S6 



FOREST AND STREAM. 



[JAN. 39, 1891, 



PURITAN C. C. 



THE Mlovs^ing invitation has been sent out by tlie Puri- 

 tan C. O. "We would not surprised if it was a very 

 late hoor before tlie "drill" was "all over:" Gfreet{?(c/— Dear Sir: 

 You ai-e cordially invited to be present at the first winter Pipe and 

 Beer ISTigbt of tbe Puritan C. C at their clubhouse, 821 East Sixth 

 street. City Point, Boston, Miss., on Saturday evenine, Jan. 24, 



1891. Strictly "Stag." Old clothes. Amusement from 8 P.M. to . 



James W. CARTWRionT, Jh., Secretary. 



The following report has since been received: 



The sigliing of the wind among the bare branches of the tall 

 poplars on tlie grounds had ceased. The moon threw a soft light 

 over everytliing, being especially beautiful as one glanced sea- 

 wari1 , where wiili tbe exception of its bright glaze, it dimly lighted 

 up the bay, so that oue could see plainly points at quite a dis- 



'^ArT'old square house on the edge of tbe bay was brightly liglited, 

 and sounds of merriment could be beard issuing therefrom. 



As one drew nearer the sounds assumed a more distinct char- 

 acter, and if, as in the case of the writer, he had -'stepped on 

 Jessup's Neck, he recognized the familiar strain "Gib me, Oh gib 

 me, Oh liow I wish you would, dat water million growin' on de 



^Tt^was the first winter "Pipe and Beer Night," of the Puritan O. 

 C, given to its boating friends on Jan. 24. 



Upon entering the lower story o£ the house, the visitor was con- 

 fronted with the bright glare of numerous lanterns, by the liglit 

 of which the fleet was to be seen calmly. reposing, each upon its 

 berth. Tliere were many types of canoes, from the razor like 

 Imp to the pot-bellied Old Calamity, some hrand new, and others 

 •usty enough to look like the ancient Mayflower of the 1620 Puri- 

 tans, which noble ship has been chosen in fac-simile as the 

 totem of the club. . . r. . ■, 



But the busy hum of many vo ces m the rooms a.bove. torbade a 

 very long so.1ourn wiUi the fleet. Finding the stairway and 

 ascending to 'the upper story, one was again met with plenty of 

 light from lamps, Japanese lanterns, etc. The light was not bril- 

 liant on account of the density of the fumes of tobacco rising 

 from many pipes, and the newcomer noticed a couple of sturdy 

 canoeists busily engaged in shoveling the smoke out of the open 

 doorway. . -, . . 



Tables and chairs were conveniently scattered about, and seated 

 at tlie same or standing in groups conversing, were our confrferes 

 in our glorious sport. 



The long clay pipes, and glasses of amber tinted beer, threw one 

 hack to the times of Van Twiller and Stuyvesantin New Amster- 

 dam; but the language was not Dutch, being good plain English, 

 witli plenty of laughter to make the aged browned rafters of the 

 club-room tingi The voices sank to a low hum, at the sounds of 

 the guitars accompanying the voices of "Happy John" and his 

 companions, colored minstrels procured for the occasion. Their 

 songs etc. were well rendered to the evident enjoyment of the 

 guealJs, who numbered about sixty. 



On the table lay the keg running an almost steady stream, to 

 nueuch. the thirst of the dry canoemen, and a light lunch was pre- 

 pared for all who desired a foundation. 



As each new comer entered he was relieved of overcoat, etc, 

 and then presented to Com. Gilmore, the newly elected head of 

 the Puritan tribe, Vice-Corn. Cartwright of the Eastern Division, 

 a member of the club made every one at home and at ease as he 

 circulated among the aquaticusses assembled. 



One by one the lights went out and the room was soon dark, 

 save that the space occupied erstwhile by a door to the back room 

 of the liouse. was a brightly lighted blank. 



Once more the strains of the "Water million growin' on de 

 viue" sounded forth, and simultaneously a stereopticen picture of 

 Jessup's Neck with its array of tents, flags and other features, 

 fell upon the screen. One could almost see W. marching around in 

 his shirt-tail at the end of a long line of campers, headed by the 

 "Jag Harbor water melon band." More views of the meet were 

 shown including the three K's, Ko-ko. Kraemer, and the Ko-ko- 

 ko-ho, and to the partakers of last year's, came the solemn vow to 

 be present at next year's meet, "if it took a leg." 

 tiThe third keg was rolled in amid the tumultuous applause of 

 the now patriotic ca.noeists, and they let the eagle scream with a 



So' the evening passed, songs and reci'atioiis, and the great and 

 only "razzle-dazzle" dance hy "Bob" Webber of the Lawrence C. 

 0. and Seoietary Cartwright of the home club. 



Slowly the men withdrew in time to take the 1 A. M. horse car 

 to the city and the P. and B. night was ended by their songs as 

 they took their sheets close aboard, and luffed around the corner, 

 some having their painters hitched to safer though slower going 



''''Ttnts it is that canoeing lasts the year round and between the 

 men onrinKS that bond of good-fellowship so characteristic of our 

 ^ori. P. E. N. Pusher, MCDLXXXIV. 



PRIZE FLAGS FOR CANOE RACES. 



FOPi many years it has been the custom in the American Canoe 

 Association to confine the iirizes, other than a few trophy 

 cups, almost exclusively to silk flags, the majority of these being 

 made and presented hy members or by ladies interested in the 

 Association, or by the various clubs. Nearly all of these flags 

 are of amateur make, in fact it has been found difiicult to pro- 

 cure suitable ones in cases where part of the flags have been pur- 

 chased. Taking the A. C. A. and division races (^uite a number 

 of flags are required each year, 25 being given in the A. 0. A. 

 races of last feason. Out of the large membership of the Asso- 

 ciation there are many who are willing to make the necessary 

 number, but very few of them know just what is wanted and 

 how to go to woik to make a fl«g. As there are many among our 

 readers who have presented flags made by themselves or their 

 friends we would be glad to have from some of them directions 

 for the. work, describing the proper materials for field and trim- 

 ming, the mode of cutting and sewing, embroidering, mounting, 

 etc. Some of the old regatta committee men can perhaps tell us 

 j ust the sizes of flag that are needed for first and second prizes, 

 and if any wish to exercise their artistic tastes in preparing 

 designs for the use of those who can make the flags, but have no 

 taleiit in designing, we will be very glad to publish them. Tbe 

 present is the season for such work, and we hope to hear from 

 many who can give hints and suggestions in the matter. 



ATLANTIC DIVISION.— On Jan. 33 a minting of the executive 

 committee of the Atlantic Division was held at the fencing rooms 

 in New York, Vice-Corn. Dorland presiding. Beside the members 

 of the committee several of the ex-oflicers of the Division were 

 present by invitation of the vice-commodore. A number of mat- 

 ters connected with the Division were Oiscussed, the principal 

 one being the meet. It was decided to hold it from June 36 to July 

 6, the old gtouud camp at Chesquake CreeJt being the favorite lo- 

 cation If it can be obtained. The regatta committee presented a 

 programme of races and an appropriation was made tor the ex- 

 penses of the prizes, etc. At the same time it is dfeeired that 

 canoeists shall lurnish prize flags, as in the past, as it is difficult to 

 obtain suitable flags by purchase. The regatta committee was re- 

 quested to consider the practicability^ of organizing a Division 

 crew for a war canoe race, such as was proposed by Mr. Barney, 

 the idea being to uee one of the war canoes now owned in the 

 Division, appomting a captain of the crew, who would select his 

 crew from members of the Division at the A. O. A. meet. In con- 

 nection with this scheme it was also proposed that the Atlantic 

 Division should oS'er a prize banner, to be competed for each year 

 hy war canoes from each Division, at tbe same time challenging 

 the other Divisions. The question of increasing the membership 

 and of interesting unattached canoeists within the Division was 

 carefully discussed, and it was decided to prepare a circular to bo 

 sent throughout the Division, stating the nature and objects of the 

 A. C, A. and the manner of joining it. 



NARRAGAKSETT BOAT CLTIB.— At the annual meeting of 

 the Narragansett B. C, of Providence^ R. I., on Jan. 13, the fol- 

 lowing officers were elected: Pres., Hiram Kendall; Vice-Pres., 

 John Shepard, .Tr.; Sec'y, Chas, E. Hudson; Treas., Chas. W. 

 Rhodes; Capt., Chas. H. Gurney; Lieut., Frank A. Sheldon; Gov- 

 ernors, Jas. S. Ahorn, A. B.Flint, Jeffrey Davis; Auditor, Frank 

 Bowen. The membership of the club has been one of the largest 

 during the season of 18'JO: the easy facilities which the cable 

 tramway has offered for reaching the club house bringing a large 

 increase". The burning of the boat house on Dec. 6, 1890, cast a 

 shade of sorrow on the club, as there were a great many valuable 

 prizes in the shape of silver cupa, silken bauners, etc., which were 

 destroyed that cannot be replaced. However, a large, elegant 

 and substantial club house will be erected in the spring (if the 

 plans that the building committee have accepted are any crite- 

 rion) that will recompense in some ways for the losvS of the old 

 one. With a new boat house and present excellent accommoda- 

 tions for reaching it our nest season promises to be most prosper- 

 ous.— ChaS. E. HiiDSON,Sec'y, P. O. Box 1037, Providence, R. I. 



lANTHE O. C— The annual dinner of the lanthe C. C. was held 

 at Morello's, in New York, on Jan. 3*. Com. Lawson, Vice-Com. 

 Dorland, and eeveral other guests were preaent, In addition to a 

 jfuU attendance from tli« olub. 



CRESCENT C, C.-The annual election of the Crescent C. C, 

 of GreenviUe, N. J., was held on Jan. 14, the following officers 

 being elei^ted: Com.. Dr. O. P. Coe; Vice-Corn., Edward W- Edd- 

 inger; Sec'y, Joseph P. Greaves; Treas., Wm. H. Hillier. While 

 the club lias been pnfortunate in losing its house and a number of 

 boats by fire, its members are in no way discouraged. Plans for 

 a new house have been accepted 8.nd steps taken to begin work as 

 soon as possible. 



THE A. C. A. SUPPLEMENT.-The first supplement to ScM 

 and Paddle, containing all the A. C. A. news from the regular 

 January number, has been sent out to all A. C. A. members who 

 are not subscribers to the paper. With it is inclosed an applica- 

 tion blank, with a statement of the aims and extent of the Asso- 

 ciation, and directions for applying for membership. These sup- 

 plements will be issued through the year. 



A. C. A. MEMBERSHIP.-Eastern Division: Edward S. Gil- 

 more, Charlestovvn„Bo8ton; Lander M. Kouve, Edwin S. Webster, 

 Boston. Atlantic Division: Otis D. Goodall, Washington, D. C 

 Centrnl Division: E. W. Delano, Rochester, N. Y. 



HARTFORD C. C— The annual meeting was held Jan. 20 and 

 the following officers elected: Pres., Dr. G. L. Parmele, Treas,, W. 

 B. Davidson; Secy, P. B. Lewis; Com., J. D. Parker: Executive 

 Committee, the above officers and E. H. Crowell. 



ANOTHER CRUISE IN THE VELMA. 



ON July 3, 1890, about 10 P. M., the little cruising cutter Velma* 

 left Lynn for a trip down the coast of Maine for the third 

 consecutive year. The night was clear, with a good moon and a 

 very light air in the harbor. We intended to anchor at Nahant 

 and leave early in the morning, but an old sea was setting in upon 

 Bass Point, and we thought it would be uncomfortable to lay 

 there the first night out; so we stood around Nahant with a breath 

 of air and laid our course for Cape Ann Lights. The Lynn Y. C, 

 cruised to Essex River and were to be there on July 4. As we 

 drifted by Shag Rocks a sloop came out between them and the 

 shore, carrying a big clubtopsail. We had thought to take things 

 easv through the night and carry lower sail only, but that changed 

 our minds: so we sent up our club also. We had three men and a 

 boy for the crew, but the skipper and boy steered all night, as the 

 others did not feel just right inside. The breeze freshened quite a 

 deal and sent us along well with started sheets; we kept the 

 sloop's sail in sight until nearly daybreak, and when near Thatch- 

 er's Island Lights found we had passed her, as we kept off shore 

 and held a betl er wind. 



VVe passed Cape Ann at 4 A. M., and the sloop led us into Rock- 

 port harbor, where we got breakfast. Starting again at 8:30 we 

 went across Ipswich Bay, and entering Essex River dropped 

 anchor at 11 A. M. where the tide ran very strongly. In the after- 

 noon the steam yacht Trio came in with two boats in tow, another 

 came in later, so we had quite a fleet. Next morning we found 

 ourselves a cable's length down stream, the strong tide had 

 broken out our anchor, and we had dragged until we got into a 

 weaker current. 



We had a ciamhake and fireworks and enjoyed ourselves well 

 for a cotiple of days, leaving on Sunday morning at 11:45 in tow of 

 the Trio, She cast us off when over the bar, and we stood across 

 for Portsmouth with a light wind and set spinaker. After a while 

 we ran into L'ttle Harbor and anchored near the Wentworth at 

 nearly 6 P. M.. where we found plenty of water at all tides. In 

 the morning we drifted out past the hell buoy at 10 A. M. and 

 started down toward Portland; the wind was very light all day 

 and dropped entirely at 5 P. M.; we were then near Cape Porpoise 

 with the tide about half out, we towed into Cape Porpoise Harbor 

 easily against the tide, although the coast pilot said it ran strong, 

 but after having experience with the tide in Essex River and- also 

 the Kennebec, we thought it rather a light one. We picked up a 

 mooring which a flsherinan showed us and had a nice berth for 

 the night. » 



We started out in the morning under lower sail close hauled, 

 with a heavy breeze from S.W., made a couple of tacks and 

 shaved close by Old Prince at 7:30, and started sheets and set top- 

 sail. The wind came stronger and stronger, and the sea rose, but 

 we hung on to the topsail until the mainsheet ringbolt began to 

 draw out. The boat's painter was made fast to it, and the jerk in 

 the heavy following sea started it out, as it was not through a 

 beam as we intended to have it. Securing the ring with a lashing, 

 we took in the topsail and let her drive, passing Cape Elizabeth 

 at 10:4i, having made nine nautical miles in one hour and a half, 

 better speed than we thought the little boat capable of. 



We passed Portland Head and ran up the channel and around the 

 breakwater at noon, and beat up tovvard the yacht club and 

 anchored; quite a contrast to the year before, when we were 

 nearly four hours getting in from Portland Head near midnight 

 and in a heavy rain. Wednesday we lay at anchor and Thursday 

 we went up to Chandler's Cove and back. Ffiday one of the crew 

 left for home, and Sunday another left, leaving the skipper and 

 hoy alone. 



Monday we shipped as mate Mr. H. E. Feinemau, who had been 

 with us twice before, aud leaving Portland at 3 P. M., with a good 

 south wind, we ran up to Potts Harbor and anchored in the 

 entrance to the Basin at 5 P. M.. we were having fine weather. 

 We left early iu the morning, beating out against the tide with a 

 very light air. Coming out of Mericoneag Soimd we got a heavy 

 wind and sea, made a number of tacks to gel by Turnip Ledge, 

 and eased sheets for Cape Small Point. The sea was breaking 

 very heavily on Bald Head Ledge, we went inside and passed 

 Seguin at 8 A. M., the wind and sea were heavy until we passed 

 the Cuckolds and ran into Fisherman's Passage. In Muscongus 

 Bay we got a heavy thunder shower and hard rain, running under 

 jib" alone until the rain ceased. We passed a big ymwl with top- 

 sails aloft bound in toward Booth B&y, then the wind got very 

 pght and ahead at times; we went bv Egg Rock Beacon and 

 through Da\ns Straits and anchored at Port Clyde at 4 P. M. 



On Wednesday, July 16, we left early with a light wind, and 

 after passing Mosquito Island got a good breeze until near White 

 Head, then, with light air and calms, we drifted slowly up Muscle 

 Ridge to Ash Island, and then stood across to Brown's Head, 

 getting a good wind after a while. We went through Fox Islands 

 Throughfare with a squally wind, in company with some schooner 

 yachts, and passed Channel Rock at 4 P. M., then hauled close on 

 the wind for Mark Island, we were becalmed awhile and at last 

 anchored at Green's Landing at 7 P. M. In the morning we went 

 ashore and left the oil stove burning, it took to smoking and 

 plastered the fo'castle and part of cabin with soot, so that soap 

 and elbow-grease in abundance were required to clean things, but 

 finally we were snugged up and started out at 3:45 P. M. with very 

 light air, but caught a good breeze in Jericho Bay and went 

 through York IM arrows at 6 o'clock; then lost the wind and finally 

 picked up a mooring in Mackerel Cove, Swan's Island, at 7:40 P.M. 



In the morning it was blowing fresh, and some fishermen who 

 came iu said it was rough in Blue Hill Bay; so we close-reefed the 

 mainsail and set the small jib and beat out around Cranberry 

 Point; and after starting sheets shook otit the reefs. We passed 

 Bass Head at 10:50 and beat into Mt. Desert Passage against the 

 tide. We had a succession of calms and nice breezes in Freuch- 

 man's Bay and dropped anchor in Bar Harbor at 7:30 P.M. Uncle 

 Sam's war ships were here, and the Eastern Y. O. fleet was at 

 anchor in the Harbor. We started out next day, wind light, then 

 calm, and afterward it began to blow strong and rain heavily; we 

 had got down to the jibs and were close-hauled trying to get out 

 of the bay. At last we hove to under staysail; and finding after a 

 while that the storm gave no signs of letting up we headed across 

 to Schoodic Mountain, and running up Winter Harbor rounded 

 the point to the right and dropped anchor in Mosquito Harbor 

 near a small fishing schooner at 4:30 P. M. 



Next day we left early with a light wind, which we lost in 

 Frenchman's Bay as usual, and then some time afterward got a 

 nice hreeze, and as we passed Southwest Harbor some of the East- 

 ern Y. C. fleet came out. Bayadere and Sea Fox stood out to sea, 

 but Gitana and Chiquita went by Bass Head into Blue HtU Bay, 

 where we followed them and went through Casco Passage and 

 anchored at Green's Landing at 1 P. M. The skipper went ashore 

 to buy provisions and found the stores closed, when it dawned on 

 his mind that it was Sunday: so he soon got aboard and started 

 out at 2 P. M. A light wind was blowing in East Penobscot Bay 

 and we were close hauled for Widows Island; could just lay our 

 course and drifted along into the Thoroughfare and came to 

 anchor at North Haven at 7 P. M. just astern of Gitana. Soon it 

 rained and then cleared oiS and was fine in the night. 



We started out early next day witii a fair wind, whichheld until 

 near Andrew's Island, then drifted through Two-Bush Channel, 

 passed Two-Bush Island at 9 A. M. and stopped at Port Clyde at 

 1:15 P. M. and went ashore and stocked up with grub. Leaving at 

 3 P. M., we went to through Davis Straits with^a head wind, and 

 finding we could not lay our course for Eastern Egg Book, we went 



' *The lines of the Velma. 17ft. l.w.L, were published in the Fobkst 

 AND SXBEAM of Jan. 31, 1880, with a Cruisej the second cruise being 

 published on March 6, 1890. 



by the Red Buoy on the Keys, and with light winds went near 

 Gangway Rock and Franklin Island Light, and hauled sharp on 

 the wind for ^ew Harbor. We passed close to Crane Island and 

 the Devil's Back and Elbow, and when near Haddock Island, as 

 the wnnd was falling, we ran down by Cross lala.nd and into Marsh- 

 Harbor, where wo anchored at 7 P. M. We were well provided 

 with charts and pilots: in the daytime we sailed by the Atlantic 

 Local Coast Pilot, as the coast was described well and we were 

 able to make many harbors that we would not have ventured into 

 without its aid. In thick weather and at night we sailed by 

 Eldredge's Coast Pilot, as we knew that was corrected to date. 

 Next morning, with the tide aud a breath of air, we went by Pem- 

 aquid through Fisherman's Island Passage and outside of Seguin 

 at noon. We then had a light breeze and passed outside of Half 

 Rock at 2:50 and got to Portland Head at 5 P. M, and anchored in 

 the harbor at 6 o'clock. 



Wednesday, July 33, we left Portland in company with a sloop; 

 we beat out around Cape Eliiiabeth in a heavy wind and sea that 

 worked into a regular smoky sou'wester; we got along well until 

 near Richmond's Island, where we got it very rough. The sea 

 was very sharp and the worst the skipper was ever in, although 

 he had fished all around St. Lawrence Bay from June until Octo- 

 ber; it broke over us at times, and a sharp one filled the tender. 

 The mate was below, head and shoulders into the after looker 

 after oilskins, the skipper yelled ''Help," and the mate was on 

 deck instantly, as he never heard the skipper call for help before. 

 We hauled the tender alongside and managed to save one pair of 

 oars and the spritsail, and were afraid we should have to leave the 

 tender, as she might drag us on the rocks; but the little cutter 

 towed her along all right and the water partly ran out over the 

 stern. Soon we were able to start sheets, and ran around the 

 west point of Richmond's Island and into the haj'bor. where we 

 anchored at 3 P. M., and dried our clothes in the bright aim. We 

 w^ent ashore and crossed the island to the cliiTa and watched the 

 heavy seas break over the ledges, thankful that we had passed 

 them as well as we did. We would probably have got along better 

 to have kept further off shore. 



We sailed out in the morning with light wind which died away, 

 and then the fog shut in very thick; we drifted around and the 

 fog lilted before noon, and after passing Wood Island we got a 

 good lireeze and started sheets a little. 'vVe were at Cape Ned- 

 dick at 5 P. M., and kept on for Portsmouth, but we lost the wind, 

 it was calm for some time, and then the wind started in from the 

 sea when we were near the bell buoy. As we passed Whale's 

 Back the fog was very thick, and it was hard work to locate 

 Portsmouth Light, as the shore lights were so plenty, but steering 

 hy compass we soon h^ard the noise of the breakers on Fort Point, 

 and hauled around the light and anehoi-ed near the Newcastle 

 shore at 11:45 P, M. Soon ^^STiale's Back began to roar and kept it 

 up at times for the next two days. We lay at anchor Friday and 

 Saturday, weather wet and foggy, and the schooners came run- 

 ning in for a harbor, it was at the time of tbe cyclone at Law- 



'"^Sfttiirdav night the clouds broke away, but it was still foggy. 

 It was clear in the morning and we left early in company with 

 the cutter Milicete and a fleet of schooners. The wind was light 

 and ahead, we struck a heavy squally breeze near Rockport, 

 which died away entirely when past Thatcher's Island at about 

 2:;50 P. M„ and we towed into Gloucester in company with Vashti, 

 and anchored just below the Lighthouse wharf at 10:30 P. M. The 

 night was clear and the moon shone brightly. Next morning the 

 mate left on the cars, and the skipper and son started for Lynn. 

 A bright clear day with very little wind uutU we got to Half- Way 

 Rock, then a fair breeze took us by Nahant and into Lynn, and 

 we were at home again. VBtiSiA, 



THE MONTGOMERV SAILING CLUB. 



THIS club, which was located on the Schuylkill River at Nor- 

 ristown. Pa., not far from Philadelphia, has lately disbanded 

 after four seasons of very good racing, on account of internal dis- 

 sensions. In spite of natural disadvantages from the narrow 

 liver and the squally^ winds, the club has been quite prosperous, 

 a number of races being sailed each year with good entries, the 

 fleet comprising various small craft, such as tuck-ups, duckers 

 and canoes. The usual difficulties of handicapping a mixed fleet 

 had been very fairly met , and the racing was established on a very 

 satisfactory basis in this respect, which makes it all the more to 

 be regretted that good spnrt has been spoiled by lack of harmony. 

 So far as we are aware, the main source of the trouble lies in the 

 fact that the race committee was composed of men directly inter- 

 ested in the competing b lats. While this is sometimes a necessity 

 in small clubs, the active memhers being all racing men, it is 

 very undesirahle, as it is an exceedingly difficult matter tor any 

 man. however fair he may be, to give an impartial opinion in a 

 case in which he is personally interested. We would advise the 

 parlies in the present case to adjust their ditTerences if possible 

 and reorganize the club with a race committee composed entirely 

 of non-racing and disinterested men, at the satne time overhaul- 

 ing their rules if necessary iu order to avoid any new disputes. 

 SiKjh a course will be more satisfactory in the end than to aban- 

 don all racing. The following report of the dissolution of the 

 club which we have been compelled to shorten somewhat, was 

 furnished by the secretary: ■ ^ ■ u too- 



The Montgomery Sailing Club was organized in March, IShv, 

 and the racing during the past four years has been very spirited. 

 Canoes duckers, tuckups and hikers raced m one class under a 

 handicap rule. Slight changes have been made at the beginning 

 of each racing season; but the allowances have been practically 

 the same throughout the four seasons, although b^sed on differ- 

 ent rules at diiferent times. The handicaps for the last two .sea- 

 sous have been based on sail area, the value of sail being com- 

 puted at 3 seconds per square foot per mile. 



At the beginning ot the season of 1890 it was decided to hold 

 thirteen races, the best ten races of each boat to count for the 

 championship. The winner of each race received 10 points, the 

 last boat one point, and the others acording to the order in which 

 thev finished. The summaries of several of the earlier races 

 were published in the Fokbstand Stream. Everything went 

 smoothly until the ninth race, which was started on Aug. 10 at 

 1-30 P. M., the first half to windward, 



'The smaller hoats, which were given their time at the start, 

 were haa'dly away before a very severe storm swept down the 



^'iTour tuckups aud one sharpie (Stranger), 15ft. boats, with cat 

 rigs IBSft, area, were hovering about the line with full sail set. 

 Soine of the captains were hailing members of the race committee 

 in an endeavor to have the race postponed. Finally Com. Mac- 

 Allister, captain of the Stranger, made a signal indicating his de- 

 cision that it should be a go. The starter displayed his signal and 

 the boats were off like greyhounds. By the time that the leaders 

 had made a couple of tacks heavy black clouds were looming up 

 in the west, and soon the rain poured in torrents, accompanied by 

 flashes of lightning aud piercing crashes of thunder exceeding 

 anything thai nas been experienced in this locality for many 

 years. The wind increased to a gale, and every one of the boats 

 ran ashore and dropped sail. The storm soon passed over, and 

 was succeeded by a light breeze, Wltat were the racers to do? 



Every boat had been brought to a standstill by stress ot weather, 

 and the crews had landed and taken refuge in boat houses along 

 the shore. There was no agreement among the contestants to 

 auit The commodore, being a contestant in the race and a mem- 

 tier "of the race committee, did not call the race off. In this 

 dilemma. Captain Ritter, of the tuckup Volunteer, approached 

 the commodore and asked how about the race? The commodore 

 answered, "We vrtil sail it off next week." The boats then made 

 sail aud ran home. No one proposed finishing the race at the 

 time Afterward several parlies claimed that they thought the 

 race 'was lost, and that they knew nothing of what the commo- 

 dore had decided in regard to it. As will be seen later on, the 

 question as to whether tbe Commodore had the right to say that 

 It would be sailed off, was one of the most important questions 

 'the club was ever called upon to decide. ^ ^, . ^. 



The number of points to the credit of each boat up to thia time 

 was as follows: Nellie, 58.93; Stranger, .53,81; Igidious. 49.83; Volun- 

 teer 44 93- J. S. Lever, 33.89; VesuviU'j, 38.5 i. etc. Volunteer had 

 been sailed in three races by her owner, £'red Whitman, and on 

 one occasion she had stopped to pick up the crew of a capsized 

 boat and thereby lost her position in the race. She did not start 

 in one race, so that she had but six r:ices to her credit, in one of 

 which she received but one point, while the other leading boats 

 had seven races each to their credit, Geo. W. Ritter, one of the 

 best sailors in the club, had given up sailing his canoe after the 

 first three races, and had taken the Volunteer for the balance of 

 the season. He had sailed her in tbe last three races and scored 

 ''S 71 points, which was more than any other boat had scored in the 

 same races. It was therefore evident that, barring accident, the 

 final struo-<''le for the championship would be between the Nellie 

 and Volunteer. The race days bad been fixed at the beginning of 

 the season. 13 races and no more, and 10 races to count for the 



'^^T^he'race^'t^ Aug. 3 had been lost through lack of wind, so that 

 the Volunteer had already lost two races, and had one record of 

 i point which she wished to throw away in making up her record 

 for the season. To do this she had to make every race during the 

 halanoe of the season, Tbe Nellie, Stranger and iKidigus had each 

 7 raoeB to their credil, and could tnerefore afford to loae two rae«i9 



