rt and
do it when required. The first thing after explaining clearly to each
man his particular station is to get the crew accustomed to the boat. A
good way to do this is to take a spin at every opportunity with them
over the course, making a careful note yourself of the bearings of the
different marks by objects on shore, so that you will not lose valuable
time in the race in finding them. Do not allow any lagging in these
spins, for it is liable to lead to a blunder in the race, but maintain
the same discipline as you would at that time.

[Illustration: A FLYING START.]

The hour of the race is at hand. Your crew is aboard, and after a
careful examination of the running rigging, blocks, mast-hoops, sail and
its lacings, you set out for the starting-point. Arriving there, procure
your racing number, and after fastening it upon the sail, take your boat
out and cruise around in the vicinity of the starting-line, using this
opportunity to practise your crew in tacking, gybing, and other
evolutions likely to be encountered during a race. Upon hearing the
preparatory gun, it is best to get near the line. If you feel confident
that you have your boat well in hand, you might manoeuvre for a flying
start, but if you are a little uncertain, it is best to secure a good
position, and let your sail flap in the wind close as the boat lies
stationary close to the line.

If the first leg is close hauled or a thrash to windward, it is
advantageous to get away as near the front as possible, as the boats
slower in starting usually get off in a bunch and cut up each other's
wind. If the start is off the wind this is not so important. A flying
start is very desirable, but it requires careful calculation and
handling to bring your boat to the line at the right moment; and if by
some mistake you should cross a few seconds before the gun, you would
lose lots of valuable time in recrossing again. In a one-gun start the
importance of getting off quickly is greater than in a two-gun. Bang!
goes the starting gun. You are over the line, close-hauled most likely,
on the starboard tack (on account of having right of way). Do not make
the common mistake of hauling your boom in nearly amidships and jamming
your boat up into the wind; it will not pay. It increases the drift, and
your boat will not "foot" it as fast as one that is allowed a little
more leeway. Again, do not let your boat sag off too far or a heavy gust
may cause a "knockdown," with