A great deal of dinghy racing is done at St. George's, and it will be well to notice here the peculiarity of these boats and their gear. The normal dimensions of the dinghy are as follows:--
Length 14 ft. Beam 4 ft. 6 in. Draught 2 ft. Mast 25 ft. to 30 ft. Boom 25 ft. Bowsprit 15 ft.
Dinghies are fearfully and wonderfully made things, with their plate on as in the big boats, the sails lashed up and set in. Five lunatics come next in the prescription; these embark very gingerly indeed--quite a bit of fancy work--while some one holds on to the mast from the top of the wharf to prevent accident, and when they think they are ready and balanced they are shoved off. Directly she feels the wind over she goes, and four hands stretch out to windward as far as possible, the fifth being busy baling, which is a most important feature of dinghy sailing. A very exciting amusement it is. As long as the boats can be kept right side up they do go a tremendous pace. Waiting about before the race and gybing are the most exciting and dangerous times, as three dinghies have been known to capsize in one race before starting. Bathing costume is considered the correct thing, and is well adapted to the climate; it is also desirable in this sport to be able to swim, as there is no room in the boats for such superfluities as life-belts. The 'Diamond' was a very fine boat, and splendid in a wind; as the mainsail represents the usual mainsail and jackyarder all in one, the whole sail-area forms the desirable equilateral triangle a little aft to send her up to the wind.
The fitting of the boom is different from any other rig, as it passes on one side beyond the mast; a tail block hauls the boom right aft, and counteracted by the mainsheet gives a very flat sail indeed; great results are obtained, all the advantages of a standing lug on a large scale being secured, while the tension can be increased and the canvas made flatter. Space cannot be afforded for her lines, midship section and sail-plan, good as they are, still 'Diamond' is decidedly a good cedar-built representative craft:--
Length on water-line 34 ft. Beam 11 ft. 2.5 in. Draught 6 ft. 6 in.
The extravagances of Bermudian water frolics have been given here as very extreme instances of yachting enjoyments; still Bermuda is a splendid place for sailing. You can leave the island on a Friday for New York, arriving on Monday; leave New York on Tuesday, and in a week more be back in the old country.