

to the three classes

Boats, nine were in the

Class III.

first

above described

instance built to

and thus an immediate increase

Class

of the Belfast
I.,

Lough One-Design

nine to Class

of twenty-eight boats of

were classed and arranged in suitable groups, thereby ensuring a

II.,

and ten

to

modern design

well-filled race at

every regatta and club- match in the Lough and neighbouring Avaters throughout the
season.

Belfast

And

every year since,

Lough One-Design

new boats have been built in each class,

now form a somewhat numerous fleet.

Classes

310

so that the

The

One-Design

and Restricted

Belfast Lough, Class

III.,

I7'.

311

L.W.L., "Jewel" Class

Classes.

The
BELFAST LOUGH

Sailing-Boat.
NEW ONE-DESIGN

312

CLASS.

The

and Restricted

One -Design

Mylne,

of

Classes.

The boats

Glasgow, and are 30

for the

over

ft.

new

all

20

class are

from a design by Mr. Alfred

feet on the

If tons sail area, 550 sq. ft.

They are therefore a middle class, coming between Classes
ft.

draft, Avith iron keels

Belfast

The boats
is

'

Lough

JfEW and additional class has recently (1899) been added to the Belfast

One-Design
and 5

Classes.

are decked

all

L.W.L.

ft.

6 ins. beam,

Lough 20

ft.

New

I.

and

II.,

above described.

One-Design CI

which

over, with the exception of the cock-pit, the fore part of

coach-roofed,' with good cabin accommodation for two.

This makes five classes of the Belfast Lough One-Design Boats, ranging from the
25-footers before mentioned

down

to the diminutive

but interesting

little

boats termed

the Insect Class.

313

The
The

boats of the

New

Sailing- Boat.

Class are, according to the old rating,

what would be termed

2-5 raters.

The

rig

It will

is

mainsail and foresail only.

be seen from the particulars stated and plans of the design that they are a

Belfast

Lough 30

ft.

New

One-Design Cla

deep-bodied poAverful type of boat, with cabin accommodation aboard such as

is

not

usually found (in these days of fin and bulb-keelers) aboard yachts of such a tonnage,

except in some of
Belfast

the m-ost approved of

Lough One-Design

the One-Design Classes, as Class

boats.

314

I.

of the

One-Design

The

and

Restricted

THE ULSTER SAILING CLUB "INSECT"

This

a class of small open sailing-boats, each

is

named

Classes.

CLASS.
after

an

insect.

centre-board boats, with. a dagger plate drop-keel, from a design by Mr.

These are

W. M.

Inglis

of the Ulster Sailing; Club.

Mr. R. E.

There are 12 boats in

area of 117 sip

ft. all

this class.

one

in

sail,

as

Their dimensions are 14

shown

"A

The Dublin Bay

Kingstown

are

from designs by Mr.

over
6

ft.

all,

38

3 ins.

They

ft.

in

the

ins.

sail area,

ft,,

with a

sail

2o-FOOTERS.

W.

1898 by the Dublin

Fife, jun.,

sq. ft.

Bay

Club.

Sailing

The boats
Length

and their principal dimensions are

length (load water-line), 25

800

by 5

Class" (or 25-footers) are a One- Design Class established

year

ft.

in the illustration above.

THE DUBLIN BAY

at

II

d " Hornet."

Ulster "Insect" Class-

ft.

beam, 8

ft.

ins.

draft.

lead on keel, 3 tons 5 cwts.

are practically similar to the Belfast

so far only as regards the particulars

Lough One-Design

above stated.

315

Boats, Class

I.,

but

The Belfast Lough Boats were

Sailing-Boat.
&

The

W.

undoubtedly also designed by Mr.

Fife, junr.

from them in several very important features.

but the Dublin Bay boats

In the

first place,

Lough have

Class have lead ballast on their keels, whilst those of Belfast

differ

new Dublin Bay

the

iron

in the

Bay boats have less displacement, consequently less interior

accommodation the Dublin Bay boats have a somewhat finer midship section, the result
and further, the Dublin Bay boats were far more costly to
of less displacement
next place, the Dublin
;

build than the Belfast Lou<>;h boats.

THE WATER WAGS.

Kingstown Harbour,

the

home

of the

Royal Alfred Yacht Club, the Eoyal

minor boat-sailing

St.

The Harbour

clubs.

is

Water Wags,

even at low- water the depth being 14 or 15

The Water Wags

The

year 1878.

are the earliest of the

origin of the design

is

the headquarters of the

well adapted for boat-sailing and yachting,

affording a safe anchorage, with good depth of water

tide,

is also

George's, the Royal Irish, and some other

and

accessible at all times of

is

ft.

One-Design

somewhat

Classes, dating as far

interesting.

back as the

Tradition says that a

youthful boat-sailor of Shankill, Co. Dublin, having become possessed of a

Praam, conceived the idea

centre-board sailing-boat;
contrived to

he

fitted to

make out

of

of converting his frail

but strongly-built

and having obtained a piece

it

the bottom of his

contriving

Xorway

craft into a

old iron boiler-plate,

of

a small revolving keel, which,

Praam amidships,

little

it

by way
so that

he

of experiment,

on beaching his

boat on the sands at Shankill, the plate (which weighed nearly a cwt.) could be lifted

and taken out

of the boat, which was then hauled up on the beach as before.

The
experiment proved a remarkable success, and he named his boat the Cemiostama. He
rigged her generously with a good-sized sail of lug-like shape, very much the same as

the present rig of the succeeding generation of

splendidly,

right

and could lay a course

gallantly,

to

the

would-be Water Wags.

and admiration

surprise
It Avas

Water Wags.

The Cemiostama

sailed

close to the wind, carrying her sail in a stiff breeze

of

the

boat-sailing

fraternity

of

found that the boiler-plate keel answered the purpose

of ballast as well as that of enabling the boat to hold her course and be Avorked to
windward without making leeway, and when put about she responded to her helm as
faithfully as if turning on a pivot
and on beaching her the revolving keel was raised,
and she rode over the surf and ran in on to the beach in a few inches of surf water,
;

which, on receding,

left

her stranded on the beach on her

flat,

round-shaped bottom in

a perfectly upright position.

The

success of the Cemiostama as an experimental sailing-boat immediately led to

316

and Restricted

One-Design

The

Classes.

the building of several other centre-board boats (not Praams), but all open sailino-

boats 13

in length, with 4

ft.

10

ft.

The boats proved such excellent

beam, each carrying the same extent of sail.

and so well adapted to the purpose of

in.

little sea-boats,

cruising along the coast and beaching, that in 1887 an association

name given

droll

to

it

the

of

'

Water

Wag

was formed, and the

members

the

Association,'

chiefly of youths

(amateur boat

town Harbour.

In their new quarters the Association has flourished beyond

consisting

but gradually the Association grew in importance,

match-sailing became general among them, and the Water Wags migrated to Kingspation

sailors)

and sailing matches have been got up for them

neighbourhood, the popularity of which

is

abundantly

special prizes that are offered for competition as

to

come and

of this, the old type,

same design and sail-spread

and the

skill

by the number

testified

an inducement

to the

of

Water Wags

had a

fleet of

upwards

20 boats,

of

the

all of

with which they were managed, the closeness

and the excitement and amusement they have afforded from time

have been much appreciated by the throngs

the

antici-

them.

sail for

The Water Wags

of the contests,

all

at all the local regattas in the

who come

of spectators

to

time

to see the sports of

Water Wags.

The

limitations of a

shall not

exceed 13

ft.,

Water

Wag

with beam 4

boat of the old class are

ft.

the drawings and specifications of the

tions that the mast,

be placed farther

aft

from top
than 21

10

ins.,

Water

and that she

Wag

of keel to truck,

ins.

that

Among which

Club.

shall not exceed

from the outer side

her length over

all

be built according to

shall

13

are the stipula-

ft.,

and

shall not

That the pivot of

of the stem.

the centre-plate shall be permanently fixed in position in the keel, and no portion of the
plate

when

fully hauled

up

of steel or galvanised iron

shall project

thick

in.

below the keel-band.

The

centre-plate to be

the exposed area cut exactly to the Club model,

which contains 2^ superficial ft. the front edge of the plate, when fully lowered,
be vertical, and be 5 ft. 3 ins. from the outside of stem.
;

It will thus

be seen that every precaution was taken to have

in every respect, so that their success in match-sailing

all

shall

the boats identical

depended mainly on the

skill

with which they were handled.

The

New

Class of Water Wags.

For

several years past a project has been on foot

amongst the Water Wags for the introduction

until the latter part of the year

that a
J.

new type

of boat be

of a larger type of boat,

1899 that the proposal was carried

adopted for the Water

Wag

it

but

it

Club, from a design

E. Doyle, of Kingstown (the designer of the Colleens), the

new

was not

was then resolved

by Mr.

boats to be 14

3 ins. in length (the extra 3 ins. to be utilised in giving the boats a raked transom)

ft.

by

6 ins. beam
and the sail area 110 sq. ft. the rig a lugsail and foresail.
Through the courtesy of Mr. J. B. Stephens the author is enabled to give illustrations of the form and design of the new class of Water Wags, together with sail plan,

ft.

317

The

Sailing-Boat.
o

One-Design

The

and Restricted

Classes.

dimensions, and other particulars, as approved at a general meeting of the

held on the 31st January, 1900.

new

boats of the

class,

It will be seen

whilst retaining

all

the characteristics of the old class, are larger,

being longer and broader than the others, and enabled to carry larger

same time have greater power as

be loose-footed

to the sails for the

of quality as per

exceed 12

The

No

ins.

foresail to

The spinnaker
yard,

and

of

new

of 11-in. cloths, material to

Water Wags:

and be

New

design are

weigh

and

That

ozs.
5-f

at the

the main-

per square yard,

Class sail plan.

sample deposited with Hon. Secretary.

Eound

in foot not to

battens allowed.

be of same material as the

to

lugsail.

be of 34-in. cloths and of material weighing

o|- ozs.

quality as per sample deposited with Hon. Secretary.

not to exceed 15

sails,

sea-boats.

The requirements with regard

sail (lugsail)

Water Wags

from the dimensions stated that the

per square

Round

in

foot

ins.

Dimensions shown on
lengths to which the

sail

sail

plan for

luff,

head and foot

can be pulled out on the spars.

319

of lugsail are the

maximum

The
The dimensions shown
hold

Sailing-Boat.
and spinnaker are those which the

for foresail

sails

are to

when new.

Twelve boats were

from Mr.

J.

built in the early part of the year

new

E. Doyle's

were afterwards rigged

design,

in accordance

members

for

by them during the

merry matches

of Belfast,

Club,

and

The new

stated.

Several matches were

owners.

and the competition among them was keen and

season,

and the excitement and interest taken in the contests were as

spirited,

as in the

At

Wag

Water

the

with the requirements above

boats appear to have given great satisfaction to the

sailed

1900 by McKeown,

of

full

and complete

of the past.

the close of the season

it

was found that Kelpie headed the

San Toy being a good second with

list

with six wins,

five wins.

THE MERMAIDS.

Another

class of boat

was adopted by the Dublin Bay

design to that of the Water Wags, but larger, being 18

entirely open boats with

centre-board, and sailed without

a crew of three or four persons,

to

windward on every tack.

But as the Mermaids
'

called

Colleens,'

'

'

are

who

act the part of

now an

will be needless to

it

'

The

'

Droleens

'

are a

ballast,

beam,

but allowed to carry

themselves

live ballast,' shifting

extinct class, being superseded

by

new

class,

add any further particulars regarding them.

THE "DKOLEEN" ONE-DESIGN

fleet

CLASS.

Bray

Sailing Club,

then consisting of seven boats.

Their class-

One-Design Dinghy Class

adopted as such in the year 1897, the

Sailing Club of similar

in length with 6-ft.

ft.

of boats of the

name Droleens is derived from the Irish Drblin a Wren.

The boats were designed by Mr. W. Ogilvy, of Dublin and Bray, who is also a
member of the Bray Sailing Club, and kindly sent the author the drawing and photo
'

'

from which the

illustrations

Their dimensions are

have been made.

Length

over

all,

12

ft.

beam,

Vm

ft.

They

are fitted with

steel.
a metal centre-board (or rather revolving-keel) of T
The boats are well and strongly built, according to specifications, by Foley, of
-

Ringsand.

The

rig of the

'

Droleens

'

is

a single lug-sail containing

320

100

sq. ft. of

yacht cotton,

Th e

One-Design

and Restricted

Classes.

the sail being cut so as to stand almost perpendicular at the head

They

also

carry a spinnaker, containing 46 sq.

before the wind, as

As

shown

of

ft.

" Droleen " Class

body

which allows the plate an exposed

pin on which

it

works

is

fairly set.

in the illustration below.

to the centre-plate revolving-keel, it is fitted so as to

in length,

when

double warp calico, for running

fitted to the keel

and

work

ft.

3 in.

sail plans.

area,

when

becomes locked and cannot unship when lowered out

67

sq. ft.

The

of the planking.

The

plate

let

on the outside

down,

of 3

of the horizontal position

readily to every obstruction on touching the ground under water,

321

in a slot 2

it

rises

and can be unshipped

T T

The
and

lifted out

when

required

Sailing-Boat.

and may then be stowed away conveniently on the bow

sheets.

The

Drbleens are not fitted with purchases of any kind.

" Droleen " Class Boat

The

sail is

hoisted by aid of a double halliard, which has a block and single fall in

the bight, which

is

forward.

These boats are sometimes exposed

can be

lifted,

When
five

when

ashore,

racing, the crew

safely.

They

are

management; and are

sail,

of

to

very rough usage

but although strongly built

by two men.
is

limited to two persons

but they are capable of carrying

very handy class of small sailing-boat for single-handed

so

safe

and sturdy a form that they can carry their whole

without reefing, in almost any weather that an open boat can be out

best point of sailing

is

tacking to windward with plenty of wind and

not infrequently encounter

off

sea,

the coast of Bray and neighbouring waters.

322

in.

Their

which they

The

One-Design

and Restricted

THE CORK HARBOUR ONE-DESIGN

This

is

Minister Yacht
class

1896

class of

Club.

was adopted

CLASS.

One-Design Boats originating with members

The

design

is

by Mr.

at the close of the season

six of the boats

Classes.

W.

1895,

Fife,

and

jun.,

at the

were ready and put in an appearance

of

the

Royal

Fairlee.

The

of

opening of that of

at the sailing

matches

Cork Harbour One-Design Class sail-plan.

of the

Club

and

all

which now comprises

The boats of the class are described as one-raters,
The illustration of sail-plan is from a tracing sent by

several boats have since been added to the class,

somewhat numerous

fleet.

are cutter rigged.

29.?,

The

Sailing-Boat.

the Honorary Secretary of the Eoyal Minister Yacht Club,

from which the reproduction has been made

no particulars as to the dimensions and other

body-plan and midship
respects.

The boats

section.

The

are,

undoubtedly, very fast iu a breeze.

when they were

five-raters

when

started on a 20-mile

had been sent

off

is

course,

also sent the photo

nor any

therefore

and are capable

Cork Harbour One-Design

they

details,

description

are all strongly built

who

but the author regrets that he has

drawings

incomplete

in

sea-boats, besides

of

the

those

which

Class.

This has been clearly demonstrated

exactly half-an-hour after a fleet of

on the same course in a strong wind and open

sea,

the O.-D. boats covered the distance in less than five minutes under the time of

the larger

class.

The boat named

Little

Devil (Mr.

324

J.

H. Gubbins) has perhaps

the best claim to the

and Elsie are close

The

and Restricted

One-Design

The

champion

of

title

the

of

fleet,

have been very successful from the

class appears to

hood nearly every week in the season

among them
and

in

the centres where One-Design

of

more equally distributed than

matches they

sailed,

in the O.-D. Class of

or three minutes

by these boats

by the Eoyal Cork Yacht Club,

Crawford) taking second

and

The members

Lough

draft,

and

sail

intention

Length

ft.

10

ft.

over

Howth

was the winner

prizes given

A. N.

Elsie (Mr.

this

of

S.

class

have been as keen

nowise diminished.

of the class is in

CLASS.

Club, following the example set them in

Sailing

similar

of

proportions

being that the

22

all,

The boats

in.

top-sail
in.

last of the fleet.

1900, for

of

sailed in the past season appears to

now abandoned.

Bater Class
are

the

of

boats

of

the

of the

1897 by the Belfast Lough Sailing Clubs, have instituted a One-

of

Design Class

In many

The competition between the boats

and the popularity

ever,

and

first

in the season

THE HOWTH SAILING CLUB ONE-DESIGN

the season

appears that nowhere

it

Cork Harbour.

between the

Little Devil

prize.

numerous matches they

and spirited as

and has become

although over lengthy courses, there was rarely (except in calms)

more than two

in the

first,

Cork Harbour and neighbour-

Classes have been established are honours

In the matches sailed

at the finish

Querida

at the close of their first season (1896) each

boat was enabled to display her string of winning flags

any

but Maureen, Minx,

rivals.

exceedingly popular, there being races

in

Classes.

ft.

class

to those of

The dimensions
8 in.

length

are sloop rigged

the Belfast

Class II. of

should take the place of the Halfof

the

Howth One-Design

on water-line,

17

ft,

beam,

Class
6

ft.

the sails consisting of main-sail, fore-

and although the boats are each

fitted

with a bowsprit extending

beyond the stem (being sloop-rigged) they do not carry a

jib.

The

boats of this class are decked over and have bows similar in form to those of the
local craft,

"box

but they are built without counters, or rather they have what are termed

counters," which give

ing, they are very capable

them a somewhat ungainly appearance;

little

fairly

craft,

but, notwithstand-

good sea-boats, and smart and handy

in " coming-about."

The

trial

match

of

this

One-Design Class was

sailed on the 4th of

in a steady north- westerly breeze, over a triangular course, thrice

thus

comprising

and a

spirited

total

race

distance

ensued

of

knots.

throughout

the

325

An
entire

excellent
contest,

round
start

May, 1898,
;

the course

was

but the

effected,

boat

Leila

The
(C.-A. Y. Yeo) having obtained
hiiish,

Sailing-Boat.

the

lead on the second round maintained

and was declared the winner in a

fair

and keenly contested

rsr-

END OF PAKT

520

V.

race.

it

to the

PART

VI.

AND SHOOTING

FISHING

BOATS.

FISHING BOATS.

SINCE

Exhibition at Kensington in the year

the great International Fisheries

1883, sea-fishing as a craft has made enormous

and exhibition

of the arts

strides.

and devices employed

The bringing together

for the capture of the various

kinds of food fish in different parts of the world gave an impetus to the craft of seafishing such as never before occurred.

The Exhibition was

a mutual revelation to the general fraternity of fishermen of

the secrets of their craft, the various kinds of boats, nets, tackle, trawls, hooks, baits,

and other appliances in use in different seas and

within the British Dominions, but in
exhibited were as
including

many

many

numerous and remarkable

that were

new and unknown

at different fishing localities not only

The appliances

other parts of the world.

they were various and ingenious,

as

to the generality of fishermen

and among

those that were known, some of a vastly improved and modernised type.
It

would, therefore, be strange indeed

from every part

of

if

who

the British Islands

among

the throngs of practical fishermen

visited that Exhibition

and viewed and

examined those various appliances, there were not many craftsmen who carried away
with them some useful wrinkles from among the numerous and ingenious devices there
displayed as to the capture of the finny occupants of the seas by fishermen in places

remote as well as near to our

own

fishing industries.

Boats and tackle of the most ancient and primitive type figured side by side with
those of the most

ment

modern and improved

in the craft of sea

fishing-boats

and river

and fishing-gear

of

and the

result has been an all-round advance-

fishing, as well as in the design

and construction

of

every kind.

Since that great Industrial Exhibition the various arts of sea-fishing have been
greatly simplified and extended, with the result that the toils of the fishermen have

been considerably lightened, and their successes steadily but surely increased.

paramount importance

is,

besides, the

improved type, design, and rig

327

But

of

of the fishing-boats

The

Sailing- Boat.
And

in various parts of the British Dominions.

although

sea- fishing boats of

what-

ever form and rig inevitably encounter perils in heavy weather and gales at sea, the

modern type and

ones

and

many

rig of

of the fishing craft are safer

and handier than the older

as a consequence fewer lives are lost than formerly in the pursuit of their

(sometimes) perilous calling.

The

sea-fishing boats of fifty years ago

were much smaller than now, the largest

seldom exceeding the burthen of 30 or 40 tons

by steamboat and railway

fresh fish

is

but owing to modern

facilities afforded

carriage to inland parts of the country, the time of transit of

demand

considerably diminished, and the

Sailing fishing-boats of a larger

and improved

parts of the coasts of the British Islands, some of

steadily increased.

class

have been constructed on many

them ranging from 70

to

80 tons or

They are, moreover, fitted with modern appliances that lighten

siderably, more particularly such as small steam-engines for hauling the

their toils con-

the windlass, and performing other laborious

This, however,

more.

more particularly

applies
rig,

and

work on board

to the larger class of fishing vessels

to the steam-boat fishing trawlers

trawl,

the vessel.

working

under the ketch

sailing

which are now becoming numerous

all

around

the coast.

THE FISHING SMACK.

On many

parts of the coast around the

harbours or river

facilities

for

without beaching them, the

British

the entrance of

Islands where

fishing vessels at

there are tidal

any time

Smack was formerly the adopted type

of

the

of

tide

larger

of those vessels.

Profile of Fishing

The Smack
jib

perforated Well for L:

rig consists of one mast, with gaff-mainsail

and gaff top-sail

It

Smack, showing

the

and boom,

fore-stay-sail,

same, in fact, as the old cutter rig.

was found, however, that

in

fishing-boats were, with the limited

heavy weather the larger

class of

smack-rigged

crew they carried, unhandy, chiefly on account

the large main-sail and stout heavy boom;

328

and,

as

the

sea-fishing

industry

of

has

Fishing

Boats.

greatly increased of late years, larger boats were required, and accordingly, the Smack-

now been

rig has

Ketch-rig, which

almost entirely superseded by the handier and more comfortable

now

is

the general type of rig for the larger class of the fishing

fleet.

The
Xorth

fishing

smacks

of the

deep-sea fishing,

or

before alluded to were employed chiefly in the

class

" cod

termed the

and ling

These vessels

fisheries."

were built with deep perforated wells formed in the hull amidships,
a

constant

ingress

immediately

fish

and egress

the sea-water in which

of

the

vessel

were put into the well, and

on being caught

so as to ensure

so

The

floated.

kept alive and

fresh for the market.

Some

these

of

usually

of

sailing,

the object

with
last

10,

vessels

were

being to

possible expedition.

all

of

20 and 30

1-3,

capacity

the

carry

But the

from 50

of

60

to

catch
large

of

live

fish

the

to

have been disposed

nearest

to

fast

market

of the fishermen

upon four hundred steam-trawlers hailing from

;

consequently such a

have materially depreciated the value

vessels
latter

close

Grimsby and Hull alone

the ports of

but more

steam trawlers during the

increase in

twenty or thirty years has considerably damaged the occupations

who manned the sailing smacks.

At the present day there are

tons,

were constructed with a view

and

tons,

fleet

of

swift carrying

of the sailing smacks, so that

many

of the

the great loss of the owners, at less than half their

of, to

original cost.

Stone-Dredging Boats.
in

They

are rigged,

vessels has

are

The

and small vessels employed

fishing smacks, open boats,

dredging for cement- stone and other treasures of the

some as cutters others

as sloops

undergone considerable improvement

among them, here and

there,

many an

of

late

have constantly the very best experience

year, they are frequently exposed to

years

old warrior yacht,

boats of the class are built expressly for the purpose.

vessels

are a

sea,

numerous

fleet.

but the form and build of these

and

still

although there

the best and finest

The seamen who man

being out at

all

these

seasons of the

and bad weather, when they are some-

gales

times compelled to heave part of their hard-earned cargo overboard to lighten thenvessels,

on which occasions the lesser craft and open boats have

to

run for safety

to the

nearest port.

These vessels assemble almost daily in large

dredging in the English Channel
in the

morning and return

When

pretty effect.

off

at night,

sometimes in so large a

have the appearance

run foul

each other, although they have

usually short,

beamy

favourite spots for stone:

they leave the harbour

fleet as to

produce a very

seen at a distance actively engaged in their pursuits in a lively

breeze, they
of

fleets at

the south-eastern coast

vessels,

of

being

all

huddled together

many

but seldom do they

hair breadth escapes.

They

are

and can be turned and put about with great readiness

329

u v

The
and precision

Sailing-Boat.

very essential qualification in a dredging boat, as well as in a fishing

smack.

Some of the finest and best class of dredging boats are those which
Harwich Harbour, Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe, aud other parts of the coasts
and

from

hail
of

Essex

Suffolk.

SOUTH COAST FISHING BOATS.

The
the

coasting

and Channel fishing luggers are a very numerous

majority there

similarity, particularly

great

is

in

those

of

class.

With

the south coast of

South Coast Fishing Boat.

England, which

the

rigged as

are

and mizzen-topsail.

luggers,

The main-mast

fishermen have a

space

clear

is

carrying

stepped as

amidships

for

main-lug,
far

mizzen-lug,

fore-sail,

forward as possible, so that

working their

nets,

trawl,

and

other gear.

The

sails

of

these

and

of

most other fishermen's boats are

being steeped in liquid curriers'

mildew and otherwise adding

tan,

for

the

to their durability.

330

of a

dark colour,

purpose of preserving them from

Fishing

Boats.

CORNISH FISHING LUGGERS.

These

which are better known

boats,

majority of which hail from

late

years,

St.

both in type and

fishing luggers on the south

as

" Mount's

Bay

fishing luggers,"

Ives and Penzance, have been

now rank among

England.
They are

and

rig,

coast of

much improved

the handiest

the
of

and best

capacious and powerful

Cornish Fishing Lugger.

sea-boats, well adapted in

employed,

viz.,

have great breadth

of

are fitted with a steam

(the main-mast)

mast well

aft

is

form and rig

to

mackerel, pilchard, and

in

beam

the purposes for which they are chiefly

herring

in proportion to

capstan.

They

fishing,

length

are rigged

with

and those

drift-nets.

They

of the larger class

with two masts, one of which

stepped "chock for'ard," in the bows of the boat, and the mizzen-

the

sails

used are

main-lug,

331

mizzen-lug,

and mizzen lug-topsail,

The

Sailing-Boat.

all of which are tanned for preservation.

The masts are large and lofty, unsupported
by shrouds, the main halliards serving the purpose of back-stay to the main mast.
The hardy race of Cornish men who man these boats make voyages of many

hundreds
takes

of miles, in the coxxrse of the year, in pursuit of their calling.

them

at sea, unless a

harbour, and contrive to ride

the use of a drogue,
together,

in

the waves

is

These

or,

hour

out at sea

by keeping

the form of a raft, and riding the vessel

navigating as they
;

head

their boats

by lashing
by

broken and the danger of swamping the lugger

boats,

of peril

it

in the absence of such,

invariably excellent sea-boats

If a gale over-

very heavy one, they disdain the idea of running for a

it,

is

wind by
wooden gear

to the

spars and

whereby the

force of

considerably lessened.

do the most exposed parts of the coast, are

and the able manner in which they are managed in the

has often been the subject of admiration by those

seamanship.

Yorkshire Fishing Coble

332

who

appreciate good

Fishing

Boats.

BRIXHAM TRAWLERS.

The Brixham

trawlers

Lave

and now rank among the best

are a large

and powerful form

capstan for the heavier

work

also

of

of

late

been considerably improved,

years

the fishing fleet of the Devonshire coast.

of

modern appliances

boat, fitted with the

of hauling

They

of steam-

up the trawl, &c.

Brixham Trawler.

The

Brixham

trawlers,

the south coast, are mostly

generally

adopted of late years,

the larger class of

described,
top-sails,

as

supra,

p.

also

the

fishing

vessels

The

ketch-rig

ketch-rigged.
in

preference

British sea-fishing vessels.

40)

consists

of

to the

The

of

some other parts

has,

in

smack and

rig (which

two masts with

fact,

gaff-sails,

cutter rigs,

by

has been already

foresail,

jib

the larger or main-mast being forward, and the smaller or mizzen-mast

333

of

been very

and
aft.

The

Sailing-Boat.

SCOTTISH FISHING BOATS.

In Scotland the chief centres of the herring fishing
head, and

Wick

but the fishermen

who man

the

fleet are

Fraserburgh, Peter-

boats comprising

the

fleet

make

Scottish (Zulu) Fishing Boat.

voyages in pursuit of their calling

Isles,

and frequently

far out in the

all

along the coast as far north as the Shetland

stormy North Sea, their usual

o34

field of operations.

Fishing

Boats.

fishing boats- of the north-east coast of Scotland are

The

and Summer seasons chiefly

in the herring fishery,

which

is

employed in the Spring

pursued with drift-nets

and in the Autumn and Winter seasons in the "great line" fishing.
These boats are uoav of a greatly improved type and rig, and are splendid

They

"Zulu"

are called

simply from the fact that the

fishing-boats,

sea-boats.

new type

of

War

in

boat was designed and built at Fraserburgh during the time of the Zulu

They

1879 and 1880.

considered a

are

on the coast

use

previously in

great

improvement upon the fishing-boats

and chief difference being, that in

the novelty

the place of the heavy square (or transom) stern, they have a sharp, raking stern,
similar to a

Norway yawl

sea-boats

are better

or a whale-boat, the advantages of

and when riding by their nets

out at line-fishing, heavy seas which strike

with

which there

besides
a

them hard

sea,

the greater immunity from being pooped

is

type of

sea-going

for

craft

which

that they

are,

with their tackle

or

divide and

astern

than on one with a

of boat

heavy sea; and they are upon the whole a

in a

gale

comfortable
of

upon such a type

less effect

at

on

pass

full or sqrrare stern

when running
handier,

safer,

before

and more

purposes than the transom-sterned vessels

It is essential that fishing-boats of this class should be fast sailers,

former days.

have made a good haul and are

as directly they

up, they proceed as fast as

filled

they can to the nearest port and deliver their catch of

fish in as fresh a condition

as possible.
If there is

little

on the look out

The modern
hold for

fish,

no wind, or an adverse wind, there are always steam-tugs

or

tow them

to

into port.

Zulu fishing-boat

Scottish

is

decked

bow and

and

powerful

15

25 tons or more, and are usually manned by a crew

to

The
viz.

form,

sharp

fine,

Zulu fishing-boat

rig of the Scottish

main-sail,

with

and mizzen

foresail

main-sail and mizzen are both lug-sails.

and height in proportion

bows

the

extra

the

of a

broad

vary in

size

from

thej r

seven men.

two masts and three

not used

on these boats

The main-mast, which

is

sails,

the

enormous

of

size

tonnage of the boat, stands well forward in the

to the

of

size

are

they are boats

of six or

consists of

top-sails

stern

and has a capacious

over,

all

and a good cabin abaft the mizzen-mast

mast

accounted for in the fact that

is

it

not

is

supported by shrouds, stays, or any kind of standing rigging, as such would be in the

way
the

essential

the

for

their fishing

the

main-sail.

South Coast fishing-boats do);

the

main-sail

of

of

lug-sail,

shapely

narrow
form

tack of the main-sail

hawse

at

the

stern.

is

the head,

at

hoist

lug-sail

made

Both

They never
is

therefore

and with considerable hoist

with great hoist in proportion

fast at the

sails

and the extra height

gear,

of

is

form
also

when working

the crew

of

mast

are

use

large

the

to

the

of

top-sails

and

(as

lofty

mizzen

width.

is

The

stem of the boat, and the clew to an iron

narrow at the head, and each

335

is

laced to a

The
The

comparatively short yard.

8

ft.

the

(more or
clew of

(more or

according

less,

the

mizzen

is

less) abaft the stern.

Sailing- Boat.
run out ou a bow-sprit standing about

fore-sail is

to

the tonnage of

hauled

on

out

the

boat) beyond the stem

and

an outrigger extending about 4

There are usually seven rows

of reef points

ft.

in the

main-sail and four in the mizzen.

EISHING-BOATS OF THE OEKNEY AND SHETLAND ISLES.

The

position of these Islands, extending far out in the

surroundings,

intricate

navigation, and

Orkney^and Shetland

in

their

neighbourhood

of the Island coasts

is

exceptionally

North

Sea, their perilous

dangerous cross-currents, render boat-sailing

Isles

risky

Fishing Boat.

and

bounded by precipitous
336

difficult.
cliffs

considerable

extent

and jagged rocks, with rare

Fishing
intervals

bay

small

of

(locally

voe

'

Boats.
lauding

or

')

run ashore and hauled wp above high- water mark

is

never practicable to leave them at anchor anywhere

The Fisheries
the

surrounding rocks

the

sea

But

and frequent bad weather.

class

safety

be

for

it

the coasts of these Islands.

natural formation of

to the

fishermen,

native

open boat-sailing on stormy seas that

of

can

boats

of

and under-currents, and consequent dangerous character

surrounding them, are a daring and enterprising

art

place

Orkneys and Shetlands are therefore pursued under risks

the

of

difficulties of

off

no ordinary kind, mainly attributable

and

where

place,
to

conscious of

possessing

class,

of

the perils

the

in

skill

second to no others of the fisher

is

within the range of the British Islands.

The Orkney Boats

after

the

manner

of

the

of

the

larger

Scottish

now

are

class

fishing

rigged and

decked,

But

luggers.

equipped

for the line-fishing,

open

boats of a smaller class are employed.

The Shetlands, which form the

'

Home

before

the

of

fisheries

referred

British

arising

to,

northernmost

chiefly

limit

from a combination

deep water close in shore, cross-currents, very rapid

and heavy

what

of

most exposed

the

are

Islands,'

the

the difficulties

such as

circumstances,

of

stormy weather

frequent

tides,

termed

is

to

such as would daunt the courage of some of the most experienced

seas,

sea-fishermen of more southern parts.

The
a type
of

great line-fishing of the Shetlands

nearly

is

carried on mainly from open boats of

with the Norway Yawl

identical

and in

the

hands

crew

of

experienced Shetland boatmen seem to possess sea-worthy qualities such as few

boats of any other type would be capable of displaying.

The usual dimensions

of these

length at load water-line, about 22

The ordinary
head and broad
nearly half the

open Shetland Yawls are

ft.

and beam, 8

Yawl

rig of the Shetland

the

at
sail

two masts and two

is

dispensed

separate

Some

Avith.

lugs,

and in

Length over

28

all,

ft.

one large lug-sail cut narrow at the

is

with four or more

foot,

ft.

of

fine

reefs,

so that

when

close

reefed,

the larger of these Yawls carry

weather they sometimes

set a

jib

as well.

The Sixern Fishing Yawls.

boats.

are

The

'

employed

similar

type

chiefly in

the

to

being about 19

spring,

so

are

ft.

line-fishing

that

in length

when

being

in

Shetland Yawls

These boats, like the larger

appearance of

These

smaller

class of

the Shetland

fishing-

Sixerns,' so called, because of six oars being used for their propulsion,

the

North Sea.

They

above described, but of

are

open boats of

smaller

dimensions,

by 5 ft. 8 or 10 ins. in breadth, and 4 ft. in depth.

Yawls have high bows and stern, with more or less

afloat

(particularly

low amidships

hardy Shetland fishermen Avho

man

wheu

heavily

laden)

they are however excellent

them, proceed under

337

sail

far

they

have

sea-boats

out

of

the
the

sight of

x x

'

Sailing- Bo at.

The

land to the fishing grounds in the North Sea, where the

is

and there they lay down hundreds

pursued,

'

haaf

or deep sea-fishing

fathoms of baited

of

which

line,

has to he watched, sometimes for several hours before being hauled up again.

The Sixerns
the

of

larger

are rigged with one sail only,

boats

and the mast

Avhen necessary, which

they

arrive

the

in

which sometimes
whirlpool

then

locality

it

is

the

of

dashed

the

make

meeting

most dangerous
broken

fearfully rough,

sea,

'

roosts

strong tides

the

of

'

them when

and

forcing

her

strings

'

way

their

The Somburgh Boost

and perilous.

of all

is

known

causing, with a certain direction of wind, a

extending several miles out beyond the

them a few years

befell

'strings,'

the boat and prevent

their

the

in

calling

in the terrific

since,

gale

terrible disaster

which suddenly overtook

and wrecked a large portion

far out in the jSTorth Sea,

coast.

Shetland Yawls and

have great confidence in their boats, notwithstanding the

Sixerns

or

mere cork in a

if

causing such sudden rising and lifting of the sea

The Shetland fishermen who pursue

which

as

These

wrecked.

opposition

in

navigation very difficult

as one of the

taken down),

{i.e.

'roosts'

locally

way on

keep

to

and

rocks

the

between the under-water rocks,

as to

termed

'

the Islands, or as soon as

that the six oars have to be plied with all the vigour and

against

caused by

are

struck

when nearing

swirl,

muscular power of the crew, in order

being

'

and twirl the boat about

toss,

similar shape to that

a lug-sail of

be readil)T

usually the case

is

twist,

can

of the fleet.

IRISH FISHING-BOATS.

The

Greencastle

Yawls.

These

are

small

class

of

fishing-boats

of

design

and construction adopted and used for man}* years past by the fishermen resident
-

They were employed chiefly off the Coast of Donegal; but were
Galway and Xorth Mayo fishermen.
They usually

at Greencastle.
also

used by the Co.

largely

crew

the boat.

But

carried

of

from

five

to

eight

men, according

since the Congested District

Board

to the size

for Ireland has

and capacity

the Zulu type of fishing-boat has been introduced into the Counties Donegal,

and Galway

and deputed
'

great lines,'

and under the

to

instruct

they have

the

taken

tuition
local

of

Scotch

fishermen

much

larger

do with their native boats and gear.

538

in

fishermen,

those

quantities

who

parts,
of

fish

are

in

of

been in power,

the

Mayo

brought over
use

of

the

than they used to


Fishing;
o

'

Boats.

THE PETER-BOAT.
Hark I hear a gentle splash, there's life upon the stream
Yes yes a, ^whisper too methinks, or is't Dame Fancy's dream ?
Then slowly drifting with the tide, a boat appears in sight
Good luck t'ye wily fishermen, this is a "catching" night!
The peter-boat moves silently, the mullet net is spread
No coarse nor bungling snare is that, but soft and fine as thread.
The fishermen may crafty be, their scaly prize to get,
But craftier still the mullet is, that gaily leaps the net.
The Authob. 1
!

'

The
indeed,

Peter-boat, so called from St. Peter the Apostle,

it

is

said to be precisely the

favour with the fishermen of the English tidal rivers.

their construction

worthy

of notice.

In the

first

very ancient origin

of

is

Eoman Amphiprora.

Peter-boats are

much

in

There are a few peculiarities in

place, a properly built peter-boat has

neither gunwale nor top rim, and therefore presents a very unfinished appearance

the

top strake runs in a horizontal line from stem to stern, leaving no graceful fall amidships,

nor any other improved lines to strike an admiring eye, but

fishing boat ought to be

gunwale or top rim,

is

safe

and

serviceable.

And

may meet

therefore, although

gunwale and rim for the purpose

of

is

simply what a

object of their being built without

that the nets and cork lines

being run out quickly from the boat.

are built with

The

Avith

no obstruction on

some modern peter-boats

adding to the durability of the boat,

they are objectionable to experienced fishermen for the reasons above stated.
The illustration, coupled with the lines immediately beneath it, represents and explains the manner in
which the art of Grey Mullet fishing is pursued on the River Stour, in Essex, with peter-boat and fine thread nets.
The fish on striking the net cannot escape capture, as the material of which the net is composed is so soft and
It is, howyielding that on struggling to free themselves they become more and more entangled in its meshes.
ever, no uncommon occurrence, in this mode of fishing, if the water be clear and there is sufficient daylight or
moonlight for the fish to see the net, for a whole shoal of them to leap the obstruction, one after another, like a
flock of sheep, and so to elude the snare.
1

389

The
Stem and stern

Sailing- Boat.

of the peter-boat arc alike, after the

The

and not curved or elevated.

so sharp,

that in working the peter-net the boat

is

and in narrow compass.

whale boat, but not

of a

"Well for live fish

keel, the boat can

be turned quickly,

built into the boat amidships,

is

is,

backwards as forwards,

as frequently propelled

Having no

particularly whilst hauling in the net.

form

object of both ends being thus formed

and

two compartments, the fore part being where the rower sits, the other for
The Well is generally about two feet wide at the base, and
the fisherman and his nets.
gradually tapering to one foot at the top, extending the whole width of the boat the
divides

it

into

depth of the well

is

just sufficient to bring

covered over, forms a seat in the boat.

number

of

many

alive

it

upon a

The bottom

days, or even weeks, in these Wells,

and deep enough in the water.

The

if

are hauled in

run out

of the boat at the stern,

may be

kept

the boat remains constantly afloat,

which drains from the nets

as they

sits.

small raised bench

is

placed in the

on which the fisherman stands erect when shooting

This elevated position enables him to

Used

chiefly for

of

amateur fishing up

when

The easy

where boats

lift

the cork-line high, that the net

may

afloat,

(OE DOVAL).

has stem and stern similar

river, is flat-bottomed,

has more the appearance of the latter than a flat-bottomed

draft of water renders this kind of boat serviceable for shallow waters,

deeper draft would be nearly useless

it

is

approaching shallow shores, and in tidal rivers where there

;

Pish

freely.

to a skiff, and,

ooze

perforated with a

is

but the division caused by the Well prevents the water from getting into

THE DOBLE

boat.

Well

of water.

stern sheets of the peter-boat are laid higher than

the fore-part of the boat, where the rower

extreme end

with the thwarts, and, being

of the

holes, to admit a constant ingress and egress

in other boats, on account of the quantity of water

the net.

level

and for up river-fishiug the doble

is

is

especially convenient for

an extent of

peculiarly adapted.

It is also

flat soil

or

very con-

venient for the navigation of narrow creeks, and for approaching the brink of rivers,

where other boats

of deeper draft of

water could not go.

kind of boat whilst used for rowing purposes, but

340

is

The doble

is

a safe and useful

unsuitable for sailing.

Boats for

Wild-fowl

Shooting.

BOATS FOR WILD-FOWL SHOOTING.

The

illustration is

in which, in years

from a drawing of the Author's Shooting-Yacht

Wild-fowler,

gone by, he had very successful sport in hard winters, chiefly among

Shooting Yacht " Wild-fowler."

the Brent geese, which used to congregate in large gaggles off the Eastern Coast of

England, in the Channel, North Sea, and estuaries, and in the broader parts of the
chief rivers of that coast.

341

Thic

Sailing-Boat.
carried a Stanchion, with peeler ero, or swivel-

The Wild-fowler was yawl-rigged, and

of scattering a couple

gun, capable

mounted

over

the

apparatus enabling

In a work
shooter

to

roof,

and

pounds
fitted

of

The gun was

shot at a charge.

with recoil spring,

swivel,

and

other

be manipulated with the facility of a large shoulder gun.

by the Author, a record

'

may be

it

cabin

of

of

some

of

his adventures as a wild-fowl

read by those interested in that captivating and healthful recreation.

THE GUNNING-PUNT.

The engraving

represents a round-bottomed gunning-boat of special type, after the

Author's invention, suitable both for sailing and paddling in pursuit of wild-fowl.

wild-fowling gunning-punt for the purpose of carrying one individual sportsman

with a punt-gun, ammunition-box, shoulder-gun, and other requisites, should be just

large

enough

made

to appear

be safe and serviceable, but nothing more.

to

more convenient

it

will

be

to

manage, the quicker he can make up

will be the exertion necessary to propel

The

size of a

gun intended

smaller the boat

is

of success, the

to birds,

and the

less

it.

wild-fowling punt, however, must be in proportion to the size of the

to be used,

and

also in proportion to the height

It is a mistake to use a large

himself.

The

on the water the greater will be the punter's chance

and weight

of the

punter

double-handed punt requiring two persons to

it, with a gun carrying from a pound and a-half to two pounds of shot.
The most useful sized punt-gun for general purposes is that carrying about half a
pound of shot at a charge and as there are more punt-guns of that size in use on the
coast by practical wild-fowl shooters than of any other, the recommendation would seem

propel

to

be confirmed.
1

The "Wild-fowler, a Treatise on Ancient and Modern Wild-fowling Historical and

Eolkard.

'

4th Edition.

1897.

342

Practical.'

By H.

C.

Boats for

punt

to

cany

gun

Wild-fowl

of the size stated,

amidships, 2

10

ft.

ins.

of ten or eleven stone weight,

Length over

bottom, 2

ditto, ditto, at

man

with a

should not exceed the following dimensions:

Shooting.

ft.

in.

1G

all,

ft.

6 ins.

depth at bows, 4

breadth,

ins.

ditto

at stern, 8 ins.

A boat

of this description

may be

distinction being that one is perfectly

bottomed'

built either with a flat

flat,

as the

as a whale-boat,

though

it

which

flat floor

termed

is

the

'

flat-

as in a flat-bottomed boat, but are round,

a great desideratum to maintain the floor throughout as

is

consistently can be with due regard to shape

flat as it

bottom or a

of a box,

the other, though said to be 'flat-floored,' has a slightly rounded bottom,

and the sides do not commence from an angle,

form

bottom

and such

is

by

far the best

pimt that can be used for wild-fowl shooting.

of

The

late Colonel

Hawker, in his work on guns and shooting, condemns

all

round-

bottomed punts, such as were used in the Colonel's time at Southampton and Itchen
Ferry, as on a bad construction

Now, without disputing

Ferry gunning-punts,
unsteady bearings

with a long

The

is,

flat floor

it

is

and gives as a reason that they have unsteady bearings.

the Colonel's assertion as to the Southampton and Itchen

round-bottomed punts having

insisted that the reason of

because they are

they will be

fore part of the punt,

too

safer,

round

and even

from stem

at the bottom.
steadier,

If

they be constructed

than a flat-bottomed punt.

to cross-piece, should be covered over

with a

very thin scantling, adding no more to the weight forward than absolutely necessary,
because of the heavy gun which has to be placed there.

The

cross-piece alluded to

is

placed just abaft the scantling, and marks the balance

for tipping the gun.

The

covered part of the punt

breech of the gun

rising an inch

punter when lying

Another cross-piece
or 3

ft.

be slightly cambered, and the aft end, where the

and a-half or two inches above the scantling-deck, which will afford a

sufficient screen to the

2\

may

should then be completed with a neat semi-circular screen piece,

lies,

of light

flat on the floor and making up to birds.

wood should be placed athwart the gunwale, about

from the stem, before the scantling

put on

is

The

fixing the rest for the outer end of the barrel.

rest

this is for the purpose of

should be a simple coj>per

screw, with a small semi-circular crutch in which to receive the barrel.

made

in connection with a female screw, attached to the fore cross-piece

It should
;

be

and the male

screw should be of sufficient length to raise or lower the elevation of the gun from one
to

two inches.

As

to the position of the chock, or strong-piece, to

apparatus for cheeking the force of the recoil,

intended to be employed.

which

is

attached the necessary

must depend entirely on the means

If the patent spiral recoil-spring is to be used, the interior of

the punt must be fitted accordingly.

piece, the builder

it

must take care

But

if

to fix the

the strain

is to

be thrown upon the stem-

same strong enough

343

to receive

it.

:;
:

The

Sailing-Boat.

The gunning-punt may be built entirely of pine, or the upper strakes which are
may be of pine and the lower ones of elm if all fir, the boat will be so
much the lighter, and more buoyant. A gunning-punt should neA er be built of oak
above water

it is

too

heavy

Practical punters have expressed their surprise that

for the purpose.

the late Colonel

Hawker should have recommended such

During the

a material.

latter

part of the Colonel's sporting career, however, he appears to have given preference to

elm and pine.

THE SAILING-PUNT.

The

sailing-punt enables the wild-fowl shooter to obviate a good deal of the hard
necessarily encounter in a rowing-punt

work which he must

most

eligible

kind

of boat for

It should be observed,

however, that

it

is

so surely as

such as

is

an inexperienced hand attempts

sailing

is

punt

is

the least safe under

punt intended for carrying

have a depth

it

is,

besides, the

required for the purpose

an ordinary sculling-punt,

used for wild-fowling, so surely will he capsize himself.

of gunning-boats, the

and

not every gunning-punt that can be sailed

a boat of special construction (such as that above described)

for,

approaching wild-fowl in shallow-water by daylight.

sail

must be

sail,

and the

least

built- specially for

Of

all

the forms

manageable.

the purpose, and must

of aboxvt four inches of false keel at the stern, gradually tapering to

344

one

Boats for
amidships

inch

and

may

it

Wild-fowl

be

paddles

nearly

description

Author

as

fast

many

but serviceable boat for the purpose

and

trying

after

and found

years,

different forms, the

several

only a most

not

it

capable of being used

be

to

man may propel it with hand

Aud such is precisely the

an ordinary rowing-punt.

as

used for

finally

as

so that a strong

recommended, which,

boat

of

constructed

so

and

either as a sailing or rowing-punt,

Shooting.

comfortable,

looked no larger on the water than an

it

ordinary sculling-punt.

Neither water-decks

The mast should be

pleasure

nor wash-streaks are required for the sailing-punt, because

man would

no reasonable

a small stick

venture to set

of pine spar,

the screen-piece, or just abaft

of

the

better

than

would incur danger

either

the

for

mast were

has

not

mast

little

to capsize the

the

and a

it,

to

'

is

substance

to

sufficient

It

away of
the punt.
The

overturn

upsetting

sail

calico.

should
It

the

mast

far

be a low

standing

they must be in suitable proportion to

The rudder-bands should be of sufficient length

when

No

other

will

ballast

punt,

too

is

but fairly proportioned

astonishiug,

at

wild-fowl

before

they

manner

punter to steer

the

take

himself (who

punter

according

to

the

little

boat

in a steady breeze

wing, by luffing

sailing

so

is

of

of

the

of

this

kind

skims along on a reach in

and the wild-fowl shooter will often be agreeably

the

and

if

a shot

punt whilst

it

may be run up

may

fragile a craft

within

cannot always be obtained

they are

rising,

in

the same

work on wild-

frequently be made.

but the roughness of the water, that causes

It is not the strength of the wind,

of

all

If the

stability

as with a yacht or sailing-boat (as explained in the author's

risk

smooth water in experienced hands.

fowl shooting) an excellent flying shot

the

the

of

the easy and unsuspecting manner in which

surprised

range

of

enable

so as to trim the boat to a nicety.

in exact position,

large,

The rapidity with which a

smooth water

than that

be required

will be quite safe in

it

of

the stability of the punt.

to

the punt-gun, ammunition-box, and other accoutrements

which must be placed

be not

the

and made

lying at full length on the floor of the punt.

virtually the ballast),

sail

bending in a

regarded than

settee,

if

mast that

unnecessary to give the exact dimensions

is

of the sail, as

his craft

it

is
it,

such circumstances

be

to

it

along with

sail

Never mind
less

are

stays

select a slender

to

punt.

is

nor

strike the sail,

all

under

result

preferable, therefore

a small

very light duck or white

should a squall

of

be clear

left side, so as to

Neither shrouds

lies.

because

would be the

breeze; the carrying

of

towards the

go by the board,' carrying

boat, Avhich

confined.

mop-handle, and from four to five

through the scantling in front

either

little

readily shipped and unshipped at

size of a

on which the punt-gun

balance-rest
:

about the

The mast may be stepped

feet in height.

required

may be

it

bark in rough water.

so frail a

sail in

that

fitted

so

for

345

if

the water

be

smooth,

sail

may be

v y

The
carried

safety in

an

warned against the

The

effect of

ahead under

Sailing-Boat.

ordinary, and
peril

even a

carrying

of

stiff

sail

But the inexperienced

breeze.

on a punt

any but

in

venturing into rough water with a long low

sail,

would be

to drive her

gun on the head

of

the

young wild-fowler

is

cautioned not

punt must tend

to

craft,

bows under water

to

increase

the

are

smooth water.

whilst pressing her

and the weight

danger.

of

the

Therefore, the

venture into rough ivater with the sailing-punt,

for a sportsman's life is supi^osed to be of

more value than that

of a duck.

THE SLOOP-RIGGED SHOOTING-BOAT.

The illustration is from a drawing of the author's

named the Hooper which he used for wild-fowl shooting

sloop-rigged

shooting-boat

in shallow water

and over

tidal flats.

The sloop-rigged shooting-boat

" Hooper

and shallow bays,

rivers

because
are

of

"

Sloop-rigged shooting-boat

where the shooting-yacht

drawing too much

used for

used chiefly for wild-fowl shooting in large

is

is

precluded from proceeding

Thus the shooting-yacht and stanchion-gun

sea-going purposes, and the open sailing boat, with gun of similar
water.

proportions, for inland waters and shallows.

A
beam

boat for this purpose should be about twenty feet

;

a shallow craft with powerful bearings.

346

in

length by seven feet

Boats for
being a great

Stability

desirable

that

interferes

it

the

desideratum

should

craft

Wild-fowl

list

in

boat

on her

Shooting.
for

too

side

this

with the management of the stanchion-gun.

twelve inches or more

may be formed on

each

side

diversion,

of

the

is

it

much when under

not-

sail,

as

narrow deck-way

of

boat,

but the

way should be upon a level with the gunwales. The fore and aft
may also be partly covered in by a flush-deck, but in other

deck-

part of

boat

respects

the
it

should be entirely open.

boat

of

this description will

must be deposited with

proper trim of the boat

careful
is

it

clear of

in

beneath

the

platform,

so

that

the

preserved.

The stanchion-gun should be

upon the flush-deck,

require several cwt. of lead or iron ballast, which

discretion

fitted

with chock and necessary recoiling apparatus

such a position as to give room for the shooter to manipulate

mast and rigging in the most advantageous position for shooting.

Probably no better form

of

boat could be invented for traversing the shallow

waters of inland bays and rivers, the resort of wild-fowl, than a sloop-rigged revolving
centre-plate boat, the keel of

the

shallow form

almost any

ooze

of

or

the

which can be raised

boat

would

sand-bank with

enable
facility

only one or two feet of Avater.

347

the

or lowered

wild-fowl

where

there

at pleasure

shooter

to

go

whilst
0Ar er

might be a depth

of

The

Sailing- Boat.

THE BEACON-LIGHT.

The

Beacon-light.

There's a signal well known

His guide
'Tis hailed

And

o'er the

to the

mariner brave,

waters from perils to save

with a welcome wherever in

the mariner calls

it

'

sight,

the Beacon-light.'

true friend in distress, ever brilliant and gay,

Whether
Tho'

fixed or revolving will ne'er lead astray

many brave

Have quaked

hearts,

on a thick foggy night,

at th' eclipse of

'

the Beacon-light.'

This poem was written by the Author in the year 1852, on his return from a long sea voyage.
It was
published in a local newspaper in the same year. It has since been published in several editions of this work.
1

348

first

Bea co n L igh

The

t.

Tho' far from the land, should a beacon appear

'Tis the mariner's

Then he
Of

dumb,

his monitor

And
And

Now

tho'

warning that danger

warily steers, whilst he

mermaids

rovers

'

the Beacon-light.'

slnmb'ring 'neath white-crested waves,

lie

'

graves;

and

his ship staunch

steers,

For high on the rock stands

And

near

is

keeps in sight

who woo'd them met watery

onward he

When

still

tight,

the Beacon-light.'

darkness fast creeps o'er the wide-ranging

the grim shark

linking close under his

is

sea,

lee,

Tho' gloomy the prospect and dismal the night,

His fears are dispelled by

'

the Beacon-light.'

Should a gale overtake him and danger appal,

The mariner

skilful

may weather

But how gladly he looks

On

his guide

The

And
Yet

gale

and

may
he

the squall;

the darkness of night

'the Beacon-light!'

director,

spreading terror around,

increase,

'neath the blue

fearless

thro'

waves gaping sands may abound;

steers,

his guide full in sight,

'Midst the bright gleams that

fall

from

When far out at sea on the perilous

And the high-swelling waves appear

'

the Beacondight,'

dee]),

lull'd into sleep

There's the compass to steer by, and stars shining bright,

But

he's sad at the loss of

'

the Beacon-light.'

Long parted from friends and dear ones at home

Long time he's been toss'd on the white surgy foam
Then how cheer' d is his heart when welcomed at night,
With a happy return by the Beacon-light'
;

'

END OF PART

349

VI.

PART

SAILING CHARIOTS

VII.

AND

YACHTS.

ICE

SAILING CHARIOTS
'

But who is this, what thing of sea

Female of sex it seems,
That so hedeckt, ornate, and gay,
Comes this way, sailing-

or land

':

Like a stately ship

Of Tarsus, hound for

Of Javan or Gadier,

With

all

th' Isles

her hravery on, and tackle trim,

Sails filled

Courted by

and streamers waving,

all the winds that hold them

play.'

Milton.

appears, from

IT

though there

which
horses,

it

is

many
is

authorities, that sailing chariots are a very early invention,

but

little

trace

and thereby

use

in this country

and for reasons

known and used

in Holland.

In

'

Description

published a.d. 1743, are contained a few remarks on one belonging to

the then Prince Maurice,

of the

their

to canse accidents on public thoroughfares than a sailing chariot.

Sailing chariots have long been

of Holland,'

of

not difficult to imagine, for nothing can be more likely to frighten

Hague.

which he kept

This chariot

is

said to

at Scheveling, a village in the

neighbourhood

have been made by Stephinus, a great mathe-

matician.
The form of it is stated to be plain and simple, but resembling a boat
moved upon four wheels of an equal size, and steered by a rudder placed between
It had two sails.
The mode of stopping the chariot was either
the two hind wheels.
It is also stated that in the space of two hours
by luffing or loAvering the sails.
it would pass from Scheveling to Putten, a distance of forty-two miles.
Put it is

obvious that this could only have been accomplished with a favourable wind.

Walchius
of

also

sjjeaks

of

such prodigious swiftness in

the
its

\_

Scheveling sailing

and affirms

to

be

motion, and yet of so great a capacity as to

its

Fabularum Decas.

350

Fab.

chariot,

9.

it

'

Sailing
burthen,
a

wind

that

German

thirty

exceeded in swiftness any ship under

far

it

that in the space of a

easily guide the course of it as

Milton, in his

'

Wilkins

common^

are

it

would convey

him who

labour to

little

sail,

with ever so

six or ten persons

sits at

the helm,

fair

twenty or

who may

he pleases.

Paradise Lost,'

on the barren plains of China

Bishop

few hours

and that with

miles,

Chariots.

thus speaks of sailing

chariots being

employed

But in his way lights on the barren plains

Of Serioana, where Chineses drive
"With sails, and wind their eanie waggons light.'

gives

on sailing chariots,

a chapter

Champion

used on the

plains

of

in

which he says they

He

China.

speaks

also

the

of

Scheveling chariot.
Sailing

And

are

chariots

Hondius, in one

mentioned

also

large

of his

by

maps

Grotius

of Asia,

several of

in

his epigrams. 2

gives a conjectural description of

such as are used in China.

Bishop Wilkins gives two illustrations

of

sailing

chariots,

be commended at the present day as of any practical use

seven persons,

same

of the

cumbersome

is

size

it

is

fitted

neither of which can

one of them, containing

boat-like contrivance, placed

upon four wheels,

all

with two masts and square-sails, the larger one being-

placed aft and the smaller one in front.

This chariot appears to be provided with

a rudder which terminates at the lower eud in a point or spike, and which,

it

is

presumed, was intended to be raised or lowered at pleasure.

Wilkins's second

illustration

is

suggestive one, which

more conveniently framed with moveable

he thought might be

or revolving sails, shaped after the

manner

of

a volute propeller, so as to impel the chariot with a force proportionably equivalent to

The fore-wheels

that of a windmill.

But the revolving

and

quarter,

sails are

in this are

much

smaller than the hind ones.

apparently so contrived as to catch the wind from any

set the volute in

motion

and consequently (by mechanical contrivance)

the wheels of the carriage.

It

is

chariot,

possible that these volute sails

but

it is

Sailing Barrows.
'

Embassy
1
'

to

upon a

effect

sailing-

It is

stated in the Journal

Van Braam Houckgeest,

of

in his

China/ that sailing barrows are used in China, but the sailing apparatus

Mathematical Magic,' by Bishop Wilkins, 16S0.

Gro. Eps. v. xix. xx. and xxi.

Since the publication in previous editions of

the impracticable contrivances above referred

(a.d. 1680)

might be used with

highly improbable. 3

to,

'

Book

ii.

cap.

ii.

The Sailing-Boat

'

of the Author's notes

the illustrations from Bishop Wilkins's

have been reproduced in a modern work on Yachts and Boats.

351

is

'

and references as

to

Mathematical Magic

Thte

Sailing-Boat.

merely an additional contrivance to relieve the

is

toils of

the barrow-men

These sailing barrows are described as having

fair.

little

To

inserted in a hole or step, cut in the fore part of the barrow

when

the wind

mast, very neatly

this

mast

is

attached

made of matting, or more

commonly of canvas, five or six
a

sail,

and three

high,

feet

four

or

wide, with reef-tackle, yards, and

braces, like those of the Chinese

The braces

river-boats.

lead to

the shafts of the barrow, and by

means

them the conductor

of

trims his

sail.

Van Braam
not help

he could

says

admiring the contri-

vance, and felt real pleasure in

them

seeing a score of

rolling

one after another. 1

alona;

THE SHULDHAM LAND-SAILINGBOATS.

These

by

are an invention

the late Captain MolyneuxShuld-

ham, E.N., the author

of

many

useful and valuable nautical conIt is one

trivances.

forded
to

considerable

himself and

prisoners of

1809

which

af-

amusement

when
Verdun iu

friends,

war

at

they having been desired

by General Wirion (the com-

mandant

of

English

the

pri-

soners) to discontinue the use of

their sailing

and rowing-boats

on the river Meuse, because of a

complaint and petition of the fishermen that
frightened

all

the fish awa)"

'

'

the sailing boats of the English prisoners

But Capt. Shuldham determined

Je ne pouvais ni'empi'cher d' admirer cette combinaison, et

vmgtaine de oes brouettes voiliures cinglant Tune a la suite de l'autre
1

'

je

'

'

gufttais

(tome

i.

un

that he

would not be

plaisir reel

p. 150).

en voyant une

Sailing
deprived of the pleasures of a

The

sail

Chariots.

and accordingly he invented a land-sailing-boat.

he made was with one mast, the other a schooner both being represented in

first

the engraving, which

made from drawings kindly

is

sent to the

Author by the

late

Capt. Shuldham.

In the previous editions of this work a description was given of a steering apparatus,
with

full details, as

mode

furnished to the Author by the late Capt. Shuldham, but as such a

of steering would, at the present day,

modern and

mode, as applied

effective

be readily applied

be treated as out

motor cars and

to

of date (since the

tricycles,

which could

more

of course

Author has not reproduced Capt. Shuld-

to a land- sailing-boat) the

ham's steering apparatus in this edition.

There
on

many

ment on

is

no doubt that wind power can be used with advantage in various ways and

and land-sailing-boats may afford a good deal of sport and amusecommons, and hard sands by the sea-side and elsewhere but there are

occasions
plains,

many and

obvious objections to their use on public highways.

SAILING CYCLES.

Although bicycles and tricycles propelled by pedal or other manual exertion are
now almost universal, a Sailing Cycle is a novelty nowhere to be met with in any
European country.

Yet the contrivance

very special ingenuity.

It is not

may

Its utility

of

one would not in these days involve any

might be doubtful,

by any means improbable

or, at all events,

that, sooner or later,

very limited.

some enterprising individual

give attention to the subject with a view to the production of a modern Sailing

Chariot, or Sailing Cycle, for

crossing,

under

sail,

extensive plains,

if

not within the

limited area of the British Islands, perhaps in more remote countries where other
of

conveyance would be impracticable, or perhaps attended with such

render them

The use
ways.

The

modes

difficulties as to

so.

of

Sailing Cycles in

any shape could not be permitted upon public highmany and obvious but on a wide open country,

objections to their use are

with a tolerably level surface, a Sailing Cycle might be utilised as a pleasant and
expeditious

mode

of travelling

and economical means

way and

of

fifth,

and with a favourable wind

it

would be found a swift

rail-

steam-engine nor the motor car have yet, in the absence of level roads, bridges

and viaducts, been able

journeying over long distances, where neither the costly

to

run their iron wheels and rattling machinery.

Sailing Chariot of the kind suggested

would require four wheels, and perhaps a

It would have to be constructed so

or front wheel, for the purpose of steering.

that the

body

of the chariot,

under pressure

353

of sail in

a side wind, did not

z z

lift

the

The
windward wheels

off

Sailing-Boat.
This could be contrived by the body

the ground.

of the chariot

being suspended upon a rounded iron bar, resting in sockets supported at each end upon
the axle of the wheels, the bottom of the chariot being ballasted at the under part with
a bar of lead of the same length as the
to

the

fitted

extent

up

like

of

sail

body

of the cycle,

and

In other respects the body

spread.

of a

weight proportioned

of the chariot

might be

the interior of a modern four-wheeled private carriage, more or less

luxuriously, according to fancy.

Sailing

recreation

Cycle of

upon private

smaller

size

might readily be contrived for amusement and

roads, as in the case of

with good level roads and other

or cycle travelling under sail

facilities for
all

that

an owner

of

an extensive private park,

the enjoyment of a novel kind of sailing,

requisite to enliven the scene being a fair

is

wind, a side wind, or indeed any wind that

is

cycle.

354

not directly adverse to the course of the

Sailing- Yachts.

Ice

ICE
Sailing over ice
in those countries

is

SAILING-YACHTS

(OR

RAFTS).

a pastime indulged in with considerable spirit

where there

is,

and enthusiasm

every winter, long enduring frost with considerable

extent of frozen water, as in Eussia, Finland, Holland, and on the lakes and broad
rivers

of

North America and Canada, where

in winter there are long,

expansive stretches of frozen surface on which to enjoy to the

healthful pastime of sailing
Ice-yachts,

when

upon the

full

broad and

extent the cold but

ice.

ingeniously constructed,

sail at

a flying pace, and on smooth ice

move them along.

have long been common in Holland, where they

the slightest wind suffices to

Ice-boats

for conveying goods

are

found useful in winter

and passengers many miles along the dykes and lowlands

of that

country.

Wilkins 1

also

mentions that in Holland small ice-boats are used, having sledges

instead of wheels, and being driven with a

like little boats, so that if the ice should

sail.

But the bodies he

break they might

still

describes as being

hold the occupant safely

upon the water.

The winter season

1895 was the most recent in which

of

available as a recreation in England.

over,

ice

yachting has been

In that season the Lake Windermere was frozen

and for a short time ice-yacht sailing was indulged in on that broad and beautiful

expanse of water.
In a few other places within the British Islands, where there was a sufficient extent
of frozen surface,

English people

who

ice-yachting on a small scale was practised

possess ice-yachts

by some

of

the few

but the duration of the frost was so short that

the sport soon came to an end, and a succession since of mild winters has prohibited the

use of ice-yachts within the sphere of the British Islands.

'Mathematical Magic'

355

By Bishop

Wilkins.

The

Sailing-Boat.

THE SHULDHAM ICE-BOAT.

This boat,

the

with

constructed
illustration),

resting

invention

of

the

upon four

side in line one

wood

large skates,

hindmost as

the

keel.

the

(in

two

form appearing

which are

of

Under the centre

with the other.

cutting-skates, one in the fore part,

rudder,

of

the frame, and two under the aft part

fore part of

as

Molyneux Shnldham, B.N.,

Captain

late

frame-work

strong

line of

foremost,

under the

two on each

the foremost serving

rudder-skate,

or

is

the

the frame are also two

and one in the hind part

The

affixed

so that there are

in

is

also

fitted

Ik
The Shuldham

with a long
sits

tiller,

by means

of

Ice-boat.

which the boat

is

steered

There

The
those

are,

front
are

lee- way,

therefore,

six skates in

all,

which are placed on three

the

only two that are allowed to cut into the

and should be ground

of the side
little

parallel

middle skate and the rudder one are affixed to the midship

as sharp as hatchets.

as

he

rails,

which form the breadth

of the

ice,

lines.

line,

and

in order to prevent

All the others (four in number)

are curved, so as to offer the least possible resistance

by the helmsman

amidships, just in front of the mast.

these are fixed two to each

boat

the midship ones only are

deeper, just sufficient to raise the weather skates clear of the ice, and also

The engraving

is

from a drawing by the

356

late Captain

Shuldham, E.N.

Sailing- Yachts.

Ice

from penetrating too deeply into

to prevent the cutting- skates

two cutting

ones.

chief

resistance

as

should be.

it

As
and

to

the rig of the Shuldham ice-boat,

to

outrigger

the latter for the shrouds

fore-sail)

it,

merely enough to

Thus the boat is moved upon four smooth curved skates and
The inventor found this arrangement answered admirably. The
the propelling power was in the longitudinal line, amidships,

prevent lee-way.

shewn

as

in

the

carrying of very low canvas, as

the ice in a strong wind.

The

it

is

fitted

with a mast, bowsprit and

and rigged with two

illustration

only (main-sail

sails

an arrangement which

boom

the main-sail

admits

the

almost sweeps the surface of

are also laced to booms, the jib-boom being

sails

shortened just sufficiently to clear the helmsman's knees.

The

seat

the frame,

for

helmsman

the

and placed

material support, as

it

close to

is

strongly constructed

and in front

of the mast,

also is to the outrigger,

one bolted securely to

to

which

it

both being firmly held

serves as a
to

To

it.

the back of the seat are also affixed the cleats for the main and jib halliards.

The main and

fore

secured to the midship

sheets

are

through small single-sheaved blocks, and

rove

In turning to windward,

rail.

without any trimming of the sheets, which

quickness with which the boat performs

all

is

the

sails

her evolutions.

The manner in which the ice-boat is stopped under full

anchor, is by a very simple contrivance.
The performance is
turning a conical screw, pointed downwards, which

being placed within reach so that

it

work themselves

almost indispensable, because of the

is

fitted

sail

and brought

effected

to

by merely

amidships, the handle

can be turned with the right hand whilst

the left.
The point scrapes the ice when screwed downwards, and
when screwed upwards
thus giving the power to stop the boat as

steering with
clears

it

gradually as possible and eventually to anchor without the necessity of shortening

The arrangement
by employing
as

the

an ice-boat of

larger skates

climate of

ice-boats could only

them

of

in

this

proportion to the greater weight of the boat

the British Islands

is

not conducive to the sport of

be used for amusement, and

as lightly as possible,

it

and only large enough

357

sail.

kind would answer on a larger scale

would be convenient
to contain one or

but

ice-sailing,

to construct

two persons.

The

Sailing-Boat.

AMEEICAN ICE-YACHTS.

winter in the Northern

to the residents, a

who

those

to

and vigour.
climate

America

States of

is,

highly enjoyable season, particularly

robust in health and full of

are

life

Unlike a winter in the ever changeable

Islands, where,

the British

of

we happen

if

be favoured with a week or ten days of seasonable

to

hard

frost,

it

weather

or foggy,

half-wet,

even in depth

damp,

unhealthy

England we rarely can rely,

winter, on more than a week or

that

so

suddenly supplanted by a succession

is

half-mild,

of

in

of

But

ten days in succession of ice-bearing frost.

Northern States
there

of

America, after the winter once

in the

sets in,

usually a continuous hard frost for two or three

is

months or more, with bright exhilarating and thoroughly

enjoyable weather

then

the time

is

for

active out-

door sports and exercises in great variety on the hard-

jsew

frozen Lakes and Rivers of that extensive continent.

And,

as a recreation

much

appreciated,

afforded b)r the ice-boat (or

is

which are made

to

skid

is

that

more properly

which

ice-rafts),

along the frozen surface of

the ice at flying speed in a good wind.

Amongst the

best

and most

scientifically constructed

ice-yachts to be found in any part of the world are

of those

some

belonging to members of the Ice-Yacht Sailing

Clubs on the Hudson, in America.

Ice-yacht sailing matches are held

every winter

on the Hudson, and a very picturesque and exciting

scene

it

winged

to witness a

is

numerous

fleet of

those snow-

craft skidding along the ice at flying speed in a

keenly contested race.

XThe

sloop rig

is

The

the cat rig.

that generally used, but occasionally

latine rig has also

Hudson in some of

the

For

details as

ings &c, see

No. 624

also

'

to

construction of Ice-j'achts, with scale

American Supplements, No. 63,

Scribner's Monthly Magazine,' 1881, p. 658.

The

'

been introduced on

the most recent of the ice-yachts.

358

Scientific

'

drawand

p. 996,

Ice

Sailing- Yachts.

359

The
At

a point

thirty miles above

Sailing-Boat.

New

York, the Hudson Eiver

is

by the

1st

of

January, in every year, almost invariably frozen, presenting a long stretch of solid ice

extending northward to a distance of 100 miles or more, and of a breadth varying from
one to two miles.

The New York

river,

Central and

Hudson Eiver Railroad skirt the easterly bank of

for many miles side by side with

and the ice-boats sometimes go racing along

railway trains, to the delight and amusement of the passengers

good breeze,

easily outstrip the trains

amidst

American

Ice-yacht

the

the ice-boats, in a

the waving of handkerchiefs and the

The speed

lusty cheers of the railway passengers.

as

the

of the trains

on this line rarely

Rudder Skate.

exceeds 35 miles an hour, but the ice-yachts, in a good breeze, with a free wind, travel
at the rate of

from 40

to

60 miles an hour, and they have been known to go (under

exceptionally favourable conditions) at a

much

faster rate of speed, averaging above

100

miles an hour.

Poughkeepsie, a beautiful city on the high sloping banks of the Eiver Hudson,

is

Hudson Eiver Ice-Yacht Club. The yachting station is Hyde Park,

Dutchess County, New York the Club Houses and anchorage are at Eoosevelt's Point
and Crum Elbow. The Club have a Commodore, Vice-Commodore, Secretary, Treasurer,
Measurer, and Regatta Committee, the duties of each of whom are prescribed by the
the

home

of the

Articles of Constitution.

360

Ice
They have
They have

also a

Code

Sailing-o Yachts.

of Signals,

also a Challenge

Bye-laws, and Sailing Rides and Regulations.

Pennant, which

and

for every year,

is sailed

is

competition by any organised Ice- Yachting Club in America, or in Europe.

is

a silk pennant 30

in gold letters

ft.

long, with the words " Ice-Yacht Challenge

Pennant

open

The

to

flag

America

of

"

on a blue ground.

There are several other Ice-Yacht Clubs on the Hudson, and in other parts of the
of America
and many sailing-matches are held every year for other

Northern States

Challenge trophies and Club prizes, given for competition by the four different classes
of ice-yachts

the

first

measuring 600 square feet

class

second class measuring 450 and under 600 square feet

and under 450 square feet

and the fourth

class

of

sail

area and over

the

the third class measuring 300

measuring

less

than 300 square

feet.

RUSSIAN ICE-YACHTS.

The

sport of ice-yachting

every winter, freely indulged in on the Neva and the

is,

broad expanse of frozen waters in the neighbourhood of Cronstadt, where ice-yachting

is

recognised as one of the most popular pastimes of the season.

when

Yacht,

is

the attraction

surface

is

tolerably free from fissures

It
of

the ice

is

and yawning gulfs

would appear that considerable pains are taken

One

the Russian ice-yachts.

length by 28

ft.

of the largest

is

beam, or space between the runners.

the property of Mr. Olsufieff, and was built

whose name a recent work on

'

by Mr.

Yachting in Russia

which deals largely with ice-yachts, and contains

struction, rigging,

Ice- Yachting

mode

in

of sailing,

China.

On

Sailing is also freely indulged in

&c,

the

'

of

Boier,' or Ice

when

and

in the construction

fitting out

described as measuring

58

him a copy

of the

ft.

This yacht, named the Yolka,

Gr.

W.

Esch, of

St.

in
is

Petersburg, in

has been published, one portion of

form and con-

Pei-ho river, in China, the sport

by Europeans

Ice-Yacht

of

in the winter season, the Pei-ho being

December

to the

The

middle of March, and

ice-yachts employed are of

and are chiefly sloop-rigged.

of acknowledging the courtesy of Mr. John A. Eoosevelt, of PoughClub Book of Eules, &c, and other information as to American Ice-yachts.

The Author takes the opportunity

keepsie, in sending

the

open water.

full details as to their

thereby affording a very extensive frozen surface.

'

&c.

usually frozen over from about the middle of

similar type to those of America,

The

not too deeply covered with snow, and

END OP PART

361

VII.

PART

VIII.

AND COLONIAL BOATS.

FOREIGN

CANOES.

THE

term

canoe

'

formerly

gum

and uncivilised inhabitants

Of
is

applied to

construction

of

special

some

remote islands and distant countries.

however, the term

late years,

'

canoe

has become of more general adoption, and

'

forms of boats of British, as also of American and Colonial

of

which

are

of

admirable model and exquisite workmanship,

designed as pleasure boats for cruising and voyaging

those

known

as

Eob Boy

In most books
different

methods

but

to the larger

professing to take the form, at

all

from

others of smaller size,

by the double-bladed sweep,

Canoes, propelled

type of sailing and cruising canoe

stern, of Avhat has

boat con-

out with sharp cutting tools

it

and such was the original mode

by the ancient Britons but by the native savages

or other resinous substance

of construction of the canoe, not only

significance than

primitive form of

by hollowing

structed out of the trunk of a tree

and by burning with

much wider

has in modern times acquired a

'

as originally understood it implied

bow and

always been recognised as the canoe type.

of

Various nations have

voyages and travels, canoes are mentioned.

of constructing

The wild savages

them.

of

remote islands form boats

out of solid timber, with no other tools than sharp stones and shells, which they select

from the shingle on the

bottom part

When

of

fallen, the

coast.

With some

growing tree suitable

trunk

stripped of

is

the process

is first to

for the purpose,

its

make

a fire round the

whereby they burn

it

down.

branches, and hollowed out with flints and

shells.

With others, the tardy operation of hollowing is accelerated by burning resinous

gums on the part they wish to clear away. Some islanders, having iron at hand and
larger tools than others, proceed as follows
They cut down a large, long tree, and
:

square the uppermost side

then, turning

the outside, the head, and stern.

the middle, and one at each end

it

upon the

flat

side,

they shape the bottom,

Three holes are then bored in the bottom

down

to

362

one in

the thickness they wish to leave

it

for

Canoes.
without some such gauging they would cut away the inside, aud leave the bottom

The

thinner than intended.

tree

being propped or fixed Avith the

commenced.

sides

turned, after the gauging-holes are bored;

two inches

at the loAver part

ends are afterwards shaped and finished

and

uppermost, the tedious process of hollowing

in a middle-sized canoe, to leave the

It is usual,

and the

thick,

is

flat side

and one and a-half

With some

off to a point.

is

bottom three inches

The

at the top.

islanders, after the

tree is

hollowed out, the sides are raised by wooden boards sewn on to the other part

of the

canoe with tough thongs and fibrous material

The famous

fastening.

sailing

canoes

a primitive but secure

Ceylon

of

are

instances

of

this

mode
mode

of
of

construction.

very remarkable that dug-out canoes should be so much in use at the present

It is

day

but another instance

more

pelago,

They

too plentiful.

Malayan

later introductions

is

'

The only
They

and are made

the finishing

of the islands of the

Malay Archi-

are in this part of the world almost purely characteristic of the

to

the dug-out canoe,

poplar tree.

found in Liu-Kiu, one

and would be more likely

race,

observes:

is

especially as the materials necessary for their construction cannot there be

much

to

be the

last relics of

a bygone people than

And

2
further advauced civilisation.'

the same author

species of boat used in the interior of the country

clumsily shaped craft

made from the trunk

are generally about 25 or 30

ft.

by burning out the

only being done by means of axes. 3
to a great extent

long by 2

ft.

in

(Kamschatka)

of the topyina or

beam and

interior of the tree

depth,

trunk selected,

Considerable time and labour are sometimes expended in carving figures on the

stem and stern

of native canoes,

which

in

some countries are ornamented with carved

ivory, shells, &c.

The canoes belonging

sided,

to

Hudson

and do not represent much

Straits

and Greenland are flat-bottomed and

of a sea-going quality

still it is

flat-

surprising the sea

when under the expert management of the natives. The sails of these
made of skins and intestines of the walrus.
The canoes of the South Sea Islanders are larger, stronger, and better constructed

they go through
are

than those of most other islanders.

These will be the subject

of a fuller description in

subsequent pages.

small-sized light canoe of peculiar construction

used on the coast of Labrador,

is

capable of accommodating one person only, being entirely covered in fore and
leaving a round open space sufficient only to admit the body of
seat placed amidships.

16

ft.

20

to

2
3

ft.

The length

the depth about 14

which are ffat-bottomed,

is

from

it

forms

canoes,

Infra, p. 454.
'

The Cruise

of the

aft,

occupant on a low

the breadth at the middle part (where

of these
in.

its

Marchesa to Kamschatka and

Ibid, p. 136.

363

New

Guinea

'

by

F..

H. H. Guillemard,

1886.

The
two angles)

about 2

is

ft.

Sailing- Boat.

from these angles

In construction they are composed

end.

it

of a

gradually inclines to a point at each

very light frame-work of wood, covered

with walrus skins, and they are so light that they

may be

with the double paddle, and

Models
Whitehall

many

of

and

There are

these canoes

of

may

will well repay inspection

also

many

may be swept along at

many miles by one

carried on the head

a rapid rate

person onty.

Museum,

be seen at the United Service

by those

interested in such curiosities.

other kinds of canoes, some of which will form the subject of a

in the subsequent pages of this Avork.

more lengthened description

BOATS OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS.

It

that

appears

builders

among the

carpenters

fowling and fishing

chiefly for

Egyptians there were two classes of boat-

ancient

The boats

and wicker-workers.

bands taken from the stalks

they were made of

of the

papyrus or cyperus.

by the

built

osiers,

latter

were used

and bound together with

Boats made from the papyrus are frequently mentioned by ancient writers.
is

described by Plutarch, as going in search of the body of Osiris,

country, in a bark

made

of the papyrus.'

But they were

'

Isis

through the fenny

so small

and

light,

as to

be easily carried from place to place on a man's shoulders. 3

They

are also described

by

Strabo, 4 at the cataracts of Syene, passing the falls in

perfect safety, to the astonishment of the beholders

were made

and Celsius

affirms,

that they

of the papyrus.

Theophrastus mentions boats made of papyrus, and their

sails

and ropes

of

the

rind of the same. 5

Pliny also speaks of boats woven of the papyrus, 6 the rind being made into
curtains, matting,

and the reed, were

and ropes
all

sails,

and he elsewhere observes, that the papyrus, the rush,

used for making boats in Egypt. 7

made of bulrushes, are mentioned in the Old Testament. 8

The mode of binding and sewing boats with bands of the papyrus,
Conseritur bibula Memphitis cymba papyro.' 9
to by Lucan
With these evidences before us, and those of the sculptures
Memphis, there can be no doubt that boats were anciently made
Vessels

Sir

Vide

'

Champollion's

Monuments de

l'Egypte.'

Gardner Wilkinson, F.E.S., M.E.S.L., &o.

2

Plut. de Is.

Strabo, xvii. p. 562.

'Ex

Exod.

ipso

s.

Also

'

3.

Isaiah xviii.

Thebes and
the

material

Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians,' by

Vol. iii. A.D1847.

18.

quidem papyro navigia texunt.'

of
of

Third Edition.

Plin. xiii. 11.

Achilles Tatius,

Theophr.

'
'

ii,

are also alluded

'

2.

364

Plin. vi. 22,

Lucan

lib. iv.

iv. 9.
vii. 16.

iv. 136.

Plin. v. 9.

Boats
papyrus
canoes,

Ancient

the

of

and employed in various parts

made

of osiers

and papyrus, are

of
still

Punts and

Egypt, for fowling and fishing.

used on the Nile, and the lakes of Egypt,

The Egyptian boats of burden were

Herodotus as made of a thornwood, very
which a tear exudes, called gum. Of this
'

Egyptians.

baris

called

'

similar

to

they

the

described

are

lotus

Gyrene,

of

by

from

tree they cut planks measuring about

they built the boat in the following
bricks,
like
them
arranged
having
two cubits, and
manner They fastened the planks around firmly with long pegs and after this, they
the whole was
stretched over the surface a series of girths, but without any ribs, and
;

bound within by bands

and a mast

of thorn

speaks

Pliny

wood, and

(Taprobane).'

It

'

vessels being

made

single rudder

sails of the

may

Quia
be,

of the

navibus

papyraceis

however,

was then put through the keel

papyrus (rind) completed the rigging.

papyrus vessels crossing the

of

(Ceylon).

Taprobane

of papyrus.

sea,

he merely alludes

that

papyrus; for there

is

of

and visiting the island

armamentisque
to

Nili

peteretur

the sails

of

the

abundant evidence that the ancient

Egyptians had large boats of burthen, made of wooden planks.

: We may be certain that the Egyptians had
Sir Gardner Wilkinson observes
'

strong

and

well-built

vessels for the

by

purpose of trade,

sea;

and

for

carrying

if they
merchandize, corn, and other heavy commodities, on the Nile and that, even
had been very bold and skilful navigators, they would not have ventured to India, nor
;

have defeated the

fleets of Phoenicia, in their

paper

vessels.'

MODE OP NAVIGATION OF THE VESSELS OF THE

NILE.

punts of the ancient

sails nor rudders were used with the canoes and
with a
they were propelled with paddles, in deep water, and pushed ahead
depend
always
not
did
canoes
But the absence of a sail in the
pole, in shallow water.
some of
on the size of the vessel for it appears that many of their fishing canoes,

Neither

Egyptians

were provided with a mast and sail.

The pleasure boats of the ancient Egyptians were usually provided with two
the rudder consisted of a long broad paddle, of
rudders, one on each side of the stem

which were very

small,

great size and strength

supported by
the

tiller

pillars.

and the

The

tiller,

which formed part

steersmen moved

of the paddle, or rudder, Avas

the rudder by means of a rope fastened to

head.

Other boats, though

of large size,

appear to have had but one rudder, and this was

usually placed in a groove, or notch, in the centre of the stern.

pij n v i. 02.
.

'

Manners and Customs

365

of the

Ancient Egyptians,'

vol.

iii.

p. 189.

Sailing- Bo at.

The
The only kind
The prow

of sail

used by the ancient Egyptians appears to have been a sort

with a yard both at the top and bottom.

of square-sail,

Egyptian boats was generally decorated with a painted

of the ancient

eye on each side of the stem

through centuries

a peculiarity that has been kept

the

to

past,

present day.

generally ornamented

pleasure boats were

The head and

up by the Chinese

stern of

the Egyptian

with a painting, or carving

of

a richly

coloured flower.

Most

of the ancient

Egyptian boats are shown with a man standing

at the

prow

Boat of the Ancient Egypti;

with a pole in his hand, wherewith to sound the depth of the water and signal to the

helmsman when near

still

adopted in

all

The precaution

or sand-bank.

a shoal,

the Nile boats, wherever the pilot

is

of the sounding-pole is

doubtful about the depth of

water.

The war-galleys
it

of the ancient

Egyptians were also provided with a square-sail, but

inasmuch as

differed from the rig of the pleasure boats,

sail Avas

brails,

therefore the

more readily

by means

furled,

which, on being pulled, frapped the

it

had no lower yard

the

of four separate furling-ropes,

sail close to

or

the upper yard in four or five

folds.

The

square-sails

were attached

to the

were rigged with a

were always guided by braces, or guy-ropes, called pedes

extreme ends

sail

to

fitted

None

with more than one

firmly fixed, the foot of

The mast was

of the boats of the ancient

sail to

of the floor

finally secured

by

Some

these

of the boats

each mast.

When

seciu-ed

by one

yard of

Egyptians appear to have

a single mast

and

fore stay

was used,

it

been

was very

being secured to a strong beam, which extended across the

it

whole breadth

sails.

at the top, so as to leave sufficient space for the

be hoisted between them.

several back stays.

upper yard of the

shear-mast, which consisted of two separate spars, placed

sort of

wide apart below, but closing

the

of the

stout stays

it

was

also supported

by strong knees and

and shrouds, leading from the mast head

366

lashings,

and

to the sides

and

Boats
stern of the boat

were

set,

so

and

heavy yards and

sail

Modern

of the
appears, that

it

all

these were necessary to compensate for the

that were carried on the boat

considerably elevated,

Egyptians.

and which, when hoisted and

that the lower

yard was' fully 6

ft.

fairly

above the

gunwales.

When

they wished to lower this

one continued stationary

and in

the upper yard was let down, whilst the lower

sail,

this position the sail

was stowed, and remained

so

until again required.

The yards consisted of two separate pieces, scarped and joined in the middle.
The sails of the grand pleasure-boats of the ancient Egyptians were sometimes
painted with gaudy colours, and embroidered with fanciful devices but these sails were
made of linen, Avoven expressly for sails the leeches of which were strengthened with
;

borders, and sometimes with a small rope. 1

BOATS OF THE MODERN

EGYPTIANS.

NILE BOATS.
'

Like a young Nile-bird, turn'd my boat

To the fail' island, on whose shores,
Through leafy palms and sycamores,
Already shone the moving lights
Of pilgrims, hastening to the rites.'
T.

The
form

native Nile boats, though of a somewhat antiquated appearance as regards their

adapted for the navigation of that grand and interesting river.

of hull, are well

The various classes of native boats of the Nile are

The Djerm (Germ) the Maddil, Aggub (Akkub)
:

Cangia (Ivangeh)

Of

Kijds (Kydseh)

when

the water

ports on the Mediterranean.

matting, to protect

cargo of corn

is

deep

sun.

in the transport of

'Manners and Customs

S'efe'ence,

Maas7i,

or Rahleh,

Garib (Karib)

Dahabeeh,

and Maadeeh. 2

or

between Alexandria, Rosetta, and other

During the summer they are

them from the

with two masts, large latine

Vide

Sandal,

Germs, which are only employed on the Nile during

these, the largest are the

the inundation,

Moore.

sails

which they are

and a

of the

laid up and covered with

The Germs have capacity for carrying a large

chiefly

engaged

they are rigged

foresail.

Ancient Egyptians,' by Sir Gardner Wilkinson, E.R.S., &c, 1847.

3rd edit. cap. IX.

"

Vide

'

Modem Egypt

and Thebes,' by

Sir

Gardner Wilkinson, F.E.S., M.E.S.L., F.R.G.S., &c, &c.

a.d. 1843.

367

Vol.

i.

The
The

Madclil, or as

it is

Sailing-Boat.

sometimes

called, kyas, is a similar

much

kind of vessel, but

smaller.

The Aggub

is

used almost exclusively for carrying stone, and

the boats

is

remarkable among
Nile for

the

of

culiarity of rig;

whilst

for,

its-

pe-

all

the

other sailing boats are rigged with

latine sails, the

Aggub

carries a square

sail.

The remaining five

are small open

boats.

Sandal implies a small sort

of

Cangia or ship's boat.

The Garib is a fishing boat.

The Maadeeh is a ferry boat.
Dahabeeh,
and
The
Maash,
c

Cangia,

are

and employed

the

with cabins.

Nile;

Of

jj

passenger boats,

all

all

are

furnished

Maash

or Rahleh

three

the

these,

such on

chiefly as

the largest, and has the most lofty

is

and commodious cabins.

The Dahabeeh and the

are the favourite boats

tourists,

of

Cangia

English

and in some respects they

are similar

appearance, but the

in

arrangement of the masts and

is

ever,

of the two,

and

extending

to

furnished with a

is

gangway on each

side of the cabin,

steerage.

the

modern Dahabeeh has

is

the

wind above the high

also a

The

rounded

stern,

which the

Cangia has

not.

Both

kinds are rigged with

two

masts and latine

peaks to catch

sails

The Dahabeeh is, howthe larger and more commodious

different.

banks

of

the

river

sails,

when

with lofty
the

water

low.

In the Dahabeeh, the foresail

is

much

the larger sail of the two, and

368

is

attached to a

Nile
very long tapering yard
lower end,

of the boats

upwards

of

100

ft.

in length, thick at the

but gradually diminishing to a slender substance at the peak

extreme point of which the

and

some

in

Boats.

thick, is stepped

and the mizzen-mast

in the fore part of the vessel,

The

abaft the cabin and quarter-deck.

mizzen-sail

also a latine,

is

at the

The main-mast which

flag or jiennant is hoisted.

short

is

at the stern,

but not nearly so

The boatmen set both sails on going up the Nile

wind is suitable but on coming down, they stow away

large and lofty as the mainsail.

when

against the current,

the

the mainsail and shift the mizzen-sail to the main-mast, and so drift steadily doAvn with
the current.

large water

filter,

encased in a wooden frame, usually occupies the centre of the

main-deck, and forms a prominent feature in that part of the boat.

The bulwarks

The

are very low, scarcely 6 in. in height above the level of the deck.

much higher

stern, or aft part, of all the native Nile boats is

out of water than

the fore part, and the rudders are, of necessity, very large and powerful.

The keel
whilst there

of the Nile boats is of

is

scarcely

any keel

concave form, being deepest at the stem and stern,

at all amidships

the advantage of which

is,

when

that

they get aground forward, by putting the helm to port or starboard, the hollow part
clears the bank,

There

is,

beautiful model
is,

in fact, a

and enables the boat

among

the naval

upon a large

model

flat

floor

bows and high

of a Nile boat that

was

stern,

of hull

and,

sails,

rigging,

some years since

built

It has a sharp hollow

and shallow form

at the

models in the Kensington Museum, a

a Dahabeeh with

scale of

the then Viceroy of Egypt.

with a

to get off immediately.

collection of

bow, but

is

&c, complete

for

it

broad in the aft part,

other Nile boats,

like,

His Highness

is

low

at the

with cabin and gallery, after the manner represented in

the illustration.
It will be seen that the

main-mast in the Dahabeeh

boat, thereby enabling the mainsail to

promenade deck and saloon

the boat

the mizzen-mast and

is

placed in the forepart of the

be manipulated without interference with the

sail

standing at the extreme end of

and being very small in comparison with the main-mast and

sail,

cause no

inconvenience to the passengers.

The
Nile

best of the

these,

modern Dahabeehs

needless to say,

now

are

built on the Clyde,

particularly in regard to saloon, cabin, and other accommodation

comfortable and convenient, as well as safer under

but the mast, spars,

sails

and taken out

to the

are of superior construction to the native-built boats,

and rigging are

all

of

sail

and they are more

than the old style of native boat

the native form and design;

experience proving that such are best suited to the navigation of the Nile.

dimensions of a modern Dahabeeh of the newest type, built on the Clyde, are
over

all

108

ft.,

beam 17

ft,

in.,

draft 2

ft.,

with spacious saloon and cabins,

The

length
all

good head room, and promenade deck over.

369

long

3 B

with

The
A.

and

modern native Dahabeeh

interest,

The

as

Cangia

97
is

ft.

is fully

ft.

and minutely described in a work

from bow

in length

about 30

Sailing-Boat.

long, with

and 14

to stern,

two masts and

The

amidships, and the smaller one in the bows.

is set

and nice management, or there

is

which come down from the

squalls

some parts

of great merit

width.

in. in

latine sails, the larger of

which

require constant attention

sails

sometimes great risk

hills in

ft.

of

capsizing,

by

the sudden

of the regions intersected

by the

Nile.

The
between
of

Cangia

part of the

aft

is

an open verandah, under which

There

is

occupied by a double cabin, with a narrow space

the principal one opening on to the deck, and prolonged as

also a

bench on each side

blinds, that can

it is

of the

main

by means

were,

it

sit

during the great heat of the day.

cabin,

which has windows with green

pleasant to

be opened and shut at pleasure. 2

The Sandal, which

a small kind of Cangia,

is

rigged with one mast only, and a

is

latine sail.

When

they row the larger class of native Nile boats, they

the deck, which are

and

sit

made

to shift for the purpose

upon them, dropping

their feet

only are used

oars,

they commence

when
'

it

foul they are furled

is

alternate planks from

through the openings^ and in such position they

are enabled to ply their long oars with considerable effect.

sails

lift

these they place on such as remain,

tracking,' or towing the vessel

but

When
if

the wind

is fair,

the

the rowers do not use the

by means

of

a hawser, to

which

smaller ropes are attached and passed over the shoulders of the trackers on the banks of

The progress is exceedingly slow, five miles a day being

The boatmen never use the sails for tacking as we do they are
and unwieldy for that purpose, and are somewhat dangerous if sudden gusts

the river, one to each man.

about the average.

too large
of

wind catch them. 3

The Nile boatmen

sheet (shoghool) fast
attributed

When

many

are careless sailors, and

and

to this,

a squall

is

take care

who

'

or

'

in the habit of

making the main-

size of the sails,

may

be

to the smaller Nile boats.

observed approaching, the Egyptian pilot directs the attention of

and

his crew to the halliards

'

which occur

of the accidents

much

and the disproportionate

be ready

'

brails,

it is

by the signal

'

Arless

arless !

'

which means,

then surprising to witness the alacrity of the boatmen,

are otherwise often lazy and inactive, but

when aroused by warning

of

danger just

the reverse.

Nevertheless, they
their

clothes

swimming

make not

the least objection to jumping into the water with

on (they are not over-burdened with such) on any emergency, and

to the shore or to

neighbouring boats.

'Four Months in a Dahabeeh,' by M. L. Carey, 1863, pp. 80 and

The Nile Boat,' by W. H. Bartlett, 5th ed. 1862, p. 125.
Up the Nile,' &c, by F. H. Fairholt, F.S.A., 1862, p. 81.

'

'

370

81.

Nile
The mode of furling

np high in the

air,

the sails of

and swaying

to

Boats.

the larger Nile boats

and

Whilst peaked

interesting.

is

fro in the wind, the

crew run up the mast and

1

climb

along

themselves at
to or sitting

man-of-war

distributing
yard with the agility of ancient funambuli
clinging
positions,
such
in
and
other
each
from
equal distances apart
astride of the yard, they furl the sail with the smartness of English

the

lofty

sailors.

In the large boats, sometimes as

the main-yard furling the

sail.

The

lightest

many

youth goes

Egyptian Funambuli, furling the

as eight at a time are

first

and highest up,

upon

to the

sail.

so on, leaving the

slender part of the yard the next lightest follow behind him, and
the sail.
heaviest below, at the thick end of the yard and broadest part of
rivers on
Catamarans, or Log- Boats of the Nile.-The primitive notion of crossing
;

logs of buoyant

wood

is

one that

still

prevails,

even in countries where

sciences are liberally cultivated and broadly extended

and

vessels of superior

form and construction are daily before the eyes

are in the habit of using such rustic contrivances.

Supra,

371

p. 8.

arts

and

and notwithstanding that boats

of those

who

The
The Nile catamarans
cut from

the

Sailing-Boat.

are simply thick logs of wood, about 4

ft.

or 5

ft.

in length,

end being trimmed and pointed with a view to

diminishing the resistance to the water sometimes two or three of the logs are lashed
together, so as to form a more burdensome raft, for the purpose of carrying passengers
date

tree,

the

fore

and cargo across the

When
to sink it

river.

a single log

below the

is

used, the weight of the occupant

surface, although still maintaining

is

sometimes alone

buoyancy enough

sufficient

keep the

to

adventurer above water.

The manner

of sitting

and using the native catamarans on the Nile

remarkable,

is

Some of the Nubian boys are very skilful in the

great amusement to the Nile-boat voyagers they sit

and requires considerable practice.

management
and lie upon

of them,

and afford

their catamarans in various positions

sometimes at

full length,

on their

stomachs, and yet propelling the log with undiminished speed, paddling across the bows
of the passenger Nile boats, as

to

if

mock

their tardy progress

nothing but their hands and legs to propel the log ahead.

and

all

the while using

Sometimes they bind their

bundles on the top of their heads and seat themselves astride the log-raft on crossing
the river or shooting the

rapids.

them along the

straight before

Others

sides

upright, with their legs stretched out

sit

of the

log

and then, with a balance-sweep or

double-bladed oar, they propel the raft ahead, by alternate strokes to right and
this

way

Nile to

left.

In

Nubian inhabitants of Assouan, to this day, ferry themselves across the

feed and look after their sheep and goats on the opposite shore sometimes
the

carrying bundles of fodder, in the shape of Indian corn leaves, and other provender,

made from the fibres of the same date tree of which

The Nubian boys perform very venturesome feats
upon them apparently without fear, as they shoot over

lashed to the catamaran with cords

the floating log itself forms part.

with these catamarans

riding

the most perilous and roaring cataracts, choosing, as they do, for the sake of daring,

the fiercest and most rapid parts of the torrent, to the astonishment and amusement of
the

Nile-boat voyagers; and

their positions

all

the while guiding their rolling barks and retaining

upon them with admirable

merged, log and

all,

again, and, with smiling faces, ask for that

See

'

See

'

Sometimes they appear

and apparently half drowned; but they never fail
skill.

undying

gratification,

The Nile Boat,' by W. H. Bartlett, 1S62, p. 208 (oth ed.).

The Nile and its Banks,' by Bev. Alfred Charles Smith, 1868.

872

'

totally subto

backsheesh.'

Vol.

ii.,

p. 11.

come up
2

A merica n

AMERICAN
Time

flies,

Boa ts.

BOATS.

but records of great victories are preserved.

It is

now

just fifty

years since one of the most sensational matches ever sailed in British waters came off

under the auspices of the Royal Yacht Squadron, in a

stiff

breeze, on a fine course

Cowes harbour round the Isle of Wight to the eastward, and home by the
Needles to the west, which resulted in a yacht of American design and construction
carrying off the palm of victory from the shores of our Island, immediately beneath

from

off

the spotless ensign of the Eoyal Yacht Squadron.

It is matter of history that, in the year 1851, a

famous schooner yacht, named the

America, owned by Mr.

was
at

J. C.

sent across the Atlantic

Stevens, then

and arrived

at

Commodore

of the

Cowes on July 31st

New York

Yacht Club,

in that year, to compete

our regattas on the Solent and elsewhere with the fastest yachts of the British

pleasure fleet

and, in fact, she brought with her a challenge to sail a match with any

yacht that might be chosen to compete with her.

373

The
The America
yachts

Sailing-Boat.

afterwards was entered

shortly

and on August 23rd in that year

Yacht Squadron, when no

less

waters, the America proved victorious,

of the

Eoyal

of the

and among the

fleet

were some

In

this,

her

celebrated of the British racing yachts of the period.

Cup

a fleet of seventeen English

memorable match

than fifteen started, seven of which were schooners of

and eight were cutters

large tonnage

among

sailed in the

and carried

off,

most

of the

race in English

first

with great triumph, the prize

Eoyal Yacht Squadron.

In several subsequent matches with chosen yachts

of our pleasure fleet she

was

also

eminently successful, and proved an invincible clipper.

The yacht America was

in fact the

wonder

be without a rival in British waters.

circles

by her marvellous powers

'

of her day,

and was frankly admitted

The sensation created

on a wind

'

and repeated

to

at the time in yachting

victories will not soon

be

forgotten.

the period alluded

Since

to,

remarkable contests have taken place in

several

American waters, between American and British yachts

of the larger class,

not the Author's intention in these pages to enter upon in detail

devoted mainly to yachts of the smaller class

some

of

The performances

victorious.

already been referred to in previous pages

them

here,

different

where the Author's purpose

types

of

boats

is

1
;

it

which

it

is

being

this -volume

which, however, have come

from America to compete with those of British construction

American boats have been

of

and

in

many

several

of

cases the

these

would therefore be superfluous

have

to repeat

chiefly that of the descriptive, as regards the

and small yachts, and

of

their varieties of

and other

rig

distinguishing features.

AMERICAN CENTRE-BOARD (OR REVOLVING-KEEL) SAILING BOATS.

The Continent
indented coast

line,

of

North America with

and boat-sailing unequalled in extent by those

In the immediate vicinity
shipping and commercial
off

its

numerous outlying

islands,

deeply

extensive lakes, bays, and inlets, affords advantages for yachting

New York

of

traffic to

of

any other nation.

the waters are, however, too crowded with

allow of a free indulgence in those pastimes.

But

the shores of Maine and the eastern sea-board of North America, for more than a

thousand miles in extent, no more advantageous coast can be found for enjoyment of
the delightful recreation of yachting and boat-sailing.
are sandy

and shallow, the native boats are constructed

surroundings.
1

Vide pp. 93, 183, 198-9, 201.

374

And
of a

as

many

parts of the coast

form and rig

to suit the

American

Boats.

In the United States of America the use

and sailing-boats

yachts

is

almost

of the revolving centre-board for small

But the form

universal.

the size and sometimes the position of

the yacht or boat,

of

the centre-board, are somewhat

different to

those of English construction.

When
made

the revolving

'

centre-board

though occasionally

of oak,

and clamped with

iron.

came

first

'

of pitch pine

into use in America,

but the foot

was, usually,

it

was always bolted

of it

American revolving

It is claimed for the

'

centre-board

'

sailing- boat, that she will

stand up to her canvas by means of her shape, without the aid of ballast, and that she
will ride over a sea that

An

under water.
the sails be

would put the decks

an English cutter,

of

of the

same tonnage,

important feature in the rig of an American centre-boarder

made

so

is,

that

and the mainsail laced to the

as to stand as flat as possible,

boom.

The American revolving centre-board sailing-boat is usually of broader construction

The broad beam of the American boat is said to give her

than those built in England.

great stability and buoyancy, enabling the boat to carry a large spread of canvas, with

but

little list to

The
parts

And

leeward.

the centre-board in

its

light draft of the

the

of

obstructed

by

standing up so well to her canvas enables her to carry

most favourable position

American boat

is

for resisting lee-way.

also of considerable

coast

where they are employed

shoals

and sand banks

as

advantage in those

such being chiefly in tidal harbours

by raising the centre-board, the boat may be

and so run over such obstacles and got into

sailed in shallow water,

port, whilst the

deep-keel boat has to bring-up at anchor and await the Aoav of the tide.
It is also said to

boat

is fit

boats.

be a mistake to suppose that the American revolving centre-board

only for smooth water

Being

of so

is

it

water to displace, and answering readily

And

in fine weather their light draft

move very

briskly

and

it

will be

and heavy sea, they labour far

Under a double-reefed mainsail
but when

off

make them

claimed for them that they are excellent sea-

buoyant a form, they ride over the waves

to the helm, their

and great spread

them

when on

some kind

well and avoid the possibility of broaching-to.

is

to

strong wind

than a keel boat of narrow form and deep

sail of

little

are very quick.

reefs, in a

these boats do not require a foresail

the wind, with a following sea, a head

steer

and having but

of sail naturally enable

found that even under double

less

movements

draft.

wind

requisite to

All centre-board

boats steer very hard with the wind abaft the beam.

Another advantage boats

revolving centre-board
in

is

of this

type possess

is

forced up, whereby the boat

that, in
is

taking the ground the

enabled to

sit

upon the bottom

an upright position.
1

An

illustration of the

famous boat Truant, an American revolving centre-board

given, supra, page 92.

375

boat, has already been

The

Sailing-Boat.

THE NEWPOET OE CAT

The Newport
the

Una

(or Cat rig as it is

now

BIG.

generally called)

is

known

in

England

as

very general use in the United States of America, and is in

fact more widely distributed there than any other form of rig.
It is found on all parts
of the coast from Maine to Florida
and is distinctly American.
'

rig.'

It is in

Cat-rigged boats are usually very broad and shallow, with a deep revolving
centre-

The

Cat Rig,

376

American Boats.
board

their single

although the gaff

foot,

is

mast

chock for'ard

'

and requires a long boom

The American Cat

and turning

in tacking
of

is

any rig

The

more

is

to spread

boats of the
to

it,

Una

stern.

handy

are remarkably

in fact

no boat

yawls

but the

so.

The Double Cat Rig.

in use also on

sail,

and

very broad at the

windward, being quick and certain in stays

smaller, or those of less than 25

Boats,

the boat

of

it is

extending several feet over the

type, with only one

some as sloops and some

larger of the Cat-boats are rigged,

Makinaw

bows

in the extreme

'

short and the sail narrow at the upper part,

ft.

The American

'

some

of the larger lakes,

double

known

or that

cat,'

and handy kind

a simple, convenient,

is

as

in length, are of the Cat rig, with one sail only.

of rig of the

and in the vicinity

of Detroit,

as the rig of the

yawl type.

It is

Michigan.

THE SHARPEY.

The American Sharpey

6

ft.

to 7

beam

ft.

it is

stem and flat-shaped

is

usually from about 32

to 35

ft.

sides,

with a raking stern

it

also

is

considerable spring at both ends, so that as the Sharpey

the stem

is

from 8

The

about 6

in. to

12

rig of the

in.

midship

to the

and the stern about 4

Sharpey

is

peculiar,

The tack

from the tack the

boom

upon the

surface,

in.

Her

out of the water.

draft amidships

in.

in the illustration.

the mast

but with

flat-bottomed,
afloat

section.

and

is

confined to two

tapering masts, without either shrouds or stays.

shown

sits

Sharpey

is

and from

in length,

ft.

The Sharpey has an upright

therefore a narrow type of boat.

of each sail is

sail rises

the inner end of the

The

sails

sails,

bowsed down

gradually to the outer end

boom

is set

377

in an eyelet

which are

set

on

tall

are of jib-like shape, as

made

to the lower part of

aft,

where

it

is

to receive it at

3 c

seized

about

The
3

ft.

or 4

ft.

above the tack

outer end of the boom, the

Sailing-Boat.

and on the clew

sail is

made

of the sail

to stand

very

being hauled out taut at the

flat.

This mode of fitting the

boom to the sail is similar to that of the native Bermudian rig.

The Sharpey is also fitted with a revolving centre-board at about midships, which
let down when working to windward, but has to be hauled up when the boat

Sharpey

navigated in shallow water.

illustration

case for

it,

The rudder

the post of the rudder

is

masted.

of iron,

and

of the

worked through an iron

form indicated by the

pipe,

which serves

The Sharpey

is

decked

all

as a

over with the exception

a cockpit abaft the mainmast, and has good cabin accommodation.

little

is

the rudder itself hanging in a drooping position at the aft end so as to

obtain a better grip of the water.

of

is

two

is

Drawing

so

water, the Sharpey sails fast in light airs, but requires careful handling, being

narrow and flat-bottomed

When

working

to

it is

windward

nevertheless said to do well in a sea-way.

in shallow

water in a breeze, with the centre-plate up,

378

American Boats.
the crew

sit to

leeward, or

that the straight side

may

list

the boat with some weight (usually bags of saud), so

take hold of the water.

Sharpey

au inexpensive kind

of boat,

Island Sound for oystering

single

They

are built of 1 in. stuff, are

masted.

used mostly at Fair Haven and

and they have the reputation

boats under experienced handling.

379

of

New Haven

in

Long

being fairly good sea

The

Sailing-Boat.

THE DORY.

The American Dory

New

England

chiefly

by fishermen,

The Dory
pretty high

boat of small dimensions, employed chiefly along the

to build

and cheap,

to the exclusion of other

usually 16

is

is

Being easy

coast.

ft.

to

18

ft.

more

in

it is

common

in length, with raking stem

very sloping sides, and consequently narrow bottom.

nse everywhere,

costly boats.

The

and

stern,

both

sides consist of

two wide planks, and there is a good deal of spring in the floor. These boats are light
and buoyant and in the hands of those accustomed to their use are said to be far
;

better in a

To

heavy sea than any other

craft.

a stranger they appear very ticklish, but although they heel very readily, are

They run smoothly, but turn with a slight movement of the oar.
Dory is very handy in landing on a beach, and may be

not easily capsized.

Drawing but

little

water, the

up and

readily hauled

easily

Occasionally they are

launched.

They are steered with an oar over the

The thwarts of the Dory are movable

sail.

fishing vessels

from the coast towns

one inside the other

thwarts replaced.

and on

is

with a small

aft side.
;

and

it

is

usual for the larger class of

to take six or eight of

arrival at the fishing

Each Dory

fitted

Their rig consists of one small triangular

revolving centre-board, placed well forward.

them aboard, packing them

grounds they are unshipped and the

then manned by two fisherman, with tackle, gear, and

other requisites.

THE EIVEESIDE DORY

The members
Dory

Class,

of the Eiverside

ft.

York, have recently established a

ft.

in length over

all,

and 13

ft.

Boats of

on the keel, with a beam

of

they are to be fitted with a centre-board, and the rig to comprise mainsail and

foresail only.
fish

New

with a view to the encouragement of single-handed boat-sailing.

the class are to be 17

Yacht Club,

CLASS.

The boats

are all to be painted white,

they will be very inexpensive to build, and

and amusement will be derived from them.

580

and each named

it is

expected that

after a salt-Avater

much good

racing

Canadian Boats.

YACHTS AND BOATS.

CANADIAN

The main

hydrographical feature of British North America

of lakes, containing

to

the great river system of the

nearly two-thirds of the Dominion,

By

is

the extensive chain

an area of 150,000 square miles, connected with and contributing

The upper

Lawrence.

St.

area,

which comprises

a region of water-ways and great river systems.

is

the British North America Act of 1867, the Provinces of Upper and

Canada (Ontario and Quebec), Nova

title of

Dominion

'

Canada

New

The Dominion

is

therefore highly favoured with

the production of yachts and boats of a superior

for

Lower

Brunswick, were united under the

timber and beautiful varieties of woods of every degree of

hardness, toughness, and flexibility.

facilities

and

of Canada.'

rich in

is

Scotia,

lakes and rivers afford a ready

means

class,

of indulging in aquatic sports

and

its

beautiful

and pastimes

to the

very heart's content of the residents.

THE

The

illustration

the winner of the

'

"

GLENCAIEN

shows the

"

CANADIAN EACING-BOAT.

'

Yacht Bace

" Glencaim "

The match was

Cup.

sailed in Oyster

fore

and

aft,

length over

for the

body

pla

Her dimensions

of Montreal.
in.

from these dimensions that

beam, 6

ft.

is

little

The
are

Glen-

length

draft, 6 in.

very extensive overhang

more than

half her actual

she therefore represents a very extreme type of overhang, the angle of

the load- water-line being scarcely perceptible as the boat

water

3 in.

this boat has

and that her load-water-line length

all

Seawanhaka Corinthian Challenge

Bay, Long Island Sound, in 1896.

caim was designed by Mr. G. H. Duggan,

length on L.W.L., 12 ft. 6
over all, 23 ft.
It will be seen

Canadian representative yacht Glencaim,

profile of the

International

and when pressed upon her

side

sits

by a strong breeze her

a myth.

381

upon the surface

load- water-line

of the

becomes

Sailing-Boat.

The
The

Glencairn

a very shallow boat, broad and flat at the bottom, with a steel

is

centre-plate having

apex

its

at about equal distance

from point

stem and

to point of

stern.

being 246 square

courtesy of the

feet,

and that

Commodore

Mr. G. H. Duggan, the Author

are very large, the area of the mainsail

sails

her racing foresail 52 square

of

of the

Royal

St.

Through the

feet.

Lawrence Yacht Club, and

of the designer,

enabled to give the illustration of

is

such

of the sail-plan that for a boat of

be seen from the illustration

It will also

dimensions and small displacement her

plan and

sail

dimensions.

A model

of the hull of the Glencairn

summer

the Imperial Institute in the

of

was exhibited

at the

Yachting Exhibition

at

1897, from which, aided by the drawings sent

by Mr. Duggan, the Author has been enabled

to

have a

profile illustration

made

of the

hull of this boat.

It should

be mentioned that the Glencairn had been launched only about two weeks

previous to the time

national

when

Bay

she was shipped to Oyster

match above referred

take part in the Inter-

to

to.

In the following year (1897) the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club matches were
sailed

on Lake

St.

Louis, Montreal,

when

the race for the International Challenge

for boats of a larger class than in the previous year

(Canadian boat) and the

Momo

(American).

was contested between Glencairn

The Glencairn

II.

was a boat

Cup
II.

of similar

type to Glencairn I, but somesvhat modified on account of the difference in size of the

making

boats of 1897 and those of 1896, and the restrictions that were agreed upon,
desirable to have proportionately less

beam than

in the boat of the previous year

the revolving centre-board (which was of steel) was of the same shape

it

but

as that of

The rig was, however, quite different, Glencairn II. being rigged with
a gaff-mainsail, and her principal dimensions were
L.O.A., 32 ft. L.W.L., 17 ft. 6 in.
Glencairn I.

beam, 8

ft.

sail area,

500

less in proportion to the

In the

first of

sq. ft.

The overhang

fore

and

aft, therefore,

though rather

previous year's boat, was nevertheless very extensive.

the series the race

won by

was won by the Momo, but the second,

third,

and

The Canadian boat thus retained the

trophy, which was wrested from the Americans in the previous year by Glencairn I. in

fourth races were

all

the Glencairn II.

Oyster Bay.

In 1898 the Seawanhaka Corinthian Challenge Cup was again the object of keen
competition, two
trial races,

new

boats being built for the American Yacht Club to take part in

and two others by private individuals

from the board

The boat

of

selected for the

won by

also a

new boat

American Yacht Club was named the

for the Canadians the Dominion.

again

for

Lord Strathcona

Mr. G. H. Duggan, who designed the two famous Glencairn boats.

The

race,

which was

sailed

the Canadian boat; but owing to objection

382

Challenger,

on Lake

by

the

St.

and that

Louis,

New York

was

Yacht

Canadian Boats.

383

The

Sailing-Boat.

Club, after the match was sailed, that the Dominion was a

winner handed bach the trophy

to the

Full explanations, not a fitting subject for these pages,

Stream of the date referred

sailed

freak

sort of boat, the

'

may

be seen in Forest and

to.

In July and August, 1899, a

were again

'

Americans.

on Lake

of races for the

series

Seawanhaka Challenge Cup

Louis, the competing boats being the Canadian boat

St.

Glencairn and the challenging yacht Constance.

In these contests the two

matches were won by Constance, and the two next by Glencairn.

In the

the

first of

final

match the

Constance unfortunately took the ground before the starting-gun was fired, and after-

wards refused

to proceed, thus leaving

the

Glencairn to sail over the course alone.

The trophy is therefore still held by the Canadian yacht Glencairn

Lawrence Yacht Club of Montreal.

The Eoyal
ticulars of

of the

Lawrence Yacht Club has now adopted a One-Design

St.

which were published

and Stream

in Forest

Boyal

St.

Class, par-

of April 29th, 1899.

BIRCH-BARK CANOES.
'

He

hollow' d a boat of the birchen bark,

Which

carried him off from shore

The wind was high and the clouds were dark,

And

the boat returned no more.'

T.

The

Moore.

The

Iroquois Indians are the most expert makers of the birch-bark canoes.

largest are called

'

North Canoes,' some

about six in breadth.

(besides a

bowman and

which are thirty-six

of

feet in length

These are propelled with paddles by a crew

of sixteen

by

men

who by the short quick stroke drive the canoe

when going with the stream.
navigator; he 'fends off' at the bow with his pole

steersman),

along at the rate of eight miles an hour

The bowman is the chief

when running rapids, and directs
canoes are sometimes sailed when

the crew as to the paddling of the canoe.

the wind

is free,

only are used, for the canoes are tender under

sail,

but not otherwise.

These

Small

sails

and require very careful manage-

ment.

The birch-bark canoes

parts of

times performed in them.

Bay Company used

were

are

used for travelling through the wild and unsettled

North America; voyages

also

of

nearly

one hundred miles per day are some-

In a canoe of this kind the Governor of the Hudson's

to perform his annual trip to the

formerly used by the old

'

Eed Eiver

North- West Company

384

'

settlement.

for the

They

purpose

of

Birch-Bark
conveying the peltrie

Bay

smallest

the

of

as far

what

are

But even the

used as postage canoes.

also

are termed

light

'

In building the birch-bark canoe, a skeleton

casing or planking of bark

ordinary

wales

broadest

winter,

the

largest

made

of

lengthwise, like the streaks of an

The bark

become leaky, the

thej r

is

gun-

at the

sewn together

affording

trees

place

stopped b}r

is

gum

warm-

a thin piece of birch-bark.

it

which these canoes are made

of

canoes

by four men.
light wood
the

under the boat and ending

passing

ing the gum, and plastering over

The bark

birch-bark

the fir-tree, and the seams are well dressed with the

of

When

balsam-tree.

They

several miles

first

is

not

being placed amidships.

struts

with the fibrous roots

the

then put on

but transversely,

boat,

the

is

may

these

hunting canoes.'

of the

largest

are so light that they are often carried on the shoulders

of

Hudson's

as

north,

birch-bark canoes are about twelve feet long

by one man, and

carried

are

and

parts,

to Montreal.

The
be

from inland

furs)

{i.e.

Canoes.

is

stripped

from the birch-tree

The canoes

most useful bark.

the

are

in

also

sometimes trimmed and strengthened with wicker wreaths, and ribs or timbers of
cedar,

which are almost

as

light as

pieces,

and the cedar

a rim or

gunwale

enclosed in

of

ribs

as thick

tough wood

The wicker wreaths

cork.

in substance as a silver crown-piece,

but the birch-bark

three or

as

is

is

On

four.

two crown-

the inside of the boat

and the top ends

fitted,

are about as thick

as thick as

of

the cedar ribs are

it.

Canadian Birch-Bark Canoe.

Canadian Birch-Baric

Canoes.

The

and beautifully constructed, and are

inhabitants

the

the

of

material

credit

composed,

and

industry

the

to

They

country which produces them.

which they are

of

Canadian birch-bark canoes are ingeniously

a.

are

their

for

and

also

of

skill

the

remarkable for

extreme lightness and

buoyancy, matters of great importance in the navigation of rivers abounding with

rapids, cataracts,

consists of the

nature,

if

and other obstructions.

The whole

bark of the American birch-tree

carefully emplo}'ed,

but easily ripped

of

the

material

or injured

outside, or planking,

tough enough in

when coming

its

in contact

with hard substances.

For a minute description as

to the

mode

of building these canoes, see Peter

385

Kalm's

'

Travels in North America.

i)

Sailing- Bo at.

The
The

lightness and easy transport of these boats overland,

in Canada,

where the navigation

waterfalls,

and shallows.

in

from the bark

of the

of

the

north-west

the

voyage in the

International Exhibition

Prior

country.

it

birch-bark

the

is

of

1851.

It

is

cataracts,

described as

to

its

England,

being forwarded to

the previous year of upwards of 3,000 miles,

sj)ring of

Being exceedingly

when

by

made

white birch, and as one of the largest class of canoes used

twenty men and their stock

canoes,

a great advantage

Montreal bark canoe, from which the above illustration was drawn,

full-sized

was exhibited
in

is

of the rivers is continually interrupted

of

the

made

and provisions.

of necessaries

part

light,

it

with a crew

crew are enabled

and rapids

essential to avoid the falls

to

carry one of these

and, for months together,

canoe forms the home by night and by day of the hardy voyagers

during their transit to and from the Ear West. 1

'

Soon as the woods on shore look dim,

St. Ann's our parting hymn,
Row, brothers, row, the stream runs fast,
The rapids are near and the daylight's past.'
We'll sing at

Birch-bark canoes are also used by the Sioux (wbo purchase them of the Chippe-

ways) in gathering wild

The manner

countiy.

rice,

which grows about the

of gathering

it

is

rivers

and lakes

of the north

One woman paddles

curious.

the canoe,

whilst another, with a stick in each hand, bends the rice over the canoe with one,

and

with the other, and

strikes it

moving along

They

until

it is filled.

are also used for wild-fowl shooting

in those parts

and

as they feed

and well worth the shooting,

1

so shells

it

into the canoe,

which

is

constantly

'Exhibition Catalogue, 1851,' vol.

T. Moore, Canadian Boat Song.'

wild-fowl of

and fatten on the

at certain seasons of

rice,

all

kinds being abundant

they are plump and fleshy

the year.

ii.

'

3
'

Letters and Notes of the Manners, Customs,

and Condition

Catlin (1841).

386

of the

North American Indians,' by George

Birch-Bark

Canoes.

LIGHT CANOES OF OTTAWA

'

Where

the wave, as clear as dew,

Sleeps beneath the light canoe,

Which, reflected, floating there,

Looks as if it hung in air.'
T.

The
the very

They

light

canoes of

the river Ottawa are also

frailest description,

are about 36

Moore.

made

in length, sharp at each end,

ft.

of

birch-bark, and are of

notwithstanding the heavy bnrthens they have to carry.

and about six

feet in

width

which they are con-

The sheets of birch-bark

sewn together with vegetable fibre, and the seams gummed up close.
lashed
The sides are strengthened and steadied by four or six cross-bars of wood,
slender ribs of a light
by
protected
also
is
inside
the
and
canoe;
the
of
to the rim

at

of

the broadest or middle part.

structed are

They are called light canoes,'

wood, but the bottom by only a few loose poles.
to carry only provisions and
or canots legers, because intended to go swiftly, and
<

personal baggage.

The usual complement

passengers,

of

the

paddle-men and four

1
bed in the middle compartment of the canoe.

fifteen

'light canoe'

latter

sitting

is

each

nineteen,

that

is,

on his rolled-up

BIRCH-BARK CANOES OP SOUTH AMERICA.

The bark

of
canoes of South America are formed of the whole unbroken bark
The natives take off the bark in one piece; then, keep-

a tree, called yga-ywera.

curve and contract

ing the middle straight and stretched by means of thwarts, they
inch in thickness,
an
about
is
bark
The
the two ends by fire, and the boat is made.

and the canoe

is

commonly about four

feet

wide by forty in length.

Some

of

seldom proceed farther

are capable of carrying forty persons, but the natives
and carry
than half a league from the coast. In bad weather they land,

them
in them

the canoe on their shoulders to a place of safety.

The Shoe and Canoe,' by

'

Southey's

'

J. J.

History of Brazil.'

38/

Bigsby, M.D., &c, &c. (1850).

The

Sa iling- Boat.

BIRCH-BAEK CANOES OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

The birch-bark canoes of Prince Edward Island are exceedingly well made.
The interior, or skeleton, is formed of flat ribs of wood, a quarter of an inch in
and an inch or more in breadth.

thickness,

These are placed nearly close together

throughout the whole structure, and the bark

sewn

is

together, the seams being well dressed "with

five or six cross-pieces, like stretchers, at the

The

top rim,

and

short.

or gunwale,

top,

then put on outside, and laced or

neatly worked with

is

Birch-Bark Cances

of

Nova

There are no thwarts, but

gum.
as

to

if

keep the canoe in shape.

The

wicker.

paddles are small

Scoli;

BIRCH-BARK CANOES OF NOVA SCOTIA.

The

birch-bark canoes of jSTova Scotia are also

as the various
of

them

as

is different,

Each
and

other kinds

the

side of

so also is the

strips of

The

of

may be
Nova

bottom

birch-bark

seen

by the

Scotia canoe

the whole

canoes

made

the same light material

of

already

described

but the form

illustration.
is

made

of

one broad piece of birch-bark,

beiug strengthened

on the inside with light

wood.
interior

sides

meet both

sides

are

of

at

curiously

fantastic designs.

the

canoe

stem and

is

bulged out amidships, but the ends of the two

stern,

where

they

are

wrought with fancy work, woven

sewn
in a

together.

variety

The

outer

of colours

and

Canadian
The birch-bark used
resembles wicker, and

no

are

than

heavier

workmanship

the

in

appears

them on the outside very much

of

be worked in a similar manner.

to

wicker

large

Canoes.

baskets

weight

light

consideration, as they have frequently to be taken out

being

These canoes
important

an

the water and carried on

of

the shoulders past rapids and other obstructions.

Those

New

of

Brunswick are precisely similar

to these.

CEDAE BOATS OF THE WILLAMETTE.

The
of

the

boats

cedar

the

after

model

of

the Willamette

cedar-wood,

native

are built

much

a whale-boat, but

of

and are remarkable

although capable of carrying three tons

and a padroon.

They -may be

the crew, which

is

carried

of

Okoriagan, and are somewhat

at

larger.

for

They

are

their

lightness

constructed chiefly

and capacity,

merchandise, with a crew of eight

easily

men

on the shoulders by three or four

of

often necessary on passing over the portages.

The usual length is

The planks and gimwale
They have no knees, but

These boats are clincher-built, and are strong and buoyant.

30

ft.,

are of
flat

by b\

ft.

cedar,

and

in breadth, with a sharp

oak timbers

bolted

to

flat

they

they require no
are

easily

keel,

about 1

each

distances

ft.

apart.

is,

that

gum

the

nailing

repaired,

at

and the seams being well dressed with

in

they are merely riveted at each end

of the pine-tree,

stern.

extend the whole length of the boat.

are

The rowlocks are made of birch.

One very remarkable peculiarity

accident,

bow and

construction

or

kind of

other

supply

of

the cedar boats

of

gum

In case of

fastening.

being

always

carried

in

the boat.

The crews who man these boats

about one-fourth,

who

are

Iroquois

are

chiefly Canadians, with

Indians.

When

the

wind

is

the

exception of

fair,

they set a

small square-sail, but they rely chiefly on their oars.

AMERICAN BATTOES.
Battoes

are a kind of flat-bottomed boat,

canoes Avould be unfit,

much employed

up and down the

by reason of their slender and

used chiefly for carrying

goods

From

the French bateaux.

rivers,

in

They

Albany.

where the

are

birch-bark

delicate construction.

The
constructed

Battoes are
to enable

them

to

The bottom

boards of white pine.

of

go with

Sailing-Boat.

facility into

both ends, and somewhat lower amidships than fore and

They

perpendicular.
3

ft.

are

and from

in breadth,

ins.

various

of

from

sizes,

S ins. to

ft.

Canoe

of

Oregon

two

is

flat,

in order

In form they are sharp at

shallow water.

aft.

The

sides are almost

to

4 fathoms in leugth, about

ft,

1
in depth.

Indi;

CANOES OF OREGON INDIANS.

The

native canoes of

a tree, are really of

of

made from the single truuk

bows aud stem, full

Indians, although

the Oregon

elegant form, with gracefully peering

midship section, and rather tapering stern, with a spring both fore and aft.
The interior is so carefully hollowed that the sides are only three-fourths of
fitted to the

an inch in thickness, and the thwarts are ingeniously

interior,

so as

prevent the sides from warping or getting out of shape.

to

These

canoes

allowed to

lie

are

preserved with

much

occur, they are repaired Avith

crack, small withes

the

draw the
with

crack

gum

of

great

care,

and when not in use are never

But where cracks and

exposed to the sun, for fear of injury.

close.

ingenuity.

passed, crossed,

are

When

the pine-tree, and

tying

the
the

is

damage

and pegged in

such a manner

completed, the whole

is

rents

After boring holes on each side of

is

as to

dressed

well

thus neatly and effectually repaired.

VANCOUVER ISLAND CANOES.

It
to

the

appears that the canoes which Captain Cook met with at Nootka in his
Pacific'

(now upwards

calculated for every useful

canoe of the present

3

ft.

deep

capable of

of

a century ago),

purpose,'

Many

day.

is

of

and which he describes

a description which

them

are 40

ft.

tallies

long, 7

ft.

with

'

Voyage

as 'well

the

native

broad, and about

carrying 20 persons or more, and formed of the trunk of a

single tree.
1

Kalm's

'

Travels in North America.'

390

Bermudian
From

the middle, towards

each end, they become gradually narrower, the stern

ending perpendicularly, with

post

Sailing-Boats.

knob on the top

small

the

stem having a

or

prow, consider-

protuberance stretching upwards, and ending in a notched point

ably higher than the sides
the

most

part,

they

and are decorated with

masks and

on their

the canoe, which run nearly in a straight

of

any ornament

without

are

teeth, set

seals'

weapons.

on the surface

few have

They have no thwarts nor any

sticks,

light,

and their breadth

all

kind

little

which none

of

and

them have

them

enable

flatness

line.

is

For

carving,

little

the practice

additional head-

painted with the figure of some

is

supports to

other

as

of

the insides than several

thicker than a cane, placed across at mid-depth.

round

outrigger,

like studs,

likeAvise

which

piece in shape resembling a large cut-water,

animal.

some have a

but

a remarkable

to

They

firmly

float

are very

without

between the boats

distinction

an
of

the American nations and those of the southern parts of the East Indies, and the

Their paddles are small and light, the shape in some measure

of the Pacific.

islands

resembling that of a large

gradually losing

itself

leaf,

intke

pointed at the bottom, broadest in the

the whole being about

shaft,

have acquired considerable dexterity

use of the paddles,

sails

management

in the

of

ft.

middle, and

The

long.

natives

these boats, and in the

forming no part of their art of navigation.

BERMUDIAN SAILING-BOATS.
'

Where

the remote

Bermudas

ride.

In the ocean's bosom unespied.'

A. Marvell.

The Bermudas,

or Somers Islands,

mere specks on the map

of the

wide Atlantic

Ocean, are a salubrious cluster.

'

Those leafy islets on the ocean thrown.

Like studs of emerald on a silver zone.'

They comprise numerous small

remainder being mere rocks.
the coast of the

Long

Island.

islands,

about fifteen of which are inhabited, the

The

chief

The

climate of

town

Hamilton, which

is

the

Bermudas

is

is

situated on

very salubrious in

and as there are now some

winter, the thermometer ranging between

60

large and

have become a favourite winter resort of

visitors
It

excellent

hotels

these

islands

and

from Canada and the neighbouring States

was

at

70,

of

Bermuda, the poet Moore wrote some

391

America.
of

his

most

charming verses,

Sa iling-Boat.

Tin

during the time he there held a Government appointment.

Bermuda

arrival in the harbour at

'

The

mom was lovely,

When

The poet

in the following expressive lines

every wave was

describes his

still,

perfume of a cedar hill

Sweetly awak'd us, and with smiling charms
The fairy harbour woo'd us to its arms.'

'

the

first

Nothing can be more romantic than the

number

of

beautiful

islets,

singular

the

Bermudian

play of the graceful

to sail

boats

little

The Bermudas
reefs extending to

gliding

coast.

These

reefs,

which

of

and perilous

anj-

aided by the

and

safety,

to

formed

lie

in

on three sides

patches, are

deep transparent water,

but

transparency

though many
1

T.

the
of

of the

water,

reefs lie

Moore, in note

to a

The

islands,

pilot

(east,
sides,

west and north) by coral

about seven miles from the

navigation

who, with
their

of

which

their

poem

written at Bermuda.

is

keen

sailing-boats with

hidden beneath the surface.

392

and seeming

altogether as lovely a miniature

intersected in various directions

the

boatmen,

native

the

George's.

seaward on the north and west

narrow channels

St.

the water, and the animated

between the

for ever

be imagined.'

surrounded

are

harbour of

Sailing-Boats.

from one cedar grove into another

of Nature's beauties as can well

little

clearness of

by

intricate

eyesight,

confidence

Bermudian

Sailing-Boats.

obvious that, for the purpose of navigating such intricate waters,

It is therefore

the sailing-boats must be short, handy, and quick in stays.

The Bermudian boats

are built chiefly

the native

of

cedar, Avhich

is

hard and

tough, and very suitable for the purpose.

The

history

prevailing rig

even then no
present rig

is

these

of

were used

gaffs

said

lost

superiority

of

advantage

antagonist
the

to

of

with

ago

the

masts,

but

years

two

The

being triangular as now.

sail

clay

boat- sailor, the

of

Hon. H. G. Hunt, who,

by

meanwhile

a private

was eminently

and

schooner -rig,

the

over

another race

single main-sail

and on the following

Many

the native waters, had an impression that the

a schooner boat-race in

his

form

the

by an experienced

one mast would have an

challenged

interesting.

schooner-like,

somewhat

is

have been introduced to the islanders in the early part

to

the nineteenth century

having

boats

Bermudian boats was

the

of

race

accordingly

he secretly

proved

he
the

with a schooner at midnight,

victorious in a public sailing-match.

Previous to this the schooner-rig had been the popular one in the islands, but

from that period the chosen rig has been that with one mast only.

Boat racing had always been a favourite amusement

afterwards became

more

of

and

islanders,

Their cedar bottoms were polished, so as to present the smoothest

speed.

and they had neither gunwale nor cabin, not even bulk-

possible surface to the water,

heads.

the

Avith

yacht club was established and yacht

Boats were constructed regardless of every consideration but

racing became general.

that

than ever.

so

They were

camber decks

built with

of light

wood, just strong enough

Such consummate

the weight of one or two of the crew.

to bear

was displayed in the

skill

construction of the hull and other details that, combined with the exquisite seamanship
of

a well-disciplined racing crew, a boat of only 13

the then improved plan,

would beat one

ft,

in length

of the old-fashioned

on the keel, upon

form

of

25

in fair

ft.

ordinary weather.

The mast

of

the Bermudian boat

is

a tall tapering spar of white spruce, placed

forward in the bows of the boat close to the stem-piece, with considerable aft rake,
so that the drop
at

of

a plumb-line suspended

from the truck

of the

mast would

fall

about amidships on deck.

The mast has no shrouds

the jib halliards are

rove through a tackle within

a few feet of the mast-head.

The rig of these boats

The mainsail is triangular

consists,

ordinarily, of

or nearly

so,

and

abaft the stern, and there being no gaff to

is

two

sails

mainsail

and

foresail.

extended by a boom several feet

sway the

sail

to leeward,

and only one

other sail before the mast, the great spread of canvas abaft enables the boat,
judiciously handled, to

when

go within three points

well equipped and ballasted will

of

the wind in

work within the seven

393

ordinary trim;

points.

3 e

when
and

The
The boom

The

necessarily of considerable length in proportion to that of the boat.

is

and rig

fittings

more,

mast

of the

and the boom

stands about 4

mainsail

is

ft.

to

the

itself

Instead of being goose-necked to

are peculiar.

an eyelet in the

set in

extent

to

the

lower part

mainsail

is

of

foot of the mainsail

of

the

mast, and

rig,

showing boom

and

fittings

which hangs below the boom

is

sheet, the lower part of the sail is thus also

rove through a standing block about 4

different shape,
boats.

The tack

occasionally used

and

the clew

is

ft.

or

of the

then hauled

made

is

fitted

with lanyards, which the

to

stand as

flat as

considerable

of

by the main

the upper part.

which

length,

foresail is hoisted

by

is

halliards

below the mast-head.

when going

set in a different

fin-keel.

The

forestaj^.
ft.

The deep rounded

flat.

close hauled, and, assisted

These boats carry a large foresail and bowsprit

rigged with a wire rope bobstay and

is

The boom

grommet.

a tackle and tail-block attached to the fore part

crew hold in their hands when the boat

topsail

the mainsail, and projects

thus made to stand very

Bermudian

luff of

boat of about 5 or G tons) of

(in

held close to the mast by

is

end by means

The

boom.

is

above deck at the fore end in front of the mast.

secured

aft to the outer

of the

boom

the

of

the mast the inner end

in front

Sailing- Boat.

manner

large square-sail or a spinnaker

is

free in

very

fine

weather

it

is

of

to

anything of the kind used for other

also

used when running before the wind

in a race.

model

of

the

Bermudian yacht

Undine was exhibited by Lieut. Taylor, of

the 39th Eegt., in the International Exhibition of 1862.

There

is

also

in

the United Service

Museum, London,
394

a model of a celebrated

'

Bermudia n
Bermudian
of

Ussher,

15 tons, presented by the late Mr. Triscott,

of

Plymouth.

The
and

rig

well adapted to the enclosed waters and narrow channels of the islands

is

Bermuda, amongst which the

coral reefs of

siderable
is

Lady

boat, the

Sailing-Boa ts.

part

year there

the

of

generally

is

sea

smooth, and during a con-

is

not suited to the open sea, nor, indeed, to any but their

The Bermudian
the

Triscott,

was introduced

rig

many

having previously resided

more

or less

have yachts

At

at

gentleman above mentioned,

popular with

Plymouth about

who

Avas

years at Bermuda.

some members

Bermudian

of the

of

The

Mimine

the
'

lug

described as of

was

fifty

years ago by Mr.

rig

familiar

has

ever

with

since

it,

been

the Boyal Western Yacht Club

who

6,

1895, the Mimine, Bermudian

'

lug

first

prize,

beating

six

Also on the 8th, at the same Eegatta,

rig.'

again victorious, beating nine

or

ten

other yachts,

all

of

the

rig.

The Bermudian
any mast

fit

rig ought not to be extended to vessels above 18 tons, because

to carry a projuortionate area

would imperil the safety

The

of

canvas would be too ponderous, and

of the boat.

best point of the

Bermudian

may be worked to windward

way the rig is not nearly so
The following dimensions
a

however,

waters.

rig.

the Boyal Clyde Yacht Club Eegatta, July

all

rig,

own

thoroughly

rigged boat (Mr. D. F. D. Weill), was the winner of the

other yachts,

The

a fresh breeze.

rig is the facility with

which a

narrow channels and smooth water

in

boat, so rigged,
;

but in a sea-

effective.

of

Bermuda

yacht, with racing gear, are taken from

pamphlet on Bermuda by Surgeon-General Ogilvy

16

[keel

4 tons I beam

Tonnage

(depth

Length

It will thus

of

mast

,,

,,

boom

,,

,,

bowsprit

,,

,,

spinnaker boom

be

seen that the

This great breadth

the keel.

is,

it

beam

of these boats

is

just half their length on

appears, required to enable

them

to carry so lofty

a mast and sail and to facilitate their quickness of turning or tacking in the narrow

channels of the coral reefs.

Although only 16

ft.

in length on the keel, the length over all

395

is

usually from 20 to 25

ft.

The

Sailing- Boat.

Instead of a revolving centre-board, the modern Bermndian racing boat

with a fixed half-moon shaped

undoubtedly adds

to the

fin,

which

weatherly

is

is

bolted to the keel on the outside.

qualities

of the boat

in

working

fitted

This

course

to

windward.

The

sailing skiffs

and dingies

of

Bermuda

are

rigged in a similar manner to

that of the larger boats.

When Lord and Lady Brassey visited Hamilton in 1888, in their yacht the
Sunbeam, they each presented a challenge cup for competition by Bermudian yachts.
Amateur sailing matches are held annually at certain seasons of the year under
the auspices of the Boyal

Bermuda Yacht Club, the

and manned by amateurs.

396

contesting yachts being steered

Portuguese

Boats.

PORTUGUESE SAILING-BOATS.

The

Portuguese

pleasure-boats,

places on

the coast of

two latine

sails

sail,

or

cahiques,

and a mizzen, the

latter

beiug

at

but either with or without the

jib,

the rig

is

Lisbon

and other

They are rigged with

manner to a Bermudian

set in a similar

the yard serving the purpose of mizzen-mast.

and well adapted

employed

Portugal, are fine, fast-sailiug boats.

Sometimes a

jib is

used besides

an exceedingly light and graceful one,

to boats of a long or shallow

form

of hull.

The

sails are

set

on

Portuguese Sailing Boat.

bamboo
beinc

yards,

which,

though looking large are very light and

generally composed of

several pieces of

bamboo

at

stiff;

each yard

the ends, so as to give

them a pointed and graceful appearance. These boats are high both at bows and
fine weather, under
stern, but low amidships: and although intended for sailing in
management, they may be safely handled even in strong winds; but on
Each sail is fitted with
such occasions one or more of the sails is dispensed with.
yard with
brails and brail-ropes, so as to be capable of being trapped close to the

skilful

facility.

397

ThIC

Sailing-Boat.

BOATS OF THE ISLAND OF MADEIRA.

The
as

will

native cargo boats of the Island of Madeira are of a very antiquated form,
be seen by the illustration below.
They have large elevated stem and

Madeira Boat.

stern-posts of great strength,

but they

and

wide and roomy

are

are,

upon the whole, somewhat crudely constructed

inside,

and capable

carrying

of

good-sized

sail

and a heavy cargo.

THE CATEIA.

The

Catria

the Douro.
3

ft.

deep

by twelve

is

a fine

open sea-boat, employed by the fishermen and

These boats are 30

ft.

long,

by about

they have also considerable sheer.

ft.

When

or more, the rowers sitting double-banked.

pilots

in breadth amidships,

under

oars,

of

and

they are pulled

Being often exposed

to

heavy

and broken water, they are provided with a large rudder, extending deeply
below the bottom of the boat.
seas

The Catria
is

hooked

is

rigged with a large latine, or rather

to the inside of the

bows

of the boat,

398

settee-sail,

the tack of which

and the clew sheeted

astern.

Boats

of the

Mediterranean.

BOATS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN.

MALTESE GALLEY.

The

Galleys

of

the

Island

of

Malta were,

in

important vessels of war in the Mediterranean Sea.

Maltese Galley under

age as the Venetian galleys.

The Felucca was

the

15th and 10th centimes,

They

back

to the

same

sail.

a boat of similar type, but smaller

and in the three there was always a strong resemblance.

Malta may stand as the representative of the whole class.
399

relate

In

fact,

the galley of

Sailing-o Bo at.

The
The Maltese

galley

was a long, low vessel drawing but

masts, with

usually three

lofty tapering

latine sails

being the largest, the foresail the next in

size,

little

water

and had

the middle one, or main-sail,

and the mizzen the

smallest.

The deck of the galley was fitted on each side with rowing-benches, from which
The Celeustes (Coxswain)
numerous crew worked the long powerful oars.

in

an elevated position at the stern of the galley, directed and regulated the stroke

'

of the

oarsmen by blowing a whistle for that purpose

'

and thus a regular stroke

of

was maintained.

the oars

Some

of these galleys

were upwards

of

150

ft.

in length,

and the deck 30

ft.

in

Maltese Galley deck pla

width;

and, in addition to the

were propelled by above 100

sails,

being of great length and balancing in the rowlock, which enabled

with greater

members

effect

of the

When

and regularity.

crew assembled on the

'

striped

it

to

each oar

be used

about to board an enemy, the fighting

rambade,' or platform, erected across the prow.

Maltese Galley,

In sultry weather,

oars,

sect:

awning was spread above the deck over the whole

length of the galley.

The Maltese Galley

is

in

many

respects a very interesting

and remarkable

vessel,

of a

type differing from every other class of boat and vessel then in existence

was,

as

already stated, of

flanging sides, but the underpart of the galley was of

may

be

seen

it

great length and shallow form, with a broad deck and

on reference to the section),

400

and,

a somewhat crank form (as

notwithstanding

that

the

galley

Boats

Mediterranean.

of the

was rigged with three masts and

lofty latine sails, was also provided with a

number of long, powerful oars (seldom less than 60), 30 on each side; so
when pursued by an enem)T if the wind failed, and it was found that the

great

that
sails

alone could not be relied on to save the galley and crew from capture, resort was

had

to the oars,

the

craft

at

which were then plied with great vigour and

a tremendous

And

in the capture of the galley.

the pursuer,

it

much

thus

and

stronger

thus propelling

liable

joining was effected

the

than

fracture

to

itself

it.

Galley were contrived of two or more

of the Maltese

less

on the other hand, when the galley was

the central part where

fished at

effect

was veiy rarely that the chase ended

it

required a vessel of unusual speed to escape

The long tapering yards

spars,

and

speed;

the yards were

one entire long spar.

of

if

This somewhat ancient mode of rigging the long tapering yards of the latine
is

the same as that in use in

There

is

all

sail

parts of the Mediterranean to this day.

Museum,

in the United Service

a beautiful model of a

at Whitehall,

Maltese Galley of the ISth century, from which sketches were made by the author
for the reproductions here given.

The model
the

that

is

by Rear-Admiral

Sir

La

of

Wm.

and

Capitana,

Malta, in

galley arches, at

the

stated

is

to

have been built under

18th century, and presented to the

Symonds, E.N.

it

Museum

appears therefore to be a very reliable

representative model.

There

is

also a

The modern
at

the

present

model

sailing-boats

day,

are

Maltese Galley in the Kensington Museum.

of a

of

and small yachts

various

sizes

few

chiefly as Cutters, but there are a

up

of

the English residents at

about 20

to

Bermudian

of the

tons

Malta,

they are rigged

rig.

THE FELUCCA.

The Felucca
to the

latine

is

an ancient type

of boat of the Mediterranean, of great similarity

Maltese Galley, but smaller

sails.

In addition

to

the

it

sails,

similarly

is

the

rigged with three masts and

Felucca (like the Maltese Galley)

is

provided with long powerful oars, which are of great assistance in the frequent
calms of the Mediterranean.
Feluccas were formerly the favourite
chiefly of their great swiftness

The yards used

to

three and four parts,

under

sails

craft

of

and

oars.

the

Greek

pirates,

on account

spread the sails of the Felucca are each sometimes in two,

the stoutest part being put

401

in the

middle, and the

3 f

smaller

neatly fished to

parts

manner
if

is

it

were

larger,

and

in one

the

at

than one

part

ends in

outer

a similar

and thus the much admired bend

when

besides which,

spar;

more

that

tapering
;

and upon the whole a

greatly assisted,

is

all

seldom

Sailing- Boat.

the Maltese Galley

to those of

yard

latine

the

The

is

lighter yard

is

of

the

formed than

a breakage occurs to the yard

injured at a time,

it

which may then be

promptly repaired.

The Felucca
The long yards

fastest

sails

on an even keel, down wind, with

sails

Felucca are seldom lowered to the deck,

the

of

heavy winds, when one

of

the larger

sails

goose-winged.

except in very

Each

usually dispensed with.

is

sail

can be brailed up close to the yard by means of brail -ropes attached to the throat
of

the

sail

but the

sails are

more frequently

f rapped

by the crew, who are very

nimble in that performance, and climb up and along the yards of the
remarkable

sails

with

aailitv.

VENETIAN GALLEYS.

Very
size,

but

So

early

excelled
as well

similar

as

those

of

as most

greatness

of

the

to

historically,

Felucca and the Maltese Galley,

only in form and

not

were the Venetian Galleys.

the

9th century,

the

useful, vessels of

the Venetians

an

beautiful galleys of Venice are

galleys

of

Venice were

indeed,

they were

the age.

But

any other nation

that

then

reputed

the

to

was the period

of

age which has long since passed away;

now

have

most beautiful,
ancient

and the

superseded by the more sombre, but graceful

and interesting gondolas.

402

Boats

Mediterranean.

the

Modern Sailing Boats

of ihe

Mediterran

MODERN SAILING-BOATS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN.

The

prevailing rig of the

modern pleasure-boats

of the Mediterranean is the Latine

a form of sail that has been in nse at most of the principal sea-side resorts of the sunny
shores of that sea, on the

and build

European Coast,

of the boats varies

somewhat

for centuries past;

and although the type

at different localities, the

form

of rig

remains

the same as in the days of the Maltese Galley and the Felucca,

Some
three,

At

of the local sailing-boats are rigged

with one latine

sail only,

and some with

but the majority have two.

Nice, Cannes, San Eemo, Genoa, and other places where there are numerous

403

The

Sailing-Boat.

English residents, English yachts and sailing-boats of the cutter, schooner, and sloop
rig

very prevalent

are

but the native sailing-boats

for the

are,

most

part,

latine

rigged.

VENETIAN GONDOLAS.
" There

is

a glorious city in the sea,

The sea is in the broad, the flowing streets,

Ebbing and flowing and the salt sea- weed
;

Clings to the marble of her palaces,

No

track of men, no footsteps to and fro,

Lead

to her gates, the

path

lies o'er

the sea."

Rogers.

Among

the objects of attraction to the visitor at Yenice, none are more worthy of

observation than the pleasure-boats,

or

Gondolas and Gondolettes which grace the

lagoons and water- ways of that interesting city.

The
to

streets

and from

being principally canals, the gondola

all

parts of the city.

canals as the horse

from one part

It

is,

is

in fact, as

and carriage in an English

city

the chief means of conveyance

much

and

in request on the Venetian

for a similar purpose of transit

of the city to another.

The only equipage of the noble and wealthy Venetian is his elegant gondola, in
which he, his lady, family, and suite, are conducted to all places of amusement, visits
to friends, and other excursions.
Coachmen and grooms are supplanted by liveried
gondoliers

the rattling sound of carriage-wheels

leisurely plying of the oar

and musical cry

is

never heard ; and nothing, save the

of the gondolier, denote the

movement

of

the lifeless craft

'

Gliding up her streets as in a dream,

So smoothly,

The annual procession

legend

silently,

of the brides of

by many a dome.'

Venice

is

thus poetically alluded to in an old

'

And through the city, in a stately barge

Of gold, were borne, with song and symphonies,
Twelve ladies, young and noble. Clad they were
In bridal white, with bridal ornaments,
Each in her glittering veil and on the deck,
As on a burnished throne, they glided by.'
;

There was formerly so much rivalry in the magnificent manner in which these boats

were painted and gilded, that

force)

prohibiting

it was considered expedient to establish a law (still in

any other colour than black being used on the exterior of all

404

Venetian
passenger

Gondolas.

plying

vessels

within the waters of Venice,

the gondolas oE State alone

being allowed gay colours

and the heads

of these

and sterns

some

in

are,

in-

and richly

stances, gilded

ornamented,

and the

teriors fitted

up in a very

in-

costly manner.

The gondolas belonging

Venetian corpo-

to certain

rations

or

such

societies,

as those of Chiozza, are also

of

more

tractive

elegant

and

those which are

let for hire,

at-

than

proportions

commonly

and are gene-

rally decorated in

an antique

style.

The smaller gondolas,

enough

large

for one or

two

persons only, are called gondolettes

these are as light

and buoyant as the

wherries

of

Thames,

and

very

about

with

little

rowed

little

the

Upper

are

moved

exertion, but are

boats

differently to

of other

and

swiftly

European

The rowers

in

nations.

these

sit

facing the prow, and with

a light pair of sculls,
reverse

motion,

handle

from the
drawing

force

instead of

wards

by

the

chest,
it

to-

it.

The gondola

is

usually

405

The

Sailing- Boat.

about thirty feet long and five broad,

Avorkmanskip

is

compartment

is

cushions, carpet

of

and elegant form; and elaborate

light

sometimes displayed in the carving and finish of the prow.

constructed in the centre for the occupants, and

and

The gondola

curtain.

Mode of Propulsion.

The gondola

decked- aft-part of the gondola

for greater speed

closed

with windows,

who

stands on the

has no keel.

propelled

is

is fitted

by the

gondolier,

those of the upper classes have two or more gondoliers

The long-bladed

and magnificence.

by which the gondola

oar,

is

propelled, rests on a 'fdrcola,' a sort of crooked rowlock rising about a foot from the

The

boat's quarter for greater leverage.

the size and uses of the boat, and

'

fcrcola

'

of different

is

forms according to

always somewhat complicated in

its

parts and

curvature, allowing the oar various kinds of rests and catches on both

its

sides,

perfectly

free

cases

all

is

as the

management

of

the boat

but

depends on the

being able in an instant to place his oar in any position for controlling

gondolier
the

play in

it

movement

of the boat, the fdreola is set

on the right-hand side of the gondola some

six feet from the stern; the gondolier stands on a small sloping platform, behind the

and throws nearly the entire weight

forcola,

using the

oar

Propelling a gondola at speed

and graceful

On

of

his

body upon the forward

is

hard and breathless work, though

it

appears easy

to the onlooker. 1

approaching cross canals and corners, the gondoliers, by a musical cry, signal

and warn those unseen as to which direction

which would otherwise frequently be inevitable.

their approach
collision,

The

gondolier's cry

'

premi

send his boat's head round

right.

stroke,

with dexterous but graceful motion to impel and guide the boat.

The warning

cry

possible to avoid collision

front of the fdreola.

'

is

'

the warning from the one gondolier to the other to

whilst the cry

the left,

to

sciar

'

stali

'

warns him

to

go

to

the

signals the gondolier to stop the boat as suddenly as

'

by

this is clone

The cry

to take iu order to avoid

sciar

'

is

'

slipping the blade of the oar in the water in

never heard except

when

the boatman finds

himself unexpectedly in risk of a collision. 3

The remarkable grace displayed by the native boatmen in the conduct of their
which they measure distances, and the quiet progressive movement by which the gondola is made to glide through narrow canals, round sharp
corners, among crowds of gondolas, and other craft, without touching an obstruction of
charge, the nicety with

any kind

is

remarkable, and affords to strangers agreeable sensations of pleasure and

safety in their transit

So

many

of the fair

from place

to place

on the Venetian lagoons.

poets have sung of picturesque scenes on the

and lovely occupants

of the

Grand Canal

at Yenice,

gondolas and gondolettes, which at

See Buskin's

'

Stones of Venice,' p. 189.

Ibid.

406

all

and

hours of


Gondolas.

Venetian
and night are moving

clay

that no apology

is

made

to

and fro upon the

still

for the following extract

When

tie gondola

is

waters of that once magnificent

city,

laden

With

its light

Eows

Bettina o'er the billows

and lovely burthen,

There, with sturdy arm, the boatman

To a light and joyous measure,

Thus he warbles to Bettina,
While his cheek is flush'd with pleasure,

"Non

The Grand Canal

is

v' e

the fashionable parade of the Venetians, and in fact what the

Champs-Elysees and the Bois de Boulogne

and Hyde Park, in London,

sombre colour

of

'

rosa senza spina."

which shows

off to

Bow

at Paris are to the French, or Botten

Gondolas are the Venetian equipages, the

to the English.

advantage the gay dresses of the

fail"

occupants and

the smart liveries of the gondoliers.

The highways

of

Venice being principally canals, the gondola has for centuries

past been, as already observed, the chief

tourists to
its

and

fro in all parts of the city

of transit for residents, visitors,

for navigating the

and

water-ways intersecting

numerous island homes and public buildings.

Of

late years,

however, the calm waters of the Grand Canal have been invaded by

the modern Steam Launch, with

rattle,

of

meanp

and

St.

and

shrill whistle,

its

accompanying smoke, steam,

and thus the tranquillity

Mark, the Doge's Balace, the Bridge

interest

are

each

in

turn

sounds as the ubiquitous

to lagoon in hot haste

of Sighs,

machine-

and other

historical places of

with rush and scrimmage, dashes along from lagoon

by the steaming launch

features of the silent city, the

puffing,

the neighbourhood of the Biazza

the awakening echoes of harsh screaming

greeted with

tourist,

of

gondolas,

and thus one

are in peril of

of

the most attractive

being supplanted and the

gondoliers thrown out of employment by the competition thereby engendered.

But the

better taste of the majority of visitors to the Island City

the native craft.

Venice without

a city shorn of one of

its

its

still

most distinctive features.

Let us hope that the day

distant ere the shriek of the steam whistle on the picturesque canals of the
city

shall

clings to

gondolas would be to most travellers and visitors

have driven the gondola from

its

industrious and time-honoured occitpation.

407

is

far

famous old

waters and the gondoliers from their

The

Sailing-Boat.

Boat of the Italian Riviera.

408

Boats

Lakes

of the

of Switzerland.

BOATS OF THE ITALIAN

'

There

is

The sun is -warm, the sky is clear,

The waves are dancing- fast and bright
Blue isles and snowy mountains wear
The purple noon's transparent light.'
Shelley.

great similarity in the native sailing-boats of the Italian Riviera, more

Most

particularly in the rig.

the pleasure boats at the coasting towns along the

of

Italian frontier are rigged with

sail,

RIVIERA.

tapering, latine sails

tall,

two and occasionally with

others with

ornamented with bright-coloured

stripes,

warm sun and

along the coast beneath a

And

three.

some with one mast and

the

which have a pretty

sails

sometimes

are

as they

effect

glide

bright azure sky.

SWITZERLAND.
BOATS OP THE LAKE OF GENEVA.
Sailing-boats appear to the prettiest advantage on the beautiful blue, transparent
lake of Geneva, surrounded as
its

banks are some

The lake

itself is

9 miles in breadth

by the most enchanting scenery and frowning upon

it is

mountains in the world.

of the grandest

upwards

50 miles in length

of

and near Chillon which

its

is

in the widest part

deepest part,

it

is

is

it

COO

over

feet in

depth.

One
water

of

more or

At

the

and in

greatest
this

less of a light

the

end

green
of

lake

this

from

differs

it

the

Indeed, boats

of the lake,

deep blue colour of

its

Swiss lakes, which are

all

the

tint.

the lake,

which

narrow,

is

the
of

Avater

becomes much

Geneva with

torrential

prohibited from approaching the Pont des Bergnes, on

are

account of the dangerous rapidity of the current;

so strong

is

other

and consequently rushes through the town

contracted,
rapidity.

south

peculiarities of

respect

the currents caused

by the

and rapid that no oar can

Yachting and boat-sailing

are

and

so,

too, in

some other parts

rising of subaqueous springs

resist

are sometimes

them.

vigorously

409

pursued

on

the

Lake

of

Geneva.

3 g

The
'

The

Soci^te"

Among
lake

the

British

with

'

has

its

club-house on the banks of the lake.

boat-builders,

having

model,

and

fin-bulb-keels

their

spangle

some by the most eminent

type,

by native Swiss

approved British

of

craft,

of

others

builders,

Geneve

cle

numerous yachts and sailing-boats which

many

are

and

Nautique

Sailing- Boat.

all

admirable

the

graceful

fore

of

the

European yacht

productions,

characteristics

overhang

the waters
of

of

and

well-built

modern racing
aft.

Some,

however, of native construction, have in recent years proved the champions of the
fleet at

the aquatic contests of the

Soci(5te\

Boat of the Lake of Geneva

The

prevailing native rig

so rigged.

There

is

is

the latine

most

of the trading or cargo-boats

being

a peculiarity about the hull of these nati ve cargo-boats such as

never seen in the boats or barges of other nations, in this

410

that

is

they have flanging

Boats

of Switzerland.

extending outwards beyond the gunwale of the boat

or wings,

sides,

Lakes

of the

itself,

but so

constructed as not only to provide additional space for stowage and conveyance of light
goods, but also to hold the vessel up under

undue pressure

of the

wind

They

above the water.

sail,

in case of

any sudden lurch caused by

they have also very high bows, which stand considerably

are rigged with

two masts and

pointed latine

lofty,

sails,

which

the crew shift into various positions with considerable tact, according to the quarter

from which the wind blows, or the course they wish

very pretty objects under

The

or less as occasion

of the lake

even in the large boats

may

require

one of the

or

These native boats are

to steer.

from whatever quarter

latine sails are not reefed,

more

brails,

sail,

they are viewed.

sail is

shortened by the

sails is

dispensed with,

make

for a harbour of

according to the weather and strength of the wind.

On

encountering a storm or heavy wind, they are enabled to

refuge in a very short time, as both sides of the lake afford frequent places of shelter.

One
lakes

is

of the greatest disagreeables encountered in the

the heavy rain, which sometimes half

twelve hours

and for

this reason,

when

it

is

fills

neighbourhood

of the Swiss

an open boat in the course

wished

keep the

to

of ten or

white, and to

sails

preserve them from mildew, they are not left about in the boat, but rolled up and
deposited in a sail

loft.

BOATS OF LAKE ZURICH.

This beautiful lake

is also

studded with

the broad and shallow form of

itself is

many

boats of English and American rig,

hull being, apparently,

the favourite

very shallow about the town of Zurich, and on various parts of

for the lake

its shores.

The native pleasure-boats are mostly rigged as latines, like those of the Lake of
Some of them have a wooden covering similar to that of a Chinese sampan
others have a canopy or awning over the middle and aft part.
The cargo-boats of Lake Zurich are a useful and burthensome sort of craft, of
Geneva.

barge-like structure,
sides, like those of

flat

latter not pointed at the

than the bows.

at the bottom,

but very broad amidships, and with flanging

the

the lake of Geneva, and high-peering sloping bows and stern

extreme ends, but broad

and

the stern

is

Steps are formed in the slope of the bows, from the top to the floor of

and the same

The

steps are of the greatest convenience in

the vessel

carrying

goods in and out of the boat from the quay or wharf

advantage

when

is,

generally higher

at the stern.

and a further

that instead of occupying a space to the extent of their whole length,

lying alongside a wharf, they lay stem or stern on, and thereby only occupy

their width of space, instead of length

from the banks

of the lake

with great

and in that position they are laden and unladen

facility.

411

The
These cargo-boats are

upon which

fitted

Sailing-Boat.

with a

tall,

slender mast, placed nearly amidships,

hoisted an elongated square-sail, hut only

is

when

the

wind

is

fair.

In

calms and adverse winds, they are propelled by the crew with long oars or sweeps.

Cargo Boat of Lake Zurich.

The rudder
required,

it

is

is

at the

extreme end of the stern

up out

hoisted

the water,

of

in

and Avhen

the

its

services are not

manner represented by the

illustration.

BOATS OF THE LAKES LUCEENE, THUN, AND BEIENZ.

There

is

a great similarity between the pleasure and passenger-boats of the lakes

Lucerne, Thun, and Brienz.

They

are mostly of a broad

Boat of Lake

peering bows

Thun.

hut the stern in some of them

section of the boat,

and

summer with a canopy

is

or

broad and
tilt

flat

and shallow form, with high

is

scarcely higher than the midship

on the outside.

These boats are provided in

amidships, under which the passengers

412

sit,

so that the

Boats of
boatmen have both ends

the

of

Lakes.

Italian

the
boat

to

themselves

management

the

for

and

navigation.

In the fore part, near the bows, they place the mast, upon which they hoist a small
lug-sail

when

there

a fair wind

is

which they

in the absence of

and ply

strike sail

their oars.

These boats are carvel-built

to stout timbers

load- water line the length

On Lake
rigged with

is

about an inch in thickness, fastened

of pine-planking,

They

and knees.

are about 22

only about 16

ft.

Constance similar boats are employed

tall

long by 5

beam

ft.

but at the

ft.

masts and large square-sails

also large cargo-boats or barges,

and some are rigged with a

gaff-

mainsail and fore-sail.

BOATS OF THE ITALIAN LAKES.

The

native boats of the Italian Lakes, like those of the Swiss lakes, have confore and

siderable rake both

Thus a boat 23

aft.

only three feet wide, but flaring

the

bow

middle,

out

to

feet

the bottom being

beam,

flat

and

the width of seven feet at the gunwale

and the stern a good

rising slightly,

over the thwarts destined for

by seven

long,

feet

has five feet rake at the bows, and three at the stern

deal,

the passengers

canopy

this

is

is

erected in the

supported by broad

half-hoops, in the form of arches.

In the boats

of

Lago Maggiore the lower part

the

an outrigger, in which thowls are

lake the canopy
of the

is

in the fore

fitted

part,

Lago Lugano and Lago

the

of the

the canopy

canopy-frame forms

and in the boats

oars;

supported by a light frame

Como

di

for

of

this

but in the boats

in the aft part of the boat,

is

supported by a stout framework of broad wooden hoops.

The boats

of the Italian

lakes have large

with a small square-sail, made of thin

some

of the boats, is

over which the

rudders, and

home-spun

flax

when

or

sailed are rigged

The mast,

hemp.

in

without either block or sheave-hole, but has a fork at the top,

halliards

go,

and are belayed in the

aft part of

the boat, in the

most primitive fashion.

The

sheet

the canopy.

is

usually hitched

The

sail

and not unfrequently

is

is

of British

one or other of the hoops forming the arc of

bent to the yard with strips of

Many gentlemen who have

with boats

to

sometimes ornamented with coloured stripes or checks,

villas

form and rig

on the banks of

its

own

these

these are not however copied

413

material.

lakes

are

by the

provided
natives.

The

Sailing-Boat.

ITALIAN BOAT-SAILING ON LAKE MAGGIORE.

The

boat-sailing matches which,

held

are

twice

year (in June and Augitst),

on the beautiful Lake Maggiore, are sailed under the auspices of the Boyal Verbano

There are two

Yacht Club.
prises

those

of

size

classes

class,

for yachts

any tonnage.

of

one of which com-

other,

those over one ton

the contesting boats

and the

In the August matches, however, there

but not exceeding two tons.

tional

of

not exceeding one ton

The

conditions

usually

is

are,

an addiregards

as

the boats of the smaller class, that they be sailed single-handed.

The Regio Verbano Yacht Club and Eegio Eegate Club, Lariano, have
years from

a One-Design Class, to last for five

started

1899, for a small class of Sailing

Yachts.

NORWEGIAN BOATS.
NORWAY YAWLS.
'

For now in our trim boats of Noroway deal,

must dance on the waves with the porpoise and
The breeze it shall pipe, so it pipe not too high,

We

And

Among

foreign

the gull be oiu-

seal

songstress whene'er she flits by.'

Claud Halcro's Norse Ditty.

European boats possessing

qualities

best

'

Pirate.'

adapted to

purposes, few can compare with the open sailing-boats of the Norwegians

sea-going

people

who display great ingenuity in the type and rig of their sailing-boats.
The sailing boats of the Norwegians have a great reputation as safe and fast
and they are of a type such as is not found among the people
sailing sea-boats
of any other nation, save only in the sister countries of Sweden and Denmark;
;

but the type of their yawl-rigged boats has been adopted by the fisher-boatmen
of the

Shetland

There are
Prahams)

Isles.

two

the form

tion to that of
carvel-built with

out nails

general
of

the other

classes

the
;

of

Norwegian

boats

Yawls

the

Yawls

rounded bottoms;

of

the

Yawls

(or

are clinch-built

and wedge-like, the Praams

but both classes are constructed entirely with-

the planking being fastened throughout with hard

The form

and Praams

one class being totally different in type and construc-

is

crescent-like at the

414

wooden

pegs.

upper part and wedge-like at the

Norwegian
under part

Praams

is

with high-pointed stem and

entirely the reverse, being so

and the stern end

is

Boats.
both alike

stern,

rounded

at the

wide and square, but the bow

In fact, the Praam is,

wooden boat-scoop with the handle sawn off.
The usual form of rig of a Norway Yawl
high above the water.

different cut to an English lug.

is

the

quarter.

inner part

of

sail

is

bow

is

is

single lug-sail,

lug-sail

stepped amidships,

of the boat,

in the

this is effected

near to the stem.

415

be nearly

flat

in miniature shape, like an ordinary

The Norwegian

slung nearly

stands in front of the mast

weather

to

is
;

middle,

the tack

and the short

still

but of a very

narrow at the

weather bow, the clew being sheeted in

the

Although the mast

the top of the

whilst the form of the

spoon-shaped, and peering

lower part being more than twice the width of the upper
at

bottom as

is

top, the

made

little

yard at

the greater part of the

by hooking the tack

fast

the boat's aft

sail

of the sail in the

Sailing- Bo at.

The

SONDMOEE YAWLS.

The
are

beautiful

the

of

and stern
boats

in

alike,

on the west coast of Norway,

open fishing-boats of Sondmore,

Norway yawl type

and high

at both

which fishing-nets have

of

graceful

In common with

ends.
to

and

shallow,

long,

all

be shot out and hauled

proportions, stem

properly constructed
in,

these

boats have

neither gunwale nor top rim.

They have

a rather deep keel, extending from

bow

to stern,

and are

with

fitted

Sondmore Yawl.

powerful rudder, which

stern-post
to

is

broadest at

below the keel; the rudder

the rudder's head,

the

under

controlled

is

and reaching several

feet

object being to enable the steersman to sit in the

of the

none

sail),

of the

and

so

to

assist

to

seat

of

one of the

boat-sailing in a

of

the

of

long

body

elbow-tiller
of the boat

of the boat

In

fact,

fitted
;

the

(near the clew

when under way

themselves in either end of the boat, as

such would enhance the risk

principles

and extends along the

from the stern

in preserving its stability.

crew are permitted

first

part,

by

heavy sea breaking over and

heavy sea being

boat as light and buoyant as possible, which

when under sail in a sea-way.

Sondmore Yawls is an excellent one.

are

to

into

the boat

keep the ends

matters of considerable

importance in open boats

The

rig of the

It consists of

an ingeniously

contrived lug-sail, very narrow at the top, but broad at the bottom (see engraving)

and notwithstanding such peculiarity

of

shape, there are the

416

same number

of

cloths

Norwegian

Boats.

in the head of the sail as in the foot

way

the

all

The mast

up.

several shrouds or stays,

destitute of both)
is

made

by means

upper part

and the tack

The

reef-tackle

two

reefs

boat.

complete

The lower
which run up

The

shipped.

is

divided

fish

when caught; they

The

part

the

of

is

much wider

The
also

very

at the
side.

by bulk-heads,

formed are convenient

divisions so

the baling out of water

facilitate

(which consists of a few large stones)

ballast

and

rigging,

being so

it

into several compartments

to the level of the thwarts.

for holding the

a sea

is

of the sail stands in the fore-

with down-haulers, one on each

sail is also fitted

part of the boat

is

the inner part of the stem inside

to

considerably,

sail

yard;

little

thumb- cleats, and the fore-stay

or

The bulk

fast

forms an important

reduce the

foot than at the head.

made

supported by

is

gnnwales or rim, for the boat

to

fids

of the stem.
is

and

aft rake,

mast-head above the short

the

wooden

of little

the

boat,

the canvas being worked gradually narrower

boat (not

the

in

fast to the

of

part
the

leading from

shrouds are made fast

the

stepped with a slight

is

is

if

placed amid-

ships, just abaft the mast.

These boats are

and in calm weather

also provided
;

fixed thowl-pin for leverage

with long powerful

for use

oars,

in emergency,

they are worked, not between thowls, but in straps, with a

;

the loom of the oar, where

chafes, is squared.

it

very complete and beautiful model of one of these boats was exhibited in the

International Exhibition of 1862, from which the drawing

was made by the Author

for the preceding engraving.

NORDLAND FISHING

The
not in

They

fishing boats of
rig,

are

in shape

to

those of

Nordland (north

BOATS.

Norway)

of

rigged with a lofty mast and lug-sail,

and design

as the

without a peak, but a

bnlk-heacls,

are similar in form, though

the western coast, but not quite

little

Sondmore

boat-sail

so

it

is,

in fact,

broader below than at the top.

similar to those of the

Sondmore

raking at the bows.

though not nearly

so ingenious

an elongated

lug-sail,

These boats also have

boats.

THE NORWAY PRAAM.

The Praam (or Praham) is also a

The Praams, like the yawls,

form.
the

planks being fastened to

the

boat of Norwegian contrivance, and of peculiar

are built of

keelson

417

and

'

NoroAvay

deal,'

but without

timbers with hard wooden

3

nails,

pegs

The
notwithstanding which

Sailing-Boat.

they are very tight

and

secure,

as

well

as

strong

and

durable.

The shape
stern,

Praam

the

of

having a broad,

is

similar to a

round shaped bottom;

the head and

bows gradually

carved figure-head.

it

is

the

wooden boat-scoop without

greatest

beam

breadth of

a handle,
is

at

the

rising forward,

and sometimes finishing with

Small-sized Praams are used generally as rowing boats;

only the larger size that are sailed.

The Sailing-Praam requires

a good depth of

false keel,

on account

of

its

very

Norway Praam.

flat

floor,

and the buoyancy with which

The engraving

hauled aweather

and

common method

the

Norway Praams, and

running

lug-sails,

The boats employed on the

especially

upon the water.

Praams,

of

the

before the wind,

rigged in British

with the

fore-sail

of steadying a boat in a sea-way.

coast

some

Some

judiciously rigged and ballasted.

represents a large Sailing-Praam, adapted and

waters with two masts

boats,

sits

it

when

largest of these boats sail remarkably well,

Denmark

of
of

are very similar to the

which are longer and

Norway

narrower than

the

have, besides, a long tapering bow.

FINMARKEN FISHING-BOATS.
The open
Norway,
the

stem,

top,

and

fishing-boats

however,
therefore

of

Pimnark are

similar

to

those of the west coast of

the type of the boat and being minus both rim and gunwale

as regards

is

by no means raking, but rather inclining inwards at the

presenting a

with a square-shaped

full

or

prominent

lug-sail.

41S

fore-gripe.

They

are

rigged

;;

Faroe Islands
The

fishing-boats of

both in form and

The

identical

Finmark

larger or decked fishing-boats of

they have

and

Prontheim are nearly

with the Einmarken boats,

rig.

and have square sterns

others,

Fishing-Boats.

cabin-house

are

stronger build than the

of

they are rigged as cutters, but not very gracefully

which occupies

amidships,

the

breadth

entire

of

the boat.

FAROE ISLANDS FISHING-BOATS.

The
boats

fishing-boats of

of

the western

high at stem and stern;

Faroe Islanders are much

the North

coast of

They

Norway.

of

like the

yawls and

crescent-like form,

and are

they have a deep keel and deep rudder, broadest at the

These boats are rigged with

under-part.

are

lug-sail,

widest at the bottom

in

form resembling that of the Norwegian Yawls.

The Faroe
in particular,

Islands

Fishing-Boats

which are fine-looking

remarkably well;

sail

craft,

and good

the

ones

large-sized

sea-boats.

LAPLAND BOATS.
The

native inland boats of the Laplanders (even the large ones) are very light

they are made of thin planks of

sewn together with sinews

light

form

of boat is rendered

and lakes

intersect the rivers

In some parts

doing

more durable and

The small
The
is

in

is

when

number

of

This

cataracts that

of Lapland.

where the natives are enabled

to

procure cord

boat-building, instead of the sinews of the reindeer

scales of fish.

it

The

the

air

on being dressed with glue

also

is

rendered

sometimes used by the natives in

neither cord nor sinews can be procured.

the Laplanders are of

but

and water.

tree are

fir

with a kind of glue, which they prepare

cord,

then impervious to

fibrous roots of

skiffs of

necessary by reason of the

they generally dress

so,

from the skins and

boat-building,

it

secured to a keel and ribs, the planks being-

fir

the reindeer, which resemble English catgut.

that country,

of

or twine, they use

before

of

fragile

and peculiar construction.

The keel

about one fathom in length at the bottom, but extending to two fathoms upwards,
1

Journey to Lapland.'
Ehrenmalm's Travels in Lapland.'
Eegnard's

'

'

419

;;;

The

Sailing-Boat.
The

being equally high and pointed at each end.

The

these are covered and doubled with thin

tbey

nevertheless, very fragile

are,

arms

and on stepping in and

out,

fir

When

other cordage before mentioned.

or

floor

is

care

is

in form.

flat

planks, that are joined with the sinews

completed

iii

the most approved manner

man might

a strong

rather

number, and very small

ribs or timbers on each side are only three or four in

crush them between his

required to be taken to tread only on

the bottom, as any hard pressure on the sides would injure them.

FINLAND BOATS.

The
manner

native inland boats of Finland are also very light, being built in a similar
to

They

made

thin

of

usage,

fir,

flexible.

and when borne by the violence

sewn together with the sinews

composed

to a skeleton

But, notwithstanding the lightness

such as striking against

stones

the

of

torrent,

mode

in

since a boat

without injury, a

Man j'

bump

a stranger

of

elastic

to

rough

and rocks which abound in the rivers

which the planks are joined together

clenched nails

boats are very

and exposed

that country, they appear to bear such shocks without injury;

the

the

of

a keel and ribs

of

materials of which they are composed, these

flexibility of the

strong

of

buoyant and

so constructed, they are

and

strips

and fastened

or dressed cord,

reindeer,

and

those of the Laplanders.

are

construction

and

for

is

better than

is

more capable

if

of

such usage

secured with
of

sustaining,

against hard rocks than one of firm and unyielding mould.

would be struck with alarm on

first

witnessing the perils to

which these boats and their occupants are exposed when borne rapidly down a
and

torrent of waves, foam,

is

deafening that

so

the other

and

stones, in the midst of a cataract;

useless for

is

must be done by

all

The

courage.

management

it

Finland

their

boats

steering small vessels.

One

oar,

of

any one of the crew

signs,

boatmen
in

the noise of which

attempt speaking to

and the boat controlled by individual

are

cataracts,

particularly

and

are

bold

and

everywhere

skilful

else

skill

in

ingenious

the
in

dauntless Fin stands at the stern, and steers with an

whilst two others row as hard as they can, in order to escape the danger of

quick-following waves, which threaten to overwhelm them.

on passing through some

with great rapidity,
as

to

if

never to

rise

of

these cataracts are

apparently diving
out

of

wave, with keel exposed to

into

many

waves and

The

perils encountered

the boats are driven along

raging torrents of

foam,

and then re-appearing on the crest of a lofty

view, and disappearing again as if going down endwise
them,

420

Boats
and during these

there

perils

of Holland.

In the travelling-boats

when they come

to a

of

Finland,

dangerous cataract

stones,

on the passengers landing

insist

they consult their own interest,

this

and more buoyant the

for the lighter

boat,

the danger incurred.

is

Most

the larger boats are furnished with a lug-sail, and a mast that can be

of

and lowered

raised

Fins

the

shape of rocks,

the

in

steering, the pilot has to avoid. 1

and in

as well as the safety of the passengers

the less

around,

others

are

and other obstructions, which, by judicious

at

by dangerous

intercepted

Sails

pleasure.

are found of

great service to the boats of

those parts where smooth waters and

this country, in

cataracts

and

it

in

is

lakes abound,

passing

though often

through these that the

2
calmness, courage, and skill of the Fins are particularly conspicuous.

BOATS OF HOLLAND.

THE BOEYEE

The Dutch

pleasure-boats have

and the rig and cut

of their sails

many

RIG.

peculiarities,

both as regards the form of hull

and notwithstanding the fact that they are neat and

at

trim-looking boats, they have a somewhat antiquated appearance

waters and from a British point of view.

sides,

broad beam, and

and

fore-gripe

stern,

that,

a good deal of dead wood, both at the

amidships

They

when run aground, they

so that,

are also provided with lee-boards,

These are suspended, one on each side

by means

the vessel

working

British

sit

but the

very large, and forms a conspicuous object outside the stern and sternpost of

is

the vessel.
keel.

They have

false keel

least in

are very strongly built, with round

There are no upper projections as regards stem or stern

perfectly upright.

rudder

flat floor.

but no

They

is

to

of a small tackle, they

under

sail.

windward

may be

let

The lee-board on the

but

if

which supply the place

of the vessel, to

down

of false

an iron bolt or pivot,

or hauled up, as required,

lee-side is

so

when

lowered when reaching or

the wind be free the services of the lee-boards are not

required, and they are then hauled up.

The

Dutch

hull of

pleasure-boats, externally,

ference being given to bright varnish, which

is

seldom painted, a decided pre-

gives the

wood a

rich

brown polished

appearance, the upper or bulwark-strake only being coated with paint, usually a bright

Pinkerton's 'Voyages and Travels,' vol.

'

i.

'Journey

Journal of a Voyage to the North,' by M. Outhier.

421

of Maupertuis.'

(Trans.)

Thi

Sailing- Boat.

green picked out fancifully with white and red.

on the stern and

aft

body

of

Dutch

Much

labour

beautifully polished, and ornamented with gilding.

is

is

pleasure-vessels, the carved

The

sometimes expended

workmanship

of

which

lee-boards of the

Dutch

yachts are also of finely polished oak, sometimes carved, and the outer edges bound

with

A number

brass.

bows on each

the

scratches

and

and polished wooden fend-offs are usually hung over

of carved

side of the yacht

bruises

by other

which, whilst useful in saving the sides from

coming

craft

alongside,

are

fanciful

and

with either

the

also

ornamental to the vessel.

Dutch yachts and

Boeyer
the

or

the Spiegel rig.

Spiegel

narrow

sailing-boats

for

large

ones.

are

almost

invariably

The Boeyer rig is the one used for small yachts, and
The gaff-main-sail of the former is lofty, but very

at the head, consequently requiring only a

very short

one, is placed in an upright position,

and the lower part

beyond the outer end

so

The

fore-sail

which has

to the fore-stay.
of

of

No

the

stern,

Dutch Boeyer

that

the

and

yacht, twenty-four feet in length,

breadth.

422

The

looks

tall

narrow-shaped

Boeyer rig consisting

of the vessel fore

gaff.

mast, a tall

of the sail does not

main-sail

also considerable hoist, is a tall

jib is used, the

which extends beyond the deck

rigged

of

two

extend

and narrow.
sail,

attached

sails only,

neither

aft.
is

usually about seven feet in

Boats

of Holland.

THE SPIEGEL

The

RIG.

In the
Spiegel rig differs slightly from the Boeyer, but in two respects only.
wider at the head than in the

rig is a little
first place, the main-sail of the Spiegel

other

and, in the next place, the rig consists of three

and small

jib

forming part

lofty, in proportion to the length of the boat

by thirteen

in breadth,

forward, carries a

mast

and drawing only four feet

above the deck

boom

sails,

instead of

of the

Boeyer.

two a

bow-sprit

The mast

is

very

for instance, a yacht forty feet in length

fifty-six feet

of the jib, is in-board, the

end

but not

of the Spiegel rig,

water

of
!

aft,

All the

of the main-sail not

by three and a

sail,

half

with the exception

extending beyond the extreme

of the stern.

The

hull of the Spiegel-rigged yacht externally

is

Boeyer

similar to that of the

the stern and aft quarters have a carved and ornamented poop, and there

is

but

besides,

excellent cabin accommodation.

When

full-rigged, they carry a large flag-staff

tiny one at the tip of the bowsprit, as

and

is

flag at the stern,

Dutch

vessels generally

secured, to the stem at the bows of the vessel

lanyard rove through a number of eyelet-holes in a large dead-eye

on setting up or adjusting the same as occasion

423

is,

that

by means

the lanyard thus

forming a dozen or more separate parts, thereby facilitating the operation

or loosening the stay

and a very

in the engraving.

peculiarity applicable to both rigs, and indeed to

the lower end of the fore-stay

of a

shown

may

of tightening

require.

Sailing-Boat.

Tht

FISHING SOHUYTS.

The Dutch

fishing Schuyts are of a similar

described, but of heavier

they are very

The

form

of hull to the

and broader construction, and

Dutch

vessels already

less graceful proportions

and

flat-floored.

illustration is

from a drawing

of

one of the fishing Schuyts hailing from

Dutch Fishing Schuyt.

Scheveningen employed in the herring

Bom.
The Dutch

Pink

fishery.

This class of boat

is also

known

as the

or

fishing Schuyts are rigged

with

less canvas, in

proportion to the size of

the hull, and have shorter masts and heavier spars than the pleasure- vessels

but

have lee-boards, which they use when sailing on a wind, to prevent lee-way.
fishing Schuyts

come on voyages from

coasts of the British Islands,

North

Sea, in

different parts of

with the east winds

company with the

of

Holland

March, to

British and French fishing boats.

424

to the north

fish in the

all

These

and east

Channel and


Boats
Having once arrived

at the

Bosphorus.

of the

fishing-ground, be the weather ever so rough, they

seldom make for a harbour, but either contrive to ride out the gales or drive about at

with

sea, laid-to,

When

hauled a weather.

fore-sail

provisions are wanted the Sohuyts are usually run ashore on the open beach,

under shelter

some bay or

of

where they remain

inlet,

crew have made

all

when aground, they

sit

until the

necessary purchases and replenished the stores of the vessel.

The

these vessels

floor of

perf ectly upright

Dutch

struction of

so flat a construction that,

of

is

and such appears

to

be a very important consideration in the con-

sailing vessels.

BOATS OF THE BOSPHORUS.

TUEKISH CAIQUES.

Among

the Caiques of Constantinople and other cities on the Bosphorus are some of

very attractive appearance and of as light and elegant construction as any boats in the

These are very

world.

flat-floored,

and swim buoyantly on the water, though often

heavily laden with a crew of eight or nine, besides two or three passeugers.

throughout with thin polished

lined

cushions

soft

to

sit

The prow and

with

the

upon and a carpet

figure-head

of

the

are

also

stern,

peacock,

The upper

ornament to the prow.

which

The

rowers.

yield

Avith

apparently light and

worked

feet.

slender,

are

and

other

or
also

finely

cross-rail

the

at

bird,

and

an

as

gilded,

so

Even

bows.

the

and

elasticity

loom being
a

of

scientific

muscular

the

to
full

the

of

efforts

and heavy, but the blade

and beautiful

form;

is

they are

in brass rowlocks, neatly covered with leather.

Some

of

the

State

Caiques, and

belonging

those

larger

than those in ordinary use on the Bosphorus,

by

numerous

beautiful

carved

the crew are beautiful and delicate pieces of carved

springing

peculiar, the

are

oars

pheasant,
sides

rudder, back-board,

stretcher-boards for the feet of

work,

the

for

They are
up with exquisite taste

fitted

graceful and picturesque, exhibiting elaborate carving,

are

stern

and

wood,

who

crew,

sit

doubled-banked

and

to

persons

of

dignity,

are

and are generally propelled

row

the

Caique

at

great

speed.

There

by

light

drapery,

is

tastefully

ornamental
enclosing

formed canopy in the

pillars,

and

hung

an elaborate cushion

with
or

425

aft part of

richly

the

Caique, supported

embroidered

curtains

and

wool-sack in a gorgeous silk covering,

3

The

Sailing-Boat.

on which the ladies and other distinguished occupants

Caique

of the

or recline

sit

at their ease.

Among
carvings,

many

the

muffled

in

closely

Some

varieties.

turbaned Turk, squatted upon

are

prows and gilded

sharp

and

with a bearded

freighted

seen

carpet beneath the canopy, hookah in hand, and

his

furred

his

with their long,

Caiques,

graceful

several

are

very

the

pelisse,

personification

luxurious

of

idleness. 1

Some

are

broad and

powerfully-formed

others

boats,

Turkish

that

safest

is

it

along

to

occasionally

Caiques

also

polished walnut-wood
as they glide to
'

From

plies

the

with

who
'

barges

lofty

prows

its

is

three

gauze-clad

He

buoyant,

see

glittering

of

Sultan to

the

Caiques are

all

glittering

common

the

beauty

downwards

dipping

rowers

and

its

third

thing,

of

'

in the

sunlight

fly

flashing

that

past

you,

at

every

towards the current

some aquatic bird moistening

2

ornaments,

bark

just

is

wake

of the Sultan,

carries

a pasha

holding carefully over him.'

creeping along

with a crimson drapery,

of the Sultan,'

under the land

fringed with

A negress

yellow slippers strewn about her

The City

passage-boat

and as they

of

hidden beneath the red umbrella which the attendant,

is

and almost dipping into the water.

with a collection

They shoot
Some are

mould, made of carved and

ornaments

glistening breast in the clear ripple.'

its

crew.

stalwart

sails.

exquisite

squatted upon the raised stern of the boat,

You may

side,

latine

long, dark, crescent-shaped Caique, immediately in the

Imperial suite.

the

its

gilded

and

The

more

slender and

Caique.

the

of

the oars, you are involuntarily reminded of

the plumage of

fro.

the

of

bottom

when manned by

minute gilded

their

port,

stroke

'

and

or

of

within the
long

their

oars,

under one

sailed

There are

under

ticklisl

State Caique.

on cushions in the

sit

very swiftly

narrow and

so

is
;

426

light

over

seated behind her mistress,

and

by Miss Pardoe.

Ibid. p. 228 (4th ed.).

gold, flung

Ibid. p. 229.

at the

bottom of the

Boats

of the

a pile

cushions, and attended

boat, reclining against

may

the

distinguish

flashing

of

Fatma

closely-veiled

out beneath her pure

Bosphorus.

white yashmac,

and

by two young

slaves,

whose dark eyes are

Leyla,

or

whose

small,

fair,

you
seen

delicately-

rounded, and gloveless hand draws yet closer together the heavy folds of her feridjhe,
as

remarks the approach

she

some pasha

the

with what

new

her next

toy

She

another Caique to her own.

of

favourite wife,

may be musing,

it

be bought.'

smile shall

the wife of

is

she darts along the water,

as

Lady Brassey, with reference to the Sultan's visit to the Mosque at Fundukli,
About twelve o'clock five Caiques glided alongside the steps of Dolmabagtcheh

says

'

Sultan

the

entered

the

which was white,

first,

The cushions were embroidered

and having a gold canopy.

and facing those on which the Sultan

stones,

bowed down and

their heads

abject attitude.
front

Caique

shirts

and

stroke,

is

manned by twenty-four oarsmen,

and gold

trousers, purple

down and touched

is

equally

at

the

so

end

for

of

and

jackets,

the bottom of

scarlet fezzes,

very

in

launch

and the boat looks almost too good

effect

is

use

for the

The

full

white

sweep.

The

and the exertion

afloat),

strong men, the rowers

The whole

gold.

who, prior to every

sent the oars in with a tremendous

though picked

two years.

dressed

the boat with their foreheads, then

beat easily the fastest steam

(they

terrific

the chief ministers,

hands folded across their breasts, in the most

their

rose to a standing posture, and

pace

gold and precious

in

knelt two of

sat,

Behind stood the steersman, gorgeous in green and

was

knelt

with red velvet and gold,

lined

generally break

down

one of the prettiest imaginable,

of

mortal man.'

The caiquejhes (native boatmen) are, generally speaking,

men and they take a pride and delight in the cleanliness of
;

very fine race of

their boats, keeping

sponges and brushes for wiping and cleaning them, and soft leathers for rubbing
the brass and ornamental work, and they always take off their shoes before stepping
in,

and never

No
of

one

suffer

any one

allowed to

is

to get in

in the

sit

elegant carving and fancy-work.

On

care,

and luggage

stern

of

of

the

graceful boAvs and

Strangers are assisted into the

the

Caique

crew always

'The City

In

'

of the Sultan,' p. 229.

Sunshine and Storm in the East,' 1888,

427

p. 92.

Caiques with the

quiet

turn the

foremost.

stern

the boat, besides disfiguring the

removed with nice caution and

is

landing their passengers,

ashore

parts

for fear of disturbing the trim

the Caique,

greatest

with dirty boots.

raised

management.

boat,

and

back

The

Sailing-Boat.

PRUIT CAIQUES OP THE BOSPHORUS.

'And
impelled

this

slowly-moving bark, rather

by the

efforts

of

its

dropping down with

the

two Greek rowers, and which looks

heaped upon

pretty, with all that pile of green leaves

its

stern, is

air

and

fruiterers,

wild, shrill

announcing the nature of their merchandise swells upon the

you pass

as

and so

one of the fruit

The

Caiques for the supply of the houses overhanging the JBosphorus.

cry of the

current than

so cool

close

beside the boat, the wind, sporting

among the

fresh

branches that are strewn over the baskets, blows aside the leaves and the tempting
fruit is revealed

to

you

in all its cool ripe beauty.'

THE
Or Mystaco,
and

tall latine

MISTICO,

Greek Archipelago,

of the

used formerly by the Greek pirates

much resembling

sails,

is

it

a decked vessel, with a

long,

low

hull,

was rigged with two short stumpy masts

those of the felucca of the Mediterranean.

ARABIA.

ARAB BATELLE.

Arab

Batelles

were the boats principally used by the Joaseme pirates

of

the

Persian Gulf, who, in years gone by, were a terror to the native mariners, until

exterminated by the united efforts of the King's ships and

the Honourable East

India Company's vessels-of-war.

to

vessel

ships

could

them

escape

there

and their Aveatherly

destructive
qualities

from capturing them except in strong breezes.

passed away by the

'

They were very

was no

introduction of

trade,

But

their

'The City

fame has now

steam vessels, previous to which

vessel ever built that could sail so close to the wind.'

of the Sultan,' p. 229.

Vide Official Catalogue, International Exhibition, 1851.

428

because no

prevented square-rigged

it

is

said,

Boats
It

point

also stated that

is

surrendering,

of

when

of Arabia.

the pirates on board were supposed to be on the

tbey used to make

with the Batelle in gallant

off

style,

within gun-shot of the ship, and were chased and pursued in vain.
Batelles

have considerable overhang fore and

stern,

the latter inclining upwards in a most

and

and the rudder consequently, when the

of

the keel

water, as

To

shown

under way,
is

form of raking bows

manner from the keel

in the

peculiar

let

is

down

to the level

the

hoisted above the surface of

in the engraving.

the aft part of the rudder on the outside

curve pointing upwards.

of

vessel is

but when at anchor the rudder

aft

The

an outrigger at the side

affixed the tiller,

is

yoke-lines attached to

it

are led inboard

and with these the helmsman

rudder so formed requires very

head, as

little

it

is

which has a

by means

steers the Batelle.

The
by

confined to a certain point

spreaders fastened to the stern-posts.

.

These vessels are exceedingly well

and hollow

beam,

which

offers little or

The
sails,

all

sharp

rig

of

made

the
of

built,

clean

floor,

run,

upon

scientific

lines;

they have good

and a perfectly wedge-like entrance,

no resistance to the water.

Batelle

is

the

latine

and they usually have three

very fine cotton canvas, woven by hand at Bahrein.

suits

of

In calms,

they are propelled by long sweeping oars.

Batelles

of

the largest

size

are

about 150 tons burden

these are

now used

only by the Arab chiefs of the Persian Gulf on state occasions and visits of ceremony.

429

The
The main-yard

the

of

Batelle

Sailing- Boat.
longer than the

is

vessel

main-sail

the

itself,

is

therefore of large and powerful proportions.

The

latine

termed true

which

are,

of

sails

the

Batelle

affords

made

that they are not

reefed at the foot, which

is

not generally

sometimes used for

of latine sail (with the fore angle cut off) is

for

what may be

the advantages of

off,

sails.

and other vessels in various parts

the pleasure-boats
facility it

so

may be

that the sails so cut

the case with ordinary latine

The same kind

are

because they have the fore angle cut

latiues,

When

reefing.

of

India,

by reason

the sail presents

close-reefed

of

the

a true latine

appearance.

model

beautiful

of

one of

International Exhibition of 1851,

these

remarkable vessels was exhibited

purpose

of

illustration

Indian Museum,

is

considered perfect in

for

the

the details, the making of

it

in

is

in

the

from which a drawing was made by the author

this

work.

The model, which

every respect,

as

now

is

whole

in the

and as

said to have been superintended by an

to

Arab from

the Persian Gulf.

ARAB PIRATE BOATS.

Another and more

ancient kind

that formerly infested the Persian Gulf,

It

will

be

of
is

craft

that

of

the

class

of

armed

shown by the subjoined

observed that the type of the Arab

Dhow may

Pirate Boat.

430

boats

be traced in the

Arab

pirate

illustration.

Boats
form

of its hull

and the rig savours

Persian

of the

transom, with raised deck astern

it

of the

Gulf.

Malayan form.

has no rudder, but

The boat has a square

steered

is

by the primitive

contrivance of two ponderous oars, one on each side of the transom stern.

The

rig

of

main- sail being

the Celebes.

this

craft

is,

supported

Other details

too,

and curious as

as ancient

by a tripod mast
of the rig

may

similar

to

its

that

be best explained

type of hull
of

the

Malays

by reference

the
in

to the

illustration.

THE BUGALA.

The Bugala (also termed Bugla), though

known as a trading vessel on the coast
Bombay and the Persian Gulf.
of boat

It will

be observed on reference

to

of
of

remarkable type,

Cutch

employed

is

a useful class

between

chiefly

the illustration, that the form of

hull,

as

#
also
is

the rig, are

not,

distinctly

those

of

the

Arab Dhow

however, strictly correct, Bugala being the

431

type.

original

The term

'

Dhow

'

and proper name by

The

These

which they are best known.

np

to vessels of

Sailing-Boat.
which vary in

boats,

150 tons or more, are built

They have high

but chiefly in the neighbourhood of Muscat.

two masts and latine-shaped

are rigged with

from small

size

craft

at several places in the Persian Gulf,

sails,

sterns,

with gallery, and

the mizzen-sail being very

much

the smaller of the two.

smaller class of Bugalas are also employed on the Indus.

THE MATAPA.

The Matapa
one

is

and

Northern Rivers

boat of the

a native

very primitive

of

bark sewn together with thongs of hide

stuff

East Africa,

of

built

and

is

strips of the tree-

of

seams being caulked with cotton

the

The Matapa boats

and warmed gum.

being

fragile construction,

are

purely native

craft,

built

and

used only by the negroes for the purpose, mainly, of conveying the inland produce

merely

of

gum and

such as ivory,

of the country,

sailed only with a fair

wind

and the

down

other goods,

to the

primitive as the boat

sail is as

They

coast.
itself,

are

consisting

a square of rush matting, hoisted up the mast by a rope of the same

material.

The Matapa boats are a very leaky kind

or down river, one or more of the crew
them out.
up

of

BOATS OF THE
Mr. Clive Bigham,

employed in baling

TIGRIS.

work

in his interesting

and when on a voyage, either

craft,

are kept constantly

descriptive

his travels

of

through

"Western Asia, 1 speaks of the different kinds of boats he met with on his journey

up the

flooded

boats used are

rafts;

valley

of

the

Mr. Bigham says

Tigris.

Mehalas or Feluccas, with one large

Bellums, a sort of small Gondola;

The Gophers,
given at

p.

170

the

of

work

referred

construction, quite circular in form,

monster

bird's -nest

to,

'

'

The four kinds

of

or pig-skin

Kalatches,

illustration

of

are of a primitive

and bulging

they are apparently

and Gophers.'

which a photographic

of

sail

of

all

several

is

and curious kind

of

cluster

around the outer part like a

wicker

or

basket -like

Ride through Western Asia, 1S97,' by Olive Bigham.

432

of

contrivance,

Boats

of the

and Red

Tigris

Sea.

with a strong circular rim, and an outside covering

of skins or tarpauling of some

would appear, by the photographic illustration alluded to, that they are
propelled by a hand-paddle; or, when in shallow water by a setting-pole or sweep,

kind.

It

as there are

no thole-pins or other provision for propulsion or steering.

Coracles of the

Gopher type

are mentioned

by Herodotus.

Sidoniau and Phoenician

Coracles were of circular form. 1

The Dhoneys

or Ferry boats of the Cavery, in Mysore, are apparently of identical

form and construction

to the

Gophers mentioned by Mr. Clive Bigham. 2

GELVES.

These remarkable vessels are of a very ancient type they are used chiefly on the
and are built entirely of the wood of the cocoa-tree, which, on being sawn
;

Eed Sea

into planks, are

same
and

tree

flexible;

comparatively
it to

sewn together with a kind

and twisted into ropes and

and

if

little

it

twine,

of

spun out

chance to strike against a rock

or no

injury,

by reason

of

of

The Gelve, thus

cables.

its

or

the bark of the

built,

run aground,

peculiar

is

construction

tough

receives

it

enabling

yield to the blow.

The

sails

of

made

the Gelve are

of

the broad leaves of the cocoa-tree stitched

together.
It is a

may be

curious fact, that out of

built, rigged,

and

fitted

the cocoa-tree alone a vessel of the

with mast,

with bread, water, wine, sugar, vinegar, and

1

Supra, page

sails,

cordage, and ropes

433

Red Sea

and victualled

oil.

10.

Infra, page 453.

The

Sailing-Boat.

INDIA.

BOATS OF HINDUSTAN.

Boats
sun, are

of every size,

and

numerous in variety as those

as

met with on the noble

rivers

any nation under the

of

of Hindustan.

and shores

The

chief traffic of the

country was, prior to the introduction of railways, carried on in covered boats, some of

which are
water.

of

symmetrical and graceful form and very capable sailing vessels in smooth

Those employed on the Ganges have high stems and

adapted to the intricate navigation of that

necessarily a large rudder, and even that

is

Great presence of mind

is

the currents.

boats on the Ganges, particularly

sterns,

The boats

locality.

the

of

and are well

Ganges have

by the

often rendered powerless

rapidity of

sometimes necessary in the navigation

by the man

at the prow,

who, with surprising

has to dart his long bamboo pole to the opposite bank, and turn the boat, or fend
in the midst of rapid currents, to avoid disaster.

Gulf of Cutch and the Sinde,

Indus, are

or

of

agility,
off

The boats employed between the

chiefly

muchoos,

bugaloes, naodees,

coteyahs, and gungos.

Almost
sharp,

all

Indian boats have considerable rake at the bows.

and generally hollow

boAVS,

and the stern

bow but those used for the purposes of

The Indian method of construction
;

is

The

fastest

have long,

often as sharp and tapering as the

trade have less graceful proportions.

differs

from the European in many

respects.

Instead of nailing and clinching the planks, they are carefully rabbeted together in a

neat and durable manner, and although such a method occupies a vast amount of time

and labour, the vessels

interstices

being

filled

so constructed

with cotton

or other resinous substance.

is

chiefly teak,

which

is

well

stuff,

seldom require caulking

The wood used by the Indians

known

all

the seams and

and the whole exterior served over with

as a hard, tough,

in boat

gum

and ship-building

and durable material.

INDIAN SAILING BOATS.

Indian sailing-boats

of the

class

illustrated sail

generally speaking, are too long for turning to

open waters.

They

each end, with a

are usually flat

fine, sharp,

and

very fast with a free wind, but,

windward with

full amidships,

hollow bow and tapering stern.

434

effect

on any but broad,

but drawn out to extremes at

Boats
The common mode

many

of the trading

The

of rig of

of India.

Indian sailing-boats

style of rigging the latines of India differs

The Indian
the smaller

latines
;

that

is

known

and passage boats are rigged with a kind

from that

have seldom more than two masts,

though some

of the light,

of

as the latine.

But

of lug- sail.

of

the Mediterranean.

which the hinder one

modern pleasure-boats have

three,

is

much

and a small

Pleasure-Boat.

jib

The

besides.

like true latines,

the old settee

sails of the

Indian

latine, instead of

have the foremost angle cut

sail.

off,

great advantage, however,

reefed at the foot with every facility, which

is

being right-angled triangles

so that they are nearer the principle of

is,

that latine sails so cut

may

be

not generally the case with latine rigged

boats.

BOATS OF THE PUNJAUB.

The
ships,

pleasure-boats of the

Punjaub are

and they have a good cabin.

They

great length at the bows, but are decked

the deck.

Some

gilded, painted,

of

of a long
are,

and graceful form, but broad amid-

however, very shallow, and drawn out to

all over,

and have a railing along each side

of

these boats belonging to Chiefs and natives of distinction are

and ornamented with considerable

435

taste.

Sailing- Bo at.

The

BOMBAY YAOHTS.

A Famous

The

illustration is

Yacht of the Royal Bombay Yacht Club.

from a drawing

Eoyal Bombay Yacht Club

of a

famous yacht belonging

and, although there are

436

members

to a

of that

member

of the

Club who possess

Boats
yachts of European type and

of India.

the native type and rig which the author

rig, it is

here

is

desirous of illustrating and describing.

The yacht depicted

it

and rather shallow

and that in which
is

is

an excellent representative

shows a comparatively flat-shaped

will be seen

hollow entrance, sharp

be observed that the most striking feature

It will

draft.

Indian type, which

of the native

floor,

it

differs

most from the yachts and boats

in its false keel,

which

is

of

all

and such are the chief

ends extending

aft

several feet below the keelson, whilst the midship portion of the hull

devoid of any false keel at

run

European construction,

and

of crescent-like form, the fore

flat

of the hull,

would seem

to

be

peculiarities of the Indian type of

vessel of almost every kind.

One

of the advantages of such a

aground, she

is

form

be that,

of keel is said to

the more readily got off than

the vessel runs

if

she had a straight keel; but this and

if

other alleged advantages are not so manifest to the minds of European yacht-builders

That the deep-projecting fore and

as they are, apparently, to the Indians.

on a wind

is

undoubted, but modern British and American yacht- builders do not place

a deep keel so far forward in the hull of the vessel

ment

is to

aft portions

have their advantages in enabling the yacht to hold a good weatherly course

of the keel

on the contraiy, the

dispense with fore-gripe and to place deep keels farther

It is a fact, however, that the crescent-like

form

latest develop-

aft.

taken

of keel has for centuries past

a firm hold on the minds of Indian boat-builders as possessing advantages not to be

And

obtained by any other form.

this

would seem

to

be verified by the success which

frequently attends the native boats in sailing matches in

with yachts

other nations

of

to the crescent-shaped keel.

a success

The

Bombay

waters in competition

which may not perhaps be attributable

solely

and

rig is peculiar, with its lofty tapering sails

tall

slender peaks, which in light winds and smooth waters are very effective, particularly

when

sailing

under high

The native
sails

and in land-locked waters.

rigged with two masts and latine

is

the masts, as usual in vessels so rigged, are placed in leaning position, the rake

being towards the stem

to

cliffs

yacht, the subject of illustration,

long

the foresail, which

but the mizzen-sail has a yard of

about the same length as the yacht

The

sails

of

sewn in narrow

much

the larger sail of the two,

laced

is

the

sail

yachts

so

similar

shape

much

though

itself,

and

smaller,

of

itself.

rigged

are

usually

made

of

native

cotton

drill,

cloths.

The native yachts

about' the

is

yard tapering at each end, and considerably longer than the boat

of

this

type and rig are quick in stays

and yard are readily shifted

out being lowered,

and

in

'

waring,'

sheet

to the

and tack

under the manipulation of a native crew, the yacht

equal to that of a European

other

is

yacht with European crew.

437

side

are

of

both

and on
the

eased

managed with

'

coming

mast
off

Avith;

and

a dexterity

The
There are models

was exhibited

Indian yachts in the

of

so long ago

mast, 22

ft.

ft.

ins.

Length over 4G
Main-mast, 36
all

length of spars

mizzen-yard, 40

It will thus

Museum

Kensington

at

one of Avhich

International Exhibition of 1851, the dimensions of

as the

which were given as under

amidships 3

Sailing-Boat.

ft.,

extreme breadth 12
ft.

main-yard, 65

ft.,

ft.

depth

mizzen-

ft.

be seen that the main-j^ard

of the latine main-sail

was 19

ft.

more than

the entire length of the yacht.

BOMBAY FISHING

The Bombay

among

fishing boats rank

and are worthy of imitation in many

BOATS.

the fastest of the trading class in India,

respects.

Some

them

of

are splendid sea-boats,

but not so quick in staying, nor so convenient for turning to windward in narrow
channels, as the boats of some other nations.

which

is

and hollow bow, and the breadth

banging

stern.

aDy kind

set

mizzen-mast

is

The

beam

of

rig consists of

two

beyond the stem.

generally a

trifle

is

Both masts

Some

the main-yard for the latter

is

of

is

forward

also a sharp

but no bowsjmt, nor

short

are

and

is

half the length of the main-mast,

of these boats are of the

a sail of

rake forward

the

and the

of

20 or 30

The

fore-leech

burden

nearly a hundred feet in length.

about the same dimensions as the aft-leech.

of the sail is usually of

water

They have

carried well aft, finishing with an over-

latine sails

more than

yards in the same proportion.

tons

Their greatest draft

the reverse of the European and American systems.

Neither shrouds

nor rigging are used in these boats, the main-halliards being the only stay to the mast.

The

tack of the main-sail

is

managed with

same manner as the clew by the main-sheet

tack,

and the single block strapped

eased off

may

but in tacking, the

sail

the double block being seized into the

to the mast.

In

'

waring,' both sheet and tack are

and yard are shifted

be required, without being lowered.

These boats belong

a luff-tackle purchase at the stem, in the

;

BOMBAY COTTON

BOATS.

Bombay.

They

to the port of

to either side of

the mast, as

are called cotton-boats because

they are employed chiefly in conveying cotton from the shore to ships bound for China

and Great Britain, loading with that commodity.

made use

of in loading

They

are, in

and unloading the numerous kinds

of

fact,

the only boats

outward and inward

cargoes of ships visiting the port.

1

This method

is

also adopted in the latine-rigged hoats of the Mediterranean.

438


Boats
They measure

in length

from

25

ft.,

35

to

ft.

They

and 3J ft. to 4 ft. in depth.

largest of them will carry 15 tons
13

of India.

dead-weight.

of

bringing the produce of the Island of Salsette

to

Bombay; and

for

the

conveyance

and in breadth from 10

ft.,

are roughly but strongly

of

such

They

are

ft.

to

and the

built,

employed in

also

as grain, grass, vegetables, &c.

troops, with

their

baggage, to and from

Panwell.

The

inside of the cotton-boat is lined with

tinclal

On

bamboo matting,

principally Mohammedans who

one side of the mast

containing fresh water.

is

men and

of six

a fireplace, and on the opposite side a cask or tank

The bottom

protection against worms.

of

protect the cargo

live in the boat.

of the boat outside is annually, or of tener,

with a mixture of chunam, or lime and vegetable

yard

to

These boats are generally navigated each by a crew

from bilge water.

They have one mast,

oil,

which hardens and

paid over
is

a good

stej>ped so as to rake forward,

about the same length as the boat, on which a latine

and a

sail is spread.

BOMBAY DINGHY.

Bombay Dinghy.

The dinghy,
to 7

ft,

dingee, or bum-boat, of

in breadth,

and 18

ins. to

boat before described, but smaller.

ft.

Bombay,

in depth.

is

from 12

ft,

to

It is similar in

20

ft.

form

in length, 5

ft.

to the cotton-

These boats are rigged with a raking mast, latine

439

The
sail,

and a yard

They

who, not infrequently, are joint-owners

employed in carrying persons

are

They

about the same length as the boat.

of

of three or four,

Sailing-Boat.
by

are navigated

and from vessels in the harbour

to

a crew

of the boat.

also in

carrying persons desirous of visiting the islands of Elephanta, Caranjah, and others in
the harbour of

Bombay.

BATELLES OF BOMBAY AND SUBAT.

These

merchants, and are decidedly the best con-

vessels belong principally to

structed

and

best

India.

They

are

found in

entirely

built

and bolts

iron nails

fittings

and

of

they have a great

stores

of

teak-wood,

any kind

boat of Western

of

planked

well

and

fastened

with

sheer forward, and a regular stem,

rise of

of

Some are fitted with a cabin under the poop, but the majority
them carry bamboo decks, over beams fitted for the purpose. 1

to

with madows, abaft.

They

are from 35
in depth,

ft.

They

to

ft.

50

ft,

in length,

15

ft.

to

are rigged with latine

sails,

and 5

in breadth,

ft.

ft.

similar shape to those already described

of

and with main and mizzen-masts, both raking forward.

They

longer than the extreme length of the boat.

on which a

20

and from 25 to 100 tons burthen.

The main-yard

little

are also provided with a bowsprit

These vessels have a break in the top

jib is set.

is

sides,

from the fore

part of the poop to the luff of the bow, nearly level with the beams, for the facility
of shipping

renders
It

inside,

as water-tight as

it

is

At

and unshipping heavy cargoes.

bamboo mats on the

remarkable

fact,

and

Avith

soft

sea this break

mud

or

any other part

of the hull.

that no one

ever hears of

damage being done

cargo from any defect in this part of the vessel, although

laden,

the

break

is

only about 12 or 18

cotton from Surat, Broach, Cambay, and

and teak timber from the northern

ins.

other

forests,

stopped up with

is

puddle on the outside, which

above water.

when

the boat

is

fully

These boats import

cotton- growing districts, to

which

to the

is

extensively

Bombaj^

used in ship-

building at Bombay.

THE BUDJEBOW.
Budjeeows (sometimes
for travelling
sterns, full

called Bengalee boats) are a

good deal used by Europeans

on the Ganges, and in various other parts

bulging form amidships, and rounded

1

of India.

bottoms.

They

Vide Official Catalogue of the International Exhibition, 1851.

440

They have high

are

of

various

Boats
from 25

sizes,

as

20

abaft

oars,

the

ft.

up

to

60

They

Some

in length.

ft.

and are steered with

stern.

of India.

are

sweep

with

sailed

of the longest are

large

(or

oar)

rowed by

as

extending nearly

many
10

and square-topsail in

square-sail,

ft.

fine

weather.

The budjerow

On

deck

the

decked
a

all

oyer,

throughout

low,

light

fabric of

without a chimney.

cottage

and sleeping apartment

sitting

there

is

erected

is

one

are

This

of

and

like a small

and baggage-room, and

cabin

passengers

for

two small ranges

or

the

is

whole length, with bamboo.

its

bamboo and matting,

if

also

the

intended for a cooking-boat,

brick-work, like European hot-hearths, but

Ganges Sailing-Boat.

not

more than a few inches above the deck, with small round sugar-loaf

lising

holes, like those in a lime-kiln,

The

apartment
fixed

by

itself
its

side,

takes

up nearly two-thirds

which support a platform

the water, the boatmen

or

sit

bamboos with disc-shaped

with

is

of the

to stand

vessel

upon

upright

and

as the

bamboos are

same material immediately above

set

(or rather

on

bamboo

longer

one

mast

for a

of

same

the

sort

for oars long

being used to

and one, or sometimes two,

sails

of

broader above than below) of coarse and flimsy canvas,

bamboo yard. 1

Vide Bishop Heber's

They have

stand to work the vessel.

blades,

a long rough

a square form

which

men

the

of

on which, at the height of about six or eight feet above the surface of

the roof,

steer

adapted for dressing victuals with charcoal.

roof of the cabin being far too fragile for

Some
1

'

Narrative, vol.

i.

of

the fastest

p. 84.

Also Forrest's

441

of

'

Tour

these

boats

are of

of the Ganges.'

3 l

The
somewhat superior form and

Sailing-Boat.

construction,

and have three square-sails, one above

another.

With

a fair wind, these vessels sail merrily

but slow progress with a foul

over

The Europeans

Avind.

the water, though they

made

great improvements of late years in the native budjerows,

broad

flat

floor,

square

and enabled

faster,

stern,

Some

not so often run aground.

by introducing a

and in that form they are

and being

sail;

of

of less

them have cabins

safer

and

draft of water, they do

six or seven feet in height,

gentleman in his budjerow

the

for

bow

full

more

to carry

and very commodious.

and

make

Bengal and elsewhere have

at

accommodation

of the

is

usually attended by aptdwah, or large open boat,

kitchen, and

a smaller boat,

called a panchway, for

taking him ashore.

THE PANCHWAY.

The
teristic

larger-sized

Panchway, or passage-boat, used on the Ganges

and interesting kind

It is also

decked fore and

branches, over which

The

sercing,

loom

the
side

of

which

and shaped
is

is

a very charac-

like a

snuffer-tray.

covered with a roof of palm

lashed an awning, forming an excellent shade from the sun.

is

lashed

is

also six rowers,

sides,

When
sackcloth,

yard,

and the middle part

or master, stands

short paddles

to the

aft,

large, broad,

on the

little

and

aft-deck,

to a stanchion standing

steers

with a loug

oar,

above the deck on the port

the stern; another of the crew has a similar oar on the starboard-quarter.

There are
their

of

of vessel,

with

who sit cross-legged on the deck upon the tilt, and ply
much effect, resting them on bamboos, which are fixed

instead of rowlocks or thowls.

the wind
in

three

fair,

is

pieces,

they use an elongated square-sail of thin transparent

very

and hoisted on a mast

of

taken on very long voyages,

loosely

bamboo.

laced together,

and secured

plying from

various places

'

Voyage

to the

on the Ganges

from Calcutta.
1

to

bamboo

These singular-looking boats are sometimes

East Indies,' by

442

J. S.

Stavormus, Esq.

to

and

Boats

of India.

THE BIIAULEA.

The Bhaulea,
amoug mauy

of

or

the

Gauges

much

boat, is very

like the budjerow.

forms of boats of the Ganges

different

is

peculiarity

the gallery, upon

Ganges Rowing-Boat.

which
steer

light

goods are carried

and the manjee, or steersman,

also

sits

there

to

and guide the boat.

CUTCH COTIYAHS.
These boats belong

to

the ports of Cutch,

Mandivee, Poar Bunder, and some

They

Kurrachee, in the territory of Sinde.

to

trade

between Bombay and those

mauy of them have a

Some have a deck fore
and aft, but more commonly they have frame-work between the beams to ship
Their general length
and unship, for the facility of stowage and a bamboo deck.

ports.

They

are

very well

built,

with a square tuck, and

regular built stern, with ports, and are handsomely carved.

is

from 30

They

ft.

rigged, with

native

to

50

ft.,

by 12

are navigated

ft,

main and mizzen

latine-risrffecl

to

23

by a crew

ft.

in breadth,

of 15 to

sails,

and

ft.

20 men and a

to

10

tindal.

deep.

ft,

They

are latine-

both masts raking forward, as usual with the

boats.

THE PA.TTAMAE.

The Pattamar
by

(or pattamach)

the natives of the

articles of

merchandise.

that country,

is

is

a trading sailing boat of Hindustan, employed

Bombay for the conveyance

The Pattamar, like most of the native

Deccan and

remarkable for

its

at

of rice

and other

sailing vessels of

peculiar-shaped keel, which forms part of a

the hollow being directly under the midship

U3

section,

where there

is

much

circle,

less keel

The
than at the extremities.
the boat

those with

Sailing-Boat.

The extent

very

flat

floors

of

curvature varies according to the form of

have the greatest curve, but in narrow and

Pattamar, sailing with a free wind.

sharp-bottomed boats the curve

are that

it

gives

additional

is

less.

weatherly

The

chief advantages of a keel so

qualities

under

sail;

and

also

they get aground (as they are very liable to do in the Deccan), they

444

that

may

formed

when
be got

Boats
off
is

again without

The pattamar has

difficulty.

bow with raking stem

hollow

rigged with two masts, which rake forwards, the fore-mast being the larger, as

customary with Indian boats

boat.
off

of India.

The pattamar

is

sailed

and the main-yard

under

is

and

latine sails,

considerably longer than the

is

stiff

and

fast-sailing boat

wind, but not so well adapted for tacking or turning to windward.

THE MUCHOO,
or

Muchwa,

a fishing-boat

is

pattamar, but

much

hauled, but from

its

of

the

Deccan,

The muchoo

smaller.

small size

is

This

is

a stout and strongly built

hence

strong

remarkably

resemblance to the

fast,

even when close-

better suited to smooth Avater.

BUNDER

Indian harbours

bearing

sails

BOAT.

type of native boat, used in and about the

the name, from bundur, a harbour.

with two masts, and sailed under two latine

It

is

generally rigged

sails.

THE BHOLCO.

The Bholco

is

small

light

boat,

employed in the Upper Provinces

of

India

for the conveyance of passengers to short distances.

CHEEP BOATS AND PABJNDA BOATS.

These are Bengal
roof abaft, and

river boats

long,

narrow, and shallow

latticed deck, or raised grating,

made

of

with

a hood or cabin

bamboo.

MOHE PUNKEE.
The Mohr Punkee,
a peacock, and having

called

or peacock-boat, so
at

its

prow

from

its

being built to resemble

a carved figure-head of that bird,

extending the whole length of the boat

the plumage on each side

445

with
is

its

tail

beautifully

The

Sailing-Boat.

portrayed in imitation of the gaudy feathers of the peacock, and the stern

ornamented with the head

of these hoats is

about 9

front, is

80
ft.

some ferocious animal.

from which they gradually diminish towards the

Over the broadest part a canopy

terminates in a point.

with crimson velvet richly embroidered

hang on each

side,

is

gold,

Avith

as

is

are

erected,

also

the

usually

is

The extreme length

and upwards, and the extreme breadth, which

ft.

of

some

of

towards the

which

stern,

and covered

curtains which

the whole being supported by several gilded pillars, the

by a

part of which are surrounded

light rail.

lower

narrow balcony, extending beyond

the sides of the pavilion, serves as a receptacle for confectionery,

fruit,

sherbet,

and

other refreshments.

The

and cushioned, the occupants

of the pavilion is carpeted

floor

it

with their feet doubled under their bodies.

is

in front of the pavilion,

The

throne, or

where the Nabob, or person

seat

upon

sitting
of

eminence,

highest distinction,

of

sits.

Mohr Punkee.

The boat

is

propelled

by

crew

thirty

of

or

forty,

who

sit

double-banked

behind the pavilion, with faces fronting the direction in which the boat

The paddles

are

each

furnished

with

two

brass

rings

on

is

their handles,

to

go.

which,

clashing and rattling together, serve to keep the rowers in time.

The Mohr Punkee draws but very little water and glides along with great velocity
It is steered by a long oar, fastened on the larboard side near

under the paddles.

the stern.

At

the head and stern a flag-staff

is

set up,

on which streamers of crimson

silk are displayed.

The crew

are directed

by

a pilot,

who

stands at the prow, and generally

use of the branch of some plant to regulate their rowing, using

and

telling his story to excite alternately laughter

alone to

owing

to

the princes and nabobs

their great length,

of

the country.

and exertion.

They

much

makes

gesticulation,

These boats belong

are an expensive

luxury

and the carving and costly decorations with which they

are fitted.

44G

Boats

of India.

MASSOOLAH SURF BOATS.

The

Massoolali boats (sometimes spelt Mussulah, also Masuli) are

and curious kind

putting

of

surf

in the surf

off

nature of the

coast at

the heavy broken seas

boat,

employed on the coast

when

ships

to

of

at anchor in the

Madras

remarkable

The exposed

roads there.

Madras, the entire absence of any harbour or

which constantly prevail there, render

it

and

for beaching

and

shelter,

and some-

difficult,

times impossible, to effect a safe landing of either passengers or goods in any boat
of

ordinary

beachmen

Under

construction.

been

has

turned

these

the

to

circumstances, the ingenuity of

subject,

and

the

result

is

the

native

have

they

that

succeeded in contriving a boat which, though of grotesque appearance and curious

construction,

peculiarly adapted

is

meet those

to

difficulties,

so that

passengers and

Massoolah Surf Beat.

goods

may now be

safely put

off

or

landed through the heavy surf and

broken

water on that perilous coast.

Neither

nails,

pegs,

nor

bolts

are

used

any part

in

of

the

structure

of

Massoolah boat, but the planks and other parts are sewn and laced together with
the strong fibres of the cocoanut-tree, layers of cotton being placed between the planks.

Over the seams,

inside,

narrow

flat

strip

tough

of

whole being then drawn tightly together with cordage

to stout
is

stem and stern-posts in the same manner.

to avoid the

effect of the severe

fibrous
;

The

wood

is

the

laid,

and the planks are joined

object in so building

thumping and bumping they have

to

them

encounter

on the shore when being beached or launched through the heavy surfs at Madras,

which

it

is

impossible to avoid

so that, if

fastened with iron nails or bolts, such

kind of rough usage would very quickly loosen the planks, the boat would become
leaky, and in the course of

a very few trips would be a perfect wreck.

The Massoolah boat, however, remains

the thumping and bumping as if made
composed being
material that

is

tough and

flexible,

for a
of

long time almost as uninjured from

The wood

leather.

the fastenings

of

interwoven between the planks being

447

an
soft,

elastic
all

of

which

it

nature, and

is

the

tend to resist with

The
and power

the force

yielding effect

Sailing-Boat.
by which the boat

the surf

of

dashed and

is

thumped upon the beach.

time the fibrous lashings and fastenings of the planks decay and

In course of

become

loose

and fresh layers

is

seams are then re-sewn with new material of the same kind,

the

of

cotton

soft

completed, the boat

introduced between the planks

are

In shape, the Massoolah boat resembles no other.

very high flaring

than the bottom

longer

length

the

The Massoolah boat

high

the

at

of

small

the boat, that

the

fact

varies

and deep

sides

length and the

in

all

upper part

the

flat-bottomed, but

It is

the boat

top of

is

the

of

boat

is

has

broader and

considerably

more than twice

lower part.

the

of

that

so

sides,

and when

and secure as when new.

as tight

is

size

in

of

very broad

the bottom

upon the whole,

is,

strong rowlock

fixed

is

though not in form.

size,

inside,

to

top

It

always very

is

proportion to

in

its

and as regards the external appearance

greatest peculiarity.

its

the

the

at

top

the

of

stern-post,

with

the

object

of

giving a powerful leverage for twisting the boat with a long oar on any sudden

The steersman stands

emergency.

end, about

nerve

requisite

are

foot

rowed by

It is

foot

or

in

the

thwarts

the

of

the

The

Notwithstanding
landing on

safest

form

when

risk

boat

is

of

the

an art

native boatmen

sit

aft,

boat

prow, and

the

blade

good deal

Massoolah

of

facing

sit

passengers

all

these

precautions, there

beach at Madras
that

off

only to

who

steersman

who

diameter.

in

circular

on a bench

the

lower

courage and

of

heavy

in

and guides

at

sea.

row double-banked,
not

elevated as

so

rowers.

vessel

putting

which has a

oar,

and half

oarsmen,

six

two on a thwart.

i.e.,

in

in an elevated position at the stern,

Massoolah boat with the long

the

sometimes a good deal of risk

is

but the Massoolah boats are considered the

can be used for the purpose.

There

from the beach; indeed, the launching

by

be acquired

effect

it

local

practice.

cannot always, with

all

also

is

of

the same

Massoolah

the

The semi-naked, hardy

their expertness, prevent the

water from breaking over the boat and drenching the passengers to the skin.

Massoolah boats are never sailed

numbers

distinctly

and they are

all

required

to

carry

their

painted on each bow.

MADRAS CATAMARANS.
Strangers, on visiting the
these

in

remarkable and

coast

of

Coromandel, are generally

fragile-looking

Colonel Napier's 'Wild Sports of Asia' (1844).

rafts,

and

the

manner

much
in

interested

which

they

Hall's 'Fragments of Voyages and Travels,' &c.

448

'

Boats
breast the heavy breakers off

very

formidable to

look

The Catamarans
rounded
the

of

logs,
raft

the

of

Madras

of

from 20

is

three

formed

of

much

three

logs

the

and the breadth 21

ft.,

cocoa-tree

the

of

roughly levelled on the upper

by being lashed

is

their force.

in

25

to

ft.

breakers, though nothing

The

Madras.

irresistible

are

but shaped and

are secured together

log

the coast at

are

at,

of India.

to

ft.

and

is

are similar in

the logs

The

centre

with a stem-piece, having a

fitted

The two

curved surface at the fore end, which turns upwards to a point.

logs

ft.

to three spreaders or cross-pieces.

largest,

not

The length

side.

side

form, but smaller, having their sides straight and fitted to the

centre log.

They
only,

are

navigated

generally

but with the greatest

through the heaviest

surfs,

sometimes by one

by two men, though

each

skill

and dexterity,

when

the boats of

as they

the

think nothing of passing

country could not live on the

waves. 1

These Catamarans are used chiefly for conveying

from ships
as

if

in

the roads at Madras

they were

racket,

treading

their

they are

The caps

heads.
often

obliged

to

buried in the surf, which

they are seldom

venture out to

surf.

They carry

waterproof

ease

dive

is

letters,

messages, &c, to

seen at a distance, the

the

material,

force

of

tied

them

constantly breaking over

known to be lost or swept from

sea many miles from the shore.

the

agile native,

not

if

in

to

escape

But

if

they chance to be washed

that coast.

''Exhibition Catalogue, 1851,' vol.

2

In the log-book

of

ii.

shark can only

the

a rapid dive therefore

the voracious jaws

left

of

life.

If

shark,

the

and, generally, Avithout losing his paddle,

raft,

untied and the logs

waxed

notwithstanding which,

an instrument these catamaran-men use with singular dexterity.

is

conical-

as

very deep water, will sometimes save his

lucky enough

he quickly regains his position on the

ashore the raft

their

well

although they frequently

raft,

attack from an undermost position, after turning on his back

the catamaran-man be

as

heavy breakers, under which

the

by the

and

appear

Sometimes they appear completely

heads.

their

in

letters

and

by a heavy sea, woe betide them

for sharks abound on
Even then, however, the case is not quite hopeless, since

off

men

kneeling upon the water, performing evolutions with

or

and bobbing about in the

shaped skull-caps, which are of

to

when

and

When

they come

on the beach to dry. 3

p. 909.

one of the early Indian voyagers

'This

is

the following droll entry,

made

whilst

'

lying off

morning, six a.m., saw distinctly two black devils playing at single-stick.
Surely this doth
"We watched those infernal imps above an hour, when they were lost in the distance.

in the roads at Madras:

portend some great tempest

3

'

'
!

Letters from Madras,' by a

Lady

(1846).

'

Voyages and

449

Travels,' &c.

The

Sailing-Boat.

MADRAS FISHING CATAMARANS.

The Fishing Catamarans employed on
skimming-dishes,

but

the illustration.

They

buoyant and

life-boat

being

Catamaran

neatly

at

the

the

coast

Coromandel are complete

of

and ingenious contrivance,

are larger than

those

The two

foiu*

logs of

central

logs

may

the longest, the

and when fastened together forming

shaped,

useful

sides to the

surface.

unsinkable

an

and powerful bearings.

contrivance,

central

be seen by

wood, flattened on

are

the side logs are higher than the insides, so

formed from the

as

but possess the same

described,

last

being composed of

bottom.

buoyant capacity,

of

outer edges of
is

superior

qualities,

and rounded

the top

whole

of

There

is

that a gradual
a gradual

The
slope

rise at the

Madras Fishing Cata

fore part
as to

of

rope

bows and

by

the

raft,

and the same

is

looped

stern,

but

to
left

the
slack

the crew for holding on

aft

part,

and the logs are shaped so

by

up the middle
in a

by the sea.
wooden anchor, with a heavy

washed

aft

ends.

stem of the Catamaran, and fastened down at the

heavy

of

sea,

the

and

raft,

so that it

may be used

for securing the fish, fishing-

and other gear on board the Catamaran, and

tackle,

at the

be light at the fore ends, but heavier and thicker at the

to

prevent the same being

off

stone for the shank,

is

still,

as

it

has always

been, the primitive contrivance used for anchoring the Catamaran.

On these shallow-looking rafts the native fishermen of the coast put to sea,
and pursue their daily avocations with every confidence in their craft
beaching
and putting off in broken water and heavy breakers without fear or clanger, so
;

long as they can retain a hold upon the surface of the Catamaran.

450

Boats

of India.

CEYLON CATAMARANS

The Catamarans
of

of

Ceylon are similar

the Ceylon Catamaran

The

stem.

side

the Madras

logs,

inclines

are

too,

the

at

fore

but the middle log

end and forms a

sort

of

wider and more substantial than those of

rather

The Ceylon Catamaran

raft.

Madras

to those of

upwards

is

employed in the same kind

of service

and answers the same purpose as a Madras Catamaran.

MADRAS SAILING-CATAMARANS.
The

Madi'as

Sailing-Catamarans

Each log

is

cut

flat

are

of

on the upper

side,

at each

and rounded

composed

of

three

end with considerable

sheer.

superior

wood turning up

carefully-shaped solid logs of

kind,

at the

bottom

the fore ends

forming the bows are also rounded, but the stern ends are squared.

which

log,

down

is

like a

much

the largest,

is

The middle

placed lower than those at the sides, and hangs

round-shaped keelson (see the engraving and section)

the two other

Sailing-Catamaran and^sectic

logs,

therefore,

form sides and seats for the crew

of

the raft, and

the lower one

The

three logs are

a sort of well or interior, and place for the feet of the crew.

held together by three cross-pieces, firmly secured upon

logs,

besides which

form a very useful

to

carry

attached

sail

to

they
sort

are

of

without some
the

bolted

raft,

together

the upper surface of

the sides,

at

the

and upon the whole

but of narrow form, apparently much too narrow

artificial

Sailing- Catamaran

contrivance

on one

side,

and

with a

therefore

heavy

an outrigger
solid

log,

is

neatly

shaped and smoothed in the form of a long narrow boat.

These Catamarans

sail well,

and in smooth water will hold a course

equal to that of a vessel with a deep keel.

451

The

to

windward

natives fearlessly venture out to

The

Sailing-Boat.

upon them many miles from the

sea

weather

ordinary

their

and seem

coast,

Catamaran being a

life-boat

to

in

regard strong winds as

principle,

no

they have

fear of its foundering.

THE LANGADY.

The Langady,

somewhat curious

is

palmyra

of

ends are fitted with circular pieces,

stern

is

it

Both trunks are

trees.

the head part,

like the

head

a cask.

of

hold them at

Two

or

proper distance

but at the stern they are merely held together by a rope.

The ferryman
Langady

poles

three
apart

Nursapore,

made from the trunks

hollow inside, and have an opening at the top for passengers and goods.

quite

The

or native ferry-boat of

twin canoe,

of

sort

are

lashed

across

to

stands on the aft part of one of the pontoons, and conducts and propels the

with a setting

pole.

THE DHONEY.

The Dhoney,
of

Ceylon

and

or Yatrawe,
is

employed

is

one of the largest kind of native trading vessels

in the

conveyance of merchandise to various parts of

The Dhoney and

the Indian Archipelago.

vessels

lacings,

made

of

matting

stuff

is

as

to-

sharp

~No

but the planking

make them
below,

a strong
also

is

nails

or

neatly

section.

pegs are used

and

in the

mechanically

fibrous material

called

coir

yarn.

these

construction of

joined

and secured with

caulking

of

soft

ingeniously laid over and interwoven between the seams, so

water-tight.

The

hull

of

the

Dhoney

is

wide

at

the

somewhat resembling a Norway Yawl, only with rather

452

top and

less

curve

Boats
bow and

amidships, and less rise at

fore

and

aft,

and are sharper

of India.
stern

at the stern

but they have considerable rake both

extends almost the whole length of the vessel, and

the deck

is

of

formed

is

Several cross-beams are placed across the vessel under the gunwale

wood.

and deck, fore and

tacks

The roof of the cabin

of bamboo canes, but

than at the stem.

aft,

to

the

made

the sails are

projecting

ends of which the shrouds, sheets, and

These Dhoneys are fast-sailing

fast.

and are

vessels,

usually fitted with shifting outriggers, suspended over the side in the same manner
as the outriggers of other Ceylon boats.

The Dhoney
mizzen;

much

the

main and mizzen

the smaller of

they

that

upwards

rigged with two masts and three

is

may be

sails

The masts
when required.

the two.

struck

are

at

fitted

The

mainsail,

the

bowsprit

heel with
is

Malays, and are upon the whole a curious and primitive-looking

The Dhoneys

Jafnapatam are differently constructed

of

and iron

fastened with nails

smaller

bolts

foresail,

short,

and

they have no

a pin, so

and

They have wooden anchors

the bow.

in line with the rise of

sails

shape like lug-sails, the mizzen being

are in

points

like

the

craft.

to those of Ceylon,

outrigger, and

being

therefore carry

sails.

DHONEYS OF THE CAVERY, IN MYSORE.

The Ferry-boats
merely wicker-baskets

of

the

Cavery,

In

on the outside with leather.

materials

of

in

of a circular form,
fact,

Mysore are
from 8

ft.

to

called

10

ft.

'

Dhoneys.'

in diameter,

They

are

and covered

they are virtually Coracles as regards the

which they are composed, but

differing

in

shape to the Coracles of

Great Britain. 2

In

these

fragile

ferry-boats

men and women,

goods

and

merchandise

are

transported with tolerable safety.

Mr. Clive Bigham, in his recent travels through Western Asia, seems to have

met with some boats

called

'

Gophers

'

on the Tigris, which were almost identical

with the Dhoneys above described. 3

The Singhalese Dhoney, south of Colombo, is

Sir J. Emerson Tennent, in his work on Ceylon, says
hut an enlargement of the Galle canoe, with its outrigger so clumsily constructed that the gunwale is frequently
topped by a line of wicker-work smeared with clay to protect the deck from the wash of the sea.'
1

2
3

Vide supra, p.

9.

Vide supra, p. 432,

'

Boats of the Tigris.'

453

'

The

Sailing-Boat.

THE BALHAM.

The Balham

(or

Ballam)

a kind

is

hollowing

out

the

trunk of

single

and

and

aft,

is

tree

It

made by carving and

is

enormous

of

employed in carrying

chiefly

with a single square-shaped

It is rigged

Ceylon.

of

The Balham has

description of boat so constructed.

fore

canoe belonging to the estuaries and

of

shallow lakes around the northern coast

size,

and

is

the largest

a deck or covered compartment

rice to different parts of Ceylon.

sail.

SAILING-CANOES OF CEYLON.
'

Sometimes swiftly as swallow

Skimming

blithe

the ocean's breast,

Sometimes sleeping with folded

In calm and dreamy rest;

sail

Their cordage fine, in the white moonshine,

All " beauteously confest."
'

Captain G. P. Thomas.

The

Ceylonese

(also

Cingalese)

called

or

Point

de

Galle

canoes

are

very

remarkable, not only for their curious form of hull, but also as regards the manner

which they are rigged and

in

though

one

outriggers,

portion

each

without nails

sailed.

merely a

is

18

about

ft.

They

are

balance dog,

at

the

extremity

two

of

They have always been constructed

length.

in

sometimes called double canoes,

carried

and although such was the practice in the remotest period

it

is

retained at the present day. 1

These extraordinary

little

They carry no

vessels are life-boats in principle.

but their peculiarly buoyant nature and ingenious form enable them,

ballast,

under the

handling of the natives, to be as safe a kind of boat as any in which to

skilful

venture out to sea in those parts.

The Ceylonese canoes

30
of

are of various sizes, their dimensions being from 18

by only 1\ ft. in breadth, and from 2 ft. to 3 ft.

the wash-boards, which are from 10 in. to 18 in. deep, and sewn
ft.

in length,

ft.

to

deep, exclusive
to the

gunwale

with coir yarns, loose coir padding being bound over the seams or joinings.

The
1

Sir J.

hull of the Ceylonese canoe

Emerson Tennent's

'

Ceylon,' vol.

ii.

is

formed from the trunk

Vide also

454

'

Picturesque Ceylon,'

of the

doop-wood or

by Henry W-

Cave, 1893,

Boats
pine-varnish

tree,

narrow

strip

end to end.

Ceyhon.

hollowed and smoothed in the usnal way, hut not

at the top as in other canoes, the

of

about

eight or ten inches wide cut

The leeward

side of

left so

open

hollowed trunk being more like a cylinder, with

some

out of

of these canoes

is

on the

it

inside from

bow-shaped in the longi-

Sailing Canoe of Ceyli

tudinal form, though inclining to flatness

and in

Upon

this respect they are

something

but the Aveather side

is fuller

like the flying proa of the

and rounder,

Ladrone Islands. 1

the cylindrical or bottom part of the Ceylonese canoe they build a sort of trough,

extending from one end to the other.

at each end, so also the

The

cylindrical part of

trough-like or top part.

The

the canoe turns

latter also

projects

up

two or

three feet beyond the cylinder at each end, and the stem and stern of the canoe stand

high above the water.

The

flat

sides of the top part standing

considerably add to the ticklish nature of the Avhole fabric

Infra, page 463.

455

up above the

cylinder,

but in order to prevent

The

Sailing-Boat.

the canoe from over-setting, and to preserve

is

angles

right

fifteen,

on the water, an outrigger

to

twenty

or

Two

at the outer ends, are fixed across the top part of the

downwards
at

stability

its'

on one side of the canoe in the following manner

fitted

length, and

its

curved

from the weather side some twelve,

projecting

and capacity

feet (according to the size

spars,

trough of the canoe,

where the

of the canoe),

outer ends of the spars are secured to a log of buoyant wood, about half the length

and placed

of the canoe,

poise to the canoe,

The
of

with

parallel

The

and turned up at each end.

and preserves

it,

the log being shaped as a boat, and sharpened

outrigger, thus fitted, acts as a powerful counterstability

its

rig of the Ceylonese canoe is peculiar

elongated

being made
yard, wdiich

is

the sail

only at the

secured

square-sail,

fast,

under great pressure

;

one to the top of the

four

of the

when

the

sail

is

set,

mast, the heel of

the luff of the sail

forms the fore-stay;

ported by a back-stay extending from the top

canoe,

and the yard

is

of the

is

secured to

and the remaining corner

The mast

attached.

mast to the

supported by a similar back-stay,

is

two upper ones

the

within a foot or two of the same length as the

forms the clew, to which the main-sheet

sail

corners,

slender mast, the other to the top of the

tall

the yard forming an apex at the foot of the mast

a rope which,

of sail.

of primitive form, a sort

is

also

aft

is

sup-

part of the

extending from

its

top part to the aft part of the canoe.

In a strong breeze, one or more

of

the crew climb out to the extremity of the

outrigger, keeping their footing on the spars,

to the

mast

and in

this

Flanging thwarts,
of the canoe,

their legs

resting

so that the

crew

upon
sit

cross-pieces,

out

for

it

is

said

are

wind

is

counterpoised.

fastened to

the top-sides

interior,

of

aft

other,

the canoe.

managed with much skill and dexterity

sea with them distances of twenty miles

craft are

by half-clad natives, who venture out

more from land

of the

beyond the gunwale, and facing each

hanging down in the trough, or

These narrow and fragile-looking

or

and holding on by a man-rope attached

manner the extra pressure

to

that a Cingalese canoe will live at

456

sea

in

any


of Burma.

Boats
weather

and

they skim along among the shipping at Point de Galle with fear-

up

bringing

velocity,

less

now

and

and beautiful but unfamiliar

fruits,

then

to

for

offer

cooling

delicious

sale

extraordinary

of

fishes

colours

and

fantastic

forms. 1

southern

passing the

Vessels

the

of

coast

some

Ceylon are generally boarded by

of

crews of these canoes, even at the distance of twenty-five miles from the

shore.

When

they land, the Ceylonese canoe

peculiarity
rivets.

run ashore at

is

no damage by the force with which

suffering

of

its

construction

in

it

on

full sail

strikes the

shore,

to the beach,

owing

to the

being laced with coir instead of fastened with

MALDIVE AND LACCADIVE BOATS.

The

native sea-boats of the Maldive and Laccadive Islanders (in the Indian Ocean)

have a very grotesque and antiquated appearance.

in their construction, there being

Cocoa-nut

is

the

wood

no other in those islands suitable

chiefly

used

for the purpose.

The planks are fastened together with hard wooden pegs the larger boats
made very strong. The form of the Maldive boats is not much adapted
:

thus
fast

but they are broad and safe-looking

sailing,

lug-mainsail and
is

The

triangular fore-sail.

large

vessels,

main-sail

rigged Avith two

stands nicely

are
for

sails

flat,

and

spread at the lower part with a boom, the fore end of Avhich works in a rest or

cross-piece a

bow-sprit.

few inches before the mast

The stem

of the

the

Maldive boat

fore-sail

is

large,

and

set out

on a

aquiline and curious.

is

BOATS OF BURMA.

The
solid

native

trunk of

Burmese war-boats were

They were formerly

hundred

of

primitive construction, formed out of the

a single teak-tree, hollowed

of considerable notoriety

feet in length

partly

by

fire

and partly by

but the breadth seldom exceeded eight

width was only produced by extending the sides

1

Vide. Sir J.

'

after the

Emerson Tennent's

'

Picturesque Ceylon,' by Henry

457

cutting.

the largest were from eighty to one

Ceylon,' vol.

W.

feet,

and even that

trunk had been hollowed.

ii.

Cave, 1893.

Th'ie
The
fish

stern of the native

Sailing-Boat.

Burmese boat

is

high and shaped like the lashing

in fact, the whole fabric of the native war-boats

was

in imitation

of a long fish, the

tail of

body

of the

broad flanges of

the fish-tail serving as steps to the

top of their high-peering sterns.

The Burmese war-boats were

manned by a crew of fifty

usually

sixty

or

being

Burmese

'

used

oars

worked

each

ones,

The steersman

on a spindle.
a

the

rowers,

short

boat

of

called

the

native boat-building

was

is

Leedegee.'

The

always and
industry

is

an important

still

among

the

Burmese

the

whole process, from the felling

of

the tree to the carving and finish

the

of

and

boats,

described

fully

is

illustrated

from photographic

reproductions, in a beautiful and

modern

interesting

Burma, by two

The wood
boats

are

which

is

work

residents.

of

built

on

which the native

the

is

tough

and

Thing/an,

durable,

steams well, and grows near the

water.

boat built of thingan

wood lasts from 20 to 30 years.

The ancient type is still preserved in the modern boats of
Burma, particularly the high poop
and prow, which in those

of the

superior class of pleasure-boats are

sometimes carved and ornamented

with

much

fanciful taste.

The two principal classes of

the Burmese boats are the Laung(jo

Burma,' by

Mas

and the Laung-sdt.

and Bertha Ferrars, 1900.

458

Boats
They only
it

appears,

is

sail

with a free wind, and then cany a great expanse

In the superior

modern pleasure-boats

class of
is

one of

its

most striking

Chair of

State

Burma

of

which,

the fish fan-tail at the stern

Some

peculiarities.

buoyant and even elegant proportions

of light,

of sail,

necessary to stem the current of the Irawadi. 1

(already referred to)

with

Burma and Bangkok.

of

for the steersman, little

of these boats are

beautifully carved and ornamented,

weather-cocks, carved peacock,

flags,

pheasant or other gay plumaged bird, flowers and other ornamental carvings, but no

gay colours

the latter being reserved for the garments and head-gear of the occupants,

which are thus in attractive contrast with the quiet natural colours
other woods of which the pleasure-boats of the native

BANGKOK

(SIAM) BOAT-SAILING.

There are two classes of sailing-boats attached

both of British or American design

measuring about 20

ft.

on the water-line, 22

the ballast consists of 13 cwt. of lead.

it

can be closed

The

when

of the Boat-sailing

up and down the picturesque

of its

ft.

ft.

over

all,

The boats

ft.

beam, and 2

are half-decked,

diameter, which

open boats

shipping

coasts of the Gulf,

it is,

of

is

about 15

Club use their boats

upper end, together with the river

much crowded with

Club,

fitted

ft.

3 ins.

and have a

with hatches, so

necessary.

other, or smaller class, comprises

The members

to the

the larger class being of the canoe-yawl type,

steerage-well of circular form, about 9

that

thingan and

of the

are constructed.

Boat-sailing Club has recently (1894) been established among Europeans and

Americans at Bangkok.

draft

Burmese

itself

at

and

ft.

in length.

for cruising,

when

at leisure,

for navigating the shallow waters

Bangkok, which, however,

is

usually

therefore, essential that the boats should be

handy

and quick in stays, besides being good sea-boats, capable of navigating with safety the

Meinham

bar, in the

rough waters which encircle

it

(more particularly during the south-

west monsoon), and also be able to withstand the strong breezes of the north-east

monsoon.

The
sails,

larger-sized boats of the club are rigged,

and some

as

sloops

but the smaller

Vide

some as canoe -yawls, with battened

(which were

and mizzen.

are rigged with Chinese lug-sail

class

'

Burma,' by

Max

459

and Bertha Perrars.

all

built at

Hong-Kong)

The

Sailing-Boat.

CANOE OF THE ANDAMAN

'

This happy bark

Where

is

ISLANDERS.

from Eastern

isles,

the loving sun doth shed

Warm kissing glances,

where they

lie,

Beauties on ocean's bed.'

Captain G.

The Andaman

Archipelago

of Bengal, the largest of

is

which

studded with numerous small

P.

Thomas.

a group of small islands in the eastern part of the

is

islets,

many

Bay

Andaman. The surrounding waters are

them exceedingly pretty and picturesque

the Great
of

in appearance, rising as they do like beautiful oases in the wild waste of ocean that
1
lashes their rocky shores.

The inhabitants

of

the

Andamans have always been

Canoe of

savage races on the face of the earth,

tame,

as

or,

it

Andaman

whom

civilisation has as yet

harbour on South Andaman, constitutes the

Andaman

their

Port Blair with

found

nature,

the

impossible to

and spacious

Andamans.

civilised portion of the

uncivilised

it

safe

its

Mincopie,

or

natives of

the

Islands, possess very ingeniously constructed canoes, scooped out of the solid

trunk of a single large

are

Islanders.

appears, even to approach. 2

But notwithstanding

considered one of the most

fitted

tree.

preserving their stability

The buoyancy
the waves

In shape the native canoes are long and narrow

with an outrigger,

of the

the utility of

when at sea.
Andaman canoes

which

is

such that they

is

The

'

The Andaman

Islanders,'

by F.

J.

Ibid.

460

leak,

to their boats.

comparatively recent j3ractice

Mincopie, for no former writers have ever alluded to them.

to

it

is

outrigger attached to these canoes in

some respects resembles that which the Cingalese fishermen attach

use of this outrigger must be a thing of

and they

lightly on the top of

float

and unless they have received some injury causing them

considered almost impossible to sink them.

steadying them and

that of

Dr.

among

The
the

Mouat suggests the

Mouat, M.D., &c, &c. (1863).

Boats

Andaman

of the

Isles.

may have

probability that during one of the monsoons a Cingalese outrigger

notion.

Andaman

beach of one of the

to the

Islands,

drifted on

and the natives thereby acquired the

These outriggers enable the crew to proceed in safety

to sea to

more

distant fishing

grounds.

The paddles
3

ft.

are extremely well

long, the middle-sized 3^-

the

made

of a hard-grained

and the largest 4

women and

entrusted solely to the native

With

ft.,

ft.

wood, the smallest about

The work

of

making them

is

children.

such simple, but well- shaped paddles, these canoes are

assistance of

propelled at such a rate that, in a fair race with an English ship's boat (the captain's
gig),

rowed by a prize crew

the canoe, and

all

entirely unavailing.
'

Our

first

The gig and crew appeared

cutter also

win back our character

superior,

and had

Chinese and others, the gig was completely distanced by

of

attempts to recover a fair position in the race were found to be

it all

had a

trial

for unsurpassed speed

their

own
'

to

have no chance with the Mincopie.

with the Mincopie boat, but her desperate

way.'

were hopeless.

The Andaman

Islanders,' p. 317

Ibid. p. 320.

461

et seq.

efforts to

The Mincopie were

The

Sailing-Boat.

POLYNESIA AND THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO.

The Boats and Canoes

the

Malay Archipelago,

and groups

of the islands

numerous and remarkable

are a

class,

varying in

smallest canoe hollowed out of the trunk of a tree, to vessels of

or

50

tons,

Many
some

which navigate

group from one extremity

of

from the
40

the burthen of

to the other.

possess vexy striking peculiarities; those of each island or group of

having generally some distinct feature in type or rig

islands,

size

are ingeniously contrived, particularly the sailing-vessels,

of these vessels

which

of

their native

and

of islands of Polynesia,

aiid

sometimes in both.

But the most remarkable circumstances with regard to the building of these outlandish
boats and vessels are, that in some of the islands the natives construct them with the
most homely kind

of tools

and yet with such primitive

The

community.

civilised

any

often without a single iron or metal instrument of

kind, but entirely with those of their

own

contrivance,

made

of flints, bones,

display labour and

tools they

peculiarities of

many

of

ingenuity

and

shells,

worthy

of

these will form the subject of

description and explanation in the following pages.

It should be observed

however, that of late years, probably owing to more frequent

intercourse with voyagers and traders from civilised nations,

suitable tools

industries of the natives

in
art

some
of

and the acquisition

and implements, considerable advances have been made in the

of the

and that a community

most important

islands,

who have

of canoe

arts

and boat-builders now

of

and

exists

acquired a skill and ingenuity in the

canoe architecture in no wise inferior to that of the artisans of European

countries.

PLYING PEOAS OP THE LADRONE ISLANDS.

The Flying Proas

as well as the

(or Prahus) of the

Ladrone Islands are among the most ingenious

most remarkable sailing-boats in the world.

have been the principal sailing-vessels used by the natives

The invention

of

the Plying

Proa

is

one which would do honour to the most

educated and ingenious of mankind, and yet

with an unlettered people, the inhabitants

natives are no less dexterous in the

The Plying Proa

lying as they do,

is

all of

Through ages past they

of those islands.

of a

management

it

appears to have originated entirely

few small and remote islands

of the

and the

Proa than in the building

of

it.

admirably adapted to the peculiar navigation of the Ladrones,

them, nearly under the same meridian, and within the limits of

462

Boats
the trade-winds

Ladrone

Islands.

and therefore vessels employed in the navigation

and in passing from one

for sailing

of the

with a side wind

of those islands,

be specially and peculiarly well

to the other, require to

fitted

and when we examine the uncommon simplicity (yet

ingenuity) of the construction and contrivance of the Flying Proa, and consider the
extraordinary speed at which

worthy

of civilised nations

where

it

sails,

we

shall in each

of these particulars

'

find

it

and meriting a place amongst the mechanical productions

of our admiration,

arts

and sciences have most eminently

flourished.'

Flying Proa of Ihe Lad

Explanation of

the Plate.

Fig. 1 represents the Flying Proa with her sail set, as she appears

when viewed

from the leeward.

Fig.
to

2.

is

a view of the Flying Proa from the head (or stem on), with the outrigger

windward.
Fig. 3

windward

is

E F G

boat at the end of it;

RSa thin plank

a seat for the

is

where

a plan of the whole,

side

AB

is

the lee side of the proa

the outrigger, or frame, laid out to

M E" two

(fig.

the

KL

the

braces from the head and stern, to steady the frame;

placed to windward, to prevent the Proa from shipping water, and for

man who

bales out the water

and sometimes- goods are placed on

the part of the middle outrigger on which the mast

supported

windward

2)

which may be seen

is

fixed.

The mast

by the shore P, and by the shroud Q, and by two

the other is hidden by the sail.
in figs. 1 and 2

The Flying Proa,

it,

itself is

stays,

one of

besides being an object of curiosity,

Lord Anson's

'

Voyage Bound the World.'

463

may

well furnish both the

The

Sailing-Boat.

shipwright and sailing-master with wrinkles of no

The Eev. Kichard

these Proas sail

Walter, M.A.,

From some rude

'

which they crossed the horizon

mean

or contemptible

character.

which

observes, with reference to the swiftness with

made by our people of the velocity with

distance, when we lay at Tinian, I cannot help

estimations

at a

believing that, with a brisk trade-wind, they will run near twenty miles an hour.'

The form and construction

of

Proa

the Flying

in

is

direct

opposition

to the

boat-building as adopted in European countries, and indeed in almost

principles of

make

For, as the rest of the world

every country in the world.

vessel as exactly alike as possible, those of the Flying

side being round, or bilge-shaped, whilst the other

the two sides of the

Proa are totally different

one

and perpendicular as a wall

is flat

but the head and stern of the Proa are as exactly alike as possible, and the vessel

may

be sailed with either end foremost, but always with the rounded side to windward,

and the

one

flat

round, but the

leeward

to

therefore,

and that only when the trade-winds

months in one

on the return voyage, the

boat is not turned

Indeed, the boat never need be turned round but twice a year,

sail.

shift,

which they do once a year only, blowing six

and six in the opposite.

direction,

Being therefore, always enabled

know

to

for a certainty the quarter

from whence

the wind will blow, and that wind being always a side one throughout the whole range

have been acute in turning such knowledge to useful

of the Ladrones, the islanders

advantage

finding

it

unnecessary that their boats should possess the power of tacking

and Avorking to windward, or of sailing before the wind, but exclusively that

of reaching

or sailing with a side wind.

Therefore the Ladrone inventor places a very large

on a very narrow form

indeed, such a

in a breeze, unless

it

of hull

sail as

sail

would inevitably upset the Proa

were counterpoised against the force

of the

wind by some

artificial

contrivance.
It

has been already stated that the lee side of the Proa

the shape of the hull

is

in other words,

is flat, or,

something like one-half of a boat severed longitudinally, and

then the whole open side boarded up from stem to stern with straight planking

which materially contributes

to render it the

more

order to prevent such a catastrophe, the Proa

a most important feature in the boat,

The outrigger

standing out to windward.

slightly hollowed,
is

upon the

and

sail,

all

But

to capsize.

in

with an outrigger, which forms

of its greatest peculiarities.

of

bamboo

poles, affixed to the Proa,

the extreme end of the frame

and fashioned into the shape of a small

to prevent the vessel

hidl of the Proa

At

made

fitted

and easy

is

and

fastened a log of wood,

boat.

The weight

of the

intended to counterpoise the Proa against the force of the wind acting

frame and log

The

and one

consists of a frame

is

ticklish,

The Chaplain

is

of

from being capsized.

very neatly made and put together.

The bottom

His Majesty's Ship Centurion, in Lord Anson's expedition.

464

is of

one

Boats
piece,

made

like the

This bottom part

is

almost

flat,

instead of a keel, 26

having a very gentle hollow, and

about the breadth of

considerable rise both at

The breadth
exceeds 4

ft.

The mast,

it

good substance.

left of a

The under

long.

ft.

part of the

to

about 5

ft.

and the Proa

From

about a foot broad.

high, with narrow planking

is

formed that

so

Proa depends

in

measure upon the length; but

much

is

less at the

bow and

it

The

of

la tines

illustration, yet

will be

bamboo

when

The

fore

end

bow

either at

of

nations

it is

considered

it

and

is

how

it

at the foot,

looks not a

and

large

less lofty

long and narrow the hull of the Proa

is, it

when

in proportion to the stability of the boat,

sail,

the

sail -in

of the outrigger.

the

or stern.

as flat as a board;

portion of

much wider

and although

other

found to be a very large

viewed independently

not so

is

of the outrigger.

triangular, or latine-shaped, but

sail is

than the

or

seldom

stern.

should be observed, although placed amidships longitudinally,

beam

has a

it

latitudinally, but stands in the bilge of the Proa, close to the weather-gunwale,

fixed to the middle

is

this bottom,

stern.

amidships, and

ft.

is

up

or 5 in.

in.

bow and

of the

or 5

28

or

ft.

inclining to a wedge, and smooth, and the upper part

or keel, both sides of the boat are carried

of

Islands.

bottom of a canoe, very neatly dug and

is

made round, but

bottom

Ladrone

of the

yard

The

secured in a socket

is

sail

and the boom

w hen the wind

r

is

also fitted

is

also

heavy

is

used for furling the

and such

made purposely

with a boom, so that

is

the

mode

sail,

to receive

it,

stands nearly

it

and

rolling

up a

of reefing the sail of

the Proa.

The material

of

which the

boom, and outrigger are

When
little to

sail is

all of

made

Indian matting stuff

is

and the mast, yard,

the Proa alters her tack for the return voyage, her crew bear her

bring her stern up to the wind

and carrying the heel

of it

along

and hauling on the

away a

then by easing the halyard, raising the yard,

the Proa, they transfix

the lee-side of

by easing

opposite socket, whilst the boom, at the same time,

that

bamboo.

off

it

in the

one part of the sheet,

other, shifts into the contrary or required position

what was the stern then becomes the prow, and the Proa

is

with the result

trimmed on the

other tack.

The Flying Proa generally

stationed,

one at the

carries a

bow and

the

crew

other

at

the

alternately, with a paddle, according to the tack

others of the crew are to bale out the Avater

and

to trim, adjust,

From

and attend

six

of

when

or

stern.

seven,

two

These

on which she goes.

of

whom

steer the

The

are

vessel

duties of

she leaks or accidentally ships any,

to the sail.

the description given of

these extraordinary vessels,

it

will be

seen

how

admirably they are adapted for the range of the Ladrone Islands and from the great
power they possess in the sail, the flatness of their lee-side, and their narrow form of
;

465

3 o

The
hull, assisted

Sailing-Boat.
are enabled to fore-reach with

by the outrigger, they

immense power,

and without any apparent lee-way.

Vessels bearing some resemblance to the Flying Proa are often met with in various

them appear

parts of the Archipelago, but none of

have any pretensions equal

to

to

those of the Ladrone Islanders, either in the ingenuity of form and construction, or in

the speed at which they

Voyagers have, therefore, asserted their

sail.

some genius

Flying Proa was the original invention of

belief that the

the Ladrones, and was

of

afterwards imperfectly copied by neighbouring islanders.

It is

seas

mentioned bj Pliny, eighteen hundred years ago, that vessels navigating the
T

the

to

necessity of tacking.

had prows

Taprobane (Ceylon)

west of

And

the same fact

is

also

either

at

avoid

end, to

the

mentioned by Strabo, who says

they were built with prows at each end, but without holds or keels.

Still,

this

mention by Pliny and Strabo does not appear to clash with the general impression of
the early voyagers, that the original notion was derived from the Ladrone Islanders.

Even

at the present day,

architecture,
is

it

may be

our modern European improvements in marine

all

whether the Flying Proa

of

makes

with the

so

leeway

little

of the vessel,

flat lee-side

of weatherly qualities

Modern attempts

the

too,

would seem

to

flatness

the

of

be the most

scientific

combination

the

at

art

constructing a Flying Proa, to

of

been made

sail in

English

one of the latest was in the year 1860, by

Eoyal Mersey Yacht Club, who, assisted by the ingenuity

of the

other

combined

sail,

ever invented.

waters, have occasionally

member

Besides,

the Ladrones

And what

not incomparable as a vessel for swift sailing, close to the wind.

vessel

with

fairly questioned

an

of

able mechanic and boat-builder on the Mersey, appears to have been, in a measure,

Flying Proa,

successful in turning out a veritable

great attraction,

as

which

was

for a short time

one of the most remarkable novelties ever seen on that river.

This Anglo-Ladrone Proa was

fully

described

in

the

columns

'Bell's

Life'

exceedingly well made.

The

of

during the month of June, 1860.

BOATS OF BOENEO.

Some

of

sailing-boats

The

of these"

the

boats

of

Borneo and Celebes

illustration (p. 463) arid exiilanation

remarkable vessels which

fell into

expedition to the South Seas, under the

Qb

'

Strabo,

id

are

have high and very broad sterns and long raking bows.

above given have been taken chiefly from a description of one

the hands of the crew of His Majesty's ship Centurion,

command

of

Lord Anson,

xv.

c.

15.

466

when on an

in the year 1744.

navibus utrinque prorse ne per angustias alvei circumagi

lib.

They have

sit

necesse

'

(Pliny, Hist. Nat.

vi. 24).

Boats

of the

Malay Archipelago.

a double or shear mast, and long-shaped square-sail

and other

Some

peculiarities,

the

of

they have also a stage or gallery,

which will be better understood by reference

canoes

which Captain Mundy 1 met with

in

to the illustration.

the Gulf of Boni

he

Sailing-Boat of Borneo and Celebes.

describes

as

of

very

long

propelled

shape,

by

and ornamented

paddles,

fifteen

both at prow and stern with carved wood.

The small

sailing-boats

he describes as

weighted with men, enabled them

to

fitted

with wooden

carry a sail of enormous

waters, some of the cauoes are forty or fifty feet long,

and covered with a small kajang or mat.

a child of five years of age

in fact

outriggers, which,

size.

On

by only two and

the inland

a-half wide,

Others are so small as scarcely to

but a hollowed

log.

float

BOATS OF BRUNI.

One

of the greatest

novelties at Brum'

shops in the city, the market

is

in tiers, forming lanes on the river,

look on, and

The

make

is

the floating bazaar.

held every day in covered canoes.

up which the purchasers ply in paddling canoes,

their purchases.

trading boats come in every morning at sunrise, from

laden with fresh fruit

'

'

There being no

These are moored

all

and every other commodity produced in the

parts of the river,

vicinity. 3

Borneo and Celebes,' by Captain Mundy, B.N. (1848).

Life in the Forests of the Far East,' by Spencer St. John, F.B.G.S., &c. (1862),
Borneo and the Indian Archipelago,' by F. S. Marryat (184S).

467

The
The floating market
work on Borneo:

is

'

Sailing-Boat.

thus alluded to by Mr. Spencer

Several hundred canoes, each containing one or two

hats a yard in diameter, floated up and

down about

St.

John, in his interesting

women

covered over with mat

the town, pulling through the

water lanes, and resting for a while in the slack at the back of the houses.'

PROAS (OR PRAHUS) OP BORNEO.

The Proas
of the

Praus

trunk of a

or

tree,

Prahus 1

over

nor rudder, but are steered

length,

of

Borneo are swift-sailing

hollowed and fashioned at both ends

the

quarter with
.

and about twelve or fourteen inches wide

As

placed across the boat above the gunwale.

capsizing under
of

these boats are fitted with

sail,

two long poles which are run out on each

'

though made

long paddle, thirty feet in

in the

outlagers

The thwarts

blade.

'

are

against the danger of

a precaution

side,

vessels,

they have neither keel

framework consisting

one across the fore part and one

across the aft part of the Proa, the outer ends of the poles being secured to a large

When

bamboo.

wind

the

is

heavy,

latine-shaped sail

made

of matting.

part

of

the

crew run out on the windward

These Proas are

outlager to keep the boat upright.

and

fitted

sailed

with a large

BAJU AND BALIGN1NI PIBATE PRAHUS.

The

which are

Balignini,

Bajow or sea-gipsy tribe, have large Prahus,

who sometimes row double-banked and to
boat is attached, which will hold from ten to fifteen

of the

with crews of seventy or eighty men,

each Prahu a long and

fleet

small

men.

The Balignini and Baju pirates were formerly the terror of the Indian seas.
Mengkabong was the headquarters of those lawless people.
The Baju Prahus are rigged with tripod-masts, which consist of three tall bamboos,
the two foremost being fitted on a cross-beam, the other loose so that when a heavy
;

3
squall threatens, the masts can be immediately struck.

The arrangement

of the tripod-mast fitted to the Tartar galley

Different voyagers and authors spell this

'

Voyage

Spencer

to

St.

and from the Island

John's

'

word in different ways, but proa

by Captain Daniel Beeckman.
'

of Borneo,'

Borneo.'

468

'

(and described at

seems to be the most general.

Boats
page 471)

is

somewhat

Malay Archipelago.

of the

different to that of the

Baju

boats, the fore-leg of the

the one by which the tripod of the Tartar galley can be struck
in the

Baju Prahu

is

mast being

whereas the

aft-leg

the loose one.

CANOES OF THE SOOLOO ISLANDS.

The

canoes of the Sooloo

contrived.

They

in the outrigger.

differ

Sulu) Archipelago are curiously and ingeniously

(or

from those

Sooloo canoe

of the

is

made

other islands, not only in shape, but also

of a single log of

wood hollowed

Sooloo

is

seldom large enough to carry more than two persons at a time.

is

extends on both sides of the canoe, so as to give

railing

is

also

which

upon the bearers

placed

it

The outrigger

it

stability.

but

Canoe Sectit

i.e.

double one,

rest

out,

it

extra

above the sides of the canoe with supports,

of the outrigger.

Small canoes of this kind are never

sailed.

They

are sometimes built

upon and

1
enlarged with wash-boards or upper strakes secured to the trunk.

THE SOOLOO OE ILLANAN PRAHUS.

'

Woe to the craft, however fleet,

These sea-hawks in their course shall meet
For not more

sure,

when

owlets

flee

O'er the dark crags of Pendelee,

Doth the night-falcon mark his

Or pounce on it more fleet than

The
pelago

vol.

Sooloo or Illanan Prahus are the largest kind of Prahus in the Indian Archi-

formerly they were employed by the pirates of the Sooloo Islands,

See Wilkes'

ii.

prey,
they.'

'

United States Exploring Expedition,'

pp. 53, 54.

469

vol. v. p.

332

also

'

The Cruise

who went

of the

Marchesa,'

The
by the name

These Prahus were from twenty

'Lanans.'

of

Sailing-Boat.
burthen,

to thirty tons

nearly a hundred feet in length, and of considerable breadth of beam, with a sharp

bow

hollow

bulwarks,

and internal

strongly

were chiefly

fittings

timber

of

but the

raised platform

venience of the pirates in their lawless pursuits, and

boats were propelled both

They drew but

time.

built

bamboo, ingeniously fastened

of

The crew was generally a very numerous one, sometimes from forty to
was constructed on both sides of the Prahu, for the con-

together.
fifty.

lower part of the hull was

the

decks,

by

little

sails

and oars

were

water,

as a fighting

sometimes

fifty

under

fast

sail,

These

stage.

oars being used at a

and well adapted for

They were rigged with two separate shearlashed together at the top.
The heels of the

navigating the seas of the Archipelago.

each consisting of two spars

masts,

foremost were set in a base, which partly revolved, and the shear-mast could thus

be raised and lowered at pleasure

be

so that,

when

attacking a vessel, the

down, and the shear-mast directed in such a manner as

let

or bulwarks of the attacked vessel;

from the Prahus

on the bank

to

of a river,

so

matting and bamboo

canes,

The

practices.

and were

could

sail

on the side

might

it

these

of

sails

They used

also

also

be dropped

be used for scaling

Prahus were made

of

they also generally carried a

to assemble in a

numerous

fleet

their piratical adventures.

The Sooloo were

said to be the boldest

They

the Straits of

pelago.

large size

of

square red flag at their foremast head.

when on

The shear-mast could

form a bridge

as to

fall

then formed a ladder for the pirates to climb

the deck of the vessel.

and other marauding

walls,

it

to

infested

and most cold-blooded pirates in the Archi-

Macassar, the Sea of Celebes, and the Sooloo

Sea; but piracy in those waters has long since been put down.

TAETAE GALLEY.

The

vessel used

was a Tartar

by

Capt. Forrest in his voyage along the coast of

galley, in fact a Sooloo boat of about ten tons burthen.

a kind of gallery built on

each

from stem

side,

inches over each gunwale, upon which the rowers

Although the Tartar galley was but 25

much forward and

about

stern,

Gruinea

projecting about thirty

sometimes twenty in number.

long on the keel, she overhung so

was 40

ft.,

and her draft

of

water

3-|- ft.

This boat had a tripod-mast, made

two which stood abreast were bored

3 in.

ft.

abaft that her length over-all

to
sat,

New

This boat had

of

at

three stout bamboos.

the

lower end,

across,

The

feet

of

the

with holes about

in diameter for the purpose of receiving a spindle, which, like a main-shaft,

470

Boats

Malay Archipelago.

of the

was placed across the boat from

side to side, so that the

two spars could be turned

as on a pivot.

The

the tripod-mast was fixed forward to a knee amidships,

fore-spar of

with

by unlocking which the mast could be struck with ease by three men. 1
The main-sail was a large four-cornered one, called by the Malays lyre tanjong
The boat also carried a fore-mast, on which a latine sail was set
(pointed sail).
When the wind was
also a mizzen-mast, on which another latine could be used.

a forelock,

heavy,

the lyre tanjong was lowered, and a smaller

sail (a latine)

was

set,

and the

vessel then resembled the rig of the Mediterranean galleys.

The advantages

sail

in a breeze,

the lyre tanjong appear

of

to

be that

and may be quickly reduced or reefed by

easing off the sheet and then rolling and winding up the
of turning the
this

winch or cross-bar that

contrivance

it

the

meet, and lay side

sail

by

may be
sail

and

may

a very powerful

luffing into the wind,

sail,

by the simple means

2
fixed to the inner end of the boom.

entirely rolled

side together)

the winch the other way, the

is

is

so furled.

up

(so

that

the

In the same manner, by turning

be unfurled, and as quickly

set,

according to the weather.

1

Captain Forrest's

The Kolay, Malay

'

Voyages.'
Jellore,

and other

boats, are also reefed in the

471

By

boom and yard

same manner.

or half set,

The
The
of

for

Sailing-Boat.
was thatched with the leaves

or covered part of the Tartar galley,

cabin,

palm-tree,

called

the same material as that vised by the natives

nipa, being

covering their houses on the south-west coast of Sumatra, and in most of the

Malay countries.

The small apartment

by the Malays Jcoran.

The Molucca Proas and

abaft

was covered with boards, and was

called

burthen are

vessels of

all

fitted

with the tripod-mast

and lyre tanjong.

PADUAKANS OF CELEBES.
These

singular-looking

Paduakans.'

They

are

boats

built

Bera,

made very

are

island

by the system

tight

Paduakans

of

place

between the planks, in the

and keeps the

Their

they put the

set

outside planks

'

are remarkably well-built

Bugis

boats.

of Celebes.

place

of

and they put the bark of a

oakum, which, when wet, swells
;

the very reverse of the British in

is

together

up the timbers

first

The natives adhere to their

One remarkable peculiarity in
stern,

called

craft tight.

system of boat-building

whereas we

are

were formerly the chief

dowelling the planks together, as

coopers do the parts which form the head of a cask

certain tree

Celebes

of

which

at

The Paduakans

building-yards of the Macassars.

They

the

of

at

first

and then the inside timbers

and then secure the planks

old

models, and

these

vessels

is

'

Voyage

472

that

(or ribs)

to them.

seldom venture on new designs.

that

and in that respect they are rather unsightly

Forrest's

this

to Mergui.'

the
to

bow

is

lower than

European eyes

the

besides,

Boats
when under

too,

in

sail

keep

in order to

Malay Archipelago.

of the

rough winds, the bow

often driven

is

the spray at the bows, a bulk-head

off

In other respects they are not decked, but have a

extending all over the vessel from the bows.

the stem.

The Paduakan
is

formed

rigged with a tripod-mast and

is

three

of

bamboos, and

stout

few

feet abaft

light roof or covering

The tripod-mast

lyre tanjong.

in a similar

fitted

under water; but

raised a

is

manner

that of

to

the

Tartar galley before mentioned.

The

two

illustration represents

the other under full

of these curious vessels

one with

sail furled,

its

sail.

The Catamarans of Discovery Bay, in JSTew Guinea, are made of three or more
cocoa-nut

most

of

together and

lashed

trees

platform about

foot high, in

them are without

the

sharpened at the ends.

on which

centre,

Some have

to carry the

and then the sea washes freely over them.

this,

beautiful native canoe-paddles are shaped like the long narrow leaves of

BTJGIS

The

author

of

OR MACASSAR PRAUS.

most interesting work 1

on the Malay

'

Archipelago

voyage from Macassar to the Aru (or Aroo) Islands, a distance

These islands, which are quite out

a native Prau.

only by black mop-headed savages,

are

inhabited

the

luxurious

their

sea-slug, are obtained

is

of

tastes

tortoise-shell find

the most

way

from these islands that

voyage once a year, owing

with the

of

birds

Aru

Islands

is

European

nevertheless

Pearls,

races.

The

the

native vessels

trade,

contribute

mother-of-pearl,

enjoyment

Paradise, of

of

Europe.

the

who

made

1,000 miles, in

while edible birds' -nests and

'

to

and
or

tripang,'

of the Chinese.

two kinds known

can only

They leave Macassar

in

make

to

the

December

or

west monsoon, and return in July or August,

strength of the east monsoon.

full

a voyage to the

To

to

of

of the track of

for the gastronomic

to the monsoons.

beginning

January, at the

civilised

Europe

to

by shiploads

Linnaeus, were first brought

full of

Their

some water

with a spine running down the centre. 1

plants,

It

a small

goods dry; but

Even by

the Macassar people themselves

looked upon as a rather wild and romantic expedition,

novel sights and strange adventures. 8

this

Ultima Thule

'

'

'

of

the East the author went, having

New

Guinea and Polynesia,' by Captain John Moresby, R.N.,

Malay Archipelago,' by A. R. Wallace (1869).

The

Ibid., vol.

'

ii.

the

courage and

1876, pp. 216, 217.

pp. 158, 159.

473

3 p

The
daring to trust himself

Sailing-Boat.

on a voyage

The Prau
bows,

rudders
strong

The deck sloped considerably downward

which are thus the lowest part

the

of

out two

were not hinged, but hung with slings

or three

to

large

on each

feet

The rudders
which keeps them

rattan, the friction of

of

and to

side,

the vessel amidships.

of

any position in which they are placed, and thus

The

There were two

ship.

but instead of being placed astern, they were hung on the quarters from

cross-beams, which projected

which extent the deck overhung the sides

in

70 tons burthen, and

as a vessel of about

by the author

described

is

shaped something like a Chinese junk.

the

miles in a Bugis Prau, and for six

1,000

of

months among lawless traders and ferocious savages.

or seven

perhaps

steering.

facilitates

were not on deck, but entered the vessel through two openings, each

tillers

about a yard square, into a lower or half deck about three feet high, in which
the two steersmen.

Should a heavy sea break over the vessel, there

sit

nothing to

is

prevent the water from having free access to the interior, and there are no watertight bulk-heads.

In the

aft part of

the vessel

which formed the captain's

was a low poop, about three and a half

cabin, its furniture consisting of boxes, mats,

In front of the poop and main-mast was a

four feet high to the ridge
a half feet long

says

it

by

little

was the snuggest and most comfortable

was entered by a low sliding-door

The floor was
window on the other.

of

split

manufacture of which Macassar

is

were arranged his gun-case, insect-boxes,

;

the voyage

The
galley

little

all to

bamboo, pleasantly
It

had

and he

a very small

raised six

elastic,

was covered with

fine cane mats,

Against the further wall

celebrated.

clothes,

himself

place he ever enjoyed at sea.

thatch on one side, and

of

inches above the deck, so as to be quite dry.

the middle

pillows.

deck, about

one compartment of which, forming a cabin six and

and a half wide, the author had

five

It

for the

thatched house, on

feet high,

and

and books

and next the door were his canteen, lamp and

his mattress occupied

little store of

luxuries for

while guns, revolver, and hunting-knife hung conveniently from the roof.

vessel

already

was rigged with two tripod-masts,

and

described

illustrated.

similar

to

The main-yard

those of

was

the

formed

of

Tartar

many

wood and bamboo, bound together with rattans in an ingenious manner.

The sail carried by this was of an oblong shape, and was hung out of the centre,
so that, when the short end was hauled down on deck, the long end mounted high
The fore-sail was of the
in the air, making up for the loAvness of the mast itself.
Both these were of matting, and, with two jibs, and a
same shape, but smaller.
pieces of

fore-and-aft sail of cotton canvas astern, completed the rig.

Supra, p. 471.
Malay Archipelago,' vol.

The

'

474

ii.

pp. 160

Boats
The crew
and

coasts

consisted of about thirty men, natives of

Their dress generally, when

islands.

only and a handkerchief

would add

thin

twisted round

cotton

who had

steersmen,

to squat

whom we

two

call

to

there

the

which

mate

evening they

'jurumudis,'

or

steerage before described,

little

was an old man

first

in the

men were

elder

the

called

'

juragan,' or

he occupied the other half

of the

house on deck.

little

The

great

way

only

mat

very awkward things to manage in rough Aveather, the

sails are

them being

up the

The

on the boom.

It is

dangerous to

large sails cannot be shifted round so as to go on the other

tack without

to furl

to roll

have them standing when overtaken by a

first

the

of

Macassar and the adjacent

work, was a pair of trousers

at

a time in the

at

Then

should

head

the

Four

jacket.

changing every six hours.

captain, but

Malay Archipelago.

of the

hauling

down

the jibs

sail

squall.

and the booms

of

the

fore

and

aft

sails

have

to

be

lowered and completely detached to perform the same operation. 2

THE OOROCOEA (OE KOEA-KOEA.).

Corocora

(or

Kora-Kora)

is

an ancient and euriousdooking boat or

used chiefly by the inhabitants of the Molucca Islands

of

them

at

Amboyna, which they employ

The

as

guarda

costas.

Corocora.

The Malay Archipelago,'

Ibid., p. 173.

'

475

vol.

ii.

p. 168.

vessel,

and the Dutch have

fleets

Sailing- Bo at.

The
The Corocora

On

10 tons burthen.

put, fore

often

are

and ply the paddles when there

is

and

uo wind

generally

is

They vary

with

fitted

in

from

size

the cross-pieces which support

planks, on which part of the crew

aft,

besides which,

In smooth water the Corocora

use long oars.

vessel

and

stern,

manner explained by the engraving.

small boats to vessels above

the outriggers

stem and

high-peering

has

outriggers, in the

sometimes by a good number of hands and

is

who

others

propelled

in

sit

in the

sit

manner

this

steered with tAVO commoodies (broad

is

paddles).

The author
'

Kora-Ivora,'

and
off

of

the

of

'

Malay Archipelago

about four tons burthen.

on each

describes

'

side,

'

Avhich supported a

On

of the vessel.

are

Avas not

more than

aft.

sit

a foot above Avater

portion

some other

lost.'

Ar essels

They
of

are

the

in

Avhole voyage.'

Avere

little

engaged constantly

at

cook-house in the
coffee.

The

Ibid.

'

Malay Archipelago,' by A. R. Wallace,

476

And he
dreadful

men

are

them, making a fearful din the

sail,

the Indian Archipelago, already described.

'

Two men

The

heavy weather, and

rigged Avith a triangle-mast and mat

adds
The passage Avould have been agreeable enough but for the
" tom-toms," or Avooden drums, which are beaten incessantly Avhile the
rowing.

boat was

and from the great top and side

In the Kora-Ivora described by Mr. Wallace there was a

of

passengers are stoAved.

bows, where the passengers could boil their rice and make their
:

called

the twenty rowers, while within

The middle

and general clumsiness these boats are dangerous

not unfrequently

similar to

the kind

had outriggers of bamboo about five feet

bamboo platform extending the whole length

covered with a thatch house, in which baggage and

Aveight

of

It

the extreme outside of this

was a convenient passage, fore and

gunwale

a boat

belonging to the Island of Batchian, as being quite open, very low,

vol.

ii.

p. 69.

Boats

Malay Archipelago.

of the

BOATS AND CANOES OF THE KEI ISLANDS.

The

Canoe-builders

native

Islands

the most

are

whole region

of the

Canoes and Proas

Kei

the

of

any in the

expert of

Malay Archipelago.
of

many

of

The
neigh-

the

bouring islanders are built in the Kei Islands,

by

that ingenious class of boat-builders,

whose

and workmanship are

far in

models,

designs,

advance of any other race of native Canoebuilders.

The Canoes
of

one type

they are in

of

these islands are not

all

they are various in design as

size

but those that are built by

the native Canoe-builders are of superior form

and

The

construction.

shaped canoes, so

when

voyagers,

very

crescent-

beautiful

much admired by modern

seen at a

striking appearance,

have a

distance,

upon the

sitting

surface

the water with

of

grace that never

of

to

fail

Europeans whose

them

to

islands of the

Some
Islands

of

buoyancy and

win the admiration

good

navigate the

fortune

interesting

enables
seas

and

Malay Archipelago.
the native

have a

Canoes of the Kei

roofed platform of excellent

construction, broad, smooth,

and strongly yet

lightly made, the roof serving the purpose of

protection
sun,

from

the

scorching

rays

and the platform the receptacle

the

of

of fruits

and vegetables, the produce by industry

the natives, and

and

terity

fish,

skill in

of

the result of their dex-

spearing and hooking.

The canoes which Mr. Wallace

saw

at

the Kei Islands, on his voyage from Macassar

to the
1

The

'

Aru

or (Aroo) Islands, he describes as

Malay Archipelago,' by A. E. Wallace,

vol,

ii.

p. 176.

-177

The
long canoes, with the

bow and

Sailing-Boat.
up

stern rising

decorated with shells and waving plumes of

into a beak, six

or eight feet high,

He

cassowaries' hair.

gives an

also

admirable description of the whole process of their construction.

The

Kei excel

natives of

beautifully

in the art of

Their small canoes are

boat-building.

broad and low in the centre,

formed,

but rising at each end, where

they terminate in high-pointed beaks, more or less carved, and ornamented with a

plume

The

not hollowed out of a tree, but are regularly built

are

running from end

and

end,

to

accurately

so

that

fitted

larger ones are from twenty to thirty tons burthen,

often

is

it

where a knife-blade could be inserted between the

a place

to find

difficult

They

feathers.

of

planks,

of

joints.

and are finished ready

for

sea without a nail or particle of iron about them, with the aid of no other tools than
axe, adze, and auger.

These vessels are handsome

'

New

whole archipelago from

who has

sailed

much

Guinea

them can

in

Singapore,

to

look

to

make long voyages with

admirable sea-boats, and will

good

at,

which,

in seas

are not so smooth and

testify,

and

sailers,

perfect safety, traversing the

as

every

one

tempest-free as

word-painting travellers love to represent them.'

The

Kei produce abundance

forests of

durable,

some

which

of

each pair of planks used

is

consumed.

It is

proper length,

of

magnificent timber,

in

the

construction of

the

shore,

and then hewn longitudinally into two equal

these forms a plank,

To make

boats an entire

larger

away from the

often miles

felled

by paring down with the axe

to a

cut

across

The

the vessel.

foundation-piece, broad

in the

foot long

planks,

middle and

of

Along

standing up three or

left,

these are of great importance

when

the

Each

portions.

or four inches, leaving at first a solid block at each end, to prevent splitting.

four inches, about the same width and

tree

to

uniform thickness of three

the centre of each plank a series of projecting pieces are

in the construction of

and

straight

tall,

said to be superior to the best Indian teak.

is

cut,

are dragged to the beach.

considerably

rising

The edges

at

each end,

is

this are

worked true

and smooth with the adze, and a plank, properly curved and tapering

at each end,

first

is

laid

on blocks and properly shored up.

held firmly up

be cut so as to

fit

against
exactly.

so that the

contact
skill

in

and

while a line

series

is

aloug

struck

of auger-holes

it,

which allows

wood

without

seems to be

any other aid than rude

forming each edge to the true corresponding curves, and in

holes so as exactly to
that the best

match both in position and direction

European shipwright could not produce sounder

The 'Malay Archipelago,'

478

vol.

ii.

to

are fitted to

two planks are held firmly, and can be driven into the

difficidt as this

it

about as large as one's finger

opposite edges, and pins of very hard

are then bored along the

these,

it,

of

p.

176.

yet so well

closest

practical

boring the
is

it

done

or closer-fitting joints.

Boats
The

boat

up

built

is

in

way by fitting plank to plank till the proper height

have now a skin held together entirely by the hard-

this

We

and width are obtained.

wood

Malay Archipelago.

of the

the plank, very strong and elastic, but having

pins connecting the edges of

nothing

but

adhesion

the

these

of

pins

prevent the

to

now

smaller boats, seats, in the larger ones, cross-beams are

into slight notches cut

to receive

by

pieces of the plank below

single

pieces

the

to

surface

and when

are

so

'

and allowing

and binding

manner

is

of

on to the

fit

them, and securely

the

against

is

qualities of

me

prow and

vertical

The boat

rattans.

wire rather than cordage), makes

nails.

to receive

then complete;

is

ready to do battle with

consideration of the principle of this

for the strength

these respects
built in this

careful

now formed

as exactly to

with rudder, masts and thatch covering,

fitted

In the

are sprung

in each projecting piece, close to

closed

and further secured with pegs and

the waves.

way with

The ends

plank.

the

of

They

Eibs are

rattan.

tough wood, chosen and trimmed

them by rattans passed through a hole

stern-posts,

gaping.

fixed.

them, and are further secured to the projecting

a strong lashing of

from each plank, being slightly notched

projections

bound

of

planks

mode

of construction,

rattan (which resembles

believe that a vessel

in

carefully

actually stronger and safer than one fastened in the ordinary

DTAK WAR-BOATS.
These are long-shaped canoes,

of

more substantial construction than the Malay

prahus, and are, besides, sufficiently capacious to hold from seventy to eighty men.

They

are

made with a

flat keel,

having a curve or sheer

of

hard wood.

long

keel does not exceed six fathoms, and upon such they build a boat of eleven fathoms

over

The

all.

extra length

with a bark that

is

is

brought up with a sheer.

No

plentiful in the jungle.

When

These boats are painted red and white.

they use a red seed, pounded

to

the white

The bark they employ for caulking

make useful and comfortable coverlets,

The Dyak War-boat

is

is

The seams

are caulked

other fastenings but rattans are used.

they have no ochre for the red

simply a lime made from sea-shells.

very tough

when beaten

as well as waist-cloths

out

it

serves

and head-dresses. 2

has also a roof or gallery to fight upon

and the stern

is

ornamented with feathers.

Notwithstanding the heavy top-weight of gallery and fighting men, these boats,
as well as the

Malay prahus,

Wallace, the
'

'

are remarkably swift under

Malay Archipelago,' vol. ii. p. 186.

Far East,' by Spencer

Life in the Forests of the

Marryat's

'

Borneo,' &c.

479

St.

numerous

oars.

John, F.E.G.S., F.E.S., &c. (1862).

The

Sailing-Boat.

MALAY PIBATE PEAHUS.

These are
from ten

much

of

smaller

size

than those of the Sooloo

pirates,

being only

twelve tons burthen, but, in proportion, better manned, and the crew

to

ply with more efficiency their oars and paddles.

These Prahus formerly infested the Straits of Malacca, Cape Romania, the Carimon

and neighbouring

Islands,

They have

sometimes visiting the Straits of Rhio.

straits,

low

long,

and are provided with several guns, though not

hull,

unless the sea was calm, whea they could

They were generally found in small flotillas of from

They seldom attacked

very large ones.

be more certain of success.

six to twenty.

The

rig of the

platform

beyond

is

this

Malay

erected

platform

was the rendezvous

pirate

Prahus

over the
is

as

of the

bows

consists of
of

the

two masts, with

wide or wider than any other part

pirates

when

sails

of matting.

Prahu, and extending some distance

of

the boat, and

attacking a vessel.

BOATS OF SUMATEA JELLORES AND BALLELLANGS.

These curious boats

and are

fitted

of

the island of Sumatra are of a long and narrow form,

with double outriggers, which stand out a considerable distance from

480

Boats
They

the sides.

sometimes with

of the

are usually rigged with two masts and lyre tanjong

The Ballellang

lug-sails.

comparatively narrow

They

The

water be smooth.

manner

rolled up, after the

of

though
still

well in light winds, and in strong winds

cany

with the

sail

partly

The wide-spreading

reefing adopted in those parts.

sometimes only one outrigger, which

a large sail in smooth water.

Jellores

have

then alternately to windward and leeward

is

buoys up the boat, and when to Aviudward counterpoises the

to leeward it

power

sail

illustration represents a Jellore

outrigger enables these vessels to

when

sails,

rather broader than the Jellore, but

is

yet they are capable of mounting two small swivel guns, with a

native crew of twenty or thirty.

too, if the

Malay Archipelago.

of the sail.

Panchallangs are vessels with one mast and the lyre tanjong.

Tbe bantang has two masts,

tolerably large and broad, and has no outrigger.

is

ACHEN FISHER-BOATS. THE KOLAY.

These

by the natives Kolay,

boats, called

which

sail,

is

are rigged with one mast and a square-

slung and set after the manner of a lug-sail, but with a

To the fore end of

down and peaking the

bridle below.

the yard a rope

is

made

hauling

aft part.

When

it

blows hard the

in the

it

same manner as the lyre tanjong above described,

which passes through the inner end

pin,

rolled

up

mode

of reefing a

as occasion

small

of

i.e.

boom and

for the purpose of

sail is reefed,

with a cross-stick or

the boom, whereby the

sail

may be

seems to be a very simple and expeditious

This

requires.

fast,

Captain Forrest says he never saw anything so con-

sail.

venient in any European boat.

In putting about, the

The

Ivolay

is

sail is

dipped in the same way as an English

lug-sail.

steered with an oar, which is passed through a lashing on the aft-

quarter of the boat.

PBAUS OP CERAM AND THE MATABELLO ISLANDS.

The
of

native praus of

or a foot of rope in
its

Ceram and the Matabello

one of about four tons burthen,

decoration.

any part

is

it

In a description

was not an ounce

of

iron

of its construction, nor a morsel of pitch or paint in

The planks were fastened

1

Islands are peculiar.

said that there

in

the

usual

ingenious way, with pegs

See Forrest's Voyage from Calcutta.'

Supra, " Dipping the Lug," p. 4S.
'

481

3 q

The
and

Sailing-Boat.
o

The mast was a bamboo triangle, requiring no shrouds, and carrying

mat sail
two rudders were hung on the quarters by rattans
the anchor
wood and a long thick rattan served as a cable.
Our crew consisted of

rattans.

a long

was

of

'

four men, whose sole accommodation was about

stern,

with the sloping thatch roof

In this

hundred

craft

little

miles,

to stretch

author of the

the

'

by four

three feet

in the

bows and

themselves upon for a change.' 1

Malay Archipelago travelled nearly a

the Banda Sea, which is sometimes
'

fully exposed to the swell of

'

very considerable

'

but he luckily had

it

calm and smooth, so that he made the

voyage in comparative comfort,

It appears that

the praxis of

Ceram and Matabello Islands

the

that wonderful race of boat-builders,

the

Ivei

Islanders,

turn out some hundreds of boats, large and small,

form and excellence

for beaxxty of

who,

it

are all

made by

said,

annually

is

which can hardly be surpassed

workmanship. 2

of

THE LEPER-LEPER OP THE ISLAND OF AMBOINA.

The common boats or canoes of the Island of Amboina are called Leper-lepers.
are made from the trunk of a large tree, hollowed oxxt and then built xxpon

They
with

strips of

curve upward.

plank, to raise

Aboxxt

foxxr

same distance from the

the
boat

six

or

eight feet,

them

feet

and

them

fastened a

is

themselves are so narrow that without an

be very crank, and

liable to

be

xxpset

is

laid across,

and another

These project outward from one side of the

stern.

to

Both ends are sharp and

proper height.

to the

from the bow a pole

bamboo

outrigger.

The canoes

external support of the kind they would

and the whole fabric

is,

besides, very shallow. 3

BOATS OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS.

The Indians at Manilla are very skilful in the art of boat-building. The native
boats have some peculiarities, but they are nevertheless well built and of considerable
variety.

On the river and along the shore may be seen a number

with sharp bows, and furnished with bamboo oxxtlagers, 4 or

of

prettily-built boats,

poles, like

the yard of

The 'Malay Archipelago,' by A. R. Wallace,

Ibid., p. 107.

Vide Travels in the East Indian Archipelago,' by Albert S. Bickmore, M.A. (1S68), p. 165.
These must not be confounded with the outriggers of the canoes of some other islands there is no outrigger
but merely an outlager, or pole, laid across the vessel amidships, and extending several feet beyond

vol.

ii.

pp. 92, 93.

'

to these canoes,

the sides.

482

Boats

Philippine

of the

Islands.

a square-rigged vessel, laid across the boat and jutting out

it

blows hard, one, two, or more

of the

beyond the

When

sides.

crew are put out on the windward end

the outlager, to counterpoise the effect of the

wind upon the

of

This contrivance,

sail.

however, does not always ensure safety, for at times the bamboo yards which form

break

the outlager

which case the boat

in

the whole crew are sometimes

seldom

is

saved from

capsizing,

and

lost.

PANGUES.

These are small native

made
two

trunk

of the hollow

or three persons only,

some parts

ferry-boats, used chiefly for crossing the rivers; they are

though some

They

of the islands.

with a small

Those usually employed are large enough for

of a tree.

larger size are occasionally

of

are generally propelled

by

met with in

oars, assisted

sometimes

sail.

MINDANAO PLEASUBE-PROA.
Dampier
Sultan

island.

was a small house

little

was large enough

It

The hull was neatly

more.
hull

windows

almost

two or three small

open and shut

to

or chambers, one in

partitions

which was matted underneath and round the

much

The second was the

outlager

The

sides

fore

was the place

The proa was

flying

The

like the former.

and betel-nut.

proas
are

of

rounded,

placed across the

side, as the

and serve

for

fitted

the

or

to the

sixty persons, or

and

over

the

aft

was

and furnished with a carpet and

part

who

the

of

attend the ladies with tobacco

vessel

them when navigating the

bilge-shaped,

side,

and there

is

for

the crew;

to sit

483

but the

but very different from the

no

flat

outrigger-boat.

side;

Beams

both
are

they do not touch the water on either

but are two, three

boatmen or paddlers

was

vessel.

The Mindanao proa has no

protruding bamboos, but

do,

roof

divided into

room, or that for the Sultan's wives, and was

third for servants,

and

The

at pleasure.

The house was

particular for the Sultan himself,

sides

with outlagers on each

Ladrone proas

for the

ladies'

Ladrone Islands.
or

fifty

with a round head and stern

built,

but neatly thatched with palmetto leaves.

flat,

pillows.

carry

to

slightly built with bamboos, about four feet high, with neat

same material

the

of

he met with at Mindanao, belonging

a pleasure-proa

describes

that

of

or four feet above the

upon and row

or paddle from.

surface,

The

Sailing-Boat.

MANILLA. BANCAS.

The

passage-boats of

a very useful kiud of

very light and rows

banca

Manilla are termed Bancas

and although made

canals,

boat.

The trunk

is

tliey

much used on

are

tree, are prettily

carefully hollowed,

for the

the

formed and are

so that the boat

The bottom is narrow and round-shaped

under careless or awkward management.

easily.

easily upset

is

The thwarts

trunk of a

of the single

is

therefore the

passengers are placed very low, so as to keep the weight

Manilla Banca.

of

the occupants as close to

the vessel.

stout

bamboo

the
is

bottom as possible, and preserve the

stability of

attached to the top rim of the banca, outside, Avhich

serves the purpose of a fender on going alongside, and also renders the vessel

buoyant wheu heavily laden or when lurching

fitted

with a

light

top or

awning

(as

on one

The banca

side.

shown in the engraving),

to

more

is

also

protect

the

passengers from the heat of the sun.

These vessels are steered with a large shovel-like paddle, which when not in use
they lay up on the top of the awning.

THE MANILLA SABABOA.

The
or

Saraboa

more layers

with a

little

is

of

a fishing raft employed

by the

natives

it

is

composed

of

two

bamboos, or light wood, laid transversely one above the other,

Gothic hut at one end.

The native fishing is chiefly performed on rafts of this kind. They take fish at
the mouth of the river in nets suspended by the four corners from hoops attached
to a crane, by which they are lowered into the water.
The Paroa is a larger kind of trading or passage-boat used at Manilla.

484

Boats

Philippine

of the

Islands.

THE TAMBANGAN.

The Tambangan,

or Sourabaya passage-boat,

The boat

rigged.

itself

is

convenient, and useful for

its

has in part
sides,

like

As

to

the apex

flat

floor

very

purpose.

of the

Island of Java

and shallow, but

broad

is

curiously

uncommonly

roomy,

It is partly flat-bottomed, that is to say, it

without a keel, but

lower

flanged and rounded at the

is

an English doble.
the rig, the

a very light one, of triangular shape, and

sail is

downwards on a mast raking forward, and

is

fitted

is

set

with

with yard and boom,

both of which are in two parts.

light

canvas awning

is

set

up

in the aft part

of

the boat, in the

manner

represented by the engraving.

BOATS OP MADUBA.

On

the north coast of

Java, at Madura, they have boats with outriggers, each

boat having one such float on the leeward side

windward
movable.

side,

they

Each boat

sometimes place a
carries

tAvo

canoe

triangular

while, on a kind

and everything

sails,

made

of

of

rack on the

on board

narrow white

that

is

cloths,

with occasionally a red or black one in the middle or on the margins, by Avay of
ornament. 1
'

Travels in the East Indian Archipelago,' by Albert S. Bickniore, M.A.,

485

p. 56.

The

Sailing-Boat.

SANDWICH ISLANDS OANOES.

The Sandwich
The Canoes

Islands constitute a solitary

main range

far north of the

of

of islands

in the

group in the North Pacific Ocean,

Western

the native islanders, though

of

Pacific.

primitive construction, are

well

made, considering that they are formed entirely by hollowing out the trunk of a

They

tree.

however,

are

which are used singly are

is

very ticklish on the water,

fitted

and easily upset.

Those

with a small log of wood for an outrigger which

armed with a cut-water at the fore end, the whole standing out several
in the form represented by the engraving.

feet

beyond the canoe,

Sandwich Islands Canoes.

The double canoes

together, at the

of

these islands consist merely of

space apart of

from four to six

feet,

two ordinary canoes held

by strong beams, which

They are sometimes assisted with

very primitive form, the mast for which is stepped in one of the

arched and stand up above the canoes.

sail

of

and the

sail

are

a small
canoes,

sheeted in the other.

The bow and

stern of

are different to those of

the Sandwich Islands canoes are

any other

islanders.

ingeniously shaped, and

Canoes

Sailing

ISLANDS CANOES.

FIJI

The

group

are

Fiji

more than 200 islands

of

Islands.

Fiji

of the

South Pacific Ocean,

in the

extending about 300 miles from east to west, and lying about 1,100 miles to the
of ]N"eAV Zealand, the largest of which are Yifci Levu (Great Fiji) and Vanua
Levu (Great Land); and the island of Eotumah was annexed in the year 1881.
The Sailing Canoes of the Fiji Islanders are of a very superior class. The largest
size are as much as a hundred feet in length, and of the double or twin form, consisting of two canoes of different sizes united by cross-beams, on which a platform
But although these are called double canoes by Europeans, the
is constructed.

north

'

second

or

which

composed

is

canoe

attached

The mast and

itself.

one, as

hollowed out

of a tree

'

sometimes merely an outrigger,

is

sail are

for the sake of

of the

to the larger

fitted

the

bottom

part

of

buoyancy, like the canoe

two canoes

the smaller

above stated, serving as an outrigger to the other.

These canoes are generally built

of a native

wood known

as the vas-wood.

The bottom of each of the canoes is formed of the trunk of a single tree, hollowed
The sides and coamings are fitted
out and built upon with considerable ingenuity.
and secured to the canoe by dovetailing the planks, which are also drawn closely
together with lashings of cocoa-nut plait, passed through flanges

on each of the planks.

The

from the breadfruit-tree, which

The planks

paint.

intervals,

The
over

fore

is

also

and

aft

European mode

ends

the purpose

of the

gum

which aie placed

at regular

of boat -building.

two vessels forming the double canoe are decked

the larger one to the extent of about twenty feet at each end, and the smaller

one somewhat

This

less.

The platform

is

is

done to prevent the shipping

of

seas in

rough water.

firmly secured over the top of the open part of the canoes, resting

on the cross-beams and raised sides (or coamings), and extending, on the outer

two or three
seven

feet

beyond them.

The depth

is

sides,

about

the platform, nearly amidships, between the two parts of the canoe, there

a stage, about eight feet square

the stage there

is

by four or

five high,

is

with a railing on each

space for several persons to stand or

give directions as to the steering and

stage

hold under the platform

of

feet.

On

who

taken

used as an outer dressing in the place of tar or

are secured to small ribs or timbers,

similar to the

left for

joinings and crevices are filled and closed Avith

sit,

management

a small thatched house or cuddy, for the crew

side.

more particularly

of the

when

canoe.

is

On

for those

Beneath the

seeking protection from

the weather.

The covered

fore

and

aft part of the canoes

487

belonging to the chiefs of the Fiji

The
Islands

are

Sailing-Boat.

ornamented with

prettily

shells,

and the

sails

with white

flags

and

streamers.

The

sail of

the Fiji canoes

out of proportion to the vessel.

is

of triangular

made

It is

of

shape,

and

so large as to appear quite

tough yet pliable matting, and

is set

with

the apex downwards.

The mast
canoe.

is

about half the length of the longer of the two vessels composing the

It is stepped into

and secured by a chock on the platform,

Fiji

from each end

of the larger canoe.

boom somewhat

the

The

less

end

an equal

The yard

is

nearly twice as long as the mast, and

than the yard.

They

halliards are passed over a crescent at the top of the mast.

of the

distance.

Islands Sailing Canoe.

on to the yard nearly in the middle,

fore

at

so

that,

when

yard secured on deck, the seizing

on.

the sail

is

are bent

hoisted with the

the yard comes nearly upon

a level with the top of the mast.

The mast is supported to windward by two ropes or shrouds, fastened to a rail

two posts and fitted to the platform, so that the heels of the posts are secured

fixed to

two

to the outer side of the coamings of the smaller of the

The

Fiji Islanders are

which being

alike,

very expert in the management

they are sailed either end foremost

488

vessels.

of these vessels
;

both ends of

but when under

sail,

it

is

Canoes

Sailing

Islands.

Fiji

of the

necessary that the smaller canoe or outrigger should always he on the weather side,
therefore the canoe itself

be better understood

is

never tacked, but the

by

operation of tacking was effected

which

is

The

sail.

who

given in the words of one

if

process of tacking will

has seen

luffing into the wind,

when

performed

it

The

'

the rake of the mast,

stepped on a kind of hinge, and always inclines forward, was reversed, and at

number of men,
boom meet, hauled

the same time a

clapping on the tack of the

the yard and

it

which

to the loop, or becket, into

or the point

sail,

where

yard, being nicely poised in the slings,

a fork at the mast-head, then

and hoisted over

was dragged

The

aft,

swung round, and the "unwilling tack"

it was inserted at the other end of the

The business was conducted apparently with very little order, and the process
much longer time than that of tacking ship would have done with us.'

vessel.

occupied a

Under the

heavy winds and

sail in

handling of the natives, these canoes are enabled to carry

skilful

travel

to

preserving

fast,

This

an almost upright position.

is

maintained by several of the crew squatting on the windward side of the platform, or
in the hold of

It is

by the extra weight, counterbalancing the

the outrigger, and thus,

pressure upon the

sail.

customary for the chief

hold the end of the sheet, and

to

task to prevent the upsetting of the canoe or the carrying

canoe

is

it

is

therefore his

The

of the mast.

steered with a large-bladed oar of stout proportions.

In smooth water these vessels

sail is

away

put upon them,

very swiftly

sail

but

when any

found that their hulls are scarcely equal

it is

extra pressure of

and

to the strain,

be constantly baling out the water.

they become leaky, and require one or two hands to

They nevertheless make long voyages of hundreds of miles to Tonga, Ivotuma, and
Samoan Islands.
The building of one of these double canoes, by the natives, frequently occupies
Even a small one is never built under three or four months. The
several years.

the

tools

employed are

knife

and a few

of the simplest kind,

gimlet,

consisting chiefly of axe,

and

chisel,

obtained by barter with Europeans, have been used of late years.

nails,

The carving is performed with tools made

wood and yet the workmanship is excellent.

of the teeth of small animals, set in

hard

Dimensions of a Fiji Double Canoe of the Most Common Size :

feet.

feet.

Length

of larger

canoe

smaller canoe

Distance of the canoes apart

Length
Breadth

Length

A
1

of platform
of

of

.70
.55

.....

.30

do

15

cuddy

.15

Breadth of cuddy
Height of platform ahove water line
Draught of water

Length
Length

Booms

of

mast

of

yard

'

Western

Pacific Islands,' p. 139.

489

Wilkes'

'

2 to 3

.......

35

canoe of this description will carry conveniently forty or

Erskine's

.10

15

fifty persons.

United States Exploring Expedition.'

60

&

35

The

Sailing-Boat.

CANOES OE THE FRIENDLY ISLANDS.

There

much

is

similarity

between the canoes

Friendly Islands and those of

of the

the Fijis; and there can be no better evidence as to the ingenuity of the natives than

by them

in the art displayed

in the construction of those vessels, which, in point of

and workmanship, are stated by Captain Cook

neatness

kind he met with in the Western

The

Pacific.

to

exceed anything of the

composed, are sewn together in so neat a manner that on the outside

how they

are joined, all the fastenings being on the inside,

which

or ridges,

compose the

wrought on the edges and ends

are

sails,

The

single canoes are from

The

in a wedge-like form.
to the extent

and

fore

of one-third part

20

to 30

ft.

aft parts of the canoe are

of the

whole length

covered over, or decked,

stuck in a row on

wrought out

pegs,

little

and open in the

of the vessel,

In some of these canoes the middle part of the deck

centre part,

and about

in length,

ft,

stern terminates in a point, and the head

The

or 22 in. in width amidships.

shells,

the several boards which

of

but more generally with paddles, the blades of which are short and

broadest in the middle.

white

difficult to see

and passing through cants

which are called single canoes have outriggers, and are sometimes

All those

in.

it is

vessel.

navigated with

20

which they are

planks, or pieces of

ornamented with

is

wood

of the

which

of

it

is

each about 60

ft,

composed.

The double canoes

or 70

ft.

long,

and 4

or 5

ft.

or

composed

of

two

vessels,

broad amidships, and each end terminates nearly in a

point, similar to the single canoe

sides

composed

of these islands are

ft.

but those which compose the double canoe have

coamings round the middle or open part, in the form

and well secured

of boards closely fitted together,

The double canoe

is

formed

two

of

parallel one with the other, about 6

of the

ft.

or 7

ft.

to the

long trough,
of the vessel.

of

last-described vessels fastened together,

apart.

The

joining together

by means of strong cross-beams, supported by stanchions fixed

secured by bandages and lashings of sennit, made of cocoanut bass.
and

body

extending from side to

is

Upon
and a

these

a boarded platform

is

the outer side of

each canoe, the width from outside to outside being 13

thus the double canoe

the nature of the
navigation.

laid

side,

made very strong and burthensome, but

is

work

fixed,

will admit,

The double canoe

is

and

so it

becomes a vessel

light

little

See Cook's

'

burthen

490

Pole.'

9 in,

for distant

fit

of the larger of the

Voyage towards the South

ft.

beams

beyond

and buoyant as

rigged with one mast, the heel of which

and secured through the platform into the fore part

1

of

effected

the canoes, and

to

is

stepped

two canoes,

Canoes

Friendly

of the

and can be raised or lowered

The

at pleasure.

triangular shape, with the apex downwards.

fireplace, or

trough of wood

sail

is

It is fitted to

the platform of the double canoe a cabin or hut

movable

Islands.

erected,

is

of

matting,

and

of

On

which generally contains a

There are hatchways leading

with stones.

filled

made

along yard and boom.

through the platform into each hold of the canoes. 1

Friendly Islands Double Canoe

Captain Cook observes that the only tools used by the natives of the Friendly
Isles in constructing their boats are

smooth black stone which abounds

on small handles

and rasps

of the

hatchets, or rather thick adzes,

at

Toofoa

rough skin

With tools such as these they

they make them not only neatly, but

of a

Ladrone Islanders
of

flat

MANAGEMENT OF THE DOUBLE CANOES OE THE EBIENDLY

they do not turn the canoe, but

the other end

made out

the boat,

do),

sail

only.

luff it

up

The

slings

When

pieces of

and

Captain Cook's

'

like

by which

it

is

into the wind, ease off the sheet

manner.

Second Voyage.'

491

ISLES.

the natives change

and bring the heel or tack-end

and the sheet in

1

of a

sharks' teeth fixed

strong and durable.

These twin canoes are rigged with one

(just as the

of

fastened on

fish

hoisted are attached to the yard nearly in the middle.

tacks,

made

contrive to build these curious vessels

wood.

SAILING AND

augers

of

the yard to

There are notches or

The

Sailing-Boat.

sockets at each extremity of the vessel, in

they

yard

the wind, the

before

sail

which the end

taken out

is

of the

the

of

yard

socket,

When

fixes.

and the

sail is

squared.

All the

manner

sailing-vessels

some

these

of

islanders

of them, of the largest size,

have a short but stout mast, which

the deck near the fore part.

forward; the head

by means

pivots,

about one-third

down between

two strong wooden

of

'The outriggers,

and

ropes

boom

and

required.'

is

each side of the yard, at

when under

of

sail, is

confined

two strong ropes passing through

must be observed that

it

used

all

the sailing-vessels

just as a whole mizzen. 1

lie

for

&c, are

shrouds,

altogether

are

some idea as

experiments on board

tried

much

all

stout

an enormous

such

of

and strong.
weight

that

order to form

In

Cook

yard

sail,

for

and on the other will

clear of the mast,

strength

These
fixed to

must be put about.

tacks the vessels

Indeed,

is

The tack being thus fixed, it is plain that in changing

The sail and boom on the one tack will be

double.

sort are

this

the same

lean or incline very

to

cleats secured to

two canoes by means

hole at the head of each canoe

of

made

is

length from the tack or heel, which,

the

in

sail

forked on the two points of which the yard rests as on two

is

its

to

stepped on a kind of roller that

is

(the mast)

It

not rigged

are

being rigged so as to tack about.

to the rate

one of

these canoes, Captain

sailing of

of

them with the

log-line,

and found the

be about seven knots an hour, the canoe being close-hauled, and the wind

rate to

very strong.

TONGA ISLANDS CANOES.

The Tonga
Fiji,

and

rather less

three smaller groups

The
the

canoes

larger

timber

fit

of

for

of

them

than 400 miles from the

Tongatabu,

the purpose

is

composed

built

indeed,

those

of

the

Islands,

as

Tonga produces no

to

in the Fiji

Fijis

but the Fijians are said to have acquired the art

In

all

way

there

is

as

of

these canoes, whether

double or single, there are small hatchways at both ends, Avith high coamings

would appear

of

Haapai, and Vavau.

Tongatabu are very similar

are generally

The Tonga

latter.

3
building their large double canoes from the Tongans.

it

the

Islands are a group lying in the Southern Pacific, E. S. E. of

and

they constantly leaked, for whenever they are seen under

if

always some one in each of the end-hatchways baling out the water.
1

Cook's

Ibid. p. 17.

Erskine's

'

Voyage towards the South

'

Western

Pole,' vol.

Pacific Islands,' p. 439.

492

ii.

p. 17.

Canoes
The double

and Salomon

Tonga

of the

one

seamanship,

in

and

it

is

which the

obvious that these

Tongese

particularly

are

require

vessels

and

The

Fijians.

of his

instead

sculler,

holding

it,

using

of

body upon the

oar,

and

the

oar

manner

perpendicularly, in a

it

When

several

tune or song, in which they

among

practised

throw the whole weight

The

it.

oar

hundreds

Wilkes

and

between the

fro

Fiji,

Exploring Expedition,'

(in his 'U.S.

the Island of Ovolau, belonging to Tanoa, the

of

appearance, with

denoted

it

crew

a
its

of

kept in

are

strict

by

time

immense

sail of

some great

speaks of a canoe he saw

vol. iii.)

says

'

It

had

magnificent

the pennants streaming from

chief.

It

was a

fit

in length,

ft.

with an outrigger

ornamented with a great number (2,500)

considerable, and every one

of the

large

of

Cyproea ovula

its

accompaniment

magnificent scenery around, and advanced rapidly and gracefully along.

100

off

Anibau, which was under the

of

He

white mats

voyages

Samoan, and Tonga Islands.

King

Tongese.

forty

at once as belonging to

single canoe,

thrust

generally one oar at each end.

is

scullers

fragile vessels are navigated, in the face of trade-winds,

of miles to

management

is

these oars

custom, however, does not appear to be

this

the Fijians.

These apparently
of

Tongese

join

all

There

blades.

the

used,

are

no

is

way, stands

regular

the

so as to

so assist his strength in using

and have broad

oars

kind of

there

through a hole in the platform, and so confined whilst being employed

are ten feet long,

on a wind

special

peculiar to the Tongese

is

in

faster

When

expert.

wind, they propel the canoe by a mode of sculling that

behind

much

canoes, or those with a heavy outrigger, sail

than before

Islands.

size

shells.

was struck with the adroitness with which

the

It

yard

to the

was a

canoe was

was
was managed

Its velocity
it

and landed on the beach.'

The platform
Tongans

is

the

general

employed in baling out the water

These canoes,
use,

resort

those aboard

of

the hull, even of the main canoe,

the

double canoes of the

seldom occxipied by any one excej)t those

is

at sea.

as also those of the Fiji Islands, are carefully protected

and placed under cover

The smaller canoes

of the lofty canoe-sheds

of the

when not

which are erected on the beach.

Tongese are similar to those

of the

Samoan

in

Islanders. 2

CANOES OP THE SALOMON ISLANDS.

Among

the

many

objects of interest

(or Solomon) Islands, are the canoes

Western

Erskine's

Infra, page 497.

'

and attraction

to voyagers visiting the

Salomon

and the canoe-sheds in which the natives keep

Pacific.

493

'

Wilkes'

'

Voyages.'

The
their large canoes,

which

it

Sailing-Boat.
Some

appears belong to certain tribes.

of the sheds are

remarkable for the elaborate manner in which they are constructed

supported by a number of carved wooden
figure,

about half

life-size,

Anions the canoes

of the Pacific groups,

with white Cyproea ovula

the

bows and

the roof

is

human

each pillar representing a

standing on a pedestal. 1

of the

Salomon Islands are some

Canoe

any

pillars,

of

Salomon

of the best to be

met with

iu

Islands.

being well built and ingeniously carved, and ornamented

shells

tastefully inlaid about

and mother-of-pearl, neatly and

stern of the canoe.

It appears that the native islanders

go in their canoes to the Tonga Islands, where

they get the Cyproea ovula for the purpose of the decoration of their canoes.
not buy the ovula of the Tongans, but they themselves fish for

it

They do

on the outlying reefs

of those islands.

Some
beauty,'

of the canoes of the

Sal6mon Islands have been described

as

'

perfect

gems

of

displaying excellent workmanship, mould and design, and considerable good

taste in the

manner

in

which they are carved and ornamented.

FULANGESE CANOES.

The Island of Fulanga is one which produces fine timber; and it is, therefore,
much resorted to by the Yavau and Tonga Islanders, as the dep6t for canoe-building.
Commander Wilkes, who visited this island about the year 1840, makes mention of
One of
three large canoes he saw in the process of construction under a long shed.
these vessels, on measurement,

and he speaks

of

it

as

See

Ibid.

'

'

was found

to be

a beautiful model.'

Yachting Cruise in the South

494

102

ft.

long, 7

ft.

wide, and 5

The

other two were

Seas,'

by

C. F.

Wood

somewhat

(1875).

ft,

deep

smaller.

Canoes

Western

the

of

The builders informed him they were intended

Pacific.

Vavau

for a

and the Avork was

Chief,

being performed under a contract, the price agreed on to be paid in whales' teeth,
axes, guns, &c.

SAVAGE ISLAND CANOES.

The main

parts of

made from a
Tbe

these canoes are

single tree, wash-streaks being

afterwards fastened to the sides, which are low.

over,

They

and handsomely carved.

an outrigger, composed

of a log of

are from 20

ft.

wood, which

and

fore

24

to

aft parts are

long,

ft.

covered

and furnished with

water parallel Avith the

floats in the

Savage Island Canoe.

canoe, and

is

kept in that position by three small spars placed across the gunwales of

The

the canoe.

of the sides of

outer ends of the spars are fastened to the log, but raised to the level
the canoe

by means

small props affixed to the log

of

fixed also form a sort of platform on AAdiich the

the spars so

crew place their spears and other

implements.

The contrivance

of the outrigger is absolutely necessary to enable

their equilibrium in the smoothest AA'ater

with that

of

them

to maintain

but the outrigger must not be confounded

an outlager, or spar projecting to Avindward Avhen under

sail, to

enable the

canoe to be ballasted or counterpoised by some of the crew going out and sitting upon
1

it,

as described

The

under the head

'

Samoan Canoes

'

and

others.

paddles employed in these canoes are very prettily shaped, like a plantain leaf

they are short and concave in the blade, and handsomely carved.

CANOES OE THE PENRHYN ISLANDS.

The Canoes
interesting

of

the

Penrhyn group

Islanders,' whilst A'oyaging in the

of

Penrhyn canoe under

sail

its

Omuka
mode

Erskine's

'

islands

The author

and remarkable construction.

the

in
of

'

territory, says that

of propulsion,

Western

495

Western

Wild

Life

he

Pacific

Among

are

of

the Pacific

saAV for the first

time

he should think, Avas the most

Pacific Islands.'

The
any part

original to be seen in
is

Sailing- Boat.
The

of the world.

simple in construction as

sail is as

nearest tree, and after a few strips of bark have been torn from

The lower

to the canoe.

with

or thick

end

bough

of a

made fast to the cross-bar of the

bough is then placed on either side

outrigger,

bowed over

Strips of

which runs across the

At

are conveyed

little

This,

ft.,

vessel.

and

but inclined

the top the slender ends of the latter

mingling leaves

to the centre, the

present further resistance to the wind.

of all

when

being inter-laced a

little to

completed, forms a broad

sail.

bark are fastened to the most extended part of the outer boughs, which are

again secured to the stern outrigger

spars,

them they

placed at the bottom of the canoe,

of this, attached to it at the bottom,

outward, and also fastened to the cross-bar.

are

is

long slender leaves standing perpendicularly to the height of about 10

its

it

For the purpose three long palm boughs are cut from the

primitive in appearance.

and rigging,

all

and thus the cocoa-nut

NEW CALEDONIA AND LOYALTY

Captain Erskine

tree supplies sails, masts,

being constructed in a few minutes from

with two sharp-headed

alludes to
sails of

what the appearance, when

its

boughs. 1

ISLAND SAILING-CANOES.

some large canoes he met with in these

islands, rigged

matting, laced to long flexible yards, and having some-

set, of

the sprit-sails in

common

use

among

the

Thames

They appeared to be fitted for long voyages, and had earthen fireplaces
They were each apparently capable of accommodating thirty
constructed on deck.
barges.

persons on board.

SAMOAN CANOES.
Samoa, the native name of the group
'

of

Islands

called

by Captain Cook the

Navigator's Islands,' are a group in the Southern Pacific from 400 to 500 miles north

of the

Tonga, or Friendly Islands.

The

Apia, the principal town,

and Tutuila.

largest of the
is

Samoan group are Upolu, Savaii,

Bay of Apia on the coast of

situated in the

tTpolu.

The

these Islands display considerable ingenuity in the construction of

natives of

their canoes.

The

are from 30

60

in length,

Wild Life among the Pacific Islanders,' by E. H. Lamont

Western Pacific Islands.'

(1867), p. 242.

Vide

Erslrine's

'

Samoan canoes

ft.

largest of the

'

496

ft.

to

aud capable

Canoes
of carrying

from ten

On

There

and

to connect

many

labour bestowed in joining so

pieces are joined,

gum from the

On the

and prevent leakage.

close

and bind

when

and a piece of
The Samoan canoes

or piercer,

They

it

are formed of planks,

bark of the breadfruit-tree

outside, the pieces are

it is

is

formed, which

The

closely to the adjoining one.

small pieces of plank

examination before the seams can be detected

the more astonishing,

elegance.

They

no regularity in the length or breadth of the

is

one of the edges of each plank a ledge or projection

serves to attach the sennit,

is

Pacific.

to fourteen paddlers, besides a sitter.

fastened together with sennit.

planks.

Southern

of the

is

Before the

surprising.

used to stick them

is

close,

so neatly joined as to require a

and

this perfection of

workmanship

considered that the only tools they use are a gimlet

iron tied to a staff, thus forming a sort of adze.

are

long and narrow, and their shape approaches even to

are decked fore

and

and provided with an outrigger,

aft,

as

shown

in

the engraving.

When

propelled with paddles the natives

The

a steersman.
of pegs,

honour

seat of

is

sit

islanders)

is

that they have both

without tacking the boat

prow and

stern,

by way

shell

which they

differ

and therefore the

consequently, the outrigger that

windward and leeward

sail is alternately to

and the canoe

abreast,

which are covered with the large white ovula

striking peculiarity of these canoes (and in

under

two

on the forward deck, in the centre

protection to the canoe in preserving

its stability

when

that

to

it is

is

of upsetting

taken of rigging a snati

the windward gunwale

[i.e.

when

the outrigger

guided by
is

row
The

from those of other

sail

cannot be shifted

constitutes their safety

leeward

when

is to

is

which

of ornament.

to

it is

not half the

windward.

canoes, however, carry less sail than those of other islands of Polynesia

guard against the danger

of

These

and in order

to

leeward, the precaution

a sprit or boom), in fact an outlager, 1 which projects from

when

the

wind

is

heavy, one or two of the crew go out upon

the suati, and so counterpoise the canoe against the force of the wind.

The

sail is

made

of matting, in the

sometimes bestowed.
sail

standing about 10

It is of

bows.

ft.

The matting used

1

high.

The mast

for the sails

Vide supra, p. 482, note

manufacture of which considerable labour

is

triangular shape, and set with the apex downwards, the

4,

is

is

made

stepped at about one-third from the

entirely

as to the distinction between

497

by hand, by interlacing the

an outrigger and an outlager.

The
Some

fibres.

of the finest
"

Sailing-Boat.

textures are' as

"soft

and pliable

These

as cotton canvas.
:

canoes are not "calculated for" long' voyages.

The Samoans have no

large double canoes, such as those of the

Tongans and

Fijians,

1
except those which they procure, by barter, from those islanders.

The usual Samoan fishing-canoe

balance

is

made

a single tree, with a small outrigger to

of

it.

UNION GROUP ISLANDS CANOES.

The

canoes of the Union Group, Western Pacific Islands, are single canoes, with

outriggers, resembling those of the

Samoan group, being made

and partly decked over the fore and

together,

aft parts

of pieces of

wood sewed

they are also ornamented, at

Union Group Islands Canoe.

each end, with ovula

shells, in

triangular

sail.'

The blades

Samoan canoes.
No
among the curiosities, had

the same manner as the

observed, but a small model of a canoe, purchased

'

sails

were

the usual

of their paddles also

resemble those of the Samoans, being oblong and

slender.

CANOES OF THE ISLAND OF MITIAEO.

The

island of Mitiaro, one of the

Avhich grows in abundance

mahogany,
difficult to

is

in

tools as the

justly celebrated for their canoes,

the natives of other islands. 3

2
3

Erskine's
T.

'

Wawn,

Wilkes'
Vide

'

'

Western Pacific'

famous for

is

high

of a

polish,

native islanders possess

which are made

These canoes are

tomano wood,

an

but very hard and

they are nevertheless

tomano wood, and are

of the

also

article of trade

light,

and barter with

Wilkes' 'Exploring Expedition.'

And

see also

1893.

United States Exploring Expedition,'

Wild Life among the

its

This wood, which in colour resembles

most beautifully waved and capable

work with such

buoyant and graceful in form.

by W.

Hervey group,

that island.

Pacific Islanders,'

vol. v. p. 11.

by E. H. Lamont,

498

1867.

'The South. Sea

Islanders,'

Canoes

of the

Islands.

Pacific

KINGSMILL ISLAND CANOES.

The

canoes of the Kingsmill and Ellice Group, Western Pacific Islands, have

They

interesting peculiarities.
to 3

ft.

being

in depth, varying from

much

larger

some

of

are

15

commonly from 12
ins. to

them 60

ft.

width

in

to

ft.

15

ft.

many

in length, from 2

ft.

those in the northern islands

in length.

ft,

These canoes are very well modelled, and, in some respects, better built than those
of

many

of the

other islanders in the Pacific

they have considerable sheer, and are

having sis or eight ribs or timbers.

built in frames, each canoe

irregular pieces of cocoa-nut plank, varying in length from a

and from 5
and

in order to

They

in width.

ins. to 7 ins.

make them
in

are joined very neatly

sides are in

to 6

ft.

or 8

ft.,

and sewn with sennit;

water-tight, slips of the pandanus leaf are inserted under and

between the planking, in the same way

The manner

The

few inches

as

brown paper

which the uprights are attached

used in British boat-building.

is

to the flat timbers displays consider-

Kingsmill Island Canoe.

able ingenuity.

They

making them easy

One

are so

secured as to possess

and capable

in a sea-way,

side of the canoe

is

nearly

flat,

the proa of the Ladrone Islands.

and in

They

the virtue of a

all

double joint,

withstanding the force of the waves.

of

they bear some resemblance to

this respect

are provided with an outrigger, but of smaller

proportions to those of other islands, and the stage or platform covers less space.

These canoes are tacked and sailed in the same manner as those of the Fiji Islanders,
sail with either end foremost.

the outrigger being always kept to windward, so that they

Wood

being an exceedingly scarce article with the natives, the masts and yards are

of several pieces neatly joined together.

wreckage-wood, which

is

Some

of

the canoes are built entirely of

But notwithstanding the odds

always a great prize to them.

and ends of Avhich the canoes are composed, they are strong and durable, and even

One

elegant in appearance.
six

months

in building.

The shape
mast

is

of

them, of a suitable size for ten- persons, occupies five or

of the sail is triangular,

and very similar

stepped in a fore-raking position, and the

......

x
.

Wilkes, vol.

499

boom
v.

to that of the Fiji canoes

is

considerably elevated,

the

The

Sailing-Boat.
management

natives are very expert in the sailing and

The

much
sometimes made

always avoid using the paddles as

Their paddles are

of these canoes,

and

as possible.
of a piece of cocoa-nut

board

others have a

round stick for a handle.

tortoiseshell blade, about 6 ins. square, secured to a

BOATS OF TAHITI.
Tahiti (or Otaheite)

and

is

is

the principal island of the Society group in the Pacific Ocean,

The canoes

one of the most beautiful.

also

Tahiti and the neighbouring

of

Ivahahs and Pahies.

may be divided into two general classes

The Ivahah, in shape, is wall-sided and

islands

The Pahie

excursions to sea.

flat-bottomed

used

is

it

bow-sided and sharp-bottomed, and

is

short

for

used for longer

is

voyages.

The Ivahahs vary

way

proportionate

are scarcely 2

Ivahahs

from 10

in length

those of 10

ft.

ft.

up

to

70

long are about 1

The breadth

or more.

ft.

in no

is

wide, whilst those of 70

ft.

ft.

long

wide.

ft.

may be

classified as

war Ivahahs,

and travelling Ivahahs

fishing Ivahahs,

the war-boat being by far the largest, with the head and stern peering in a crescent-

form to the height

like

side,

wales

and kept
;

17

of

ft.

or 18

in

ft.

at a distance of

and upon

about 3

ft.

these, in the fore part,

platform on pillars about the height of 6

and somewhat wider than the

The

ft.

joined together

The
5

ft.

ft.,

called the

is

though the body be only

poles laid athwart the gun'

fighting-stage

the stage being about 10

from 10

and upwards occasionally carry

by means

by strong

apart

what

of a platform,

to

ft.

on board

about 40

Two

sail.

'

is

a raised

or 12

ft.

all

ft.

long

which a small hut

of

those of the

of these boats are

ft.

broad, and 6

ft.

or 7

ft.

long,

aud

which

fitted
is

is

sometimes

erected; but

with a small neat hut, about

erected on the aft part of the

who

platform, for the convenience of the principal occupants of the boat,

and sleep there

ft.,

and

so in proportion.

projects forward about 4

ft.,

it

in those

The bows and stem

and forms a

appears to be the convenience

The Pahie

sit

in

it

by day

at night.

All these Ivahahs have high-peering sterns

about 4

ft.

common.

travelling Ivahahs are always double,

or 6

of the boats,

boats.

fishing Ivahahs vary in length

length of 25

this is not

some

These Ivahahs never go to sea singly, but two are lashed together side by

deep.

ft.

ft.

long the stern rises

sort of fore-deck, the chief

offers for stepping in

also varies in length

25

are covered with a board,

from 30

500

ft.

up

which

advantage of which

and out from the beach.

to

60

ft.

and, like the Ivahah,

is

Canoes
The

very narrow.

which
is

sectional

formed

of a tree,

long, 15 ins. broad,

the dotted lines b

trunks of long
c,

Pahie

of the

The

first

is

rather

and 2
and

trees,

formed

or coamings, as they are

formed

The third

this

part

its

shown by the

ft.

between

formed out

of the

The upper

bilging form.

termed in boats

all

any other iron

between the

stage, or that

of British build,

of straight planking.

To form

section,

sometimes consists of three

The next

stage, or that

like the bottom,

hollowed into

as

straight planks, about 4

of

ins. thick.

c c, is,

full,

stage, or kelson, below the clotted line a a,

hollowed out like a trough

b b, is

Islands.

Pacific

one could not be had of sufficient length.

dotted lines a a and

is

form

also illustrates their form.

trees, as

part, c

of the

section of Pahie.

these parts separately, Avithout saw, plane, chisel or

tool,

may well be thought no easy task

still less

so to join

them together

but the natives do so with considerable ingenuity, by sewing, clamping, and lacing

them with strong thongs

and the nicety with which

of plaiting;

done

this is

may be

inferred from the fact of their being sufficiently water-tight for use without caulking.

As

the plaiting soon rots in the water,

do which, the vessel

is

it is

renewed

at least once a

year

in order to

taken entirely to pieces.

Those that are used for

sailing are generally double,

and the middle-sized are said

Tahiti Sailing Canoes.

The

to be the best sea-boats.

boats,

natives are sometimes a fortnight or

and could go longer voyages

if

Those that are sailed singly are

more

at sea in these

they had more stowage for provisions and water.

fitted

with a log

of

wood

or outrigger,

which

is

fastened to the end of two poles that are placed across the canoe and project over to

windward from

ft.

to

10

ft.

beyond the

sides,

501

according to the size of the Pahie.

The

The
is essentially

outrigger

wind

is

necessary to preserve the stability of these vessels

when

the

heavy.

Some
the.

Sailing-Boat.

them

of

Pahie

30

is

the frame that

The

sail,

that of the mast is

is

is

outer leech of the

made

which two

of matting,

the length of

It is stepped

ft.

through

it.

of feathers.

or

stands about one-third higher than the mast,

and curved

at the side.

more

of the

in

boat-houses, built

set in

form a

so as to

specially for

their

rows in the ground, the tops being

sort of Gothic arch,

which

the ends only of the arch being left

to the ground,

The

no contrivance

at the aft part of the canoe.

crew use

These are constructed of poles

drawn together and fastened

is

At the top of the mast and peak of the sail are placed a
They have no other contrivance for steering than the

Pahies are kept Avith great care

from the arch

than 25

completely framed with wood, and there

is

either for reefing or furling

reception.

less

at the top, square at the bottom,

sail

bunch and streamer

The

somewhat

placed across the canoe.

which

and very much peaked

paddles,

When

and some with two.

are rigged with one mast,

ft.,

is

then thatched

open.

Some

of

these canoe-sheds are 50 or 60 yards long.

When

on their long voyages, the natives steer by the sun during the day, and by

the stars at night,

many

of

which they distinguish by names. 1

Common

The common canoes

Tahitian Carv

of the Island of Tahiti are of better

form and construction than

those of the Disappointment Islands.

The outrigger
inserting

in

some

of these canoes is neatly secured

on one side of the canoe, by

the supports through small round holes in the upper strake of

instead of over the top.

The common Tahitian canoe

is also

landing-stage to that of the Ivahahs and Pahies, except that

it

the canoe,

provided Avith a similar

is

placed at the

stern,'

instead of the bows.

The

trading canoes of Tahiti are somewhat different to the last described, inasmuch

as the outrigger of the trading canoe is attached in the

more usual way, the bearers

being lashed across the top of the gunwales.

Hawkesworth's

'

A'oyages,' vol.

ii.

502

Wilkes, vol.

ii.

Canoes

of the

Islands.

Pacific

DOUBLE CANOE OP THE PAUMOTU GROUP.

The Paumotu Group

is

a range of

coral islands in the

Low

'Dangerous')

(or

Archipelago, extending E.S.E. from the Society Islands.

The double
composed
side

by

side

canoes

of

Paumotu

the

two canoes, each 35

of

by means

ft.

of a strong

Islands are remarkably curious.

in length

framework

by 4
of

Every part

is

When

made

cocoa-nut fibres.

of

are

long voyages are undertaken

and secured with twine and

of these canoes is neatly put together,

construction, nor

They

which are joined

erected on the platform.

Double Canoe

sennit,

6 in. in width,

wood, and a platform which extends

nearly over the whole surface of the two vessels.

in the double canoe, a temporary hut

ft.

No

of the

Paumotu Group.

iron or metal

hempen nor manilla rope

of

for the sails

any kind

used in their

is

They

and rigging.

are fitted

with two masts, the shrouds and rigging of which are merely tough branches of the vine
plant,

Each mast has

and these supply the place of ropes and cordage.

piece, in shape resembling the

extended wings of a bird

at the

a forked top-

moment

Over the forked top-piece other vine ropes are placed, and by these the

of alighting.

sails are

hoisted

and lowered.

The

sails are

made

large oar, the shape of

of

matting and cocoa-nut

which resembles the

canoes the islanders undertake voyages of

fibres,

and the canoe

flat section of

many

is

steered with a

a straight trumpet.

In these

miles to neighbouring islands, steering

by the sun in the daytime, and by the stars at night, when out of sight of the coast.
The natives thus carry on a small trade but these are principally the Chain
;

Islanders,

who supply

their cocoa-nut oil

themselves at Tahiti with various small

and dried

fish.

Wilkes, vol.

503

i.

articles, in

exchange for

The

Sailing-Boat.

WYTOOHEE CANOES.
The

canoes of

small, being only

Wytoohee (one

from 12

wood sewn together

ft.

to

15

of
ft.

the islands of the

They

in length.

and when completed are

Paumotu group)

very

are

are built of strips of cocoa-nut

so light that

two persons may carry them

on their shoulders.
These canoes have projecting stem and stern-pieces, as shown in the engraving

and

Wytoohee Canoe.

it is

by

aid of these projections that the natives are enabled to get into

them from the

Avater without upsetting them.

They

are also provided with an outrigger of a very simple kind, but

additional stability to the vessel.

The paddles by which they

backwards. 1
1

Wilkes, vol.

504

i.

which gives

are propelled are curved

South American Sailing Rafts.

SOUTH

AMERICA.

SOUTH AMERICAN SAILING BALZA.

The South American

sailing Balza is in reality a sailing raft,

seven, or nine logs of wood, or trunks of trees, called 'Balza.'

call

the tree

'

The

Puero.'

balza

The

composed

of

five,

natives of Darien

a soft, whitish wood, and very buoyant.

is

Balzas of this type are not only used on the rivers of Ecuador, but short sea-voyages
are

made
They

in them.

and

are of various kinds

Some

sizes.

are fishing balzas

some are used

for

South American Sailing Balza.

carrying

are

goods from the custom-house to Guayaquil, and from thence to Puna,

Tumbez, and Paita

Saltode,

and others,

of a

and country houses.

employed in removing native families

to their estates

Some

of the trunks of large trees, 2

of these sailing-rafts are

in diameter, and from 60

hejucos

(withes),

aud

ft.

to

formed

70

so securely

ft,

The trunks

in length.

that,

with the cross

logs,

or 2

ft.

which are

voyages to the coast of Tumbez and Paita.

seas in their

the raft varies from 15

platform

deck for

is

placed

carrying

cargo,

crew in the navigation

Over the

ft,

to

30

ft.

and upwards, according

over the upper

working

logs,

is

6 ins.

also fastened

the currents

The width

of

to the size of the logs.

which forms a broad and extensive

fishing-nets,

and generally

for

the

use

of

the

of the raft.

aft part of the platform, abaft the mast, a strong tilt or

the roof of which

ft,

are lashed together with

together in a similar manner, they are enabled to resist the rapidity of

and heavy

the

more curious and elegant construction,

formed

hut

is

erected,

of reeds.

505

3 t

The
The

so

raft

constructed

is

Sailing- Boat.

rigged with, a double or shear-mast, composed of two

which span the platform from right

poles of mangrove-wood, the lower ends of

From

and the upper ends are firmly fastened together.

main or square-sail

Those which carry a

suspended.

is

mast, composed of two smaller poles, which are set

manner

the same

the crew

this

fore-sail

have an extra shear-

in the fore part of the raft, in

as the main-mast.

Abaft the platform, and near the stern end

and upon

up

to left

the shear-mast so erected a

make

of

the raft, a broad flagstone

is

placed

a fire and cook their food, as occasion and convenience

require.

The

larger of these rafts are capable of carrying between

400 and 500 quintals

damage by proximity

to the water, for the

(equal to 25 tons) of merchandise, without

waves

never sweep over the platform ; neither does the water splash up

of the sea

between the beams, and the

always follows the motion

raft

of the water.

But the greatest singularity of this floating contrivance is, that it is sailed, tacked,
and worked in contrary winds with the facility of a vessel with a keel, and it makes but
This advantage it derives from an antiquated and original method of
little lee-way.
steering other than

by

a rudder,

of a size corresponding

and

both fore and

aft,

viz.,

by guaras, which

with the capacity of the

between the main logs

are boards shaped like a rudder,

vertically,

and the crew, by thrusting some

deep down in the water and raising others, bear away,

all

These are placed

raft.

luff,

tack, lie-to,

of

them

and perform

the other tactics of a sailing vessel.

A guara

being thrust downwards in the fore part of the balza causes

keep nearer the wind

balza bears

Such

is

and by

taking

lifting or

it

to luff or

out and dropping one astern, the

it

away or falls off.

the method used by the South Americans

in steering their rafts

sometimes

they use five or six guaras at a time to prevent lee-way.

These guaras are probably the origin

sliding keels

of

and centre boards, described

supra, page 90.

The method
balza

is

of steering

by guaras

is so

primitive and

simple that,

put on her proper course, one or two only are made use

or lowered as occasion requires

and thus the sailing

raft is

of,

when once

the

which are then raised

always kept to her course

without making lee-way, and can be tacked and wore by means of these guaras with a
degree of precision truly wonderful.
raft

Perpendicular

slits

are cut in certain parts of the

between the main trunks, through which the two principal guaras are worked up

and down

When

as required.
it

blows hard and the balza

is

sailing

with a side wind, several guaras are

1
kept clown to leeward to enable the raft to hold a better wind.

1
Vide Relation Historiea del Viage a. la America Meridional hecho del orden de S. Mag.,' &c, Impresa del
Hall's 'Fragments of Voyages and
orden del Rey en Madrid (1748). Ulloa's 'Voyage to South America.'
'

Travels,'

&c, &c.

506

Peruvian and Brazilian Boats.

PERUVIAN BALSAS.

The Balsas employed on the south coast

They are, however,

capabilities as surf boats.

The Peruvian balsa

sailing balsas last described.

used for crossing the surf

made

as being

by

two

of

mats forms a

sort of

sweeps

it

the balsa

wide and

ft.

kneels,

middle, and

by

over

ft.

and by means

describes

is

them

and connected

side,

a platform of cane

all,

or 8

upon which

long,

ft.

a double-bladed paddle

of

water

the

strikes

Captain Hall

strong lashings of thongs

deck, about 4

who manages
(which he holds by the

the person

for their excellent

twin tubular construction, and

of

is

Mollendo.

inflated, placed side

entire seal-skins

wood and

cross planks of

the cost of

off

Peru are famed

of

of a totally different construction to the

alternately on

along through the heavy breakers and surf on the coast.

each

side)

The passengers

and goods are placed on the platform behind him.

The buoyancy and twin form

the

cross

in

surf

and

safety

ordinary boat

would be swamped

inland at this

part of

and the bags

silver,

landed, pass

the

construction

of

coast

the

in

attempt.

All

through the surf on these tender

any swell or

enable

balsas

them

to

at

times

when an

sea-borne

goods

destined

The great bars

manner.

which are shipped in return

of dollars also,

the sea in

these

passengers

landed in this

are

of

for the merchandise

though secure conveyances, which

more in weight.

are sometimes laden with a cargo of a ton or

They can keep

of

without wetting the

surf,

in

the hands of

the natives, but

are slow in their progress through the water, on account of their spare length. 2

similar kind of balsa is also used at Coquimbo,

and other places

off

the coast

of Chili.

THE MONTARIA OF BRAZIL.

For

short excursions

Montana,
of

five

is

planks

action of

heat,

stem and

stern.

broad one

for

rivers

the

It has

no rudder

some parts

in

as on the creeks

of

in

still

waters,

sides,

into

small

and inland waters

bottom, bent

two narrow ones for the

The montaria,
life,

and for fishing

commonly used on the

boat,

the

called

made
proper shape by the

of Brazil.

It is

and two small triangular pieces

for

the paddle serves both for steering and propelling.

Brazil (where

and canoe-paths

of

the rivers

the

natives lead a semi-aquatic'

Amazon and

Para), takes

the

place of horse, mule, or camel of other regions.

Mr. Bates says

1

2
3

'

'

3
:

'It

was

interesting to see the natives in their

little

heavily-

Journal written on the coasts of Chili, Peru and Mexico,' by Captain. Basil Hall (1824).
Travels in Peru and Mexico,' by

S. S.

Hill (1860).

'The Naturalist on the River Amazon,' by H.

507

W.

Bates (1863), vol.

i.

p. 74.


The

loosely

clad

straw hat, white

in

They

knee.

they were managed by handsome, healthy young

Sometimes

laden montarias.

Sailing-Boat.

shirt,

and dark

blue

trousers

turned up

lads,

much

paddled and managed the varejuo (the boating-pole) with

steered,

the

to

grace and dexterity.'

THE IGARITE OF BRAZIL.

one or more

Besides

This

Igarite.

awning and cabin near the stern made

palm

The

In the

leaves.

Igarite"

is

of

sails,

a rudder and keel, and has an arched

a framework of tough lianas thatched with

they cross stormy rivers fifteen or twenty miles broad.

natives are all boat-builders.

Indian

every family has a larger canoe, called

montarias, almost

with two masts and

is fitted

often remarked

It is

a carpenter and shipwright

by

intuition.

by white

residents that an

THE CUBERTA OF BBAZIL.

Ak other

kind

of canoe

Amazon

used on the

is

an arched covering over the hold.

is

room aboard

considerable

for

It is also fitted

This vessel

called Cuberta.

about six tons burthen, of a square structure, with the

is of

above the water-line, and

floor

with two masts and

sails

and there

stowage of goods, sleeping-places, &c. 2

CANOES OF THE TOCANTIINS AND BIVEB MOJU.

These canoes

are roughly made, but in

or palm- thatched roof like a gipsy's tent

some respects convenient, having a tolda

over the stern which

forms the cabin

and in

the fore part, a similar one, but lower, under which the provisions and baggage are

usually stowed.

the

men work

Some
heavy sea

rough deck

of

cedar boards, called the jangada, where

travellers take their meals

and smoke when the sun

and are about 24

aft sails,

them must be well made and seaworthy,

of

above Barra the river

once

and

is

ft.

not

long

wide. 3

ft.

indeed

this is a

These canoes have two masts and fore and

too hot.

by 8

Over

at the oars

'

arises

is

which

for several

from six
is

to ten miles

wide

'

for

Mr. Wallace says

and when there

hundreds

of miles, the

two banks

of the river can

they are probably from ten to twenty-five miles apart.'

1
2
3

'

The Naturalist on the River Amazon,' by H. W. Bates

Ibid, vol.
'

ii.

is

In parts,

very dangerous for small canoes.'

it

i.

Amazon and Rio

Negro,' by A. R. Wallace (1853).

508

never be seen at

p. 76.

p. 72.

Travels on the

little

appears, and

(1863), vol.

much wind,

Ibid.

Brazilian Boats.

BAHIA MARKET-BOAT.
Bahia

(or

San Salvador), a

east side of the entrance to

city

and seaport

of Brazil, is delightfully situated

All Saints Bay, on the high

cliffs

on the

and steep hanks within

Cape San Antonio, on which stands a revolving beacon-light 140 ft. above sea-level.
The city consists of an upper (alia) and lower (baixa) town, which are connected by
very steep

streets,

and

of late years

by a powerful hydraulic elevator

for pedestrians.

Bahia Market-Boat.

The harbour

is

one of the best on the coast, and the shipping and trade carried on

in fruits, sugar, tobacco

illustration

of the

country are considerable.

of rig of the

its

the fore-sail in shape resembles an ordinary lug-sail, but

which leans

slightly forward towards the stem of the boat,

509

The

Bahia market-boat, with

mast standing in a very sloping position, and supporting

tall
sail

and other productions

shows the type and peculiarities

its

narrow-headed mainis

set

on a fore-mast

and therefore in a contrary

The

Sailing-Boat.

direction to the slope of the main-mast.

These boats also cany a third mast of shorter

length than either of the others, which

stepped in the extreme front part of the bows

and leaning over the stem

on

shape to the second, bnt smaller.

is

this they

The

modern, having been in use at Bahia,

set, in fine

rig is local

it is

and

weather, a third

sail of similar

by any means

peculiar, but not

believed, for centuries past.

BAHIA FRUIT-BOAT.

The Bahia

fruit

the market-boat.

mast

and sugar boat

The Bahia

is also of

peculiar rig, but very different to that of

fruit-boat is rigged with

two masts

stepped well forward in the bows, and carries a large square

is

no boom.

The

the fore or main-

with yard, but

sail,

chief peculiarity of the rig is in the mizzen, a long

low standing

sail

by which

it is

Bahia Fruit-Boat.

in shape like a jib-sail with the fore-leech laced to a long slender yard,

slung and hoisted on the low-standing mizzen-mast, with the apex of the

downwards
sail is

in the boat several feet in front of the mizzen-mast;

sail

pointing

and the clew

of the

sheeted to a jigger or stern-outrigger, extending several feet over the taffrail

beyond the stern

The

rig

is

of the boat, in the

manner represented by the

illustration.

apparently of local origin and ancient contrivance, and

locality.

510

is

peculiar to the

Brazilian Catamarans.

ZANGADA OR CATAMARAN OF PERNAMBUCO.

The

sailing-rafts of Brazil,

South America, are

of a peculiarly interesting, simple,

but ingenious type, and they are among the most useful craft of the Brazils.
rafts are various in size as

they are also in construction.

Zangada

others Catamarans.
of ordinary ferry

Some

are used

of

These

are called Zangadas,

Pernambuco.

by the

and passenger boats

Some

Brazilian fishermen, others take the place

whilst those of a larger class are employed for

trading purposes in carrying goods from place to place, and a smaller class take the
place of small open sailing-boats.

511

The
The navigation

of these

Sailing-Boat.

American

tion to the South

but the rig

is

kept

They

sailing balza of

are in

many

respects of similar construc-

Ecuador (already described, supra, page 505),

is different.

The zangada
flat

short sea-

not confined to the rivers of Brazil,

rafts is

voyages being sometimes made in them.

is

rigged with one mast and

by the boom on

sailing to

sail,

windward

the latter of triangular shape, which

boom being set in

manner represented by the illustration,
;

the fore-end of the

an eyelet in the fore-leech

of the sail, in the

and on the clew

being hauled taut at the aft end of the boom, a very

surface
to

is

of the sail

presented to the wind, which facilitates the working of the raft on

its

flat

course

windward.

The
attends

seat of
to

honour

for the sailing-master,

the main-sheet,

elevated thwarts

at the

is

from which position he

who

aft- end of
is

directs the course of the raft

and

the platform, on the highest of the

enabled to see over the roof of the hut and

to shape his course clear of obstructions.

There

is

always a numerous

fleet of

zangadas and catamarans at Pernambuco, where

those of the smaller class appear to supply the place of ordinary open sailing-boats.

The zangada

is as

simple, primitive,

and inexpensive a kind

of sailing-raft as could well

be contrived.

The Brazilian fishermen

of

Pernambuco use them

When

close-hauled in a

much

faster

when

a most primitive contrivance, composed of pieces of

wood

fresh breeze, they sail at the rate of five or six knots an hour, and

going

and have every

constantly,

confidence in their safety and capabilities as sea-going craft.

free.

The zangada anchor

is

forming a sort of frame-work encasing a large stone.

complete model of a zangada, with

the United Service

sail,

Museum, from which model

Author.

512

anchor and other

fittings,

may

the illustration below was

be seen at

made by

the

Fuegian Canoes.

PATAGONIA.

FUEGIAN CANOES.

The

native canoes of Terra del

sewn together with shreds

of

Fuego

are curious.

They

are constructed of bark,

whalebone, seal-skin, and twigs.

The top rim, or gunwale, is formed by binding canes or small poles to the sides.
The canoe is kept in shape by stretchers lashed across from one gunwale to the other
the two longest and strongest being placed amidships, across the top of the canoe.

They have no thwarts

the occupants squat on dried grass strewn about the floor

on the inside.
Frail as the

the

Fuegian canoe

deepest part of

is,

a fire

is

generally carried in the bottom on a stone in

the canoe, which always

contains

water surrounding the

generally employed in baling out the Avater and attending to the

One person is
The Fuegians
to

be

of little

'

fire.

fire.

seldom venture outside the kelp,' and their paddles are so small as

use in propelling their canoes, unless the weather

1

Wilkes'

'

American Exploring Expedition,'

513

vol.

is

calm.

i.

3 u


The

Sailing-Boat.

CHINESE BOATS.

'

I saw their boats, with

many

a light,

Floating the live-long yesternight.'

There

is

of hoats are

no other nation in the world where so great a variety and so many thousands

met with,

as on the rivers

and

at the sea-port

towns

of China.

But

it

is

very remarkable that although there has been considerable advancement and improve-

ment

for

many

years past in the art of boat-building by the Chinese

most modern boats being

other nation

yet

mat

model and as elegant in form

the advancement of the Chinese in naval

keeps pace with the

lorcha

as perfect in

sister art of boat-building.

At Canton

of their

architecture in no

The same type

which furrowed the deep centuries ago, with

sails, still

some

as those of

of

any

way

Chinese junk and

their high towering sterns

and

lofty

navigate the seas in that same antiquated form.

the crowd of boats of all sizes, shapes and colours, passing to and fro

with the 'hubbub and clamour of ten thousand different sounds coming from every

514

Chinese Boats.
and with every variety

quarter,

awe upon the

that of

of intonation

first visit of

'

make

an impression almost similar

There are few more extraordinary places than the Canton Eiver, supporting as
does a vast population which inhabits the numberless boats of

On

to

the stranger. 1

forms and

all

the great Yang-tse Eiver, at Nanking, Chin-Kiang,

all sizes.

it

Soochow and other large

towns, the surface of the waters absolutely teems with boats, junks, and vessels of every
size,

shape and design

interior range in size

Soochow has been described

lakes and navigable rivers,
traveller

down

those which bring

from the ordinary sampan

as the

the produce of the country from the

junk

to the cargo

Venice

China, with

of

which largely play the part

of

its

of streets.

100

tons.

net-work

of canals,

Let the European

go where he will on the rivers and waters of China, the same throngs and

tiers of boats,

with their

full

Besides the sampans, or

complement

common

human

of

on board, meet his eye. 3

life

many

covered boats, there are

palatial craft,

with

elaborately-carved and gilded fronts, which in the evening

show a

busy waiters moving about among the feasting

and painted Chinese women

mixing with the crowd

and debauch.

not

Celestials,

unfrequently gambling-houses, or places of licentiousness

It is altogether a scene not to be forgotten

streets of boats are

blaze of light, Avith

and as night advances, the

extended by the crowds of sampans which have been plying during

the day, but which at sunset take up their stations side

which they are secured by a boom, just as the gates

by

side in the canals, within

of the city are

kept closed during

the night. 4

As evening comes

numerous large house-boats, two storeys high, richly

on, also,

decorated and ornamented, return from their various picnic excursions, a

clad

Chinamen poling them slowly and laboriously

class stand at the doors,

enjoying the scene

At Canton every boat

number of halfMeantime groups of the better

and others may be seen through the windows,

seated in the saloon, drinking tea and smoking

fair ladies in their boudoirs,

along.

is

registered,

many

while the upper windows disclose

adorning themselves for the delectation of their

whatever

its

lords.

So long ago as the year

size.

1833, the whole number on the river adjacent the city of Canton was 84,000, a large
majority of which were tankea
boats

are

(i.e.

occasionally occur in those parts.

of

egg-house) boats. 6

Such was the case

40,000 persons perished in that memorable

1

'

by W.
-

Many

thousands of the Canton

sometimes swept away and destroyed by the terrible typhoons which

The Fan-qui in China,' by C. T. Downing, 1838

D.A.C.G. (1853).
Rambles of a Naturalist on the Shores and Waters

'

in August, 1862,

when upwards

disaster.

Recollections of a Three Years' Residence in China,'

T. Power,
'

of the

China

Sea,'

by

C. Collingwood,

M.A. &c.

(1868),

p. 333.
3
1

Narrative of a Journey from the Arctic Ocean to the Yellow Sea,' by Julius M.
Rambles of a Naturalist on che Shores and Waters of the China Sea,' ]>. 333.
6
Hid. p. 333.
'Chinese Repository,' vol. i.
'

'

515

Price, F.R.G.S. (1892).

Thic

Sailing
o -Boat.

THE SAMPAN.
The
which

smaller boats of the Chinese are a numerous class, and are called "sampans,"
signifies

three boards,' such boats being constructed, originally, of

'

They

four planks only.

little

are very shallow, have no keels, and therefore

three or

draw but very

water.

The sampan

is

the general type of small boat employed in the various occupations

of the Chinese in all parts of the rivers

regards

size.

sampan

is

Some

and bays

of China,

and

of the pleasure- sampans are of superior type

the largest.

in great variety as

is

and

finish

Those used as ferry-boats, pilot-boats, egg-boats,

the fishing

fruit-boats,

&c,

are smaller, and these are seldom sailed.

Children of both sexes are taught the management of the sampan as soon as their
strength enables

uncommon

them

to pull

thing to see a

woman

an

oar,

hoist a

sculling a

sail,

or trim

sheet

sampan with an infant

and

it

is

no

tied to her back, or

sampan sailed and navigated entirely by a crew of females.

The ordinary sampan is from 12 ft. to 15 ft. in length those used as ferry-boats are
frequently navigated by women, who seek a maintenance by carrying passengers to and
a fishing

fro in different parts of the Chinese inland waters. 1

The sampan and indeed most

Chinese boats are propelled by a scull which rests on a pivot at the stern.
1

For a description

of

many

other Doats of the

sampan

516

class, see

Archdeacon Gray's

'

China,' vol.

ii.

p. 278.

Chinese Boats.

CHINESE RIVER JUNKS.

Although

tens of thousands of boats be assembled together on the Chinese rivers,

yet good order and decorum

of

is

kept to a certain extent.

goods are moored together in

the local magistrates

and watchers and other

both by night and day, 1

authorities.

tiers at a certain place

All boats with the same kind

on the river allotted

officials are

to enforce regularity

and conformity

Fairs and markets are also held on the river

carried on in the boats

to

them by

appointed and set over them,

to

the orders of the

and trades

of all

by the people who form the aquatic population

kinds are

of the

Chinese

rivers.

All the Chinese sea-going craft have a great goggle-eye painted on each side of the

bows

rudders

the river craft alone are without that ornament.

;

and instead

of iron

and inelegant in appearance, are tolerably

For caulking purposes, instead
Europeans

call 'chimin.'

NieuhoiFs

They

also

have very large

they use generally -wooden anchors, which, though clumsy

efficient.

of pitch, the

Chinese use a cement like putty, which

'

China.'

517

Osbech's

'

China.

The

Sailing-Boat.

CHINESE FAMILY BOATS.

On
boats,

entering a Chinese port, a stranger would think half the population lived in

and indeed there are thousands

When

of families living

throughout the summer entirely

These family boats are constantly cruising up and down the river

in boats.

anchor they are arranged in regular

at

in pairs.

forming liquid streets for small craft

tiers,

move up and down among them, and broad channels for the larger vessels.
The lesser craft are managed with remarkable dexterity by the men and girls, who
scull and pole them about, threading their way through the maze among the never-

to

ceasing noise and jabber of thousands of voices.

Screaming and helpless

little

children

are also crawling about the decks, with hollow gourds or bladders tied at the back of
their

necks as life-buoys, 1 to keep their heads

overboard

above water when

they tumble

and with the same they are taught, in infancy, to swim.

The family boats

all

have wooden or bamboo cabins

of a size in proportion to that

of the boat.

CHINESE SAILING BOATS.

Some
original

of the

sailing pleasure-boats

of the

Chinese are admirable models, though

and peculiar in appearance, with their broad and high sterns and low-pointed

prows, and they

sail splendidly,

when rigged

Power's

'

China

'

in the

Downing's

518

most approved
'

Ean-qui.

style,

and

fitted

with

Chinese Boats.
bamboo and mat

sails of a superior

them along

lofty sails bear

make and

When

texture.

In some

at great speed.

caught in a breeze the

prow

of these boats the stern,

and other parts are decorated in a very costty manner with elaborate carving and
gilding.

The mat

by Chinamen

are preferred

sails

they are said to hold a better wind, and

made

Occasionally a sailing-boat

of

flat

any other material, because

and

When

stiff.

turned

first

look very neat and

sails really

of the superior sort of matting.

may

be seen with

not generally liked by the Chinamen, as

mat material.
Some of the mandarin

kept

bamboo and mat

out from the sail-maker's hands, these

pretty, particularly those

to those

may be

made

sails

of blue nankeen,

soon gets out of shape, and

it

but

it

is

not so durable

is

as the

edged with gilded carving

pleasure-boats are lined with crimson

;

the outside

and the canopy

silk,

being adorned

also neatly painted, the edges

is

The

with vermilion and gold-leaf, and fringed with scallops of prepared leather.

and couches are covered with blue and

seats

scarlet velvet.

CHINESE FAST-BOATS.

The Chinese

" Fast-boats " (so called) are a superior class of boat

introduction of steam launches were used chiefly

was

in Avhich time

The

much higher

wind

is

about 30

is

ft,

in length,

by

ft.

or 9

ft.

in

compartments with cupboards, kitchens, &c.

usually very comfortably fitted and furnished.

many

as

to the

short expeditions

out of the water abaft than forward, and provided with a large

flat-roofed cabin in the centre, arranged into

The cabin

and prior

of importance.

hull of a Chinese Fast-boat

breadth,

by business-men, on

as eight or ten

men work

When

there

is little

or no

the boat ahead with a single large broad-

bladed scull placed over the stern.

In hot weather a temporary awning
This

sun.

is

taken down when

is

erected overhead as a protection from the

a breeze springs up, and the sails are again hoisted.

These boats are rigged with two masts and

shrouds and stays in the usual way.

and spread with a bamboo yard

together,

or cross-pieces of lighter

the

way
The

clown the

sail,

bamboo below,

sails

sails,

the masts being supported

consist of squares of

at the top (as lug-sails)

at the distance of

for the purpose of stretching

way

as for a lug-sail.

mast from top

The

and keeping

to bottom,

sail is also fitted

but yet allowing

the mast.

519

it

also

two or three

halliards are rove through a block at the mast-head,

the usual
to the

The

by

matting sewn

with batteus,

feet asunder, all

it flat.

and the yard

is

with parrels, which keep

to traverse freely

slung in
it

close

up and down

The
The

sail is

by numerous guys

controlled

yard end or peak of the

These are

sail.

all

Sailing-Boat.

sail

collected as a bridle,

and

and

of small rope

and the extremities

after passing

and aft-leech

of the

through small Avooden blocks,

ultimately terminate in a single rope or main-sheet, which

rudder

ratline, fastened to the

of the battens

belayed upon deck.

is

The

large and capable of being raised or lowered, so as not to exceed the draft

is

of the vessel in shallow water.

Although these Fast-boats are by no means strongly

buoyant as
of the

same

to

to live at sea in the

be able

size

built,

roughest weather,

they are so light and

when

heavy vessels

strong,

would probably be wrecked.

CHINESE FLOWER-BOATS.
'

The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd throne

Bnrn'd on the -water. The poop was beaten gold
Purple the sails, and so perfumed that
The winds were love-sick with them. The oars were
Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made
The water, which they beat, to follow faster,
As amorous of their strokes.'
;

Shakespeare

The

'

Hwa-chow,'

or Chinese Flower-boat,

On

seen on the waters of that country.

Chinese

'

Wang Lau

or

'

'

Fa-Shun

;
'

by chandeliers

one of the greatest ornaments to be

is

the Canton Kiver they are called by the

and by foreigners

reality floating Cafes, often richly decorated,

are illuminated at night

silver

'

Flower-boats

'

they are in

and having stained-glass windows.

of crystal

They

and variegated lamps, and present

very gay and attractive appearance. 1

The Chinese Flower-boats

and when lighted up
city,

who shape

the river.

at

are the resort of citizens of the upper and middle classes

night are visited by Chinese fast

rakes of the

them under covered sampans, by the great highway

their course to

When

men and wealthy

of

once aboard they are secure from public intrusion, and there, in

company with the pretty women who inhabit them, indulge in the luxuries of fragrant
opium, choice wines and liqueurs music, song, dance and mirth all lending

tea, tobacco,

their aid to influence the imagination.

On

the roof of the Flower-boat vases and pots of choice and fragrant plants and

and round and about them are pretty balconies com-

flowers are tastefully arranged

municating by

with the luxuriously

flights of steps

Vide

'

China,'

by Archdeacon Gray,

520

fitted interior.

1878, vol.

ii.

pp. 77, 78

and 272.

'

Boats

Chinese
At

night,

when

lighted up with coloured lanterns, they are even

more picturesque

than hy day
'

A seeming mermaid steers

At the helm

the silken tackles

Swell with the touches of those flower-soft hands,

That yarely frame the office. From the barge

strange invisible perfume

Of the adjacent wharfs.'

hits the sense

None hut Chinese are admitted aboard these mysterious boats. On several occasions,
when Europeans have attempted to obtain admittance they have been maltreated by the

men aboard

them. 2

Tan-Poo Boats.

The boats called

'

Tan-Poo

the Flower-boats, but smaller and less gorgeous

shutters or Venetians,

or Bed-boats, are of a similar class to

'

they have carved wooden windowwhich are painted a bright green and give a gay-looking appear;

ance to the exterior.

MANDAEIN
The Chinese mandarin

boats are

among

BOATS.
the prettiest of all the river craft

very

light, elegantly proportioned, fitted

and ornamented with neat carving and fancy-work,

and painted with exquisite

and

taste

the masts,

and rigging are quite

sails,

in

character -with the hull.

On

board each of these boats a mandarin

soldiers

office is to cruise

others

about the

who commit

weapons

of war,

The manner

in

river,

and

offences against

and have,

stationed, with about sixty or seventy

seize all the

the laws.

port-holes for the oars

all
;

live aboard the boat

and their

smugglers they can catch, as well as

These boats are well provided with

besides, several small swivel-guns.

which they are usually painted

bright blue, and

side,

is

under his charge, who, with the mandarin,

is

as follows

the lower part snowT y white.

The upper

part, out-

In the blue strake are oval

the latter are Avhite, and the interior of the port-holes red.

Sometimes as many as thirty oars are employed on each side

of the boat.

The Mandarin boat is decked with a brown hard wood, which is kept bright and
polished.
The crew squat on the deck, but the mandarin sits at the stern on a handsome mat.

A
1

light

and elegant wooden

roof, of

Gothic form,

is

Shakespeare.

supported several feet above

'Mr. Thorn, late Consul at

Vide Dr. Downing' s
Fan-qui.' Also Power's China.' Mr. Power says:
Ningpo, trusting to his knowledge of the language, attempted to gratify his curiosity, and introduced himself in a
on
a
pole through the suburbs of
Chinese garb but he was detected and captured. He was stripped, and carried
Canton, exposed to all the insults of the crowd. The ill-usag9 he met with nearly cost him his life, and quite
-

'

'

cured him

of

any

desire to peer too closely into the

ways

of his neighbours.'

521

The Sailing- Boat.

the deck by

tall

round

pillars at

each of the four corners.

the coldest

in

the roof

winter,

is

The

interior of the roof is

During the hottest weather in summer and

painted and ornamented with good taste.

with mats

covered

regularly placed over the top, thereby giving

it

of

paddy straw, neatly and

the appearance of a newly-thatched

cottage roof.

The mandarin boat

with

little flags,

is fitted

with two masts, and long tapering topmasts, ornamented

The

pennants, and golden balls.

matting, neatly sewn together,

'

sails are

and are somewhat

of

made

very

of a

fine sort of

the shape of an acute-angled

triangle.'

From

marked

the ensign staff at the stern hangs a beautiful white flag,

in the

centre with bright scarlet devices.

At

the stern there

is

rail,

somewhat

similar to the tail-board

jecting upwards in a slanting direction from the deck

vessel,

of a hay-cart, pro-

which not only lengthens the

but also serves as a cool reclining place.

These gay -looking boats are exceedingly pretty objects on the

and, as they pass swiftly

up and down the

rivers, are

much admired by

Chinese waters

strangers. 1

CLERK'S BOATS.
These, with the exception of the Flower boats, are the most ornamental of the

Chinese boats.

They

carving and painting

are fair specimens of the floating houses of the upper classes of

the Chinese people.

;

good deal

the roof

flag is hoisted at the stern.

sometimes a small
1

sail is set

Downing' s 'Fan-qui.'

is

of taste

displayed about them in lattice-work,

of choice flowers,

and a coloured

These boats are moved about with a pair of large

above the roof

Power's

'

of the building.

oars,

and

Three Tears' Residence in China,' &c.

For a full and more detailed description

Di. Downing, vol. i. p. 160.
2

is

ornamented with pots

of these

remarkable floating residences, see the 'Fan-qui,' by

522

Chinese Boats.

HOPPO'S BOAT.

The engraving above

will

more

clearly illustrate the superior kind of house-boat

used by the middle class of Chinese people.

The Hoppo's boats

are, in fact, a

kind

boat, having the entrance at the bows.

in a

most superb

style,

wooden house

of

This entrance

forming a prelude

and poetry adorn their

sides,

and the

upon the

some

of the cabins

peculiarities of

floor of the

carved

of the boats,

what may be seen

to

numerous lanterns are suspended from the roof

raised

in

is,

within.

At night

looking-glasses, pictures?

this

singular people

may

be

discovered in these their floating palaces. 1

FISHER-BOATS.

Some

of the Chiuese fishing-boats are

remarkably

fine

and powerful boats, and, in

point of form and sailing qualities, are infinitely superior to the junks and larger craft.
It is usual for

each fisher-boat, or pair of boats, to be the only

tion of a whole family,

who

rely for support entirely on their

home and habitaown exertions and

,

success in fishing.

Clumsy, slow and ugly as are the junks and larger

vessels, there is

nowhere

to

be

seen finer fishing boats, or river craft better adapted for work, or of greater variety of
'

build.

Fishing
scale almost

is

is exercised by the Chinese with great industry, and on a

The pursuit is conducted not so much on the open sea, amid
but by numerous individuals in the lower ranks, whose boats are

a calling that

unexampled.

tempest .and peril

their only abode,

See Fortune's

and who spend

'

China,' vol.
3

i.

their lives

and find their support upon the waters. 3

p. 121 (3rd ed.).

Crawfurd and Murray's

'

China.'

523

Barrow's

'

Power's

Travels.

'

China.'

The Sailing-Boat.
They do not venture very
on the

far

upon dangerous

and sheltered bays

lakes, rivers,

but pursue their avocations chiefly

seas,

of the

empire

forming as

it

were, a nation

by

themselves.

They

however, often exposed to great risk

are,

enterprise, they

have much

and most

of life,

what they do obtain

of

is

by

The Chinese Dragon- boats

are

ft.

to 70

ft.,

and only 4

hung around with gold and

and gayest-looking

The

festival of

of

any

ft.

observed during the

fifth

moon, in honour

kept on

manned by

all

the rivers of the empire.

sixty to eighty

men with

On

difficulty in the navigation arises

service with a boat of this kind,

festival,

several others

is

the stem, grasping a long scull that projects far out over the stern.
little

The

the occasion of the

paddles in their hands,

The steersman surrounded by

him when any

of Ivieuh-

have droAvned himself during the dynasty of

since), to avoid the displeasure of his Sovereign.

stand in a double row in the boat.

rudder would be of

of

Chinese boats.

said to

to assist

The

made
them

The prow, stern, and gunwales

and they are among the lightest, longest,

is

is

is

in width.

is

celebration, each boat

is

ft.

who

lasts several days, is

it

or 5

Dragon-boats

Chau (about 2,300 years

duty

head and neck, and the stern

of a dragon's

silver friDge

of the

yuen, a virtuous statesman,

which

These boats are of a very long and narrow form, some

to represent the tail.

and

after all their hardihood

are so called from their resemblance to a dragon.

form

of a dragon-boat is in the

from 60

and

barter.

DRAGON-BOATS.

prow

providing themselves with the actual necessaries

difficulty in

who

whose

conspicuous in

Any

when manned by

so

ordinary

numerous

a crew.

At

the festival (which

When

the sports begin, the

poised in the

air,

rhythmic motion
;

observed with great rejoicings throughout the eighteen

men

down

of the

into the water

men

is

river.

in each boat stand with the paddles in their hands

ready for immediate action.

instantly brought

work

is

China) the Dragon-boats assemble at a particular place on the

provinces of

At

a given signal every man's paddle

and the excitement becomes

intense.

is

The

the more conspicuous because of their standing to their

and the regularity with which they stoop when they dip

their paddles to propel

the boat ahead, makes these Dragon-boats look like gigantic centipedes, which under
the influence of terror, are using their numerous legs to escape from some imminent
peril.

The

spectators gaze with absorbed attention

Nieuhoff's

'

China.'

Du

Halde's

524

'

upon the competitors

China.'

as they lash

Chinese Boats.
the water into foam, and incite each other

After the races, the boats are buried in

and

spoiled,

The

where they remain

sums

of

mud

to the exertion of all their powers.

becoming warped

or sand, to prevent their

until the following year.

kept up by the different public

festival is principally

stake considerable

by shouts

money on

their boats.

officers,

who

frequently

CENTIPEDES, OR SMUG-BOATS.

These
the great

thowl-pin

and

of oars

employed in calm weather, each

mandarins

'

fast crabs

for it is seldom the

and

'

material.

mandarins are able

sails,

They

lashed inside

and

which,

which

is

'

centipedes

so

many

to overtake

by

They

legs.
3

all are

flat-looking,
;

from

it

were, to

are also termed

by

the

terms by no means inappropriate,

and capture them. 4

oars

some

of

them

are rigged with

two

decked boats, with considerable breadth

of

they have also high bulwarks, with weapons of war

common bamboo-

provided with a house or covering, made of

They have high

and a tail-board similar

sterns,

No

without the elegancies, they resemble.

bestowed upon them

'

looped to a bamboo

similar in shape to those of the mandarin boats, but of a coarser

are large,

and matting.

boat;

upon

scrambling dragons,'

'

beam, and very smooth bottoms

tiles

if

these boats are not always propelled

masts and mat

are called

of

so silently do they creep about at night, that they seem, as

walk the waters with their oars as

But

They

are the boats of the Chinese smugglers.

number

to

a mandarin's

bright-coloured paint

is

on the contrary, they present a dull brown-coloured appearance.

They are strongly built, and whether under sail or oars are very fast. The fellows who
man them are usually a desperate set and as to mandarins, customs' officers and others,
they sometimes set them all at defiance. A small fleet of these boats has been known
;

to frighten
itself.

of

and drive

off all

the

Government

boats,

and then attack and

Canton

pillage

See an interesting account, with a photographic illustration of the festival of the Dragon boats, in

Southern China,' by Rev.

3
Chinese Repository,'
'

A new class are

Downing's 'Fan-qui.'

Power's

'

called

J.

Macgowan,

vol.
'

xx.

(1897), p. 28S

see also Gray's

'

China,' vol.

i.

p. 259.

89 (1851).

p.

Muscle-shell boats

Power's

'

'

(vide

'

Chinese Repository,'

China,' &c.

China.'

525

vol.

i.

p. 159).

'

Pictures


The

Sailing-Boat.

DUCK
The duck

BOATS.

among

boats must be ranked

large flat-bottomed boats, with low sides,

They are
They have a

the curiosities of Chinese craft.

and a house erected upon them.

broad deck, or duck -walk, covered with lattice-work, extending the whole length of the
vessel on each side of the covered parts.

The

aft, or

best part of the house

is

given up to the accommodation of the ducks

whilst the proprietor, with his wife and family, content themselves with a less com-

modious apartment

at the fore part.

floating duckeries are

thrown

waddle around the premises

In the morning,

at sunrise, the doors of these

and the feathered occupants are then permitted to

at their pleasure.

Stepping-boards are also

towards the water on one

oj)en,

down

let

side,

at the sides,

and at the fore part

and towards the land on the

other.

of the boat,,

Up and down

these

the clucks waddle to and fro, as inclination dictates, or their watchful owner directs.

At

roost

time, they are called aboard the boat

they are taught to return home

are

drawn up, and the birds are then made secure

TANKEA

The

by

and when they are

a whistle, to the sound of which

all

on board, the stepping-boards

for the night.

BOATS.

tankea, or egg-house boats, are probably more numerous than those of any other

They are generally not more than 12 ft. or 15 ft. long, and about 6
some of them much smaller. They are the oddest things of the kind ever

class.

flat-bottomed,

wall-sided,

ft.

broad

seen, being

and very shallow, the gunwale standing only about

above the surface.

526

in.

Chinese Boats.
In the middle of the boat

is

little

house or covered cabin, consisting merely of

matting spread over half-hoops, or lattice-work, forming a sort of archway

is

also lined

Chinese

with matting

They

the interior

and are each managed by two

are kept very clean,

girls.

BARBERS' BOATS.

These
10

ft,

are

long,

among

the very smallest of

and just wide enough

all

are about 8

ft.

to

admit the body of the Chinese barber,

bows

whilst his legs are stretched forward towards the

craft, a large stone is

They

Chinese boats.

at the stern to

and in order

to trim the little

placed in the bows to keep the proper bearings.

The barber propels

boat

his little

with a wooden paddle, shaped like a spade,

with this he moves among the shipping, digging his way and attracting the attention
of his

customers by every

now and then

striking a flat piece of metal with a small steel

instrument like a musical fork, with the notes of which

who have

all

ports are familiar.

Dr. Downing, in the

'

Fan-qui,' says of these curious

the side of the poop, on a clear fine clay,

little

boats

visited Chinese

'

protected from the burning heat

In leaning over
of the

sun by

the awning spread above you, you will frequently hear a sound like that of a large
grasshopper, or the striking of a musical fork, proceeding from the water.

On

looking

about to discover the cause, you see a Chinaman dressed in a blue frock, with one of the
great umbrella-hats on his head, directly under your eye.
boat,

who, at the same time, turns up his head

WASH
These remarkable

boats,

are each under the control

ever leave

them

to

are about 20

ends,

and

stern

ft.

at pleasure,

of the boat.

and

in length,

bottoms.

They

the inside of the boat

removable

bottom

flat

at

of three or four

is

are

the barber in his

Whampoa and
Chinese

go ashore throughout the whole year, unless

They

is

BOATS.

which are in great numbers

and occupation

This

he has attracted any customers.'

to see if

of proportionate

managed by two

girls,

other places,

who

scarcely

to attend the ghosh- house.

breadth, with square or cropped

oars,

one at the side and one at the

decked, or covered over with boards,

many

of

which are

form extensive cupboards between the deck and

so as to

In addition
1

to the deck, there is also a

'

Chinese Repository,

527

'

vol.

i.

house or

roof, raised

flat

above

'

Sa iling- Boa t.

The
the gunwales, and supported

by wooden

pillars.

rough kind of matting, formed of thin pieces of

supported on ribs of

stiffer portions of

The roof or covering is composed of a

bamboo woven together and arched, and

Two

the bamboo.

or three of these coverings are

placed upon the framework, one portion overlapping the other, and the whole forming a

During cold

very good protection from the sun aud weather.

hung with

interior of this remarkable domicile is

whenever the inmates seek privacy, the open front

night, or

a curtain of matting or cloth.

and a wooden pillow

The

of the

interior is also provided

for each inmate.

wet weather, the

or

a lining iof rough cloth

The author

house

is

and every
closed with

with a square of matting

of the

Fan-qui

'

says

'

'

The

meanest beggar in England would shrink from being confined to such a place, yet these
girls

seem not only content, but even cheerful and happy their red, good-natured faces
and always with a smile or a laugh at your
;

are to be seen peeping out of the matting,

service.

They apparently get

of ships

their living

by washing

clothes for the sailors

and

petty-officers

they also undertake needlework and mending for any of the crew, always

remaining with their boat

fast to the ship until the articles are returned.

CANAL CAEGO BOATS.

The

'Tsaou-chuen,' or Canal cargo boat,

is

much employed

to possess

many thousands

above 100 tons)

of a

much

of

them.

for the conveyance of

The Chinese government

grain on the coast and up the canals as far as Pekin.

Their average burthen

is

is

said

about 2,000 peculs (or

they are flat-bottomed, high out of the water, and have the appearance

They

greater capacity than they possess.

provinces during the fourth moon, or about June,

chiefly sail

when

up from the southern

the monsoon

is

favourable; and

return in the ninth moon, or November.

When
'

trackers,'

the wind

is

who, for a

foul, the
trifling

canal boats are propelled

part which horses act in other countries

that

of

and

delfs of

The work they have

besides which, they are frequently obliged to

mud

a class of

men

called

towing the vessel ahead by means of a

rope, Avhich is laid across the shoulders of the men.

very laborious

by

remuneration, are compelled by poverty to perform the

wade

to perforin is

across small rivulets

whilst towing the vessels against a rapid current and foul wind.

528

Japanese Boats.

BOATS OP THE KWBIKONG.

The

the Kweikong, or Cassia Eiver, in China, are of

boats of

and construction
high at the

man

those seen at Canton.

to

bow and

stern, the object

may be

on look-out forward

distance ahead and avoid the

They haA e

flat

a different

form

bottoms, and curve up

apparently being that the helmsman and the

placed in elevated positions, so as to see some

rocks in the

down river with the rapid current.

The Cassia Eiver abounds in rapids and

course of their navigation

of

the boat

crew have constantly

that

it

be

to

draws only about

The

sailing-vessels of

any other nation.

the

it,

five or six inches of water.

JAPANESE

of

shallows, so that, on ascending

dragging the boat over obstructions, notwithstanding

BOATS.

Japan are curious and

First

among

different in

some respects

to those

the high stern-post,

their peculiarities is

which

peers above the deck, and higher than the level of the roof of the cabin, or rather

range of cabins, which extend nearly from end to end over the whole

form of the hull

is

tapering from the middle towards the stem.

most peculiar part about them, being broad and

was

originally

intended for the management

forced upon the people

be

still

vessels,

in force,

and
See

is

'

of the vessel.

is

it

by

down

of

It is

the
2

a penal law of the State.'

The

stern

is

the

and provided with a wide

flat,

opening, extending in some boats more than half-way

and laying open to view the inside

The

vessel.

to

the

water's

edge

supposed that this opening

rudder,

but was afterwards

But whether

or not this

a fact that the aperture at the stern remains in

law

most Japanese

used to considerable advantage for the landing of goods, and as a

Sketch of

Ksompfer's

'

a.

Journey from Canton to Hankow,' by Albert

S.

Bickmore, 1868.

History of Japan,' translated by Scheuchzer; vide also Belcher's 'Voyages.'

529

The

Sailing-Boat.

the rudder being unshipped

of access for the crew to and from the vessel
and employed as a bridge over the space between the wharf and the vessel. When
lying in port, the rudder is triced up, in the manner represented in the engraving.
The mast is stepped abaft the middle of the vessel, and in a slightly aft-raking

means

It

position.

depends for security almost entirely on a powerful stay, and

so as to be raised and lowered with pulleys

when

lowered,

shown

the cabin roof, on bearers provided for the purpose, as

The deck-way
any fastening

consists simply of

but

it

nearly six feet high.

is

The stem

is

shelter.

fore part of the deck

is

is

fitted

in the engraving.

clear, for the

is

which stands

anchor and cable.

spread over

it,

from

for rowing, are towards the stern.

usually adorned with a knot of fringes, black strings, or hair.

lower strips of canvas.

made to lace and unlace, so

by unlacing and removing some of the

of the sails are

that they are reduced instead of being reefed,

In the larger vessels the

this manner; and, as the outer

sails are

Avanting in sailing qualities,

if

divided into

many

parts in

cords are securely attached to their bolt-ropes, the

middle cloths must be those that are removed by reefing.

by

is

stowed away above

over the bearers, without

lowered, and the sail

The watermen's benches,

In the common mode of rigging, parts

crippled

is

almost entirely covered with the cabin-roof,

The

In wet weather, and at night, the mast

end to end, as a

loosely

boards, laid

it

The Japanese

vessels are not

properly fitted with light spars and canvas, but they are

the enormous mast that

is

put into them.

JAPANESE PLEASURE BOATS.

The

pleasure-boats of Japan are a very numerous class, exhibiting a variety almost

equal to those of China.

The

size,

shape, and finish of these boats depend on the taste,

Japanese Pleasure Boat.

wealth and dignity of the owners.

They

are,

rather than sailing.

530

however, generally contrived for rowing

Japanese Boats.
The

class of large boats

The upper one

have upper and lower decks and cabins.

is

being of lofty dimensions with handsome decorations, windows and

the principal,

folding screens, and so divided into several partitions

the under cabin

is

low and

is

the

one used by the crew.

The prow
strings

of the principal boats is generally

and when persons

ornamented with a

tassel of long black

on board them, the cabin

of distinction are

is

hung about

with cloths on which their armorial bearings are embroidered.

Japanese boats are kept scrupulously

though

clean,

unpainted, and

they are

decorated with flags of various shades and colours; even the coast-

generally gaily

guard boats being so adorned.

The crews

of the latter are usually all dressed alike;

and

the boats are propelled with sculls, which they use as oars, the rowers keeping time to
a monotonous song.

JAPANESE FISHING BOATS.

The

fishing boats of

Japan are

also curious,

though very well

built.

They have

sharp bows, a large projecting stem-piece, or cut- water, in shape like the blade of a
large knife, very broad open sterns, and large rudder,

which hangs below the keel

or

The rudder

is

Japanese Fishing Boat.

bottom
placed

and can be shipped and unshipped

of the vessel,
in a

cramped

These boats have

position,

flat

upper

and can only be turned

sides,

and

flat

at pleasure.

to a limited extent

on either

side.

bottoms, but rounded lower sides, and broad

sterns.

The mast

is

a lofty one, and, as in other vessels of Japan,

is

stejjped, not in the fore

part of the boat but in the aft part, about a third or more from the stern.
are fitted across the boat, resting

project

beyond the

oars they

sides,

employ are

straight blade, of the

two or three

upon the top

and a thowl-pin

peculiar, being

is

of the

fixed

composed

The thwarts

the ends of the thwarts

upon and near the extremities.

of

same width throughout; the

feet in length,

gunwales

two separate pieces

other, the handle,

one

which

is

The

a long

about

and bends or inclines inwards, for the apparent purpose of

obtaining extra leverage in rowing.

531

The

Sailing-Boat.

JAPANESE PASSAGE-BOATS.
These boats have a

similar kind of stem-piece, or

They have,

boats above described.

on four small

The

pillars,

cut-water, to that of the fishing

besides, a prettily-formed

wooden canopy,

and extending over the fore and centre parts

Their mode

stern of the Japanese passage-boat is open, like the other vessels.

of propulsion is

by

a very long oar or sculling-sweep at the stern.

There are good models of Japanese fishing and passage-boats of the

described in the United Service

The

sails of

erected

of the boat.

class

above

Museum.

Japanese boats are very singular, and somewhat picturesque, consisting

generally of three cloths of

and thus forming one whole

unlaced, and so one or

sail

canvas or matting, united by a kind of lace-work,

It has a pretty effect,

sail.

more taken

in

when

and the connected parts can be

necessary. 1

The Japanese junks, though strange looking

vessels, are

by no means

so

heavy

as

those of the Chinese.

Their plain wooden

sides,

with the exception of a narrow band of black or red, about

half-way down, are entirely innocent of

paint.'

ARCTIC REGIONS.

GREENLAND BOATSTHE OOMIAK.

The

boats chiefly used

umiak), Avhich
spelt

'

kayak

is

'),

by the Greenlanders are

of

two

sorts

the

Oomiak

(or

the women's boat; and the other, the Kaiak, or kajak (also sometimes

which

is

the men's boat.

The

lightest

and smallest kajaks are those

they use in their seal-hunting, fowling and fishing pursuits.

The Oomiak,
from 14
4

ft.

ft.

to 6

to

ft,

20

or

women's

boat, is considerably the larger of the two,

in length,

ft.

in width,

and

of a proportionate

and

commonly

and from 2^ ft. to 4 ft. in depth. Oomiaks are all flat-bottomed

them being sharp and pointing upwards others are

the prows and sterns of some of

bluff, or

is

breadth and depth, varying from

even square, and have two projecting arms at each end, like a

bier.

The form and construction of the Oomiak are remarkable the bottom consists of
main beams the principal one forming the middle part of the boat as a keelson,
;

three

'

1
2

'

Lady's Visit to Manilla and Japan,' by

Ibid., p. 223.

Anna D'A.

(1863).

Boats of the Arctic Regions.

and the others, one on each

bent so as to meet at each end

side, are

thin cross-pieces are morticed; stout ribs are then affixed

upon these beams

the outer beams, and

to

secured at the top to the gunwale, and also to a second or lower beam, to which the

rowing-benches are attached

though

the boat

is

and

completed, the men's

manner a good strong framework

in this

wooden

are secured with

all

rivets

work

When

and whalebone bands.

done, and the

is

women commence

covering the whole with newly-dressed seal skins, which are as soft and

chamois leather

and they caulk the seams with grease, and

making the boat

In

perfectly water-tight.

fact,

got up,

is

the skeleton of

work

finish off their

by

theirs,

pliable as

neatly,

with careful handling, they are not so

wooden ones.
They take them out of the water when not in use
and when in the water the
stitches swell as soon as wetted and fill up any slight leakage which when dry might
exist.
If they accidentally rip a hole in the boat, they directly do it up by patching a
liable to leak as

piece of soft seal skin over the place

that they are seldom injured

but they handle their boats with so much care

and almost every year they renew the outer covering

of

the boat.

Lieutenant Hooper, in his

'

Arctic Boat Expedition in Search of Sir John Franklin,'

mentions having often made use of these oomiaks

purchased, he observes

'

We

and with reference

two walrus skins sewed together, and stretched tightly over a

paddles complete.

aud beads.'

of tobacco

facture

of

was a large butcher's

Its price
"

;;"

to one

which he

purchased an oomiak (woman's or family boat), made of

;:~

'

wooden frame, with

light

and a quantity

knife, a looking-glass,

Workmanship was displayed

in the

her frame which would not have disgraced a skilful carpenter

which made

much

manuit

was

lightness

would

These boats (oomiaks) are rowed and managed entirely by women, generally

five to

particularly neat

and well

fitted,

it

stronger than

its

lead one to suppose.'

each boat, four of

interfere in the

The

whom

management

of the oomiak, except in case of danger, as in

oars they use are short, but broad in the blade,

they are secured

The men never

ply the oars or paddles, and one steers.

to their place

and

on the gunwale by straps of

heavy

seas.

a shovel-like shape

of

In

skin.

fair

winds they

use a small square-sail, which they hoist from a mast they set up in the fore part of the
boat

the

sail is

generally

made

of skins

boats of the more Avealthy or trading

from the

intestines of fish

Greenlanders, have

sails

Some

and animals.

made

of

white linen

striped with red.

In these oomiaks the Greenland

women sometimes perform voyages

of

many

along the coast, carrying with them their tents, goods, family and whole substance

on these long voyages the

heavy

men keep with them

seas they attend the

near at hand in their kajaks

oomiak very cautiously, sheltering

waves, and holding the gunwales to keep

it

upon a balance.

533

it

miles
;

but

and

in

from the heaviest

They frequently

travel as

The
many

Sailing-Boat.

day in these boats

as twelve leagues a

and every evening, when they halt they

go ashore, unload their boats and draw them

the beams fore and aft with stones, that the

they come to any

difficult or

turn them upside down, and load

wind may not blow them away. When

to land,

impassable part of the coast, they carry the boat on their

heads overland to more navisable water.

THE KAIAK, EAJAK, OK KYAK.

The
and

kaiak, which

fish spearing.
scientific of

to

make

a marvel of the

is

illiterate people, is

would be

It

ingenuity and enterprise of an outlandish

toil,

used by the native Greenlanders chiefly for seal hunting and

difficult,

not impossible, for the most ingenious and

if

European boat-builders, with twenty years

or

more experience

in their art,

a boat so admirably adapted to the purpose as the native kaiak.

lightness,

and adaptability

safety, speed,

the

to

seas

and purposes

for

Buoyancy,

which

it

is

required, are the chief characteristics of the Greenlander's kaiak.

The kaiak

is

formed

framework

of a light

as a rule with the skin of the saddleback

The

latter is

of

wood, covered externally Avith skins

seal,

or of the bladder-nose or

The kaiak has uo

keel,

flanges, designed to save

contact with floating ice.

by the kaiaker on

seal,

but

which

its

underpart at both ends

completed the kaiak

his head, or even

it

the best and strongest. 1

is

is

generally fitted with bone

the skin outer-covering from being ripped or

When

seal.

Those who can afford

not so durable or so water-tight as the former.

use the skin of the bearded

hood

is so

light that

it

damaged by

may

be carried

under his arm.

of the covering, is a circular hole

formed with

a rim or hoop of avoocI, through Avbich the Greenlander slips his legs and

body when

In the centre

of the kaiak,

on the top

Having

about to proceed on his aquatic excursions.

coA r ering,

stretched his legs out under the

he finds a seat on a small board covered with

the rim reaches just above his hips.

He

soft skin

and

in that position

then draws doAvn the lower part of his Avater-

pelt or seal-skin coat over the rim of the hole so that no spray or water can get inside

the kaiak, though the spray should fly OA'er

garment

The

of its

coat

occupant

is,

at the

as

it

him and well souse both boat and outer

frequently does.

same time, very closely folded and buttoned about

his face,

shoulders and arms, Avith bone buttons.

kaiak for a Greenlander of aA'erage size measures,

Godthaab, about six yards in length.

1

'

Eskimo

Life,'

The

in

the

greatest breadth of the

by Fridtjof Nansen

534

(trans. bj r

neighbourhood of
kaiak at the front

AVm. Archer), 1893.

Boats of the Arctic Regions.

part of the circular hole

is

about 18

the under part, towards the bottom

In

the depth

is

more, but

narrows considerably in

it

generally from 5

ins. to

ins.

6-J-

Greenlander passes the greater part of his daily

this fragile little craft the

and performs most

ins. or a little

of his ordinary

life,

and extraordinary sporting adventures, whereby he

obtains food, sustenance and clothing for himself and family throughout the year.

On

each side

of the

top

the

of

kaiak he places his lances (consisting

anguvigak and harpoons, bird arrows and

affixed

leather,

In

the purpose.

for

front

him

of

the lance-line

lies

hunting, coiled on a small circular platform purposely fixed for

places the bladder, to

which the extreme end

capture

His pautik, or double-bladed

oar, is

by the edges

of the blades

made

is

as light

and buoyant as a cork.

He

uncommon

not a very

occurrence),

and

it

is

The bladder

So equipped, he

And

it

end of

at each

further protected from

fears neither storms nor

When a wave strikes

is

enabled

heavy seas

his

abroadside, he balances

he happens to be capsized (which

if

by a peculiar and

which the Greenland lads are trained from

bound

of solid red pine,

himself and his fragile craft with the pautik.

is

and behind him he

follow the stricken seal and

to

being inlaid with bone.

to propel his little boat at great speed.

kaiak

of

seal-

it.

the blades with a thin plate, 2 ins. or 3 ins. in width

the ice

for

Kaiak.

upon the surface enables the Greenlander

floating

it,

of the lance-line is secured.

Greenlander's

an

of

and secures them under straps

shafts),

difficult

muscular exertion,

body by aid

their youth, he SAvings his

to

of the

pautik, and rights himself and his kaiak in a moment, though he be turned over with

He

boat bottom upwards.

in a strong

wind

keeps fast hold of the pautik, for

heavy

or

sea, his

chance

is

if

he loses or breaks

almost hopeless,

if

far

it

from shore

or assistance. 2
It is not

good deal

by any means

Altogether

'

a simple and easy matter to

of practice is necessary before a firm seat

it

Dr. Nansen,

Vide Scheffer,

'

is,

Eskimo
'

De

sit

a kaiak without capsizing

can be obtained.

beyond comparison, the best and most ingenious form

of boat

Life.'

Militia Navali Veterum.'

Ten Months among the Tents

of the Tuski,'

M. Hassfeus,

by Lieut. Hooper, E.N.

535

'

D. Leviathan

Jobi.'

Crantz,

'

Greenland.'

The
the

for

locality

which

in

possibly be devised.

it

and

used,

the

for

purposes required,

that

Kajaks were employed by

when

as well as fishermen

Sir

Leopold M'C'lintock and his party, for the purposes

in the Arctic regions;

and seal-hunters.

and

it

It is stated in M'Clintock's narrative

passing Godhaven, the pilot was launched

the deck of the Fox in his

when

little

kayak, without stopping the ship, and without the addition of a capsize
it

would be

difficnlt

for

an Englishman

of

appears they are used by

that,

which

could

shooting and fishing,

pilots,

is

Sailing- Boat.

to

off

feat

perform in any boat of English

construction.

ESQUIMAUX CANOES.
These very
landers.

Thev

wood, and

fragile boats are similar in

made

are

the}^ are entirely

would appear

to

many

respects to the kajaks of the Green-

and walrus skins stretched over a light framework

of

covered over at the top, with the exception of a circular

back than in

hole, higher at the

It

of seal

front, to

admit the body of the occupant.

be almost impossible for any kind of boat

to

be of lighter form,

and they are propelled with ease and rapidity by the native Esquimaux, who use

for the

purpose a double-bladed oar, like the Greenland er's pautik.

LABRADOR CANOES.
There

is

a great similarity between these canoes and those of the Esquimaux, with

the exception that they have not such high-peering ends at stem and stern as the latter
have.

In other respects they are nearly

with the same sort of materials.

Some

of

identical,

them

being built in the same way, and

are large

enough

to carry

two or three

persons, a separate hole being formed in the top for each occupant.

1
In Dr. Nansen's Eskimo Life,' p. 44, are illustrations of the frame-work and deck-plan of the Kaiak
with a description of the. mode of building, the manner of seal hunting, harpooning, &c, and illustrations of the
'

pursuit.

536

Boats of the Arctic Regions.

TCHUKTCHI SKIN CANOES.

These primitive canoes

The

are,

in fact, the counterpart of the Greenland

natives of Tchuktchi have no

tents, as well as their boats, are

wood wherewith

composed

'

Oomiak.'

to build either huts or boats.

chiefly of a

framework

whales and walrus, covered over with skins of the walrus,

seal,

of the large

Their

bones of

and reindeer, and yet

both tents and boats are admirably constructed.

On

each side of the skin canoe they usually fasten a seal-skin, blown out full of

Tchuktchi Skin Canoe,

air,

with the ends firmly secured.

canoe heels over.

Some

of

square-sail,

These serve as

floats, or safety -buoys,

when

the

large size, fitted with rudder,

these skin boats are of

and capable

of carrying

two tons or more

of

mast, and

merchandise.

large

Even an

ordinary- sized skin canoe will carry five persons, with tent, blankets, cooking utensils,
provisions, &c.

In the cold, icy regions in which these canoes are employed,

it

is

often absolutely

necessary for one of the crew to stand at the bows

with a pole, shod with iron, to push

aside the masses of drift-ice and tangle of driftage

which intercept the navigation.

withal a skin boat has

its

advantages.

The tough,

But

flexible skin will give for several

inches without necessarily tearing, and will stand more wear and tear than the cedar

canoes of British Columbia.

Skin canoes, quite open, capable

of containing

effects, and hoisting several masts and

sails,

are

twenty or more persons with their

now

frequently to be observed

among

both the sea-coast Tchuktchis and the inhabitants of Northern Alaska, and occasionally
1
-

'

Travel and Adventure in Alaska,' by F.

Whymper

(1868), p. 89.

Ibid., p. 196.

537

3 z

The
others

which might he

called

'

Sailing- Boat.

full-rigged

canoes, carrying main, gaff, and sprit-sails

'

but these are probably recent and foreign innovations. 1

smaller-sized skin boat

is

used for the purposes

the chase, such as seal aud

of

walrus hunting, and also for capturing the reindeer when driven or hunted into the
water.

These are light but very tough, being composed of walrus skins, which are

beautifully prepared and

sewn over a

light

bottomed, and nearly wall-sided, about 3

gunwales, and about 2

wide enough

to

ft.

The top rim

They

skin offers

little

as

at the ends,

which are just

by hand-paddles, which are

The smooth surface of the Avalrus

are propelled with great speed

resistance to their passage through the water

sticks, to

would otherwise be

it

are flat-

neatly worked over with strips of

preserved from any incrustation, being carried on shore

and beaten with stout

They

bone or wood.

width

is

used in bow and stern to direct their course.

also

of

6 ins. in breadth at the widest part of tbe

6 ins. below, decreasing in

admit a man's body.

hide or whalebone.

frame-work

ft.

and they are carefully

not in use, turned over,

drive off the moisture and keep the skin in shape,

liable to bag.

._

when

BOATS OP KAMTSCHATKA.

The Ivamtschatkans have two sorts of boats one is called kocdhtahta and the other
The former is very similar to an English Peter-boat, except that the prow and

tahta:

and the sides lower. 3

The tahta has the prow and stern

stern are higher,

of

an equal height

the sides are not rounded

outwards, as in most boats, but rather incline inwards at the midships

they are very unsafe, and soon

The Kamtschatka boats

fill

and swamp

in

consequently

rough water.

are built chiefly of poplar-wood.

BAIDAES.

The

boats of the Ivurilski Islands and Lopatka are called baidars.

with a keel similar

1
2

'

to

Travel and Adventure in Alaska,' p. 249.

Ten Months among the Tents of the Tuski, with Incidents

Franklin,' by Lieut. W. H. Hooper, B.N.
'

Sir J.
3

'

These are built

an English boat, with the exception that the planks are sewn

History of Kamtschatka.'

Translated by Dr. Grieve (1764),

538

of

an Arctic Boat Expedition in Search

of


Boats of the Arctic Regions.
together,

The Kuriles have no proper wood

and the seams caulked with moss.

boat-building, except that derived from wreckage drifted ashore

by the

sea.

for

In trans-

porting their goods to and from these islands, they usually lash two Baidars together,

and form a
drier.

sort

of platform

across them,

The northern inhabitants

for Avant of proper timber

of

on which they carry the goods safer and

Kamtschatka

and plank, make

the

stretched on poles.

END OF PART

539

settled Ivoreki

and Tchuktcha

their Baidars of the skins of sea-animals

VIII.

PART

IX.

NAUTICAL VOCABULARY.
Aft, Abaft, or Astern.
A-lee.

The

Towards the stern

side opposite to the

wind

of a vessel.

the situation of the helm when in an opposite direction to that

from which the wind blows.

Amidships. Any part of the middle of a vessel with regard to her length and breadth.
Athwart-hawse. Across the direction of a vessel's head, under the bow-sprit.
Athwart-ships. Across a vessel from side to side.
A-weather. On the weather side, or towards the wind the situation of the helm when
direction as that from which the wind blows
opposed to A-lee.

in the

same

Ropes
The width
Bear. To bear-up
Back-stays.

Beam.

or stays extending

from the mast-head to the sides

of the vessel, abaft the mast.

of a vessel at the widest part.

is to turn a vessel from the wind, by putting the helm up, or

towards the quarter
from which the wind blows. To bear-down is to pursue a vessel from a windward quarter.
Bearings.
The lower part of a vessel, or that which is below the water line when in proper trim.
Beeket A short piece of rope, with a loop at one end and a knot at the other, used for confining a spar or

rope in a convenient place.

To make a rope
a
by two or more turns without hitching
Bend. To make
to bend a
attach
the mast or yard by lashings or otherwise.
Berth. A sleeping apartment aboard a
A
anchorage
termed a good berth.
Belay.

fast to

fast

cleat

it.

sail is to

to

it

vessel.

safe

is

Bight. A noose or folded part of a rope any part may be

Bilge. The protuberant part of a cask the breadth of a
rests when lying aground on her side.
:

called the bight, excepting the ends.

vessel's

bottom, or that part on which a vessel

A box containing a mariner's compass.

Perpendicular pieces passing through the deck on each side the heel of

Binnacle.
Bitts.

generally

Board.

made

fast to the bitts, if there is

The distance a vessel goes upon any one tack

is

to

said to
sail

go by

the

board when

it

snaps

off

a long distance in a straight line

the bowsprit

the cable

is

no windlass.

when beating

and

falls

when

to windward.

over the bulwarks.

close-hauled.

To make

The mast of a vessel

To make a good board is
short boards

is

to tack

frequently.

Bobstay.

A small chain or rope attached

to the lower part of the

stem

of the boat to

keep the outer end

of the bowsprit down.

Bolsters.

Pieces
shrouds

Boom.

of soft

wood tacked on each

side of the

rest.

A spar used to spread the foot

of the main-sail.

540

mast above the cheeks, on which the eyes

of the

Nautical Vocabulary.
Boomkin A
Boom-rest.

small iron bowsprit to which the tack of the fore-sail

A shifting iron
when the

laid

same shape

of the

is

sails are furled.

A rope used square-rigged

on a bowline
when the wind
Bowse. To pull or haul on a rope or a
Bowsprit-shrouds. Ropes on each
Bowline.

in

is

Brails.

is hooked in a small boat.

an iron rowlock, in which the outer end of the boom

as

Ropes connected with

vessels for holding out the leech

is

on the quarter and the sheet

when

is

sailing close-hauled.

Sailing

not close-hauled.

tackle.

side for protecting the bowsprit.

the throat of a

by which the canvas

sail,

is

drawn up

close to the

mast or

yard.

Breakers.

Waves

of white spray denoting shallow

water

also a small cask containing water.

Bridle. A rope is called a bridle when the two ends are made fast
Broadside. The side of a vessel lengthwise.
Bulk-head. A temporary partition separating different parts of a
Bull's-eye.

A piece of

wood the shape

through, and without a sheave

Bulwarks.

The boarding round the

of a
;

also

to the leeches or

yard ends

of a sail.

vessel.

but with a hole in the centre for a rope to reeve

block,

a thick piece of glass for a cabin light.

sides of a vessel above the deck.

Bumkin.

(See Boomkin).
Bum-boats. Boats which attend alongside
Bunting. Woollen stuff for making flags.

vessels with provisions, fruit, &c.

Cable.

A large rope for holding a vessel at anchor.

ship's cable

is

usually 120 fathoms, or 720

feet, in

length.

Camber-deck. A slightly arched deck, which facilitates the running off of water coming on deck.
Carry away. To break a spar or rope.
Carvel-built.
A vessel is carvel-built when the planks are laid in smoothly, and not lapped over,

as in

clench, or clincher-built vessels.

Cat-heads.

Strong

timbers projecting from the bows of vessels, to which the anchor

is

secured

when

heaved up.

A very
occasionally
during a calm.
current
with oakum.
To the seams a
Channels. Strong pieces
wood attached
a
which the shrouds or rigging are secured.
the mast, upon which the
Cheeks. Small carved projections on each
Chinse. To
the deck seams with oakum, and serve them over with melted
securing a
Clamp. A mast-clamp
mast to the thwart.
an iron
belaying ropes
Cleat. A small iron or wooden pin
weather-boarding.
similar
lapped
Clench or Clincher-built. When the planking
a vessel
To clew-up
a
Clew. The lower corner
and the
outer corner
a
Cat's-paw.

Caulk.

light

of air

felt

vessel

of

fill

to

of

vessel's side, to

side

tressel-trees rest.
resin.

fill

for

is

boat's

for

to.

of

to haul

up the

to

over,

is

after or

square-sail,

of

of

fore-and-aft

sail.

is

clew.

a
hauling up the clew
A rope used square-rigged
When the sheets are hauled
and the
through which
the boom, one on each
the outer end
Comb-cleat. A comb-shaped
the
the reef-pendant
passed on hauling down a
leading
and from the
Companion-way. The
or when
on her
be crank when inclined
Crank, or Cranky. Not
A
unable
carry much canvas.
aud containing a metal
a
the bolt-rope
Cringle. A short piece of rope worked grommet-fashion

Clew-garnet.

of

vessels for

in

Close-hauled.

stiff.

reef in

is

main-sail.

cabin.

to

vessel

side,

of

cleat fitted to

is

staircase

sail.

sail set as flat as possible.

in close,

to roll

said to

side,

to

into

of

sail,

ring or thimble.

Cross-trees.

Iron or wooden

pieces secured to the

mast above the cheeks,

the topmast-shrouds.

541

for steadying

and spreading

The

Sailing-Boat.

To crown a knot pass the strands over and under,

A small cabin the part a
Cutwater. A sharp projection forward
the
bows.
Crown.
Cuddy.

to

is

in

fore

of

of

Davit.

wood or

projection of

A fish-davit

boats.

so as to

form a crown above the knot.

boat.

vessel's

iron over a vessel's side with a sheave in the end, used for hoisting

A small
circular block, with three holes through
the lanyards
they are used instead
blocks.
Dead-water. The eddy under a
counter.
Doubled-banked. When two rowers
upon the same thwart.
Douse. To lower a
suddenly.
Down-haul, or Down-hauler.A rope attached
the peak-end, or other top part
the
down.
Draft. The
water required
a
down a tideway or scud before the wind.
Drive. To
Drum-head. The top
a capstan.
Dead-eye.

solid

through

up

a short spar, with a sheave in the end, used for fishing the anchor.

is

of rigging to reeve

for

it

of

vessel's

sit

sail

to

dcptli of

for

of

sails, for

hauling

vessel to float in.

drift

of

Earing.

rope attached to the aft-leech-thimble of a

sail,

for

bending the

the boom-end, or for

sail to

reefing purposes.

Eye.

A loop

in the

end

Fender, or Fend-off.

of a rope or stay.

soft

substance of rope or tow covered with canvas, used for hanging over the

side of a vessel, to protect it

Fid.

from striking or chafing when alongside.

sort of thumb-cleat attached

Fish-Davit.

of cord or ratline

to a loop

through the thimbles of ropes and

sails,

it

is

used for expedition in reeving

as for holding the fore-sheets to the clew of the

sail.

{See Davit.)

That part an anchor which holds the ground, forming the arms and
The
above and beyond the
Fore-and-Aft. From stem
A fore-and-aft rigged
has no
Forecastle (pronounced
foaksT). A small cabin before the mast,
the bows
yachts, the
Fore-gripe. An additional piece secured
the lower part
a
stem.
Fore-reaeh. To pass a
when close-hauled and on the same
Fore-sail. The
next before the
Fore-stay. A rope leading from the top
the mast and secured
the stem of the
Founder. To
with water and
Frap. To pass a lashing round a
prevent
from blowing about.
Full-and-by. Sailing
the wind without shaking any part
the
Furl. To
up a
the yard and secure
with
Flukes.

of

Flying- Jib.

in

flat

sail set

triangular tips.

jib.

to stern.

vessel

square-sails.

in

'

of a vessel

called in

galley.

to

of

vessel

vessel's

tack.

sail

main-sail.
of

to

boat.

sink.

fill

sail to

it

close to

of

sail close to

roll

it

sails.

lashings.

The top spar a

A long-shaped boat
the
aboard a yacht.
Gammon. An iron hoop or ring by the
a
stem, through which the bowsprit
Gangway. An opening
a
bulwarks,
convenience of getting from the
Garboard-strake. The.strake or planking
a
nearest the keel on each
Gaskets. Pieces
plaited yarn, used
lashings when the
Gaff.

of

cutter's main-sail.

Galley.

also

forecastle

side of

in

vessel's

of

of

vessel's

for

is

run out.

vessel to a boat.

vessel

for

side.

sail is furled.

542

Nautical Vocabulary.
Goose-neck.

connecting the boom with the mast.

An iron
with two masts, when running before the wind with
A term applied schooners or
joint

Goose-winged.
Gores.

vessels

to

boomed out on each

sails

side.

Angles at one or both ends of such cloths as increase the width

when a

times added

Grapnel.

A kind

of anchor,

sail is

Consists

goring-cloths are some-

with four or more claws or barbs, used for securing the earings of fishing nets

when spread in the water.

Grommet. A rope ring, much used
Ground-tackle.

of the sail

required with a narrow head and wide foot.

in boats

and ships

of anchors, cables, &c.

it is

formed by laying round a single strand

of rope.

anything used for anchoring and securing a vessel at

anchor.

A rope working through two

The
rim leading from stem

Guntackle-purchase.

Gunwale,

top strake

Guy.

single-blocks.

Gunnel.

or

A rope

inside

to stern on each side the boat,

and

which the

to

nailed.

is

for steadying a spar or

boom, and

for

keeping

in its place.

it

Ropes or tackles used hoisting and lowering

deck, leading to the cabin or hold.
The opening a
a
over the hold
Hatches. Shifting boards
securing the main-sheet
across the deck at the stern
Hawse. An iron
securing a vessel either at anchor or otherwise.
Hawser. A large rope
and
used before the mast, as
Head-sails.
the
up to or over the anchor, by drawing
Heave-short. To heave the vessel
windward, so that the vessel makes
Lay-to). To haul the
Heave-to
steered.
or wheel by which a vessel
Helm. The
placed.
where the cargo
a
Hold. The interior
Halliards, Halyards, or Haulyards.

Hatchway.

in

for

sails.

vessel's

vessel.

of

fitting

to its berth.

for

rail fixed

for

jib.

fore-sail

Sails

in

close

vessel,

of

(also called

or no headway.

is

tiller

Horns

cable.

little

fore-sail to

(also

is

part of the gaff to which the trucks are attached, and which

Jaws). That

fits

close

to the mast.

Hounds.
Housed.

The shoulders at the mast-head, where the

The top-mast

is

A small cord used

The body of a

Housing-line.
Hull.

tressel-trees rest.

housed when lowered down and secured at the heel by a lashing.

for seizings.

vessel.

the masts.
oho Horns). Gaff-ends hollowed out
the
front
out on the bowsprit
A triangular
Jib-boom. A spar rigged out beyond the bowsprit.
hoisting or hauling.
Jigger. A small tackle
the
with two masts, connecting one with the other
Jumper-stay. An iron bar used
a jury-mast.
A temporary mast
carried away.
when a mast
Jury-rig. A temporary
the
a
from one
a boom
jybe. To

Jaws

to

(see

fit

of

in

sail set

Jib.

fore-sail.

for

at

in vessels

rig

shift

is

is

side of

sail

vessel to

top.

called

other.

Kedge-anchor. An anchor with a shifting stock.

Kelson, or Keelson. A strong piece running the whole length
keel

is

attached

it is

in fact the

back-bone of the

of the vessel's

Kevel-head, or Kevel.A strong piece bolted to some part of the bulwarks,

Knees. Bent pieces used in boat-building for holding the planks together.
Knight-heads. Strong timbers near the stem, on each side the bowsprit

marked on the
Knot. A mile
as

log-line.

543

bottom, and to which the

hull.

for belaying ropes to.


The
Lanyard.

A small

rope, one

Sailing-Boat.

end of which

is

made

fast,

whilst the other

used for securing anything to

is

its place.

Lapstrake.

Signifies clench-built (vulgarly, clinker-built).

Larboard (now
Lay-to.

obsolete, Port being the

term applied).

The

a vessel, looking forward.

left side of

(See Heave-to.)

An order for some part

Lay-aloft.

Lead-line, or Sounding-line.

crew to go up the rigging.

of the

A small

cord, with a

lump

of lead attached, for testing the

termed by the Anglo-Saxons Swid-gyrd.

Leading-wind. A free wind when the wind is abeam, or nearly right

depth of water;

The opposite to that from which the wind blows.

Lee-board. A board which turns on a pivot and
attached
the
lowered
prevent lee-way when the
going
windward.
Leeches. The outer edges
and
Lee-way. The distance
by a
drifting from the wind.
Leeward. From the wind, the opposite
windward.
To lay on one by the pressure the wind upon the
:

Lee.

aft.

side

to

is

to

vessel

of sails, fore

lost

side of flat-bottomed vessels

it is

to

is

afr.

vessel

to

List.

side

of

sails.

A journal kept aboard

working the
as
winds, weather, distances,
Log, Log-line, and Log-ship. Used
regulating and ascertaining the rate at which the ship
Loggerhead. A block with a small neck and larger head,
making ropes
Luff. To bring the ship near to the wind by putting the helm down
the fore-leech
Luff-taekle. A purchase comprising a double and a single-block.
Log-book.

ship,

to

vessel,

etc.

for

for

of sails.

An iron secured to the deck at the stern

A kind spunyarn small
used
lashings.
Marlinspike. A wooden or iron pin gradually tapering
a sharp
Main

sheet-hawse.

Marline.

for holding the

rail

of

soft stuff

sails.

fast to.

main-sheet to

its

berth.

for

to

point

used for splicing ropes, and

various other purposes.

The middle or broadest part a

When the helm put down, and the vessel
Mizzen. A mizzen-mast or mizzen-sail
a small mast or
Midships.

of

Miss-stays.

vessel.

is

is

Mooring.

sail

come about

to the other tack.

abaft the main-mast.

Securing by two anchors placed in different directions.

Mouse. To

tie

a small spunyarn round the hollow of a hook, to prevent

Neap-tides. Small or low tides, occurring at the middle

Tfock.
The upper end forward of a boom sail.

A
tow, made by picking old rope
Distance from

Oakum.
Offing.

fails to

sort of

of the

it

from slipping

off.

moon's second and fourth quarters.

to pieces.

shore.

Outhauler.A rope used for hauling out the tack of a jib or the clew of a boom sail.
Outrigger. A spar for spreading an extra sail beyond the hull of the vessel. A boat with projecting
rowlocks.

Overhaul.

To

Also a weight suspended over a vessel's side.

examine

to slack a rope

through a tackle, by letting go the

fall,

and pulling on the

leading parts.

A rope secured the bows a

A sailmaker's thimble.
Parcelling. Winding tarred canvas round a
Painter.

in

of

boat,

and used

for

making

fast to a ship or otherwise.

Palm.

rope, to prevent its chafing.

544

Nautical Vocabulary.

A band of
or
securing a yard
a
mast at
An iron bar securing the windlass or capstan from turning back.
Pay-off. To haul the
or
aweather,
the purpose
turning the

Parral, or Parrel.

rope,

Pawl.

collar, for

to

vessel's

its centre.

for

jib

To Pay-over
Pazaree.

for
of
vessel's head from the wind.
To Pay-out to slack out a cable from the vessel.
a fore-sail, and leading through a block on the boom used for

fore-sail

to cover with pitch or tar.

A rope secured

to the clew of

guyingout when scudding.

Peak.

The upper

aft corner of a main-sail.

Pendant, or Pennant.

A long

narrow streamer carried at the mast-head.

A Swallow-tailed Pennant
and is only hoisted by fhe commodore of a club or fleet.

called a broad pennant,

An iron bolt belonging a rudder.

To port the helm
put
the
or contrary way
Port-hole. A small opening
the bulwarks
pointing cannon.
Purchase. A mechanical power applied
ropes rove through
Pintle.

is

to

Port.

is

to

it

to

to starboard.

left,

in

for

to

Quarter.

A term applied

blocks,

to that part of a vessel's sides

where extra power

is

required.

which extends from the main channels to the

stern.

Quarter-deck.

Ratline.

Applied to large vessels

that part of a vessel's upper deck abaft the main-mast.

A kind rope ladder formed across the shrouds by means

Sailing on a wind.
of

Reaching.

of a small line, called ratline.

side

To reduce a by tying up the

Ropes attached the reef-thimbles a
Reeve. To pass a rope through a block or sheave-hole.
Rigging. A general term applied
shrouds,
and

Reef.

reef-points.

sail

Reef-earings.

to

of

to

stays,

sail.

other ropes of a vessel.

Running-rigging applies to such ropes as lead through blocks, and can be altered at pleasure.
Standing-rigging applies to shrouds and stays which seldom require hauling

down

or slacking.

by a yard slung from the gaff-end.

Roaeh. The fore-leech of a sail which appears to draw by the pressure of the wind.
Rolling-tackle. An extra tackle for steadying sails in a heavy sea.
Ring-Tail.

light studding-sail set abaft the main-sail

Rowlocks. A rest for the oars of a boat to work in.

Run. The hollow or narrow part of a vessel's stern.

Seantelise (erroneously Scandalise).

power out of it.

To run before the wind

To

scantelise the sail

is

to cause

to shiver in the

it

wind

to take the

a gale with
or no
A Scull a small
To propel a boat by means a single oar at the
bulwarks
the water to run
the deck.
Scuppers. Openings
the lower part
a
bottom
the purpose
sinking
Scuttle. A small hatchway.
To Scuttle to bore holes in a
daily
taken
Scuttle-butt. A cask kept on deck from which the water
Scud.

in

Seull.

little

sail.

stern.

of

in

oar.

for

vessel's

of

off

vessel's

is

for

for

of

use.

To secure by means of small stuff called seizings.

Seize.-

A strong neat strap made by marling several rope yarns together.

To wind small marline or spunyarn round ropes prevent
winding taut and putting on the
Serving-board. A small board or mallet
connecting chains together.
Shackle. An iron
with a shifting
a block on which the rope
Sheave. The
or wheel
reeve through.
a spar or block
a rope
Sheave-hole. A hole
gunwale.
plank under a
Sheer. The

Selvagee.
Serve.

chafing.

to

for

in

line of

runs.

in

roller

service stuff.

pin, for

link,

for

to

vessel's

545

4 a

her.

The
Sheet.

-A

rope attached to the aft-clew of a

Sheet-anchor.

The largest anchor a vessel

by which

sail,

worked from one

it is

side to the other.

carries.

Eopes protecting the mast, leading from the mast-head to the sides
A scoop with a long handle, used wetting

Shrouds.
Skeet.

Sailing-Boat.

for

for

Sky-scraper.

of the vessel.

sails.

light triangular sail used in large ships, properly called a sky-sail;

it is

set above the

royal.

A single-block, with a hole in

the bight
a rope to reeve through.
A small rope
into which the heel
a spreet
Spencer. A
used in schooners, set on the fore-mast, with
but no boom.
Splice. To join the ends
two ropes by interweaving the strands.
Spreet. A light spar for setting a
Spring-a-leak. To commence leaking.
Spring-a-lufF. To force a vessel closer to the wind.
Standing-rigging. Shrouds and other ropes made
and not very often requiring

Snatch-block.

its side, for

Snorter.

strop,

of

of

is set.

sail

gaff,

of

sprit-sail.

fast

Starboard.
Stay.

The right-hand

A rope

alteration.

side of a vessel, looking forward.

To Stay to tack a
when all sail

for protecting the mast.

of a vessel at the instant of tacking,

Stay-sail.

Steerage.

Stem.

Inches a
That part

The

upon a

sail set

of the vessel

fore piece of a vessel,

vessel, or
is

put about.

In Stays

of

stay.

and to which the two

sides are united.

vessel

to

fixed

is

aft

of

aft of

boat,

less

in

of

without causing the vessel to

A yarn, or number
To
the mast
Sweep. A long oar
extra

Strand.
Strike.

vessel.

for

of

essential

Stiff.

the situation

(between decks) forward of the cabin.

The back motion a

moving stern foremost.
Stern-post. That
which the rudder
the extreme end
a
Stern-sheets. The
part
a
abaft the rowers, intended
passengers.
Steve. The angle
a bowsprit when raised more or
from the horizontal.
An
quality
the hull
a
which enables large
Stern-board.

shaking in the wind's eye.

strike

on one

sails to

be used in safety or

side.

of yarns, twisted together.

is

of

list

sailing-vessel

to lower
size,

it

down

into the boat.

used in small sailing-vessels when becalmed or requiring to be forced

ahead.

Tacking.

Turning, or beating,
thereby bringing

it

to

windward.

round on another

To

Tacl-

tack.

is

put a vessel about by putting the helm

to

The tack

a-lee,

of a main-sail is the corner nearest the

goose-neck.

A purchase formed by a rope rove through a block or blocks.

Taffrail. The
or top-piece, leading round a vessel's stern, level

Tackle.

rail,

with the side

rail

above the

bulwarks.
Tail-block.

Tarpaulin.
Taut.

A block with a rope spliced

Canvas rendered waterproof

and hanging from, the end.

by being dressed with tar.

into,

To haul
A compass suspended from the beams
tight.

Tell-tale.

Thimble.

of a cabin.

metal ring, with concave surface, used in sail-making and for splicing into rope-ends when

required.

Throat.

That part of

sail

where the brails catch and draw

it

close to the

mast

the inner end of a

gaff,

near the jaws.

Thwarts
Tiller.

(properly Athwart).

All seats across a boat are so

The lever by which the rudder

Topping-lift.
the

is

A rope leading from the upper part

boom

is

called.

moved.

of the

topped up, or raised.

546

mast

to the outer

end

of the

boom, and by which

Nautical Vocabulary.
Traveller*An iron or metal ring, with a hook below and an eye at top. A Traveller leads up and down
the mast or along a bowsprit, for keeping the sail close to the spar.
Tressel-trees.

Strong pieces placed

and

trees

Trim.

fore

and

aft of the mast-head,

to support the cross-

A rope used hauling up the main-tack.

To haul up the main-tack by means the

Trice-rope.

Triee-up.

and

horizontally,

top.
for

of

To arrange the

To Trim a

Truck. The

trice-line.

most advantageous manner.

the best and most effective position with regard

ballast, or cargo, in the

sail is to set it in

flat circular piece,

on the very top

of the topmast-head,

to the wind.

through which signal-halliards are

rove.

Trysail.

A fore-and-aft
gaff-sail

Tye.

sail,

set

with boom and gaff at the main-mast of a brig

used for cutters

A rope belonging to a boat's yard,

Unbend.

To

Under way.

untie, to cast

A vessel

is

also a small extra-stout

in a gale.

with a hoisting tackle at one end.

off.

under way when moving through the water by the action

of the

wind upon the

sails.

Unship.

Veer.

To take out

of

a vessel

to

remove out

of its place.

To turn a vessel from the wind and bring her round on another tack.

The middle part a

The track a vessel

Waist.
"Wake.

"Wales.

"Warp.

of

of

vessel's deck,

Strong planks in the upper part

A strong rope

"Wash-boards.

between the quarter-deck and

forecastle.

in the water.
of a vessel's sides

running the whole length fore and

aft.

for securing a vessel.

Shifting boards attached to the gunwales

of boats for

preventing the water from washing

into the boat in a rough sea.

That side
A vessel

Weather-board.
Weather-helm.

of a ship

which

is

to windward.

carries a weather-helm

when the

tiller

requires to be slightly inclined towards

the windward, to keep the vessel on her course and prevent her from flying into the wind.

Weigh anchor. To draw the anchor up from the bottom.

Whip-purchase. A purchase formed by a rope rove through a single-block.
To Whip, to secure the end of the rope from unravelling by winding twine round
Worming. Winding cord, or marline, spirally between the strands of a rope, to give

Yard.
Yoke.

A
A

it.

it

a neat appearance.

spar, tapering at each end, for spreading a sail.

top-piece, fitting

on a boat's rudder, with

rowing-boats, instead of a

lines attached for steering

tiller.

END OF PART

547

IX.

it

is

used chiefly for

INDEX.
A
'

CHEN

PAGE
481
482

Fisher-boats

Amboina, Leper-lepers of
America,' famous schooner-yacht

American Boats
Ancient Pleasure-boat

373
373 -379
4

Ancients, Boats of the

Andaman

Islanders' canoes

460

25

Anglo-Berinudian rig

222

Anglo-Chinese rig
Anglo-Saxons, Boats of the

Angulated

117

jib

Arab Batelle

428

Pirate boats

Arctic Regions, Boats of

The

Beacon-light,

Beeching, James (Prize Life-boat)

Belfast

Lough (Yachting

Bembridge Club boats

Bermudian Sailing-boats

Market boat

....
....

.....
.....

Baju and Balignini Pirate Prahus

Balance-lug rig
Balance-reef

Balham

(or

Ballam)

of

Ceylon

....

Bholco,

The

(of India)

Birch-bark Canoes

Bireme
'

(of ancient

Blanketing

Greece)

in yacht-racing

'

Blocks, Tackles and Purchases

Boat-racing

532

Boat-sailing

....
.

different varieties

,,

,,

510

Boeyer rig (Dutch)

509

Bombay, Batelles

of

468

,,

Cotton-boats

48

Dinghy

158

,,

Fishing-boats

454

,,

Yachts

Borneo and Celebes, Boats

,,

improperly secured, Danger of

154

,,

outside

107

Bosphorus, Boats of the

143

Brazilian Boats

trimming, Unfair practice of

(And
Ballellangs of

Trimming and
Sumatra

see

Balsa (Peruvian)

Ballasting)

.....
.....

Balza (South American)

Banca of Manilla
Bangkok (Siam) Boat-sailing
Bangor Corinthian Sailing Club
Bantang of Sumatra
Batelle, Arab
Batelles of Bombay and Surat

....
......

Battens to
Battoes,

sail,

use of

American

....

Baidars of the Kurilski Islands

,,

Bristol

481

507

Bhaulea (or Ganges boat)

430

108

Ballasting, Importance of

Channel O.-D. Class

Coracles

,,

484

Bruni, Boats of

459

Budjerows

(or

303

Bugala

Bugla)

481

Bugis (or Macassar Praus)

428

Bulb-keels

440

Bunder Boat of India

Burma, Boats of

533

Britons, Ancient, Canoes of the

Brixham Trawlers

119

of

Proas (or Prahus) of

505

389

Boats of the Ancients

BAHIA Fruit-boat

centre)

O.-D. Classes

,,

(or

Bengalese Boats)

....
.

,,

Pleasure-boats

War-boats

Index.

Index.

Egyptians (Modern), Boats of the

Group Islands, Canoes

Esquimaux Canoes
Elliee

of

PAGE
367
499
536

....

Greenland Boats

the Kaiak (or Kyak)

,,

the

532

......

Gunning-punts
Islands Fishing-boats

Felucca,

The
.

112

420
418

Finmarken Fishing-boats

....

International

advantages of

Brixhani Trawlers

,,

Cornish Luggers

Doble (or Doval)

Holland, Boats of

Irish (Greencastle)

,,

Irish,

Isles

South Coast

,,

Yorkshire Fishing Coble

Flower Boats (Chinese)

Flying Proas of Ladrone Islands

Friendly Islands Canoes

Management

513

Gelves (Red Sea Boats)

Gondolas

of

267

360

Venice

Gophers (Asiatic Boats)

Greeks, Boats of the early

Greencastle Yawls (Irish)

Innellan

'

Insect

'

'

....
....

361

Corinthian O.-D. Class

295

435
315

Class (Ulster)

384

Italian Lakes, Boats of

413
408

Riviera, Boats of

500

Ivahahs of Tahiti

JAPANESE

529- -532

Boats

485

Java, Boats of

158

Jellores of

508

434

Iroquois Indians' Canoes

,,

157

358
355

(Russian)

,,

Yachts

,,
'

356

rafts)

Indian Sailing-boats

'

Jewel

'

Sumatra

480

Class (Belfast

Lough

O.-D.)

309

443

KAIAK (or Kyak)

441

433

534

Kalatches (pig-skin rafts)

Kamtschatka, Boats

404

Keels, Centre-board

432

.....338
.

Yachts (or

Igarite of Brazil

,,

(American)

.409

.....
....
.

Boats (Shuldham's)

.399

Sailing-boat

Geneva, Boats of Lake of

.160

,,

......
.....
.....

Mediterranean

330

138

of Sailing-boats in a

at sea, to ride out in safety

,,

490
428

.494

Precautions in anticipation of a

Ganges Rowing-boat
,,

,,

362

,,

462

ICE-SAILING

520

Fruit Caiques of the Bosphorus

of the

325

S.-C. Restricted Class

337
328
332

Foreign and Colonial Boats and Canoes

,,

300

Sailing Club O.-D. Class

Cruising; Yawls

334

Galleys, Ancient

434- -454
421- -425

336

....
....
....

Smack

,,

seq.

Howth

.14

Sixern Yawls

et

339

Scotch (Zulu)

GALE,

338

Peter-boat

sails

177,

Hudson River Ice-Yacht Club

Humber Yawl Club, Sailing-boats

.340

17

Holy Loch O.-D. Class

Hoylake

331

Tory Island
Orkney and Shetland

333

Boats

Hindustan, Boats of

327

,,

Furling the

Half-raters

327

,,

Fulangese Canoes

HALF-DECKED

1883,

Exhibition,

Fishing Boats (British)

Fuegian Canoes

342

4S7

Finland Boats

506
29

Gunter-ria-

Fin-and-bulb keels

Fisheries,

rafts)

401

Canoes

Fiji Islands

.419

534

Oomiak

Guaras (their use in steering

FAROE

PAGE
532

551

Drop

of

oldin

,,

Fin-and-bulb

Revolving

432

538
90
95
111

90

Index.
PAGE
90

Keels, Sliding

Kei Islands Canoes

Ketch

rig

477

40

Kingsmill Island Canoes

499

Kolay, The

481

Achen)

(of

538

Kurilski Islands, Boats of

Kweikong

(China), Boats

LABRADOR Canoes

529

of.

536

457

Laccadive Islands, Boats of

Ladrone Islands, Flying Proas

Langady, The
Latine rig

....
(of

452

Nursapore)

,,

Indian

,,

Mediterranean

Lead

462

of

60
.

399 -403

Norfolk

63

Strangford

65

ballast,

Advantages

Leper-lepers of

111

of

Amboina

482

Liburnian Galleys
Liftable bulb-keels

116

412

Lucerne, Boats of Lake

Lugger-rig,

The

47

48

,,

Balance

,,

Three-masted
Split

Lyre tanjong (Malay

"]

49
.

rig)

/TAC ASS AR Praus

1VI

435

Madeira, Boats of the Island of

50
471

Index.
PAGE

ONE-DESIGN

formation of a

One-Design and Restricted Classes

,,

Belfast

Lough

Bristol

Channel

Clyde

Peter Boat, The

....
...

Sailing Club
.

Innellan

Brighton

(I.

of

.267
.

Southport Corinthian

Water Wags
West Lancashire
Western (25-ft.)

....
.....

of

Isles,

Outlagers and Outriggers

532

390
257

336

.468

distinction as to, note (4)

,,

,,

.451,

Islands

Paduakans

469, 480

(see

Canoes).

of Celebes

Panchallangs of Sumatra
the Ganges)

....

the Philippines)

Papyrus, Boats

made

of

Parinda Boats
(of

472

500

Pahies of Tahiti

(of

4S2

456, 460, 464, 486

Double

(of

259

10

262

Tahiti)

(see

PACIFIC

Fishing-boats

Boats made of

255

188, et seq.

Orford White Wings O.-D. Class

Outriggers

244
261

.247

Oregon Indians, Canoes

Orkney and Shetland

Greenland)

(of

Hindustan)

....

Paumotu Group, Double Canoe

of the

481
442

483

.364

Island, Birch-bark Canoes of

.

....
....

2 0,
.

47
35

462
397
417

468
388
462

Punjaub, Boats of the

435

for Wild-fowl Shooting

Sailing

342
344

239

.316

....
...

Yorkshire
One-raters

Edward

225

,,

Borneo

Problem (Dempster's triangular keel-yacht)

.242

298
,

Prince

of

Proas, Flying (Ladrone Islands)

Punts

Tay
Trent Valley

257

....

Solent Sea Birds

295

.269

W.)

Corinthian

'

Pattamar

Polynesia and the Malay Archipelago, Boats of

16,
.

Prahus

Solent

Pangues

323

Luggers

300
325

Redwings

Panchway

Pole masted rig

Holy Loch

Orford White Wings

Otaheite

Pilot

Praam a Norwegian

New

Osiers,

253

282

Portuguese Sailing-boats-.

'

Oomiak

339

-484

Philippine Islands, Boats of

315

Hoylake

,,

507

320

511

of

Dublin Bay

Howth

233

Cork Harbour
Droleen

Peruvian Balsas

.302

.238
.

PAGE
Pernambuco, Catamarans

Suggestions on the

Class,

445
443

503

Peacock Boat

445

Penrhyn Islands Canoes

495

UANT,

Q
RA

Norfolk

67

Index.

Rig, varieties of (continued)

Index.
PAGE

PAGE
316

Teignmouth Dinghy Class

Thun, Lake, Boat of

251

WATER WAGS (O.-D. Class)

412

Boats of the

432

246
247

Moju Canoes
Tonga Islands Canoes
Tonnage as a basis for rating
Tory Island Fishing Canoe

508

West Lancashire O.-D. Classes

West Lancashire Seabird Class
West of England Conference ..

492

Western,

168

Trent Valley O.-D. Class

255

Tigris,

Tocantlins and River

'

'

25-ft. O.-D. Class

Triangular keel Boat

225

Wild Fowl Shooting Boats

Willamette Cedar Boats
Windermere Lake and Yachts
Windward, Sailing to

Trim of Sailing-boat, its importance

Trimming and Ballasting
Tripod mast of Tartar Galley

108

Wytoohee Canoes

14

Trireme (ancient Greek boat)

....
....

Truant (famous American Sailing-boat)

Turkish Caiques

Twin

Sailing-boats

ULSTER

....
....
.......
Sailing Club

'

Insect

Ulysses' Boat

Umbrella Boat

Una

rig

Union Group Islands Canoes

108
470
2

'

Class

93

T/'ACHT

and Boat-racing

Island Canoes

Venetian Gondolas

425
229

315
1

230
31

498

'ANGADA

riANCOUVER

390

404

of

341

389
.

....
.

Pernambuco

Zurich Lake, Boats of

262

263

273
126

504

FOURTH EDITION,

in large octavo, price

With Thirteen highly=finished Engravings on

Steel,

12s.

6(1.

and several Woodcuts.

THE WILD-FOWLER,
H.

C.

FOLKARD,

(Author of

Among

its

contents will be found

:-The

'

The Sailing

history of

capturing wild-fowl Egyptian fowling The

Esq.,

Boat.')

the art of fowling Ancient methods of

art of capturing wild-fowl

by

Decoy The

Flight-

shooting by daylight and

of capturing dun-birds by thousands-Wild-fowl

pond, with mode

wild-fowl Gunning-punts Punt guns-Punting by

Reckless adventurers Sailing-punts
daylight, moonlight, and in drift-ice Hard winters
under sail- The Cripple chaseshooting
Wild-fowl
shooting
Wild-goose shooting Wild-swan
also
of capturing them alive
mode
and
Plovers,
fen-fowling
and
Fens
The
shooting
Flight
woodcocks
capturing
of
modes
and
Snipe shooting Woodcock shooting,

moonlight The language and

flight

of

dottrels, godwits,

a li V

eWild-fowl

and

St.

&c

Shetland Isles,
shooting in Scotland Rock fowling in Norway, the Orkney and
in France, America, Persia, and all parts of the world.

Kilda Wild fowling

LIST

OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
ENGRAVINGS on steel.

W. Baekshell.
Day for Ducks. From a Drawing by the Author engraved by
Hacker.
Wild-fowler. From a Drawing by the Author engraved by E.
Beckwith.
H.
Fen-fowlers of Old. Drawn and engraved by
by James Westley.
Decoy Plunderer. From a Painting by G. Armfleld engraved
Scott.
Sambo. From a Painting by A. Cooper, K.A. engraved by J.
by W. Baekshell.
Anxious Moments. From a Drawing by the Author engraved
Author engraved by W. Backsnell.
Wild-swan Shooting by Moonlight. From a Drawing by the
Author engraved by W. Baekshell.
the
by
A Scientific Shot at Brent Geese. From a Drawing
by W. Baekshell.
The Cripple Chase. From a Drawing by the Author engraved
From a Painting by A. Cooper, R.A. engraved by W. Baekshell.
IF I had but a Gun
by R. Ansdell, R.A. engraved by E. Hacker.
Sambo's First Lesson in the Fens From a Painting
Hacker.
Mark Cook From a Painting by A. Cooper, R.A. engraved by E.
Drawn and engraved by H. beckwith.
Wild-fowl Shooting on Lake Champlain by Moonlight.

The
The
The
The

WOODCUTS.
From a Drawing by the Author.
The
Capturing Wild-fowl at the Decoy. From a Drawing by
Flight-pond and Nets.

Fowling in the Shetland Isles.

Wild-fowl Catching in India.

Deooy-pipe.

>>

the Author.

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

Rarely have we the gratification afforded

'

to

us of reading any treatise on a sporting subject bearing such,

internal evidence of truthfulness as the above production.

The reader

and truthful descriptions

book which might not be transferred

in the

'

led through vivid

is

Were

it

not for the

Gilbert White.

The

to

of

The Engravings are exceedingly

title,

we might

first

thing that will strike the reader

it

is

beautiful.

scarcely a page

The Field.

our columns with advantage.'

look upon

There

Decoy, Flight-ponds, &c.

as a book of natural history

worthy the pen

of Buff on or

the fulness of the matter, the vividness of the

is

language, the colour and imagery of the style, the flow of reflection that never pauses, never diminishes, the

happily expressed thoughts, the rich intermixture of wisdom, fancy, ingenuity, and innate knowledge of the
subject.

The highest

historical composition, blended with lively anecdote

and luminous

Sporting

narrative.'

Review.

'

'

The Wild-fowler

'

ranks among those of the highest class of sporting literature, and will occupy a prominent

position in the libraries of science

'

more

In a single

25a

g' e

and natural history.' The Farmer's Magazine.

'

A work

which charms the hearts

extensive and accurate to a degree.

'

much

the author frequently contrives to convey as

diffuse writers painfully include in a chapter.'

of all
.

Wild-fowl shooters.

The book

intelligent

and

intelligible matter as

Athenceum.

The Author's knowledge

beautifully illustrated.'

is

of wild-fowling is

Badminton Library

'

Shooting,'

Moor and Marsh.'

'

Enthusiasm peeps out in almost every page.

From

to last, the instructive is interspersed

first

amusing, in the shape of anecdotes of curious adventures and narrow escapes both by sea and land.
earnestly

recommend those who take an

selves acquainted with its valuable contents.'

'

itself,

with the
.

We

and make them-

Bell's Life.

Mr. Folkard has given the public, in this handsome volume, the result of his own experience in so agreeable

a style, that

many who have

will read it for the

amount

neither opportunity nor inclination to avail themselves of the information

of curious

The anecdotes

of the

for

some

by mistake

time.'

and the woes

peas by the envious shore gunners, are told in his happiest vein.
of these

gather from

of

it.

Shipping

punting cobbler who got so bewildered by the " whe-oh

that he shot a learned brother of the craft

by the author;

may

and novel instruction they

more amusing book on a sporting subject has not appeared

'

work

interest in the subject at once to possess the

Ted

Steele,

...

London

easel, are

LONGMANS, GREEN

and

whe-ow
when he

" of the

<48*^.

widgeon,

got peppered with

Several of the engravings are from drawings

our favourites.'

Co.,

contains

Gazette..

"Anxious Moments," "Wild-swan Shooting by Moonlight," "The Day

and " Sambo's First Lesson in the Fens," from Ansdell's

it

better written or

Illustrated

Paternoster Kow.

for

Ducks,"

London News.