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/286



I came to terms with the Arab merchant, residing in Suakin, who represented the Turkish owners of the El Hamdi—for that was the vessel's name—and I explained to him that I wished to put to sea as soon as possible, being anxious not to waste the favouring wind; for I knew that, should it shift to the southward, a fortnight or more might be occupied in beating down the coast. The skipper, therefore, set to work to discharge the remainder of his cargo as rapidly as he could, and in a few hours the dhow was at my disposal. I put on board