Page:The history of yachting.djvu/440

 212 and sails, and never subjected them to unnecessary strains by carrying too much canvas. As evening approached, they used to "make snug for the night," and even in fine weather the light sails were usually taken in and stowed, remaining in their gaskets until morning. On sailing from London to India or China, it was customary to drop down the Thames as far as Gravesend, and there anchor for one, two, or three days; then to proceed as far as the Downs when the anchor was again let go. If the wind was favorable, not more than a day or two was spent there, but if the wind happened to be from the westward, days and weeks would pass, until it shifted into a quarter that would let the ship lay her course down channel, then another start would be made. If an Indiaman managed to pass the Wight without going into Spithead, it was regarded as "a fine run down channel," and the voyage was fairly begun. When two of the Company's ships fell in with each other at sea, and the weather was fine, it was usual for them to heave-to for hours, the captains, officers, and passengers exchanging visits, and lunching and dining aboard each other's ships until every one was quite ready, later on, to return to his own vessel and resume the voyage.

On the voyages to and from India and China, the Cape of Good Hope and St. Helena were favorite ports of call. But St. Helena not being a particularly comfortable or safe place for a ship to lie, few captains cared to remain there for more than a day or two. The Cape of