Down went the boats, the crew following the best way they could, sliding down the falls or scrambling down the side. The hooks were cast off, mast stepped, sail hoisted, and the race for the whale began.
A RACE UNDER SAIL
When the wind was favourable the approach was made under sail.
Various rigs were used: lug, spritsail, and sometimes a jib was set, all designed, however, for quick manipulation.
When sailing, the boat was steered by a rudder; at all other times by the long steering oar.
Meantime the harpooneer was busy with the whale line, running it from the tub, round the loggerhead and forward to the chocks, coiling the “box warp” and attaching his two irons.
WAIFING
When a heavy swell was running it was often impossible for the men in the boats to see the whale, so the lookout at the masthead signalled the direction by means of a flag or “waif.”