At the lowest computation, the number of vessels at present employed for pleasure in this country cannot be less than from three to four hundred, ranging in bulk from ten to three hundred and fifty tons. These are variously distributed along our shores, carrying their opulence into every port and harbour. But there is another advantage arising from yacht clubs--namely, that national spirit, which, to a maritime people, is above all in worth. The yacht clubs keep alive this feeling in an eminent degree. COURSES, ETC. Even in describing the elementary nautical operations which such boats require, it is necessary to lay down a position for the HARBOUR, direction for the WIND, and trip for the VESSEL. Let us suppose, then, that the mouth of the harbour lies towards the south; that the wind blows from the north, with a little inclination to east, and that we wish first to sail due south to get out of the harbour, next direct our course eastward, then return westward till we get abreast the mouth of the harbour, and lastly, northward, to enter the harbour and come to our moorings. These courses will, with variations in the force of the wind, illustrate every common and useful manœuvre. GETTING UNDER WAY. Ship[13] the tiller.[14] [13] Fix in its proper place. [14] The piece of wood or beam put into the head of the rudder to move it. Set the mainsail[15]; hoist the throat[16] nearly close up; and half hoist the peak.[17] [15] Unfurl it by casting the stops or gaskets off. [16] The foremost end of the gaff, or that end next the mast. [17] The outermost end of the gaff, or that farthest from the mast. Bend[18] and haul the jib out to the bowsprit end. [18] Hook it to the traveller, or ring on the bowsprit. Bowse the bobstay[19] and bowsprit shrouds[20] well taut. [19] A rope or chain from the end of the bowsprit to half-way down the stem. [20] Ropes from the bowsprit end on each side to the bows. Hoist the jib, and bowse it well up. Get the topmast stay[21], backstays[22], and rigging[23] well taut. [21] A rope from the topmast head to the outer end of the bowsprit, where it passes through a sheave or small block, comes in by the stem head, and is belayed or made fast (done generally by winding several times backwards and forwards in the manner of a figure 8), to its cleat or pin. [22] Ropes from the after-part of the head of the topmast to the after-part of the channels on each side. [23] Or shrouds--ropes from each side the top-mast head, through the cross-tree arms, to the fore part of the channels, between the first and second lower shroud. They are set up or hauled taut, as are the backstays, by means of a small tackle, one block of which is hooked to the thimble spliced into the lower end of the shroud or backstay, and the other to an eye-bolt in the channels. Hoist the foresail ready to cast[24] her when the moorings are let go.