The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-05-08
Miniature Yachting.

Miniaturs Yachting.
After growth Of three years the sport Of
miniature yachting has reached such magni-
tude 1t now engages the attention of old
as wdli as young men. Borrowing the idea
from England the clever sighted sons of
prominent yachtsmen in Brooklyn in tho
summer of 1873 had built two or three ex-
detrimental models and regularly sailed them
on the lake at Prospect Park 1t proved such
pleasant pastime that other boats were con-
structed, and the number increased rapidly.
The parents of the boys encouraged
the interest manifested by them in
tho healthful recreation, and sum.
mcr after summer it has grown
and developed. until now it ranks with the
moro useful pastimes of the day. Veteran
yachtsmen have caught the infection, and
old shipmasters are not above attending
every regatta, but take part in rigging and
sailing the boats. On regular sailing days
the shores of the lake in Prospect Park are
crowded with representative people, and car
riages by the score, filed with ladies, early
select the more eligible places to witness the
races Thus, from the smallest OF beginnings,
there are now three or four large model
yacht clubs in this vicinity. The more i'm
portant Of these are the Prospect Park.
the American and the Long Island
clubs. The latter is Incorporated, the act
of incorporation giving, in nutshell, the
aim of the founders, which is that ''The
purpose of our association is to facilitate the
construction and actual operation Of a school
of full models Of yachts and of other vessels,
under conditions calculated to illustrate
their advantages and defects, with the hope
of developing in this way much more COM
pletely than by the old system Of Office half
models the laws Of proportion, adjustment
and rig which in like manner and on the
scale of full use affect our sailing and steam
marine"
Approaching the Importance of the pos.
time, and what its pursuit may develop,
the Commissioners of Parks in Brooklyn
have encouraged it in every possibly way.
They have set aside lake peculiarly
adapted to satisfactory trials of speed, APP
pointed watchmen to overlook the sport, keep
good order and render any aid required by
tho smaller boys. 1t is their intention
to build house soon, where the larger boats
can be safely placed between races, and, of
the same time, be on exhibition to visitors.
While this spirit of encouragement is SO
manifest by the park officials in Brooklyn it
is not so marked in New York. True, the
Park Commissioners last summer allowed the
miniature yachts to be sailed on o small
pond difficult to reach and poorly
located, but they have failed to extend
the hand of fellowship to tho ''yachtsmen."
Consequently the sport only drags its weary
wny alongin our city. This should not be.
Miniature yachting is pastime that deserves
the warmest support, and if q proper pond
can bo obtained in Central Park and equal
facilities extendcdfor its pursuit as are found
in Brooklyn the young yachtsmen of Now
York will not long be behind those of their
sister city. Give the boys chance, Messrs.
Commissioners, and soon there will be match
races between the representative boats OF tho
several clubs that will prove almost as inter-
csting as those between our larger yachts.