'But while it may be determined to retain a length and
sail-area rule, either in its present or in some slightly
altered form, we would most respectfully suggest that, at
least in the classes above 5-rating (if, indeed, a lower
line should not be drawn), the tendency toward abnormal and
un-shipshape form should be curbed in some way. The main
direction in which we would propose such limitation in form
would be in the outline of longitudinal section, and we
would suggest that this should be bounded by a fair line,
concave, or at least not convex, toward the water-line. That
the sternpost should show, say, a quarter of an inch above
the water-line aft, and the rudder be hung thereon. That
overhang forward and aft should be restricted, as also the
extreme forward position of mast; but as we deem it
undesirable to absolutely prohibit any form, we would simply
propose to tax such variations from this normal one so
heavily as to make their adoption unprofitable.'
The Yacht Racing Association, however, thought it undesirable to limit
form in any way, and beyond the adoption of the proposed method of
measuring the fore triangle, and marking the L.W.L., the rule remained
unaltered.
[Illustration: 'Florinda,' yawl.]
1893 therefore saw new boats in the classes, fast, it is true, in
fresh breezes, but undesirable from anything but a racing point of
view. In the unclassed vessels above 40-rating things were not quite
so bad, as with a practically unlimited sail-area a fair amount of
body was required to carry it. Besides, men who did not mind
spending two or three thousand on a 'machine' hesitated before putting
down ten or twelve. In America, however, where money is spent like
water when the national honour is at stake, 85-foot machines were
built on the off chance of their being successes; but it is gratifying
alike to American and British yachtsmen that the Cup should have been
defended by such a wholesome type of vessel as 'Vigilant' undoubtedly
is.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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