The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-05-19
YACHTS THAT SAN THEMSEL YES.
The Little Gran on Prospect Park Lake
How they nre RIRaed aud Steered.

Racing miniature yachts Ia becoming
favorite amusement in sporting circles At first
sight II seems stupid and rather childish
game for grown persons but II is really an in
tercsting and even exciting pastime As II nj
fords chances for the study and test Of disputed
lines for fast vessels. II Is patronizcd by many
rich young men who arc interested in yacht
building. Some curious results already reached
puzzle tho experts. and enthusiasts in the sport
believe TINT it will in time revolutionize yacht
building completely.
A large boathouse has been built on the lake
in Prospect Park Brooklyn for the yachts. and
its floors and shelves are full Of them. The large
ones. or ilrst-clnss yachts. principally
schooners. nre about Ave feet long Some are
built but most Of them are carved out Of solid
blocks, and OF course. carefully hollowed The
ilty pounds. Many OF these models are cx-
ceedingy beautiful. highly finished, the cost
not kept in the bonthousc. They are
brought to the lake on racing, days
being taken to the lake In handcarts. or in can
vas bags. like game cocks. and then rugged for
the contest in front OF the boat house. BY the
methods now In use II takes about Ave minutes
To- rig one OF these racers. and this includes put
ting in masts ami bowsprit and arranging
spars. stays. halyards. and sails When the
struggle Ia over Rll the rigging is removed in
about tho same length of time that 1t takes to
The masts are not driven into the hold. bu;
made fast on the deck in what are called mast
cups These cups are made OF brass and
screwed down upon the deck and the masiS nre
made 10 III into them like candles into candle
sticks. Then. IA all the stays ere simply hooked
on. the setting up or taking down OF the rigging
is merely a matter OF fastening or undOinga few
hooks. and putting in or pulling out the musts
and bowsprit. The rigging when thus removed
i rs easily carried ~ folded umbrella or
dislointcd fishing rod.
The speed of these boats is marvellous. Whom
lying down To- their work they are able Ia hurry
w. sometimes to get away from, skilful oars
man in n rowboat. The interest taken IN the
sport hy Brooklyn people is shown 10y the thou
sands that assemble on the banks OF the little
lake on regatta days.
At first there was considerable difficulty found
in keeping the little craft On one course but this
has been overoome by ingenious yet simple con-
trivanir'S. one NJ these Is TO place a piece "
wire on tho tiller with "A weight attached 50 that
when the boat 'Hr"en- the weight naturally inll-
lng upon the lower side. brings Tn" ti"T with Il.
boat on. preventing that constant running up
! into tho wind, which was the old fault. In this
way the boat takes all the knock downs she gets
AMI keeps her course through them all. The
:nr her To cnps ze. In fact, any one Of these lit
| 81" bOnis can br held In tho water keel upper
most with masts and sails under. and when re-
lensrd she will Immediately right herself and
fnVurit" way to keep III" yl ntS On their course Is
the trimming n the snils with clnsti"" shoots -"
Ihos" sheets are made ~ rubber. and nyei AT
proper length for moderate hrc"2". and whom
g. the nrrnnsef pressure. stretches out and
eases the little craft Just rs II crew wore
/ on board To- tend the sheets and look out for
/ squalls. By this means quite II number %
keeping tho same course and making very
pretty sight.