The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-10-27
KITE DRAWS A BOAT
THROUGH HEAVY SEA
Craft Is DOuble-Ended and
Has Powerful Rudder.
STEERED BY AN OPERATOR
Capable of Accomplishing Much Which
Comes Within Province Of
Aerial Navigation.
sTEERED BY AN OPERATOR

LONDON. Oct. g7.-The projected
cross-channei voyage by S. F. Cody I'm
collapsible boat towed by one Of his
kites had to be postponed yesterday IN
Consequence Of the adverse wind. which
was blowing with half-gale force almost
due west.
In this direction il would simply have
carried the adventurous voyager up
channel toward the Goodwin Sands and
the North Sea. He VIII require a.
northwest wind to cross from Dover to
Calais. About noon Mr. Cody decided
20 make trial trip in the Channel At
this time there was a thirty-mile breeze
blowing with rough sea. Mr.. Cpdy's
preparations were watched with great
interest.
A Box Kite.
The kite useG for towing Is about nine
feet long by four wide. somewhat on
the principle of the box kite. The ma
teristl OF the kite is stretched on q
light bamboo frame As soon as il
was lifted clear of the beach II caught
tire breeze. acting splendidly. and the
towing line was steadily paid out un-
I'll the kite was floating gracefully sew
eral hundred feet high. The force il
exerted could be seen by the manner in
l1Q
10 hang on 70 the line.
The connection with the collapsible
boat having been made. MIR. Cody and
Pitcher. coxswain Of the Dover iifeboat.
took their places I'm #. and the boat was
launched. the event causing good deal
Of excitement among the crowd OF spec
tators
It was certainly both interesting and
remarkable 70 see the power exercised
by the kite upon the boat. which Is
strongly built OF canvas. with timber
ribs. and has alright compartments.
and Is also we'll covered in with canvas
rising well up To her mast. leaving a
small aperture In the center This for
nation Of the boat Mr. Cody contends
will keep the sea from breaking into
her The boat is u feet long by 4 feet
I beam and IS dOuble-ended with a par.
ticuiarly powerful rudder.
No sooner did the blat take the water
than IL sped away 10 the eastward "a. .
great pace. the kite being the onIy
means OF propulsion II was blowing
| very heavily. and there was big SEES
running.
No Fear of Channel.
Mr.. Cody said that. with favorabl,
wind. he would not fear 10 cross tbs
/ Channel In his boat in such a sea. as
/ the kite gives considerable buoyancy
/ and steadiness to his boat His triI
across the Channel is simply 10 show
/ that the kite can be used for towing .
] boat where other means arc unavailable
and that Il Is capable of ACCOMPLISHING
much which comes within the PROVING,
Of aerial navigation
Mr.. Cody Unanswered his boat win
great ease, the little craft tackiing abou
with remarkable rapidity. for the inven
tor claims 10 be able to steer his kit.
eight points IN the wind. The boat wa,
eventually landed I'm another part OF tn,
bay. The trial showed that. with a fav
orable wind. the kite ought TO make q
/ fast voyage across the Channel.
IN the afternoon. Mr. Cody. with som,
! friends. crossed 60 Calais for the pur
pose Of making arrangements for hi,
/ trip. and with the object OF STUDYING IA.
! condition Of the sea in the Channel