The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-03-31

yachts and yachting in this country. 1t viii be
seen that revival in this delightful sea amuse-
ment is now prevailing, and that programme
of unrivalled excellence, including grand
ocean sweepstakes for large schooner-yachts,
has been proposed by the New York Yacht
Club for the coming season. It is also pro-
posed by the same club to erect in this city
spacious and elegant club house, with superb
ly furnished apartments, after the manner of
the Army and Navy Club Of London. Such an
institution will prove Of much practical utility,
as well as Of social benefit to gentlemen, both
American and foreign, and to the army and
navy officers generally. As the present club
house in the Elysian Fields is occupied only
in the summer season, the new establishment
can be made q rendezvous Of q most agreeable
and recherche character in the winter for all who
may be prominently interested in the sports and
dangers Of the ocean, as well as in the excite
ments and hazards Of the field. In addition to
these spirited movements in yachting circles, we
see that many new vessels Of larger class
than usual, are being constructed. This is rem
dered necessary because our yachtmen, with
the true American spirit of enterprise, are ex-
banding the area Of yachting operations and
penetrating seas hitherto but little known to
American yachts. Vessels of from one hundred
to one hundred and fifty tons now comprise
part Of the New York Yacht squadron; either
of which is qualified to cross the Atlantic in the
wake of the America Gypsy, Silvie and others,
and impart to transatlantic yachtmen many
psDc~ he ~
In Great Britain yachting, with the Queen for
"patroness and exemplar," has become system
atized, and it is not unusual to find splendid and
well-appointed English yachts, sometimes of
several hundred tons burden, cruising in oil
the temperate seas Of Europe. AS it has been
before remarked, these are expensive append
ages of the wealthy. Those who can afford
them, however, and have leisure for the enjoy
ment of travel by sea, possess command over
sightseeing and rational indulgence which is
truly enviable. In America, however, yachting
is within comparatively easy reach, and may
be carried to the same extent as abroad with
far less pecuniary outlay. But the pecuniary
point is rarely considered by Americans If
an American is not able to command yacht of
one hundred tons, he will take one of fifty; If
not one of fifty tons, he will take one Of twenty;
if not one of twenty, then, 30 partial are our
people to aquatic sports, he will take one of
ten or even of five tons and enjoy those plea
sures only to be found upon the bounding bill
low, or in inhaling the bracing air of old
Ocean.
The true yachtman does not often care SO
much for costly vessel as he does for trim,
staunch and swift one; and out of the some
FIVE hundred members of the New York Yacht
Club, with their aggregate representative CAPT
tai Of perhaps hundred millions of dollars
it may be remarked that 1t is not so much
expense that is regarded in the construction Of
their vessels as 1t is speed, seaworthiness and
comfort.
a This revival in the spirit of yachting in this
country occurs at o very opportune period.
Our national marine is becoming developed
and expanded in most extraordinary degree,
and our navy must be supplied with practical
men. In former years there was scarcely
steam vessel in the American navy. Now there
are but few not propelled by steam. Most Of
the large sailing ships have been converted
either into school ships or receiving ships, or
are used as transports to carry coal for the use
of the steam vessels. In the progress of time
and that, too, before we may be aware Of it,
when we consider the wonderful progress the
nation has made within only few years, and
that New York has become so great and
affluent tropolis-sailing vessels will dis
appear from American yacht squadrons, and
their places supplied by steam yachts that will
compete in elegance and serviceability with
the best royal steam yachts in Great Britain.
An American yacht squadron may yet visit the
waters of that country, and the relative merits
of the vessels practically tested in q friendly
contests.
To meet the expansion In the number
and character of our national marine, it is
necessary that every encouragement should be
given to the production Of native nautical
talent During the last war with Great Britain
the fisheries of the East were found to have
been of great service as nurseries for seamen.
Bounties were subsequently and are now
allowed the fishermen; in order that that
valuable source of naval force may be main
tanned. Naval schools for the instruction of
youthful aspirants for American naval honors
are in successful operation, and the number can
be augmented with benefit to the country.
But there are no schools afoat that can be of
more service in this respect than thoroughly
organized yachting clubs. In Great Britain
they are esteemed of the highest Importance as
nurseries for the development Of q knowledge
Of nautical business. The Deerhound, which
SO much facilitated the escape Of the rebel
Captain Semmes and other rebel officers, in the
fight between the Kearsargc and Alabama, was
a private yacht belonging to an English
man. 1t is not to demonstrate their fight
ing qualities that we make this allusion
to an English yacht, but to show that these
vessels are schools in which a knowledge