FOREST AND STREAM, 
808 
95- 
50 
45 
, bled into the skiff and started after the eelpots. We re- 
ceived a thorough drenching asNve landed in the surf, but 
we didn't mind that much. After gathering the eelpots 
together we carried them to the skiff. We had to make 
two or three attempts before we managed to get through 
the breakers again and headed for the sloop. It was a 
hard row, but we finally reached her all right. 
After making the skiff fast we proceeded to get under 
way. It took fully twenty minutes of the hardest kind of 
work to get the sloop up to her anchor. Every time she 
dove into a wave a perfect deluge would come aboard 
and we would receive the full benefit of it. When we 
were nearly ready to break out her anchor we hoisted our 
double reefed mainsail, then all hands manned the wind- 
lass, and after nearly breaking our backs we managed to 
start the anchor out of the sand. Sam hoisted the jib 
(which we had reefed) and George and I hustled the cable 
aboard as quickly as we could. 
The wind and tide were now taking us astern at the 
rate of three or four miles an hour. Hurrying to the til- 
ler Sam tried to put her on the starboard tack, but in vain, 
as she insisted on going on the port tack. This was un- 
fortunate for us, as it compelled us to head her for the 
shore, and we were already close enough as it was. Giv- 
ing her a good full, Sam ran her within about 150yds. of 
the shore; then, after shoving the tiller down, the sloop 
same slowly up into the wind, where she stayed for an in- 
tant and, in spite of all we could do, she swung back on 
hp port tack again. How to account for this strange 
ction was a puzzle. However, there waa no time to be 
35 50 25 To — — 
MYTH Sail Plan. 
spent in wondering idleness; what was to be done must 
be done quickly, or the Guiding Star would be in the 
breakers. 
This was one of the many occasions on which I have 
seen Sam demonstrate his ability to handle a boat under 
all conditions. As a small boat handler, I never have seen 
his equal. If his superior in this respect exists, I would go 
a long distance to see him. He displayed not the least ex- 
citement or nervousness as he headed the sloop for the shore 
once more. "Go forward, George," he said, "and when 
we come about wait until I give the word, then shove the 
j ib as far to windward as you can. Don't touch it, though, 
until I give the word." 
It seemed certain that we would go ashore before Sam's 
cry of "hard-a-lee!" broke out; then, as he shoved the til- 
ler hard down and the sloop swung sluggishly into the 
wind, we experienced an anxious moment. Slowly, 
slowly her bowsprit pointed up into the eye of the wind, 
then, when she seemed almost to stand still, Sam called 
out: "To windward with your jib— quick!" The word 
was given and the order obeyed exactly at the right time, 
for she slowly paid off on the starboard tack and we soon 
had the satisfaction of seeing the breakers slipping away 
astern. 
We now discovered the cause of the sloop's strange 
actions in coming about. The anchor had gotten away 
and 6 or 8ft. of cable had run out, thus allowing the 
anchor to drop that distance below the surface, and caus- 
ing the boat to act sluggishly in stays. 
It was one of the hardest thrashes to windward, cross- 
is 
ing the Sound that morning, that I have ever enjoyed 
taking part in. The green waves with their white crests 
gave us a battle royal before we finally anchored at our 
old berth in Indian Harbor. 
It has been my good fortune to take part in many sails 
and cruises on the Sound, bat for spice and excitement 
this J une dash on the oyster sloop Guiding Star shines 
forth from memory's treasure store as one of its brightest 
gems. 
Sam's appetite for eels, however, was unsatiated, for 
when we examined the eelpots we found we had caught 
but one eel, and it was no larger than an overgrown 
angleworm. - William H. Avis. 
Model Yachting. 
The annual meeting of the American Model Y. C. was held on ADri 
3 at the club rooms, 227 Fulton street, Brooklyn, N. Y. The following 
officers were unanimously elected: Com., James H. Lane; Vice-Com 
Cornelius Van Ness; Sec'y, Geo. F. Pigott; Treas., Oeo. W. Townlev"- 
Meas., Frank Nichols. Com. Lane appoinfed the following regatta 
committee: Frank Nichols, chairman; Geo. E Davis and T R Good 
nl^y trustees- James H. Lane, three years; W. W. Beebe, two'years- 
Capt. W. H. Hooker, one year. jrain 
A challenge from the Wave Crest M. Y. C. for the American M Y C 
perpetual challenge trophy was announced by the secretary, creating 
• quite a furore. It was found that the accompanying vouchers were all 
correct. The club has thirty days from the date of receipt of chal- 
lenge to decide, and will probably accept within that time. The inter- 
val will be occupied by trial races to select a yacht to defend the 
W y ;u the name of yacht and owner being sent to the challenging 
w»u« n Th ? Da wV f t^^ging yacht if Ripple, owned by Wm g 
Wallen L. w.l. 43in. This race and one for the Outing cup will make 
things lively this season for model yachting. ^ v 
