142 FISHERMEN OF THE UNITED STATES. 



is used to spread the sails to the wind. The most common one of these is " winging them out," 

 which is done by having the mainsail and main-gafi" topsail on one side and the foresail on the 

 other, with their sheets slackened well off, so that the sails are nearly at right angles with the 

 direction of the vessel, and in such a position as to receive the greatest amount of pressure from the 

 wind. When running "winged" the main jib is generally hauled down, and sometimes also the 

 other jib or jibs. It is useless at this time to set the staysail in its proper place, and when the 

 winds are moderate it is therefore frequently set to leeward opposite the foresail, and in such a 

 manner that it catches the wind which passes through between the mainsail and foresail, adding 

 materially to the speed of the vessel. This method of setting it is called "scandalizing the staysail." 

 The rate of speed attained by vessels with their sails "winged out" is nearly the same as with 

 the wind "on the quarter." Sail may be carried thus for a long time, but it is not customary to 

 do so, because it is difficult to take in sails during strong winds when they are "winged out." A 

 vessel will sail under double-reefed mainsail and foresail "winged out" when, with the wind on 

 her quarter, she would be running under the same sails with the jib up. Much caution and judg- 

 ment is needed in sailing with a freshening wind astern. Headstrong skippers have carried whole 

 sails in this manner when the wind was blowing a gale. Serious damage has sometimes resulted 

 as a consequence. 



54. MANAGEMENT OF DISABLED VESSELS. 



In the chapter on disasters the injuries to which fishing vessels are liable have been fully dis- 

 cussed. Each kind of injury is repaired in its own way. There are, however, certain kinds which 

 are repaired in a peculiar manner, requiring special skill and daring on the part of the fisher- 

 men. A few of the most prominent of these will be mentioned: (a) Management of vessels which 

 have lost their spars. (6) Repairing damages to the rigging, (c) Repairing or improvising of sails. 

 (d) Repairing or improvising rudder, (e) Repairing leaks. (/) Righting vessels which have been 

 knocked down, (g) Repairs of boats. 



Management of vessels which have lost their spars. — When the topmast is earned 

 away, generally no attempt is made to supply another at sea, although in some cases it is fitted 

 anew and replaced. 



The main boom, if carried away, is generally " fished" by means of an improvised apparatus, 

 which can usually be made to answer every purpose. 



In the case of losing a flying-jib boom attempts are rarely made to repair it at sea, as most 

 of the fishing vessels can do without it. 



The fore boom and the fore and main gaff are frequently " fished" or repaired in such a man- 

 ner when broken that they will answer until new ones can be obtained. 



When the foremast is carried away or broken, a purchase is usually taken from the mainmast 

 head and hooked into the eye or to the upper end of the jib stay, and hauled taut, so that the 

 mainmast may receive support, and at the same time the jil> may be set on the stay. By this 

 means the vessel is enabled to sail under her jib and mainsail, and perhaps with the staysail set 

 between the masts, as well. This arrangement is feasible when the mast is broken but a short 

 distance above the deck. When, however, it is broken near the cross-trees the jib-stay may be 

 placed on the foremast, and a reefed foresail and a jib with the bonnet out may be set instead of 

 the sail as already described. 



