It is not here intended to cast too deep a slur on the cat-boats; seeing that the wind and weather are so generally moderate and dependable on our coast, cruising can safely be done in a cat of moderate rig. Even in heavy weather, if properly handled, a cat is sure to come in to port with flying colours, as the writer can attest by his own experience.
There are several other types of boats seen on the Atlantic coast of the United States and British Provinces; they vary in design of hull as well as in the rig, and are adapted to the work required and the surrounding condition of weather and water. They are mostly modifications of the old pirogue, and as a rule are more used in trade or some occupation than for pleasure.
Since yacht and boat racing began, there have been many different plans suggested for measurement, and for allowance between contending craft of different length.
The same questions still agitate the mind of the yachtsman, and doubtless will for all time; but if the subject be wisely considered, it will be found that that system of measurement that conduces to the best form of hull and moderate-sized sail-spread is to be preferred.
It is mainly owing to the differing systems of measurement that the English and American designs are so widely separated; extreme depth with a minimum breadth in the first, and broad, shallow vessels in the latter. It must be said, however, that sailing conditions had quite as much influence in dividing the types as measurement, but in the new compromise design all differences are happily united, and, be the water rough or smooth, the weather light or heavy, the new types will answer all requirements of speed or seaworthiness.
The present idea of measurement that embraces sail-area and length is without question a very sensible one—surely, indeed, the best yet devised—but the tables of allowance cannot make just equality between vessels of widely different size, nor do they make just allowance between yachts of varying size in or under all conditions of wind. A system of measurement that will conduce to the construction of vessels of normal design and rig, and a table of allowance that will equalise yachts in any force of wind and condition of sea, are desiderata most devoutly wished for by all who are interested in the development of the yacht, and especially in racing. The sail of a yacht is such an essential factor in its performance that some words respecting makers of duck and of the sails themselves are not out of place.
The quality of duck as to evenness of the spinning and weaving of the component yarns, and also the equality in the staple itself, are both factors of the utmost importance when the ultimate 'set' of the sail is considered. These inequalities in material, in conjunction with the personal differences of the men employed in sewing, all combine to make the set of the sail a very unknown quantity, and the differences can be removed only by the utmost care in making duck and in selection of sewers. A wholly satisfactory setting sail is a very rare sight on an American yacht, mainly on account of the uncertain characteristics of the duck, and only within the last year, as a result of the highly commendable efforts of Mr. Adrian Wilson, of the firm of Wilson & Silsby, sailmakers of Boston, has duck been produced that can stand comparison with that made in England for the exclusive use of Lapthorn. The thanks of all earnest yachtsmen are due to Mr. Wilson for his interest and untiring labours in inducing the makers of yarn and weavers of duck to produce an article that will meet the difficult requirements of a racing sail.
Wilson & Silsby of Boston and John Sawyer & Co. of New York are considered the best sailmakers in America; but many others enjoy a good reputation: and now that really good duck can be obtained, it is hoped that better setting sails will be more easily obtained than heretofore.
