Starting from a port on the Sound easily accessible from the city of New York, the squadron makes its way eastward, stopping at several of the principal places of resort along the Sound. Of late years it has been the custom to race from port to port, regular entries being made and prizes awarded. At every port along its course the New York Yacht Squadron receives large augmentations of both sailing and steam yachts, so that at last, when the fleet anchors in the harbour of New London, it is an armada of pleasure craft laden with pleasure-seeking yachtsmen, all in accord to make this demonstration the brightest and gayest event of the season. The entrance of the squadron into Narragansett Bay is one of the most beautiful of all imaginable marine pictures; the ranks are then complete, often numbering 200 vessels, by steam and sail. Every available craft is pressed into service by the dwellers of Newport and vicinity to go out to meet the arriving yachts; steamers laden with passengers, tugs, trading schooners with their decks black with unusual freight, the ubiquitous cat-boat, all assemble in waiting off the Lightship at Brenton's Reef to welcome the approaching fleet that is already coming into view off Point Judith. The yacht squadron is escorted to the beautiful harbour of Newport by the motley fleet in attendance, and anchors there with a flutter of canvas and the booming of cannon. [Illustration: The ubiquitous cat-boat.] At evening the fleet is illuminated with coloured lights, the steam yachts contribute electric glare, forming a scene worth many miles of journeying to witness. Then follow races in the open sea outside Newport, after which the cruise is continued to New Bedford, and Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard Island; more racing, and then a cruise around Cape Cod to Boston, where more racing and much festivity is enjoyed, after which the squadron disbands, most of the yachts return to Newport, whilst others cruise to Mount Desert Island and beyond. About the middle of August it is usual to have more racing off Newport under the auspices of the Atlantic and Seawanhaka Clubs, and this usually closes the season for racing; a few matches, however, are generally expected in the autumn, but by the middle of October nearly all the yachts go out of commission. Winter cruising to Florida and the West Indies usually begins soon after Christmas, returning early in April, whereby the rigours of our northern winter are avoided. As a rule, the American yachtsman is not inclined to racing to an extent that would afford the best information and knowledge as to the design and rig of his craft. At times, however, when under the stimulus of rivalry of designers, as occurred in 1891, or particularly when there is an international contest on hand, our marine phalanx stand forth in battle array, sacrifice no end of personal effort, and stake willingly their bottom dollar. _'America' Cup Competitions_