PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. THE favourable reception accorded to the First Edition of "Yacht and Boat Sailing," was extremely gratifying, and is sufficient evidence that the information it contained was of a useful and practical character. I received many kind expressions of approval from yachtsmen and boat sailers, and many useful hints. Some of the suggestions have been acted upon in the present edition, with, I trust, a serviceable result. In the opening chapters of the First Edition an endeavour was made to elucidate, in as simple a manner as possible, the natural laws which govern floating bodies; these chapters have been amplified, and some practical rules have been added for determining with certainty suitable relative proportions of length, breadth, and depth for yachts of all sizes. No attempt has, however, been made to unnecessarily introduce subjects which properly appertain to naval architecture and not to yacht sailing; only those elementary principles which influence the general behaviour of vessels when under sail have been dealt with, and it will always be an advantage to yachtsmen to be thoroughly acquainted with these. Indeed, I have found that a desire is general among yacht owners to acquire a knowledge of these principles; but the desire has seldom been gratified on account of the great mental effort the acquisition of such knowledge demanded. I have attempted to overcome this difficulty, and to explain the application of the principles referred to in a manner which will prove readily comprehensible. Many new branches of yachting and boating have been introduced into the work. The designs of two well-known 5-tonners-Freda and Lorelei-are, by the kindness of their original owners, for the first time made public, and the designs of many other yachts and boats, not hitherto published, have been added to the list of plates. The old matter relating to boats boats has undergone amplification and, where necessary, revision; so that the instruction on every subject is in accord with the latest and most approved practice. The most important additions introduced are the subjects of canoe designing and canoe sailing. The articles on these subjects were kindly written for me by Mr. W. Baden-Powell, Mr. E. B. Tredwen, and Mr. C. G. Y. King. During the last decade canoe sailing has become a popular pastime, and no work on boat sailing would be now complete if it did not contain instructions in this new branch of the art of boat sailing. This art has been carried to a very high state of perfection by Mr. BadenPowell, Mr. Tredwen, and others; and their minute elaboration of the details of canoe fitting and canoe handling surpasses anything hitherto attempted on other kinds of sail-boats. The only danger is that such precise and skilled experts as Mr. Baden-Powell and Mr. Tredwen will, so far as racing is concerned, render canoe sailing too difficult an art for the majority of men who are fond of handling small boats; but, apart from canoe racing, there is no doubt that they have perfected a form of sailing which is highly diverting, and which anyone could practice with precision after a very little experience. So far as canoe racing goes, its present tendency appears to be towards making canoes practically uncapsizable or yacht like, and before another decade has passed it is probable that a kind of miniature or model yacht will take the place of the racing canoe. However, the canoe proper-flat floored and easy of transport-will always be retained for lake and river travelling. DIXON KEMP. 104, PALACE GARDENS TERRACE, KENSINGTON, LONDON, W., March 1, 1880. PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. IN LAUNCHING the "Manual of Yacht and Boat Sailing," I desire to acknowledge the valuable aid which I received during its compilation. Mr. J. Beavor Webb compiled the tables for rigging and blocks, and gave me the lines of the Itchen Boats; Mr. G. L. Watson, of Sauchiehallstreet, Glasgow, made the drawings of Clyde Sailing Boats, and wrote the chapter thereon; Mr. C. P. Clayton gave me the lines of the New Brighton Sailing Boats, and much information concerning their outfit and management; and he, too, with Mr. W. B. Forwood, gave me the instruction I required concerning Windermere Yachts; Mr. W. Baden Powell gave me the drawing and particulars of the Gunter Sprit Rig introduced by him; Mr. T. Stow, yacht builder, of Shoreham, gave me the lines of the Brighton Beach Boat; and Mr. J. R. Wills, of Penzance, the design of the Penzance Lugger. Some of the information on other subjects I obtained from correspondents of THE FIELD, and I believe the source is in each case acknowledged in the text. DIXON KEMP. |