GENERAL REMARKS. 267 



of the water, and there is generally time to shorten sail by 

 tricing up the main tack and lowering the foresail, and, if a 

 yawl, the mainsail also, as the mizen is sufficient to keep the 

 boat close enough to the wind in smooth water. 



STAYING is the evolution of coming about against the wind, 

 and is performed by putting the helm down gradually and 

 slackening the jib-sheet, at the same time shifting the main- 

 sheet to the other quarter of the boat ; the jib-sheet must now 

 be hauled in a little on the weather side, until the head of the 

 boat has fallen off sufficiently to fill the sails, when the lee jib- 

 sheet is to be hauled aft and belayed. It is a great error to put 

 down the helm suddenly, as the way of the boat is thereby 

 much deadened and the power of the rudder nearly lost : in 

 fact, a boat often misses stays (particularly in a heavy swell) 

 from this cause. 



Many boats will come round without easing the jib, which is 

 an advantage. In yawls, cutters, &c., as the foresail pays off the 

 head of the boat, the jib-sheet is hauled aft in the act of staying. 



WEARING is the evolution of going round on the other tack 

 before the wind, and is performed by putting the helm up or a- 

 weather, changing your position and setting your back against 

 it to keep it so, which leaves your hands at liberty to cast off 

 the main-sheet ; this is to be hauled taut amidships until the 

 wind comes on the other quarter of the boat, when it is to be 

 eased over and made fast as before. Wearing in a strong wind 

 requires much caution in all craft, but particularly in small 

 boats, for if the mainsail be not steadied by hand, but allowed 

 to sally across from one side to the other, the boat may be 

 upset, or if a spritsail, the head of it may get over the top of 

 the mast, and cause risk and trouble to clear it. 



BELAYING THE MAIN-SHEET. The improper performance 

 of this is a fruitful source of accident, and in small boats should 

 be so managed that it may be let fly instantaneously if required. 

 The best arrangement for small craft is to introduce two 

 wooden pins through the stern or transom board of the boat, 

 one on each side ; the ends of the pins should project through 

 the inside long enough to allow of the main-sheet being passed 

 under the inside end after it has been passed under the end 



