Until about 1860 the Scotch fishing boat was entirely influenced
by Norway, and even to-day no one could deny that this influence
is altogether wanting. But at last the fisherman began to seek the
herring further out to sea, and so a bolder, decked ship was evolved,
and clinker-build gave way to carvel, and the design was given finer
lines and greater draught. I have watched a fleet of such vessels
as in Fig. 108 running into Scarborough Bay with an onshore breeze
in the soft light of a September afternoon, with their yacht-like
lines and their fine massive hulls suggesting an ideal combination of
strength and beauty. Most of these large “Zulus,” as they are called,
carry steam capstans for getting in the heavy nets, hoisting sail
and warping into harbour. Within the last few years they have been
fitted with steering wheels instead of helms. They are good boats to
windward, and are able to carry their enormous lugs longer than most
vessels could keep aloft a similar area of sail.
[Illustration: FIG. 109. PENZANCE LUGGER.]
The Cornish lugger is able to carry a larger mizzen but a smaller lug
forward than his Scotch cousin. Fig. 109 is an example of a Penzance
lugger. She draws also more water aft than the “Zulu.” The Penzance
luggers are famous all over England for their seaworthiness and
easy lines. They are usually about fifteen or twenty tons, have in
proportion to their size very high bulwarks to encounter the Atlantic
seas, and an exaggerated outrigger over the stern unsupported by
stays and cocked up at an angle to clear the sea when the ship is
pitching. Her mizzen is longer than her mainmast, and rakes forward
at a great angle. Sometimes they set a topsail, as seen in the sketch
over the mizzen: and at times they also run out a bowsprit and jib.
[Illustration: FIG. 110. DEAL GALLEY PUNT.]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account