Page:Yachting wrinkles; a practical and historical handbook of valuable information for the racing and cruising yachtsman (IA yachtingwrinkles00keneiala).pdf/186

 to keep a small crew in good health than a large one, especially when cruising in the tropics. The necessarily limited space at the disposal of the "jackies," in spite of all the modern contrivances for their convenience and comfort, causes some forecastles to be unhealthy. Without taking into consideration the saving of money in the wages of men not absolutely necessary for the handling of the yacht, the owner is likely to get more solid comfort out of a small, contented crew of picked men than he would out of a large, injudiciously selected crowd of sailors. The fewer the mouths to feed the more stores and water for each can be carried. Personally, I would rather have twelve good men to work a large schooner, than a score of indifferent lubbers and skulkers masquerading under the names of able or ordinary seamen.

These may seem to be revolutionary notions in these days of kid-gloved skippers and large crews. But let us go back half a century or so, and see what the custom was in the brave old days of the Yankee schooner America. In her historical voyage to England in 1851 she was commanded by Captain "Dick" Brown, with Nelson Comstock as mate, and only six men before the mast. Messrs. George Steers, James Steers and young Henry Steers were the passengers, and these, of course, lent a hand when required. But there were no more cats aboard than could catch mice.