CAPTAIN C. H. CROSS.
The upper deck of the Britannia is covered in, and used as a place for recreation and skylarking in bad weather, also for such functions as prize day, etc.
There are two floating swimming baths attached to the ship: one is moored a little way off, and the other, in which the water can be heated when necessary, is secured under the bridge which connects the two ships. These are used for the purpose of instruction in swimming; every cadet is tested as to his capabilities in this respect on joining; should the weather be too cold at the time, he must produce a statement from his parents or guardian that he can swim. The test is to swim sixty yards without stopping; any boy who is unable to do this is placed under instruction, and his progress regularly reported until he can pass in swimming. No cadet is allowed to use the boats for recreation, or to present himself for final examination, unless he is able to swim.
The first paragraph of the regulations to be observed by cadets when away from the ship explains clearly enough the spirit in which the rules are imposed:—
“Cadets when on shore for recreation enjoy complete freedom from surveillance. This advantage can only be enjoyed with their co-operation, and it is obviously to their interest, in every way, to show that the confidence reposed in them is not misplaced. Certain rules and regulations are laid down for their guidance, and they are ‘on their honour’ to abide by them.”
The rules are by no means too harsh or exacting, and the system is found to work perfectly.
The youth “Navilus,” in his booklet, it will be recollected, records how he and his companion went on board the German man-of-war. This was a breach of rules, without first obtaining permission, but not a very terrible offence; indeed, it would have been almost too much to expect that they should, in response to such a cordial invitation, reply that they were not permitted to do so.
The course of studies and seamanship as at present pursued is contained in the Appendix, and needs but little notice here.
It will be observed that instructions as to working sails and masts, manœuvring a ship under sail, etc., are wiped out; all that is taught is the names of sails and how to “bend” fore and aft sails. All fitting of rigging is also abolished, and only such bends and hitches, knots and splices, retained as may be occasionally useful. It was quite time, no doubt, to take this step, seeing how much else there is to learn, and that none of these lads will ever see a sail set in their future ships; still, there is a certain feeling of regret about it. England attained her unrivalled place on the ocean by her sailors’ smartness in the old style of seamanship; she will have to maintain it with the new appliances when the time comes.
Another source of regret—entirely sentimental, no doubt; but are not sailors proverbially sentimental?—is the final disappearance of the big ship under a cloud of canvas. Such a sight as the cadets were called from their studies to witness one day at Portland, when the Revenge, a very handsome two-decker, was beating into the roads; Captain Harris stood on the poop, a veritable sea-dog, and criticised every movement.