REEFING.
Caught on a lee shore:
If it is too windy and rough to get your anchor, prepare to slip. Get the bitter end on deck and bend a buoy to it. See all clear to cast over. Haul in as much as you dare to, and bend a small line to hawser or chain. Carry this line aft to the quarter outside the rigging. When ready, slip and haul in on the small line. As soon as she swings off cut the spring.
Sailing in a seaway:
When sailing in a seaway don’t trim a boat flat. Give her a liberal lift of sheet, and sail her with a good full. Never let her lose way, as your safety depends upon always having control of her motions. Keep a close watch on the water on your weather bow, and judge how to take a wave before it strikes you.
Sailing in a seaway:
In sailing a boat in a seaway and heavy breeze amateurs are apt to make two mistakes. One to carry too much sail, the other, too little. In the first place, the boat cannot be kept full; in the second, she hasn’t sufficient drive to keep her moving. Carry as much sail as she will keep full and not bury under.
Mizzen on a yawl:
It is a mooted question among yawlsmen as to whether the mizzen is of use or not when going dead before the wind. If you can wing it—that is, get the boom on the opposite side to that of the mainboom—it is, as it makes a boat steer steadier. But if it is off on the same side as the mainsail it is doubtful if it helps the speed. I have tried the experiment repeatedly and cannot find that it makes any difference in a strong breeze; but it does help in light airs. In a strong wind the boat will do better with the mizzen stowed, is my opinion.