CAT-BOAT.
Boat-sailing is attended with far less hazard than is at first generally supposed. When proper care is taken, this refreshing sport affords more real enjoyment than almost any other amusement. It imparts strength, vigor, and health, and is in every respect a prudent exercise. And when we consider how little study and practice it takes to attain the necessary skill to handle a boat with safety, we wonder that there are not more sailing-masters among the young people.
There are two classes of small boats, depending upon their respective rigs, in most common use in harbors, rivers, and lakes—cat-boats and sloops; the former carrying but one sail, secured to a mast placed forward in the "eyes" of the boat, while the latter has a jib in addition to the mainsail. These types are shown in the cuts, but often other sails are used, particularly in racing, and when a good deal of speed is desired. We will deal with the simplest forms, and shall describe the sloop rig—one used quite as often as any other—bearing in mind that the principles of true seamanship apply equally to all boats. The first step is to acquaint one's self with the spars, sails, rigging, and a few terms. By reference to the diagram we find represented—
m m, the mainmast, which is encircled by a number of hoops, to which the mainsail (A) is secured. These hoops enable you to freely hoist the sail.
b b, the bowsprit, which supports the mainmast by means of the jibstay (s s), which leads to the mainmast head, and on which the jib (B) is hoisted.
o o, the boom, which extends the foot of the mainsail.
g g, the gaff, which extends the head of the mainsail.
y, the bobstay, an extension of the jibstay, and the chief support of the spars.
r r, the shrouds, which help to sustain the mast.
