UNDER SEA WITH HELMET AND CAMERA 



dangerous. A feeling of mistrust in our ignition system caused us serious ap- 

 prehension, for Aquila had no sails, nor did we have any material with 

 which to construct a sea-anchor. Had the engine failed we would have 

 been in a dangerous predicament. We were really lucky in having had to 

 make repairs at Gun Key, for the delay caused us to enter the Gulf Stream 

 by daylight. Had it been dark, we could not have seen which were the 

 dangerous waves and we would not have been able to take them head on. 

 However, all went well and we made port without mishap. The shallow 

 draft and light construction of Aquila caused her to ride the waves like a 

 cork, and for that reason the seas did not break over her. We passed a 

 freight-steamer bound North and by comparison had a fine demonstration 

 of what we were passing through. She was taking clear water over her 

 bows which was pouring oif her sides as far aft as her mid-ship section. 



This experience taught us that I had outgrown Aquila and would re- 

 quire a more seaworthy yacht if I intended to continue to go off-shore. 



A few weeks after my return home the films were returned from Roch- 

 ester, The results were encouraging. The focus was good but they were 

 for the most part over-exposed. A short piece of color film showed promise 

 but the subjects could have been better chosen. I resolved to take the same 

 kind of vacation during the following year and determined to add to my 

 equipment, if possible, a camera and case for still pictures. 



C^s] 



