The Washington herald., 1921-06-26
It is still easier to draw a check than to
make bank deposit
A Sailing Revival!

: "yHILE Washington possesses canoeing
w population perhaps unexceed in the East
and while one canoe club has achieved
fame not only in contests with organizations of New
York and Philadelphia but with Canadian outfits.
the sport of sailing apparently fails to exert the
pull which It seems reasonable it should.
II We dwellers in the Capital are aquatic but not
nautical. And yet there is reason why the Poto-
mac on a Sunday, say. should not be about
thicky stppled with snowy tfianges and trapezoids
below-the Long Bridge as it is with the modified
Indian craft above the Aqueduct. There is more
than yacht club in the District with ancient and
honorable traditions and membership composed of
many earnest shippers and few armchair admirals,
as these nayigators who conhne their exploits to
the clubhouse porch are known, But somehow this
wonderful form Of recreation has not the appeal
here that il possesses at summer resorts We have
a safe and expansive body of water at southern
door and the nucleus of true yachting community,
but we have not the enthusiasm and interest neeesy
sary to the upbudng Of an extensive fleet Of sport
vessels "
There are number of conditions responsible
for this, some general and some local. First and
foremost the wharves while not inaccessible are for
the most part in deplorable condition. One yacht
clubs home is not far distant from the Morgue and
things like that are not conducive attractiveness,
especially in the case Of the ladies' without whom
yachting is not much of success, generally speak
ing.
Yor years, the Office of Public Buildings and
Grounds has had on file and frequently on the car
pet an inclusive plan for Identification of Washing
ton Harbor not very capacious harbor 1t is true,
but largV enough in all conscience for maneuverng
sailing craft in any number when such deep-water
steamers as those of the Norfolk and Washington
line have no difficulty berthing therein If this plan
were to be put into effect (and it does not call for
expenditures which would bring decided Congress
sional opposition) not only would gracious gate
way be afforded for the small fry but the scheme Of
Potomac Park would be carried out and the War
College would have more dgnihed neighbors.
The cost of sailing is not prohibitive, either the
initial layout or the upkeep For the same price as
will purchase a moderately toney automobile one
NAV secure sailing craft-even with an auxiliary
eneine-lad down on semracing lines OF course,
sail-boat will not carry one about the streets but
during the summer and late into the fall the family
or the group Of owners will find opportunity for
many a refreshing cruise of few hours or few
days' duration And in this latitude pleasure boat
can be utilized for at least seven months OF the
wear. Cooperative ownership might be another So
luton for the expense question
Sailing cannot be mastered in day or a
month. But two seasons of study and attention to
details will change the most awkward landlubber
into toerable navigator. Cruises can be extended
az proficiency is attained 1t is unfortunate that the
sailorman either Of the deep fresh water va
retv possesses so ancient and deep-seated disdan
for the man of the soil the streets, disdain
which undoubtedly has served to damage the pres
t;qe of the winged craft The nautical terms come
hard at first but they too can be picked up in a
short time
As for excitement let not the spced-demon turn
ND his nose at sailing as being tame, even in the