These small yachts afford an admirable school ... which will do more for the real sport of yacht-racing than anything else. A man who can sail a 1- or a ½-rater will never be out of place in a larger ship, or become a mere passenger, for he won't race a small boat unless he loves the sport.
At Bembridge the club has a slipway and cradle, and members can haul up their boats at any time, either for repairs or drying, at no cost. This is a great boon to a small boat-owner.
There are generally about forty races each season, of from 5 to 10 knot course. The starting is by semaphore, and recalls are effected by blowing a fog-horn to attract attention and then exposing the boat's racing flag painted on zinc ... thus doing away with cards and enabling post entries.
The harbour, capable of much improvement, is in the hands of a ... company....
There are two good boat-builders, a good sail-maker, and a ship-chandler.
Tides run very slack, and the railway station, telegraph office, steamboat pier, and first-class hotel are all within fifty yards.
Classes for 2½-raters and deep draught 1-raters have now (1892) been started, and will race outside....
Further details concerning this excellent and flourishing Club will be found in table on p. 286.
CLASS RACING, 1890
may be described in the words fives and two-point fives. 'Dis' and 'Decima' were sold and went away, the 10-R. class collapsed, and the ones and halves were only talked about, not built. The 5-rating class was thoroughly started this year, and a boat which devoured the cakes for two seasons was launched in the 2½-rating class.