214 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[April 5, 1888- 



S-oo&c^n U 1*86 



Stack* t.f. ItSS 



MIDSHIP SECTIONS OF REPRESENTATIVE SCHOONERS 1850 TO 1888. 



organs of a meeting of the new Division at which it shall proceed 

 to elect officers. 



Article VII.— To aid to the article describing the duties of 

 Commodore the words; "He shall in October appoint a committee 

 to audit the Secretary-Treasurer's accounts. He shall appoint 

 such other committees as may he necessary to assist in his 

 duties." 



Article VIII.— To add to the article describing the duties of 

 Vice-Comrnoaore the words: "He shall in October appoint com- 

 mittees to audit the Parser's account. The Vice-Commodore 

 shall appoint such other committees as may be necessary to assist 

 in their duties." R, W. Gibson, Com. A. C. A. 



TUCKUPS, DUCKERS AND CANOES. 



Editor Foi-est and Stream: 



In your issue of March 8 I noticed a eo-n'uuuieation signed 

 "Squid," and replies thereto in issue of March 2'J by "Veritas" 

 and "Twinesharp," respectively. 



It appears to me that the "bone of contention," as it were, lies 

 in the fact that hikers, tuckups, ducknrs, canoes and rowboats 

 are permitted to sail in one and the same race, under Lhe rules of 

 the Montgomery Sailing Club. This rule will not give universal 

 satisfaction, as the Schuylkill River is in places only about 

 203 vds. wide, perhaps even less, aad sho lid all the boats enter a 

 race there would hot be room for the flifteau or twenty boats to 

 tack about in the narrow stream, and the result will be unavoid- 

 able collisions and consequent dissatisfaction. 



It is a fact the tuckups (vve have about a dozen) would prefer a 

 class of themselves, while lhe smaller boats (about six or seven, 

 could also have a separate race. This would give each class more 

 room and admit of huudling the boats to better advantage. 



I do not agree with "Twinesharp" when be says a tuckup can 

 sail five mile-; to a canoe's t.vo, but I do think he is right in say- 

 ing the two boats should not race together as a class. 



As we are in a posit ; on to be progressive it seems like retro- 

 grading, when, instead of classing the boats, they are thrown to- 

 gether in one race, irrespective of size or sailing abilities. 



Again, referring to "'Twinesharp's" article. I trust the Oracle will 

 accept the implied challenge, as it would give the Gracie a chance 

 to establish for herself a bona fide re nutation, on even or ntarly 

 even terms. This, I think, would prove more satisfactory than 

 defeating a tuckup by means of a time allowance. 



Nobristown, Pa. A. B. Parkkk. 



Editor Forest and Stream: 



Not caring to take up valuable space in a discussion as to the 

 relative merits of canoe and tuckup, I would nevertheless like a 

 chance to defend myself. The statement ascribed to me in your 

 last issue, is one that would have been mafe only by the veriest 

 tyro in boating matters. I hardly think "Veritas" kno ws me, he 

 must mean some other fellow. If, however, he really does, let 

 him drop me a note and I will explain what really was said, which 

 is entirely different from the foregoing statement, and alsa make 

 him a proposition. Squid. 



Philadelphia, Pa. 



[We will forward any letters addressed to "Squid."] 



BRITISH CANOEING IN 1888. 



THE Royal Canoe Club has just issued its programme of races, 

 camps, and cruises for 1888, and thereby foreshadows a busy 

 year for the club, and plenty of sport and pastime for those who 

 enjoy canoeing. The chief events are so giouped as to permit 

 members to enjoy the whole of the events of the club at diffeient 

 places without a clash beetwen different classes. 



The first group is racing on the Tbames at Teddington: April 

 21, paddling Canadian canoes and sailing (second class); April 28, 

 paddling tandems and four-paddle scratch race. 



The second group is sailing races at Hendon Lake: May 19, 

 first class, second e'ass, and Canadian class; May 21, first and 

 second class; May 26, first and second class maneuvering race: 

 June 2, special sailing race (all clashes); June 9, first class and 

 second class races; June 10, 3 p. m., £50 challenge cup race. 



A camp will also be held at the Lake from June 19 to 22, with 

 scratch racing. After the Hendon sailing the cauoes will be 

 carted to the Thames, and a party will be formed to visit the 

 Bourne End Regatta and camp, June 25 and following days. 



The third group of R. C. C. races is at Teddington, commencing 

 with camp from July 7 to 16: On the 10th, 11th, and 13th there are 

 paddling races, sailing races, cruiser races, and camping compe- 

 titions. In these every kind of canoe has its race, and it is ex- 

 pected that some instructive competitions will take place, especi- 

 ally in the race on the 13th, where caaoe yawls and Mersey sail- 

 ing canoes may compete with the smaller regulation canoes. On 

 July 11, from 11 a.m. till 6 p.m., the regatta takes place on Ted- 

 dington Reach, with twelve races, including sailing, paddling, 

 mixed races, capsize sailing race, Canadian paddling, fours, and 

 tandems. 



In order that prizes may be more freely distributed among the 

 competing craft in sailing, it has been made a rule for the season 

 that any competitor who has been at any time challenge cup 

 holder, is only to take a senior flag if he comes in first, the prizes 

 going to the next in order. This also is the case in paddling as 

 to two races. 



The novelties introduced to bring out cruising qualities in the 

 boats, and expert handling in the men, are to be found in the fol- 

 lowing races: 



The maneuvering, or man overboard race, in which all! the 

 competitors, at a given signal, while sailing on the course, have 

 to heave overboard a half paddle, and, under sail, maneuver so 

 as to pick up the paddle and then continue the course. 



The cruiser paddling race, in which each canoe is to have on 

 board all her outfit of spars, sails, gear, center-plate and rudder, 



and 001b. weight, representing an ordinary load of cruising 

 stores. 



The two-man crew sailing race, which, of course, insures the 

 canoe being of good bulk and stability, and not a mere racing 

 machine. 



The capsize sailiug race, in which, at a signal while sailing the 

 course, each canoe is to be capsized, with its sail up, till the 

 mast head flag touches the water; then the sail can be lowered 

 and the canoe righted by the skipper uuaided, and the course 

 sailed out. The capsize race is the most i nportant of all. A cap- 

 size may happen to any man in any course; and for boat and 

 man to survive a capsize, it is necessary that both should be pre- 

 viously prepared for such work. For instance, a canoe without 

 bulkheads stands but a poor chance even ot floating, let alone of 

 being manageable when full of water; whereas, a canoe properly 

 fitted with true watertight bulkheads or cases, not only will not 

 sink, but takes in so little water as to bs perfectly manageable 

 alter a capsize. So also as to the man, practice is all that is 

 wanted, and the expert, even if capsized unexnectedly by a squall, 

 seldom gets wet above his ankles, and Is soon sailing again. 



No special appliances will be allowed, suci as covering in the 

 canoe, all but a small watertight " bucket" well, which can be 

 emptied out as soon as cauoe is uurighted; but the ordinary or 

 standing construction of the canoe, comp ■tible, in the opinion of 

 the commitfe, with ordinary cruising requirements, will of 

 course, be allowed, the object oeing to induce perfection in the 

 "lifeboat" qualities of the canoe. 



The camping competition is in regard to the most perfect 

 camping equipment, which can be properly stowed and carried 

 in a caaoe; and the subject is judged boMi as to the "kit," its 

 stowage, and the craft in which the cruise is to be taken. 



Last season showed a considerabe increase iri fie entries, es- 

 pecially in the sailing races; and if we rightly judge from the 

 barometer of new craft building, the buying and selling of old 

 cracks, and the refitting of those which have not changed bunds, 

 aud not forgetting the "talked of" new craft, the 1888 season 

 ought indeed to be a good one on all sides. That the prizes are 

 uot destined to one or two particular lockei-s— as to often used 

 to be the ca:e— is now beiDg generally admitted; indeed, the 

 canops are coming more to a common level of excellence, and 

 the men, especially the young hands, are constantly improving 

 by practice and experience, and thereby meet the old hands on a 

 more even footing. Constant and careful practicing in the canoe 

 is a sine qua non to success in canoe sailinsr. A novice at shoot- 

 ing, swimming, bicycling, steepiechasing, polo, and other sports 

 does not dream of winniug at first trial; b it we have witnessed 

 mauv a "canoeing" novice throw up the sport and return to 

 obscurity, simply because the canoe he had bought— and which 

 had won prizes before— d'd not carry him iu to win. 



On the whole, with an autumn crirse tacked on the very full 

 programme, the Ro> T al Canoe Club would appear to be entering 

 on a prosperous season.— London Field. 



AN AMATEUR'S EXPERIENCE. 



Editor Forest and Stream: 



Having been very busy for the last few weeks I have not an- 

 swered " Meniere's " letter. Before I go any further, however, 

 I should like to ask "Idlemere" whether the criticism of my 

 views were given because I agreed with "Deja" in that one 

 point. 



Perhaps I might better have said canoe buildhig is beyond the 

 skill of the average amateur carpenters. I have no doubt but 

 that a great many canoes have been built by amateur carpenters 

 which were a credit t<> them, but it is nonsense to say they were 

 superior (or ever equal) to a professional builder's v. oik. 1 think 

 it is a good plan to build a canoe yourself rather than be deprived 

 of the pleasures of canoeing. I have in mind now a boat which 

 was built by a gentleman who was skilled in the use of tools— in 

 fact was one of the finest cabinet makers I ever saw. Last winter 

 be built a boat which in the workmanship was perfect, but not 

 knowing the proper way to cut and lay his strakes, she did not 

 hold her shape, and for that reason was rather cranky. Still by 

 weighting her down she sailed on all poiuts very nicely. Re 

 would have made her perfect I think, had he known what " Canoe 

 andjBoat Building" could have taught him. I am not entirely un- 

 acquainted with the use of tools, and might say I have always 

 made my own spars, paddles &c , but will confess that building a 

 first class canoe hull is far beyond me. I might if I had all the 

 tools, time, material and room I needed, make a fairly good boat, 

 but I hardly think I would have egotism enough to place it by the 

 side of Joyner, Bradley, Everson or other good builders, and say: 

 "See how superior m all respects my work is to yours, audi got 

 it all out of a book, too." If we all went on that principle, I'm 

 afraid that at anything the more we studied and practiced, the 

 less we would know. I like a canoe with slight deadrise better 

 than I do one perfectly flat. In "Idlmere's" first question he asks 

 "why a canoe with considerable deadrise is better for such 

 work?" 



In my other letter I say nothing about "considerable deadrise." 

 I said a "reasonable amount of deadrise." There is a vast differ- 

 ence, in the first place a canoe of that description will turn a 

 great deal easier. Secondly— She will not stick on the rocks, 

 because Che bottom not being a right angle from the keel, there 

 is more tendency to slip off than there is in a flat canoe. This can 

 be increased by heeling on the opposite side. If you do uot be- 

 lieve this get in a flat-bottomed canoe, run on a snag or reck, and 

 see what trouble you will have in getting off. I remember one 

 time while fishing iu a lake in Cortland county (one of the Fulton 

 Chain), I ran on a snag with a wide, flat-bottomed boat. I worked 

 for some time to get. off, but as I could not touch bottom with my 

 oar I just kept swinging around. I ended by stripping and going 

 into the water. Thimly— I do not think a canoe of that descrip- 

 tion will heel any easier than a flat one. If it does it is merely 

 nominal. I have not noticed it. 



"idlemere's" fourth question is asked in such a way it is hard to 



answer. I know so little about drafting that I cannot explain . 

 It looks to me as though a flat canoe would draw less water than 

 one with slight deadrise. In my experience it did not. I should 

 say that my last canoe, drew Mm. less than my flat on e. 



This is only the experience of one person. I do not give it as the 

 experience a whole army of canoeists, but I can but think that a 

 great many will agree with me. Gracie L. 



Binghamton, N. Y., March 22. 



PHILADELPHIA C. C— The annual meeting of the Philadel- 

 phia C. C. wa3 held March 2o, 1883, officers elected as follows: 

 Com., Sam'l H. IvrkpatrieK, A. C. A.; Vije-Co-n., W. Howard 

 Falkm r, A. C. A.; Parser, Dr. Thonuson S Westcott, A. C. A. 

 These officers togetaer with SamT J. Creswell, Jr., A. C. A., and 

 Francis Thibault form the Board of Directors for the year. The 

 club is thoroughly prepared to enter upon the euj oyment of its 

 new quarters. Several new canoes have b33u alJjd to the fleet. 

 — T. S. VV. 



SING SING B. C— The following officers were elected on March 

 5: Com., tien. Ralph Brandreth; Vice-Corn., Win. W.Washburn; 

 Sec'y, Win. Henry Rowe; Treas.. Joseph Thompson. This club 

 was organized last October and now has £3 active members. It 

 hai rented a large boathouse to accommodate canoes, shelis and 

 small rowboats; the yachts and larger boats anchor off the club 

 house in ten feet of water. The club is in a very prosperous con- 

 dition and expects to have great snort ti e coming season. 



ATLANTIC DIVISION MEET.— The date of the meet has been 

 referred to the Executive Committee subject to the approval of 

 Com. Gi"Son. Two dates have been proposed, June 30 to July 7, 

 and July 14 lo 27, or tnereabcuts. 



A. C. A. MEM75ERSHIP.— Eastern Division .-B. P. Cheney, Jr., 

 C. P. Cheney, Rooert Soutcer, of We Je.,ljy, Mass.; H. S. Haskell, 

 Derby Line, Vt. 



fitchling. 



SEA FOX. 



"TT is always the unexpected that happens," but though the 

 -L probable change of t ie great single-stickers has been fre- 

 quently discusse. , the man would have been laughed at who last 

 summer would have foretold the change which has taken plat e 

 with the opening ef the present season. When the last sea.-on 

 (dosed nothing seemed more improbable than that the first class 

 would be practically abandoned, and further that we should wit- 

 ness a strong revival of schooner racing; but that is exactly the 

 situation at the present time. The positive declaration is made 

 that Volunteer will not lace this yoai , Mayflower is likely not to 

 do so, Priscilla has changed owners aud ngs, and the only possi- 



Body Plan or "Sea Fox." 



ble entries in the class will he Mayflower, PurPan and Atlantic. 

 Under these circumstances there is very little likelihood of much 

 sport, and unless some obliging Briton with more valor than dis- 

 cietJon comes into the lists with a 90-footer, with model and di- 

 mensions duly certified and registered iu good time, it is apt to be 

 many a year before such another quintet comes to the line as 

 raced last season. The lovers of show races need not mourn on 

 this account, however, for though the excitement of an inter- 

 national contest is this year debarred them, there will be spread 

 just as many acres of canvas, on just as many miles of mast and 

 spinaker boom, as in the last three seasons. 



To the true racing man mera size is of little account compared 

 with the even matching and skillful handling of the boats; a 

 closely fought race of canoes or 20ft. boats is far more exciting 

 than the average drifting match of the largest classes, but the 

 majority of men who take an interest in yachting look tirst at the 



