Page:Small-boat sailing; an explanation of the management of small yachts, half-decked and open sailing-boats of various rigs; sailing on sea and on river; cruising, etc (IA smallboatsailing01knig).pdf/206

 waves, and makes her a wet and uncomfortable boat in a sea-way. It is not often that one has to employ more than twenty-five fathoms of chain when anchoring a five-tonner, as one can generally creep into shallow water for a berth; therefore it is not necessary to carry a greater length than this in the sail-locker.

On a boat of under five tons measurement the anchor can be got up by hand; so it is well to dispense with a windlass, and thus avoid an extra weight in the bows. If the anchor ever gets such firm hold of the ground that it will not come up, a watch tackle clapped on to the chain will generally dislodge it. If no windlass is carried, it is essential that the chain end should be made fast to a bolt in one of the forecastle timbers, or other secure place, else some careless person may, when anchoring, let the whole chain run overboard. Indeed, this precaution should be taken even if a windlass is employed.

Capacious lockers generally surround the small yacht's well. In one of these the spare sails can be kept, in another the warps, spare blocks, etc., while another will serve as larder. A completely watertight well adds greatly to the cruiser's safety. It should be provided with a powerful well-pump so that it can be quickly emptied if a sea be shipped.

THE YACHT'S DINGHY

Every cruising yacht must have with her a dinghy of some description. It is almost im