The sea and wind are fortunately generally in the same direction; but what is called a cross sea sometimes rolls up at intervals, especially if the direction of the wind has recently changed. These cross seas must be carefully watched and steered for.
Always wait for a smooth before tacking in rough water. In open water there is a regular rhythm in the movement of the seas, and it will be observed that at regular intervals three exceptionally heavy seas will follow each other in succession. These heavy waves are invariably followed by a short period of comparatively smooth water; and a sharp steersman will always wait for this smooth before putting his vessel about in rough weather.
Boarding.—It will sometimes be necessary to go off in the dinghy to one’s yacht when she is sailing or hove to in a rough sea, or one may have to bring one’s boat alongside some large vessel, in order to board her.
In doing this, certain precautions must be observed. In the first place, a vessel should be boarded to leeward, as the sea will not be so violent on the lee as on the windward side.
In boarding a vessel that is rolling a good deal, lower your boat’s mast, if she has one, before getting alongside.
The line by which you make fast to the vessel must be long enough to allow for the rising and falling of the sea. Have this line ready to slip in a moment.
If the vessel is hove to, do not get alongside while she has sternway; wait till she has headway.
Sometimes, as in the case of boarding a stranded vessel, it is dangerous to get under her leeside, as the masts may fall on one, or the boat may get entangled among drifting rigging. It is the practice of lifeboats, under such circumstances, to anchor to windward of the wreck and veer cable until one can throw a line on board.
CHAPTER IX.
FITTING OUT.
Ballasting a yacht—Lead on keel—The anchor—Setting up rigging—Ventilation and dry rot—Mildew in sails—Stretching new sails—Laying up a boat for the winter—Inventory.