72 NICHOLLS'S SEAMANSHIP AND NAUTICAL KNOWLEDGE
BOAT SAILING
3. What would you do in a squall with the wind well free, also when
close-hauled'2
Having the wind well free, I should put the helm up a little and keep
her away before the squall struck me I might ease the sheet off as the
squall caine along, and if it was very stifi lower the yard down. The
jib would then keep her going. If no jib, I should leave her a little bit
of the lugsail instead.
I should also look out for a possible shift of wind in the squall,
and see that I was not caught "by ike lee.
When close-hauled I should mind my helm very carefully, and luff
Tie"/ through it easing the sheets off at the same time.
WTien the squall was over, I should keep her away far enough to
fill the sails, and haul the sheets aft again.
If she came up too far when I luffed, or if the wind shifted and I got
it on the other side, should shift my sheets across and put her on thp
other tack, keeping my luff if possible until the squall was over.
" Caught by the lee " means getting the wind on the wrong side of the
sail, thereby causing it to come right across to the other side of the boat.
This may be caused by a shift of wind as before mentioned, or by
careless steering.
"Luff her through it93 means keeping her up with the sail shakingt
in the wind so that the pressure is taken out of it until the squall is over.
4. Does an ordinary ship's life-boat generally do well under sail?
If properly trimmed she should sail fairly well with the wind abaft
the beam, but except in smooth water and fine weather would not be
much good for getting to windward.
5. What could be done to improve her sailing qualities when on a
wind?
f
Fit an iron keel. An iron or steel plate fitted to the wooden keel
of the boat for about one-third to one-half of her length amidships and
bolted right through would Answer the purpose very well.
This should be anything up to 9 inches or 1 foot deep, and tapered
with a fair curve at both ends. It should be easily detachable.
Needless to say, a boat so fitted would not be suitable for running
up on to a hard beach.
6. How would you set a dipping lug?
Lay the yard and sail fore and aft on that side of the mast wider*