Page:Yachting wrinkles; a practical and historical handbook of valuable information for the racing and cruising yachtsman (IA yachtingwrinkles00keneiala).pdf/244

 ton and second-class sloops allowing 45 seconds a ton to their inferiors. This system was in force for only two years. In 1840 a startling innovation was made. It was neither more nor less than getting the actual weight of the yachts, which was computed by the revolutions of screw-jacks placed under the keel of the boat when in dry dock. Here is an example culled from the club's archives:

YACHT "SYREN."

Weight of boat              115,776 lbs. Weight of keel                3,400 lbs. Weight of rudder                219 lbs. Total                   119,395 lbs.

Racing measurement, 53 tons 6 cwt. 9 lbs.

From these data the allowances were computed. This queer rule was in vogue until 1852, when a widely different regulation was adopted. Sail area alone was taken into account, the following being the allowance:

First class—Over 3,300 square feet sail area, 1 second per foot.

Second class—Between 2,300 and 3,300 feet, 1-1/4 seconds per foot.

Third class—Less than 2,300 feet, 1-1/2 seconds per foot.

The natural result of this rule was the adoption of the light-draught boats vulgarly designated as "skimming dishes." It was found that it took less canvas to drive this type of yacht through the water, and the consequence was the building of many curious craft whose models may now be seen on the walls of the New York Yacht Club. Here is a striking example, which shows how the rule affected the sail area of the yachts. The schooner Rebecca, which,