' Gided to have her stai-t at once, as laying up in Boston 
I meant nttmg Out there in the spring, and then pracd- 
caiiy dom.g die vvorK over again when she got here; be- 
i' sides, we wanted the t.me tnis winter lo pat m a new 
engnie, have new sails made, etc. 
(Jn Nov 12, writer met Capt, Sterling in Boston, and 
spent the remainder ot the clay looking up a hand, pro- 
visioning the yacht, etc. Ear.y Tuesday morning went 
to Lawiey's yard oft which Kathleen was moored, and 
found ihe captain had secured a crew from ""Sailortown" 
and was impatient to be off on the long sail to the Cape. 
The follow ng account of her trip was related to the 
writer, and her ow'tner, Mr. Jas. H. Hutchens, of this city, 
by the skipper. Capt. Fred Sterling, at a dinner given him 
after arrival at Travers Island. 
At 10:30 A. M. she started in a fine west breeze with 
single reef in mainsail, jib and mizzen. Passed Boston 
light at noon, weather clear and cool. Qu'te a little jump 
on outside, but Kathleen made good weather of it and 
gave promise of ereat stabiii y. At 4 o'c'ock in the after- 
noon wind changed to southwest and began to blow hard, 
so they double reefed mainsail and hauled on the wind 
for Provincetown, as weather looked too stormy for a 
beat down the Cape. Arrived at anchorage in Province- 
town at 10 P. M 
Nov. 14. — Early in the morning the wind changed 
back to west and b!ew hard from that quarter all day, 
wh le the Weather Bureau reported heavy winds likely 
for a day or two. They had no dinghy along, wdiich made 
it difficult to get ashore, but final^'^ an accommodating 
fisherman coming in from outside put the captain on the 
beach. 
Nov. 15 was a repetition of the day before, with a slight 
Variation in the wind to west southwest, but still blow.ng 
too hard to go outside. 
Nov. 16 was similiar to the two preceding days, except 
the wind goi round to northwest and blew a gale. This 
compulsory wait of three whole days so soon after start- 
ing was very discouraging, but only shows what may be 
looked for at this season. 
! Nov. 17. — Soon after midn'ght the wind decreased to 
such an extent it was thought adv'sable to start, the sky 
looking well, so at 2 A. M, they sailed, wind northwest 
I and moderating fast. It was an easy reach all day down 
the Cape in a light breeze, until about g P. M., at which 
time when of? Crossrip Lightship, the wind hauled to 
west southwest and rapidly incresaed, so that it was neces- 
I sary to reduce c?nvas to double reefed mainsail alone: in 
\ fact, for a time Capt Sterling thought of heaving to, with 
a sea anchor out. made of the two big sweeps, a canvas 
bag ballasted wi^h stones, which had been taken aboard 
to replace weight of engine wh'ch had been removed. 
Nov. 18. — After several hours' hard sailing they laid a 
course by chart and compass (Capt. Sterling being a 
nav'gatcr) for Great Point. Nantucket, as they found 
, ihey could not lay up for Nantucket Harbor, and 
anchored east of the Point at 3:30 A. M., with two 5olb. 
anchors out and 20 fathoms each of chain and cab'e. 
Things were decidedly unpleasant then, and probably 
most of our amateur sailors would have heartily wished 
for home and a warm bed, and gazed wistfully at the beach 
not far away. In working up to this anchorage, the hand 
insis ed they wou'd go ashore, but Capt. Sterling had 
carefully h\*- his ruler on the chart and brought up ju.st 
where he expected, in 12ft. of water. Shortly after day- 
light it let up a little, and at 7 o'clock they got under 
way and anchored in Nantucket Harbor at 3:30 P. M., 
going ashore for water and provisions. Some idea may 
be formed of the blow they encountered before reaching 
the anchorage off Great Point, from the fact that during 
that night a coaster lost a mate overboard somewhere 
off Monomey Shoals, and was not able to pick him up, 
and for several days after the marine column of the 
Herald contained accounts of various disasters to sailing 
A'essels caught off the Nantucket Shoals. Through it all 
the Kathleen behaved ncbly, and to use Capt. Sterling's 
own words, "no matter wha: came she was always on 
top." and fully justified the prediction of Mr. Burgess, 
the former owner, that we would find her an exceptionally 
fine sea boat, and in this connection we would state that 
no solid water was taken in her cockpit during the entire 
trip. 
Nov. IQ. — After a good night's rest they started at 9:30 
in a moderate southerly wind, which flattened out to a 
calm at Ti A M.. but an hour later a fine sailing breeze 
came from the eas'. and under single reefed mainsail, jib 
and mizzen they made fine progress, and began to have 
hopes of ccntiiniing r'ght on to the home nort. Tliese 
pleasant conditions orevai ed up to 9 P. M., at which 
time they were off Cuttyhunk, but at this hour the wind 
■died out and a heavy fog rolled in from the ocean. 
Nov. 20.— Shortlv after midnight a breeze came up 
from southwrcst, quickly increasing in force, and in a very 
short t'me they were compelled to double reef mainsail, 
but under this canvas she went along in good shape, and 
at 10:30 A. M. they anchored inside Point Judith break- 
Avater, much disappointed at not being able to continue 
to New London, but it had come o:-i to blow hard and 
shelter was necssary. as even the large coasters were 
making for this protection; in fact, many were already 
there. 
Nov. 21. — Af'-.rr remaining at anchor for balance of 
the day and also that night in a hard "wester." they 
started next day in moderating southwest breeze, but had 
not sailed very far before it commenced to Vow hard again 
and it was a case of "up stick again" for their last night's 
friend, the breakwater, where t^"'ey dropped anchor at 
9:45 A. M.. wind west and b'owing hard. The wind in- 
creased all dav until with two anchors down it was a 
question whether they would not drag ashore. The break- 
water is better protected in an easterly wind. Caiit. 
S e.'ling was on deck all nip-ht watchine- the cables and 
keeping an equal drag on each. Part of the time, accord- 
ing to tl;e wpa'^her reports from Woods Holl. the wind 
blew sixty miles an hour, and it was during tl^-s storm 
that a schooner went ashore on Block Island and another 
at Falmouth 
Nov. 22. — Sho-tlv after daybreak i*- moderated enough 
for them to start for Newnort und^r reefed mainsail alone, 
as thev repr''"d "''st. Onlside there ""as a tr'»'"°ndoiis 
sea runn'n"-. but the yacht took the roller'? splendidly, and 
ma'^e <to'^^ weather of it to Newport, where she arr'ved 
earlv in the afternoon. On the run in sbe overtook sev- 
eral srhoof^ers making for the same nort. After getting 
things in shape, the hand announced he had had enough. 
FOREST, AND _ STREAM. 
and Capt. Sterling had to pay him off and let him go. 
Nov. 23 vVas spent m ia>uig in provisions, water, etc., 
and looKUjg lor another liana. Une was nna.iy secured 
wlio was V ery-ee-nadent he was a thorougii sailor, and 
showea f* by ask.ng soon after they got started what the 
centerboard was tor. Capt. btening says, that for eating, 
Sleeping and lighting his pipe, ihis man was an A. B., but 
his seamanship had evidently been acquiied "on a farm 
up State." He was of li.tle use for balance of trip, making 
it practically single-hand sa.ling. 
Nov. 24.— They started from Newport at 7 A. M., in 
moderate southeast wind, with occasional snow squalls. 
When outside Brenton's Reef it was necessary to double 
reef mainsail, which in the seaway was somewhat of a 
job, as no help was to be had from the crew. The wind 
blew steady and true until afternoon, when they had got 
in Fisher's" Island Sound, but here it died out, and with a 
strong ebb t.de running it was necessary 10 resort to the 
sweeps at one time to keep from drifting down on a 
beacon. Soon, however, another breeze sprang up, and 
New London was made at 5:30 P. M. 
Nov. 25.— A start was made at 7 P. M., in modera'e 
northeast wind, with a single reefed mainsail, jib and 
mizzen. and these conditions prevailed until I P. M., at 
which time they were off New Haven breakwater, but 
here the wind hauled to north, blowing very hard, and 
they took in mainsail, and beat up to Morris Cove under 
jib' and mizzen, anchoring at 2:30 P. M. There were 
various vessels anchored here, the crews of which seemed 
interested m watching the little yacht tacking up to 
anchorage under the short canvas. Many good-ria.ured 
remarks were shouted to them, relative to their fine 
sailing in the rapidly increasing wind, one fellow yeil ng, 
"It's blowing hard, Cap, but you're doing fini." 
Tt blew a gale and rained in torrents all night, and until 
3 P. M. of the 26th, when it moderated somewhar, but 
storm signals were up at station, and sky looked very 
threatening. At 11 o'clock that night the capta.n liked 
the appearance of things a little be.ter, and decided on a 
break for New Rochelle, and all that it meant in the way 
of dry clothes, fancy eating, etc. Accord ng'y they started, 
though it w^as still raining and blowing tresh, but under 
double reefed mainsail she went along very well. 
Nov. 27. — Two hours af.er starting it c. eared up a little 
and wind changed to north, although rain continued, 
Travers Island was made at 11 A. M.. with everything 
and everybody wet, but happy to make the final port. 
Capt. Sterling merits praise for the skillful seamanship 
shown in bringing this small yacht safely through the 
con.inued hard blows. We are naturally much pleased to 
have him say he never handled a be.ter sea boat, and that 
she worked perfectly to windward, under either mainsail 
alone or jib and mizzen w th mainsail down. 
Next summer we hope to prove that this type of boat 
is ideal for a sma'l cruiser, as with the engine, which wdl 
go in this winter, we will no doub: often be able to make 
our destination when the purely "wind jammers" are 
'hung up" outside. Geo. G. Bell. 
The Yachtsmen's Club. 
A Talk, on Sails. 
The first of the series of weekly lectures was given 
Jt the l achtsmen s Ciub, 47 \v est Forty-third street, on 
tVeanesaay cven.ng, Ulc. 5. Mr. GhDcrt ti. Vviison 
alktd en "bans : i heir Construction, Care and Han- 
Uxiig. ' He is a recognized auinoiity on this subject, 
diicn he presented in a most intelligent and en.enaiii- 
ag manner, and he held the close attention of his 
.uaience ihrougnoui the evening, ihrougli ihe courtesy 
'f Mr. Wilson we are able to reprouuce h.s own notes 
the subject, and they are worthy of the attention of 
all our readers: 
In a racing yacht the sails may be considered a fourth 
factor, with the racing master third, the designer second 
and the owner of first and prime importance, for it all 
comes up to him hnaxly. 
The question of ma.erial is being quite generally con- 
sidered, and some practical siiggestions may be useful. 
It ;s safe lo say that the best that can be had will make 
the finest sail. This same idea can be applied to the 
whole boat, and her manageni'^'t, which plainly means a 
very expensive atlair, carri'- ju regardless of expense, 
which is generally conceacij to be a detriment to the 
sport of yacht owning. 
How to get the best results from a reasonable outlay is 
the desidera um. Take for instance looz. duck suitable 
for a 30ft. boat; it can be had for any price between 
18 cent'j and 80 cen.s per yard. The wearing qua.ity of 
duck i.', not considered, nor its strength, as sails neither 
wear out nor give out if properly made. The form of the 
sail is the great consideiation, and when that is lost it is 
better to have new ones; and as new sails are always the 
hes;, two .suits may be had for 40 cents per yard of ex- 
Ctllent quality of goods, which would give better satis- 
faction than one suit of extra fine at 80 cents per yard. 
Skill in the making and handling is of more consequence 
than extra expensive material. Mercerized duck is fine 
to look at when new, but probably after one good weiting 
no better than combed yarn. Vvliat is required of duck 
is stability or abihty to hold its shape. 
Form. — The bird's wing is the best and truest form for 
a sail, and is an interesting s.udy ("Nature's /Eroplane"). 
I noticed a kite over the city lately of a different shape 
than usual; it was square w-ithout any tail, and was flying 
high and steady, but it had the right idea of form, with 
plen:y of belly in the center, and flattening out at the 
edges. This is the principle on which the most successful 
kites are built. The sail should be constaicted by the 
sailmaker in a manner to give the proper shape, and the 
spars shou'd be right to hold it; these should be per- 
fectly rigid, if possible, with long mastheads to hold 
the peak up strong and high. Then it should be p."operly 
handled with care and judgment. The sails should 
be studied; even ian indifferent one may do better work 
in expert hands, than a good one in careless hands. 
Some pull their sails too much and some for fear of 
harming them go to the other extreme. In bending or 
setting a sa'l, be governed by the strain on the canvas; 
never mind the rope. Pull them or slack them as re- 
quired to give the right form. (Study the form.) Keep 
a belly in the luff, and wide Pat leech a Utile slack. 
Notice that a boat does best with new sails. The old 
idea that it required a long time to get sails in shape is 
exploded; the sa.l is best when new because the lorni 
is good and fresh, and when that is los. it is better to 
have new ones. The form can be helped a great deal 
in the setting and handling; for instance, in setting, the 
sail shottld be over peaked to allow tor the spring of 
the spars, as all the spa:s give more or less, and it ad 
shows in the drop of the gaff. A railroad on the boom 
is essential and a great help 10 preserve the sad in good 
form (by proper use). It is surprising how little it is 
used and its importance is not appreciated. Our sails need 
not stretch an inch. Bend ihe sail direct to the slides 
on the railroad; always slack in when not in use. The 
whole secret of a good sail is its form, and the study 
sho-uld be how to get it and keep it. The belly in the 
iuff may not have much propelling power, but it acts 
as a reserve force that gives life and spring and force to 
the body of the sa l. The surging forward on Jie foot 
when close hauled shows a very strong forward pressure. 
Different breezes may require different form, wh.ch the 
railroad will give. 
The advantage of tlie parallel cross-cut sail is, it can 
be built ftdl size, will have less seams and the cloths 
run with the direcJon J the wind. Their disadvantages 
are weakness of construction and taut leeches, mak ng 
it difficult and in most cases impossible to get fine form. 
The plan of having diagonal cloths, which make a bias 
edge to the center of the leech, is undoubtediv good; and 
the headsails are an assured success, and there appear 
no reason why ihe mainsails should not be the same. 
The parallel cross-cut mainsail is likely to hold thp gaff 
clo^^e. so that it i=; a^moFt the same angle as the ho'^m. 
We question the advantage of this, as we have seen bonts 
do best with the gaff at a wider angle, giving a orooel'er 
form to fhe sail. This matter can be regulated largely 
bv the trim of the .'sheets. The head'^^'^s are now made 
with high clews, and trim far aft, which is an improve- 
ment. 
There is an impress'on among s^ime yachtsmen that 
bet+er canvas*^ ran be nrorured •n England than can be 
made here. This is a decided mistake, as no better duck 
can be Avoven anywhere than Miat made in this country, 
and at much less cost than the imoorted artie'e; as for 
Engli'^h sails it will be ninte tltne e^ou^^h to talk of their 
superior'ty when they have lifted the Cup. There i« so 
htt-le of extra fiv '^oods vs^c^ that PO ^,.1^, ^ffc,rr\ 
to carry it in stock. Then, as we have mention'-d befT-e, it 
is a nuestion if bptt'^i- rp<^ii'ts mav not be oh*-a'"ed "'i'h 
less expensive material and new sails often. I- is a g'^od 
plan for yacl^tsmen 'o hav nlentv of nhotogranhs oF t^Teir 
boats, as sa-'s can be s+nrlipd from photographs to better 
axb'an'-ap'e t'-"^" from tbe boat. 
Curing. — .Sa'ls soaked i" a s-^'ut'on of eniial niiant'»^ies 
of suorar of lead an'^ ahim. rlicccilirprj se''^P'"'*'''lv. then 
tniv/-rl fnrrn ii |V>« cqjl a ciil-r^t-o+o of loTrl i-liVti \o '-pry 
incolrb'e: add a little gr^pu vitriol and <;u1nhat- of ir'^n. 
■yArp p,^|,p j-pi^^^^ /r„i'^„ ^-f^^^^f. cp'^c t!r>rne- 
t''m.e= it does not work well. Every one must use his own 
judgment. 
YACHTING NEWS NOTES. 
The Harlem Yacht Club elected the following officers, 
to serve during 1901, at the annual meeting held on Dec. 
I, in the club's town house, 519 East I2isr street: Com., 
Lorenz Zeller; Vice-Com., William G. Ringler; Rear- 
Com., Christopher Brannock; Rec. Sec'y, James F. Proc- 
tor; Fin. Sec'y, S. L. Schider; Treas.. John Mooring; 
Measurer, John Wiinming; Fleet Surgeon, Dr. George 
E. Wilson; Directors, T. B. Bates. H. H. Andrews. F. 
C. Su'livan and J. Svmmers. Membership Comni-ttee, 
R. Evans, A. M. Stebbins and L. Lalor. 
•5 »? •? 
The annual meeting of the Knickerbocker Yacht Club 
will be heid on Wednesday evening, Dec. 19. The follow- 
ing nominations have been made: For Com.. • S. H. 
Mason ; for Vice-Corn., Louis H. Zocher ; for Rear-Coni.j 
Edward F. Glover; for Treas., George H. Cooper; for 
Sec'y, J. O. Sinkinson; for Measurer, John G. Honev; 
for Fleet Surgeon, J. B. Palmer, M. D. For Board of 
D'rectors F. E. Barnes, H. Stephenson Rodman Sa.'di, 
Charles W. Schlesinger and Thomas Wilson, Jr. 
»t •I 
At the JacoD yard. City Island, there is under con- 
struction a laige cen.erocard cruising knockabout lor 
Mr. E. H. Weatherbee, designed by Messrs. A. Cary 
Smith and Henry G. Barbey. She is 42ft, gin. over ail, 
28ft. waterline, lift, beam and 4ft. di alt. Ihe beat wi.l 
be comfortably fitted below, and will be used for cruis.ng 
on Long Island Sound. 
•? *5 »« 
Captain Sycamore, of the yacht Shamrock, has been 
elected Deputy Mayor of Brightlingsea. 
I? 1^ 
The sloop building at Wood's yard, City Island, for 
Mr. Anson Phelps Stokes, from designs of Messrs, Tarns, 
Lemoine and Crane, will be named Mermaid. She will 
be launched in January, when she will proceed South fur 
a cruise in West Indian waters. 
•! »t 
The first sjmdicate to announce its intention to build 
a boat for the defense of the Canada cup is composed of 
of Mr. Benjamin Carpenter, secretary of the Inland Lake 
Yach rng Association; Mr. George M. Pynchon and Mr. 
Morrill Dunn. It is stated that Mr. B. B. CrowninshieKl 
has been commissioned to design the boat. 
Contracts for eight of the 25ft. one-design Larch- 
mont clas.s boats have been placed by their designers, 
Messrs. Gardner & Cox, with Messrs. Wyckoff "Bros! 
& Taylor, Clinton, Conn. 
m n n 
There will be built by the Townsend & Downey Ship- 
building Co., of Shoo'ers Island, S. I., a schooner yacht 
for the ys-ff'ot racing length class, from desif^ns by 
Messrs. A. Carv Smith a^d Barbev. There are three 
o her schooners building at this yard. .The large'^t \= noft. 
on the waterline and 150ft. over all: th-' second 68ft ori 
the waterl-ne and 98ft. over all; the third, 6oft, on' the 
waterline and 84ft, over all. 
