Want of speed, i:
The want of speed in sailing craft is due to many causes. The most frequent is the result of over-ballasting or to the ballast being in the wrong place. This is especially so in shoal, flat-floored models. Frequently, if a boat prove sluggish, a yachtsman will attempt to improve her speed by adding more sail, and then to carry this sail, will ship more weight. Consequently, the boat is slower and worse-acting than before. If your boat does not seem to be up to her speed, try first by removing a portion of the ballast, and by continually shifting the weights. To try her, sail alongside another boat, of whose comparative speed you are aware, and you will soon find out your boat can be improved in this way.