A well-known man from the Emerald Isle, who is a keen and successful yacht-sailer, was the cause of a hearty laugh. Getting into a club boat, he set the mainsail, and, after letting go the moorings, he jumped aft to the helm, but unfortunately for him the hook of the mooring chain caught in the bobstay and held the boat fast. Advice was freely showered upon him from the club-house. 'Haul your port jib sheet aft.' 'Push the boom over.' 'Roll up the jib.' 'Steady your helm.' 'Get your hair cut,' &c., &c., amid roars of laughter; but it was a good ten minutes before he found out what was wrong, the boat sheering wildly all the time! Races are also held in which each helmsman has to set sail, pick up moorings, &c. &c. The classes under Y.R.A., 1-raters and 1/2-raters, also afford great sport, but resulted in the development of a very expensive type of boat, the natural consequence of the ascendency of the 'almighty dollar'; but these boats are exceedingly capable and safe. In 1891 the racing was only stopped one day on account of weather, and that summer was peculiarly stormy. These small yachts afford an admirable school ... which will do more for the real sport of yacht-racing than anything else. A man who can sail a 1- or a 1/2-rater will never be out of place in a larger ship, or become a mere passenger, for he won't race a small boat unless he loves the sport. At Bembridge the club has a slipway and cradle, and members can haul up their boats at any time, either for repairs or drying, at no cost. This is a great boon to a small boat-owner. There are generally about forty races each season, of from 5 to 10 knot course. The starting is by semaphore, and recalls are effected by blowing a fog-horn to attract attention and then exposing the boat's racing flag painted on zinc ... thus doing away with cards and enabling post entries. The harbour, capable of much improvement, is in the hands of a ... company.... There are two good boat-builders, a good sail-maker, and a ship-chandler. Tides run very slack, and the railway station, telegraph office, steamboat pier, and first-class hotel are all within fifty yards. Classes for 2-1/2-raters and deep draught 1-raters have now (1892) been started, and will race outside.... Further details concerning this excellent and flourishing Club will be found in table on p. 286. CLASS RACING, 1890 may be described in the words fives and two-point fives. 'Dis' and 'Decima' were sold and went away, the 10-R. class collapsed, and the ones and halves were only talked about, not built. The 5-rating class was thoroughly started this year, and a boat which devoured the cakes for two seasons was launched in the 2-1/2-rating class. _Racing Records, 1890._