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/291



for like European vessels of the eighteenth century and earlier (whose lines above water were indeed very similar to those of the Arab dhow), we had a towering poop that no wave ever reached, though we had comparatively low bows and little freeboard amidships. I occasionally stood on this poop and took a spell at the helm, and I found that she steered very easily, showing no tendency to broach to. The skipper had the true racing spirit, and did not miss a chance. On the contrary, he was too ready to run considerable risks in his attempts to cut corners so as to shorten his passage or to cheat an opposing current. For example, he once took us over shoal water at the edge of some of the reefs,