The New York herald., 1869-01-31
YACHTING.


The Proposed lsternasisnal Csntests-Capa-
cisies or Yachts and Allowance Of Time.
Mr.. Charles Il. Hasweil civil and marine engineer,
has addressed the following letter 70 the Commo-
dorc OF the New York Yacht Club, who has given
permission for.its publicaton:--
NEW YoRK Jan. 30 1869.
Hon. III. q. STEBnIEs, Commodore New York Yacht
Club
DEAR sm-in compliance with the request Of
upon the question now IN discussion between the
owner OF the British yacht Cambria and the mem
bers OF the New York Yacht Club. ito whom he ad.
dressed q chalenge), regarding the computation OF
allowance OF time for the relative capacities or
tonnages between the Cambria, OF the Thames Clup,
and any competing yacht OF the New York Club,
The propresy Of an allowance OF time, as it is
termed, between yachts Of different capacities arises
alike an increase of dimensions In vessel gives
greater relative stability, both lOngltudmaly ana
cayas aae a1e y
model may be obtained with vessel having like
STABILITY, but greater length. and consequently
the larger vessel should give an allowance in time
proportonate to the advantages she derives ron her
The character Of the water lines. the form OF the
amldsnip section, the relative proportions OF the
external dimensions the stepping or the masts, the
rig, &c, Of vessel are the points in which naval
constructors ana yachfnen differ, and In tns wide
field OF contention each essays TO attain speed and
SedxOluk Quu1ItieS dccOfulng TO their p1rtlCuldf
views or Impressions; and these beng alone the points
OF rivalry the Instruments OF should be strictly
confined to them. To claim credit for attaining su
perOrlty in speed with the greater capacity for II,
due to greater length Is unjust as Ii would be to
claim superiority OF design, scag0ing qualities c
in vessel OF greater burden than one of less di.
mensions because she could carry a greater cargo.
So manifestly proper Is ike standard Of cOmpar-
ison between tine speeds OF yachts that all yacht
clubs have rule by which to determine what allow
ances OF time should be made between competing
yachts OF different capacities. In some clubs this
others upon their tonnage as computed by the laws
Of their country or the peculiar rules OF measure
ment of the club.
Tonnage OF vessels until within a few years was
computed by the empirical rule OF the product OF the
length and breadth, and that product by the Depth
divided by ninery-1ve as co-efflcient or capacity In
tons. This rule was amended by deducting from the
length threehlfls OF the breadth, and in double.
decked vessels by taking oneha the breadth as the
depth, and proceeding as before.
The British government soon set aside these alb
suriitles. and now compute the actual capacity or
internal volume Of . vessel by taking her actual d.
mcnslOns at such number OF points as TO give a
just result OF her volume which Is expressed In tons
Our government, within few years, has adopted
the essential features OF the British law with some
additions and differences not necessary to detail
here.
Returning to the point at ISSUE 1t appears that by
the external dimensions Of the Cambria and the
Dauntless, which vessel Is taken as Il fair exponent
Of an American yacht, that their measurements as
computed by their dimensions are respectively 222
and 246 toms the depth OF the Cambria being taken
but ut 1875 feet difference Of but - tons IN on
Of the DauntleSS as TO volume
By the computation OF the Thames Club, however
the Cambria measures but 1888 tons and the Daunt
less 2s2 tons. and upon this partial and failacous
basis OF capacities upon which give receive an
allowance Of time the owner OF the Cambria desires
to compete with an American yacht.
Now, as many persons may not understand how
this wide difference occurs between yachts Of similar
actual tonnages ! will recite the cause OF it, The
Thames Club rule assumes the depth OF yacht to
be half her breadth whatever the depth may be, and
az rule OF computation their yachts having little
proportionae beam and great depth they are ciassed
Under very light measurement Now, as the yachts
OF the New YORK Club have greater prOportionate
beam and less depth than the Engllsh yachts they
would be classed under this rne as having great
measurement. The rule OF measurement or the New
York Yacht Club comprises the actual depth Of the
vessel and under this rule lis owners OF yachts.
when competing with other yachts, are willing To
sail and give or receive Just allowance or time.
owners OF yachts belonging to the New York
Yacht Club, Of like dimensions OF the Cambria are
willing % compete with the owner OF the Cambria
upon inc basis oi IN allowance OF time fdvorally on
adversely To HIM as the case may be, provided such
allowance IL computed by arule which shall express
the relative capacities volumes OF the vessels
To this the owner Of the Cambria dissents and pro-
poses to sail under rule Of allowance as computed
by the peculiar rule OF the Thames Club Of London,
10 which,club his yesse! belongs.
In ordef, then, to fully understand the bearing or
effect Of this proposition It l. necessary TO examine
The result OF the application or the computation
under the rule referred to- winch assumes the half
breadth Of a vessel as her depth. without any re-
ference to the depti whatever ii may be.
Now rs the Cambria has much greater depth than
the Dauntess. the benefit OF this element OF volume
is wholly ignored, while the Dauntiess having greater
beam than the Cambria, and less depth. Is charged
with dept ut half her breadth, and. consequently her
tonnage is increased by an element o. computation
which does not exist AMI which she does not derive
any benefit from added 10 which she il required 10
give time for n.
THIS IL the case and II the owner NJ the Cambria
adheres to his position he subjects himself to the
charge Of unwiilingness 10 compete with the
Dauntcss upon equitable terms.
Respectfully, yours, &c.
CHAS. IL. HASwELL, Civil and Marine Engineer.