New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-09
YACHTING IN CATBOATS.
IT IS A SPORT THAT MAKES ONES BLOOD LEAP
WHEN THERE is PIPING BREEZE.

IT IS A SPORT THAT MAKES ONES BLOOD LEAP
WHEN THERE IS A PIPING BREEZE
The cruise of the New-York Yacht Club has robbed
NewYor waters OF most OF the big yachts that usually
grace the shores. The only activity In the home
waters is now confined to the lesser yacht clubs the
fleets of which are composed Of small craft. But
small craft furnish lot of fun, and the number Of
catboat owners rapidly increasing. II wants 10
sec the catboat in all its phases, and to experience all
the delight that Is produced by good wet thrash 10
wlndwad in one Of these saucy little Swimming dishes,
he should visit the Canarsie Yacht Club This club
was formed only few years ago. when Canarsic was
an unexplored country TO most people. In those DAYS
it a favOIte resort for the wild Eight bowler from
Cherry-st The train then landed tho lone passenger
on a pier which dark and dreary at night, and
from which the wayfarer had to make his miserable
way as best he could to the hotel Now the place IS
rapidly growing civilized The club house is at pres
emit situated at the end Of the steamboat pier but the
club has secured three lots each with front OF sew
cnty-fve feet on Sands Point, and handsome club
house will be erected there.
sands Point was n primitive unbrokcn wilderness
TIL the great fishing tackle expert, Mr. Fitz Maurice,
landed on its grassy shores Ever since he built his
present cosey little cottage there, that envious club
has watched for n chance TO do likewise. And when
the club has a large feet Though the shallow waters
the clubhouse is built, the swift little Wave viii
not have lonely an anchorage as she has now, for
Of Jamaica Bay preclude the deep-keel yachts with
their sprnging lines Of beauty, there is lack Of
handsome boats Of the conventional model. Take
ono look seward from the dock. the water for half
mile is almost invisible. 50 numerous the boats.
Though there arc several large sloops which
hold moro than their own In brush with any from
other clubs such rs orient, Christine, Isabel and
Others the majority small yachts, mostly catrggcd
Jamaica Bay Is an ideal place for the Of craft
too small 10 brave the surges aud rough embraces Of
old Atlantic. Protected from the by the long
sandy barrier OF Rockaway, Its waters calm and
TRANQUIL as a rule, and only when more than ort
nary strong wind blows does navigation become DIFF
fcult one may sail along smooth and CLASSY
waters without n single ripple while only stones
throw across the bar the heavy pillows Of the open
sea break and roar on account OF the many grassy
Islands and weed covered sand bars, each changing tide
creates new world. What is a vast inland sea when
the tide is at the flood. becomes q tangled maze OF
green Islands and lonely quiet creeks the waters re-
cede. sandbars and long stretches OF eel grass APP
near with deep channels winding their swift way In
and out between them to the inlet. Here the yachts
men NAV sail along bissful hours with not sound
10 break the silence Of the summers day except per
haps the sudden splash OF frightened fish or the
nanping II a startled herons wings. Through creeks
too shallow Tor large craft he take his lonely way
or when the wind pipes clear and free from the
tumblng main, lie can put into the open bay, and
then hurrah! for a dash and squirt. Buried in
foam (a-lee) with hercrew lying well to windwaTd,
while the mast creaks and bends under the strain she
leaps ahead. No luxurious sailing this, but the near
est approach TO flying that poor handicapped man may
attain Sailing a "catH In heavy breeze has fas-
cination all its own. Who has tried Ii once Will re
member 1t with pleasure and its charm Is aested by
the fact that many Of the who own large yachts
keep catboats 10 use when they want solid fun and
lots Of IL.
small yachts Of all rigs are gradually gaining favor
every year. and especially this year great many have
been launched. In England also the movement Is IN
favor OF smaller craft and, "The Field" remarks.
the man who is fond Of sailing rs no congratulated
with being mere passenger on board his yacht. and