DIXON KEMP

Manual of Yacht and Boat Sailing and Architecture

(11th and final edition, 1913)

R.

R Class.-- The expression that a yacht is classed R, or the letter R placed against a yacht's name, denotes that she has been built to the special class "R" at Lloyd's or a foreign classification society, and that she is of sound and seaworthy construction. Lloyd's Register of Shipping established a new class "R" for yachts of the international rating classes in 1906, and over 600 yachts have now been classed R ; before 1906 the only yacht class was A. (See "A1," and also 'Yacht Register" and "Rules.")
Rabbet or Rebate.-- An angular channel or groove cut in the keel, stem, or sternpost, &c. to receive the edges or ends of the plank.
Race.-- A competition between yachts. A strong current or tide running over an uneven bottom producing overfalls. (See "Overfalls.")
Racing Flags.-- The size of racing flags will be found under the head of "Flags."
Racking.-- A rope or seizing used to lash the parts of a tackle together, by taking several turns, so as to keep them from running through the blocks, whilst the fall is cast off for some purpose, or whilst one hand belays the fall made fast to some fixture by one end and then passed round and round a rope to hold the latter by.
Raffee.-- A square topsail set flying on the foretopmast of schooners, and formerly often set on cutters and ketches above the squaresail. Sometimes this topsail is triangular in shape, like a scraper.
Rail.-- The timber fitted on to the heads of the bulwark stanchions. Called also "top rail."
Rainbow Fashion.-- A ship dressed with flags from the jibboom end over the trucks to the taffrail.
Raising Iron.-- A sort of chisel for removing ; the paying and caulking from seams.
Raising Tacks and Sheets.-- To lift the clews of lower square sails before tacking or wearing.
Rake.-- To lean forward or aft from the vertical, as raking masts, raking sternposts, raking stem, &c.
Rakish.-- A vessel that has a look of speed about her, probably originating from the fast schooners of former days that had raking masts.
Ramp.-- In close-hauled sailing, to sail a vessel along a heavy full without easing up the sheets.
Ramping Full.-- Every sail bellying, full of wind--not too close-hauled.
Range.-- Scope. To range is to sheer about when at anchor; to range the cable, to place a lot on deck in fakes ready for veering out.-- To give a range of cable is to veer out enough in letting go the anchor to bring the vessel up without causing much strain to come on the bitts.-- To go near to, as to range up to windward, to range up alongside, &c.
Rap Full.-- The same as ramping full.
 
Rate of a Chronometer.--
The daily loss or gain of a chronometer in relation to mean time.
 
Rater.-- A term used to imply a small yacht or boat of the type commonly in vogue in the smaller classes of the Yacht Racing Association. Hence 8-metre yachts, 7-metres, and 6-metres' may be called "raters" ; 18ft., 24ft., and 36ft. linear rating yachts were called "raters." The word had its origin under the first rating rule, from 1887 to 1895, and was applied to "half-raters," "1-raters," "2-1/2-raters," and "5-raters." It can only be regarded as a slang term (See also "Metre Boat.")
 
Rating Rules.-- See under "Time Allowance" and "Tonnage."
 
Ratlines or Ratlins.-- The small lines which cross the shrouds horizontally, and form the rungs of a ladder. Not generally used in yachts of 40 tons and under.
 
Rattle Down.-- To fix ratlines to the shrouds.
 
Reaching.--
Sailing by or along the wind. A "reach" is the distance sailed between tacks, and means the same as board. To "reach" another vessel is to pass her. In reaching a schooner of 150 tons, say, will pass a cutter of 100 tons; that is, will "fore-reach" her, hat the cutter holding a better wind will generally keep the weather gauge. A" reach" is a distance a yacht can sail from point to point without tacking, and may he sailed with sheets eased up. Broad reach is with the boom well off the quarter. A reach is also the distance from bend to bend in a river or channel. Sailors mostly pronounce the word "ratching." (See "Head Reach," and "Fore Reach.")
 
Ready About !--The order given to prepare for tacking.
 
Ready, All !--Everybody make ready.
 
Rear Commodore.--
The third flag officer of a yacht. club, who has no duties in the presence of the Commodore or Vice-Commodore. He has two white balls in the upper corner of his pennant.
 
Receiver of Wrecks.--
An officer to whom in case of damage or wreck the facts must be reported.
 
Recognised Yacht Club.--
A club included in the' list of "Recognised Yacht Clubs" published in the year book of the Yacht Racing Association for the current year, or a club recognised by one of the National Authorities forming the International Yacht Racing Union. A term very frequently used by yachtsmen. Formerly it was a general condition that "a member of a Royal yacht club shall be on board" each yacht competing in a match, who is responsible for the due observance of the sailing rules. Often the r ale required that a member of the particular club under whose auspices the match was being sailed should be on board. All clubs, however, have not the right to be styled "royal," and the word "recognised" yacht club became introduced as an equivalent for "royal." Since the establishment of the Yacht Racing Association the term "recognised" is alone contained in the rules. No one seems to have known exactly what "recognised" meant, but the terms "Recognised Yacht Club" and "Recognised Sailing Club" are now synonymous, and their definition is now generally accepted by yachtsmen as it is given above.
 
The term conveys the implication that the yacht club or sailing club is one of high repute, and that it does not admit professional skippers or yacht hands to its membership; generally all "Royal" yacht clubs and those holding Admiralty Warrants are "Recognised." On the other hand, there are several "Recognised" clubs on the list of high repute which are not "Royal" clubs, and which do not hold an Admiralty Warrant.
 
A club desirous of obtaining recognition by the Y.R.A. should make an application to the Secretary of that body. The application must he supported by a member of the Y.R.A., and accompanied by a book of the applicant club's rules and a list of their members. A club, when recognised by the Y.R.A., must pay a subscription of 2£ 2s. per annum to that body, and is entitled to representation on the Y.R.A.
 
Reef.--
To shorten sail by reefing. Also to shorten a spar, as to take a reef in the bowsprit.
 
Reef Band.-- A strip of canvas sewn across the sail in which the eyelet holes are worked to receive the reef points. Not always met with in yacht sails.
 
Reef Cringles.-- The large cringles in the leeches of sails through which the reef pendants are rove and tacks or sheets hooked.
 
Reef Earing .-- See "Reef Pendant."
 
Reefing Gear.-- See page 413.
 
Reef Knot.-- "Seamanship," farther back.
 
Reef Pendant (called also "reef earing").--
A short and strong rope (with a Matthew Walker knot in one end). One end of the pendant is passed up through a hole in the cleat on one side of the boom and stopped by the knot in the end. The other end is then passed through the reef cringle in the sail and down through the sheave hole on the other side of the boom. Reef pendants are rove on opposite sides.
 
Reef Points.--
Short pieces of rope attached to sails to secure the folds rolled up when reefing.
 
Reef Tackle.-- The tackle hooked to the reef pendants.
 
Reeve.-- To put a rope through a hole of any kind.
 
Register.--
A certificate of a vessel's register granted by the Board of Trade and registered by the Registrar.General of Shipping. It is not a document of title of ownership.
 
Registry.--
A register of all British ships kept by the Registrar-General of Shipping. When a ship is registered, the following documents must be produced: (1) Certificate of Board of Trade measuring officer. (2) Certificate of Board of Trade Surveyor; in the case of yachts this certificate is not required. (3) Builder's certificate, or, if the builder's certificate cannot be obtained, a document setting forth all that is known of the vessel. (4) Declaration of ownership. All vessels, yachts, or otherwise of 15 tons N.M. and over must be registered. Yachts, however, of less than 15 tons can be registered, and it is advisable to have them so registered for the sake of holding the certificate of register, obtaining the Admiralty. warrant, and being able to prove nationality when visiting foreign ports. The name of a vessel once registered cannot be altered except with the sanction of the Board of Trade. A certificate of registry is a mere copy of the register kept at the port of registry, and of itself is not a document of title. A quantity of useful information on the registry of ships will be found in a book by Messrs. C.F. Jemmett and R.A.B. Preston. entitled "A Treatise on the Law Relating to Pleasure Yachts," published by Sweet and Maxwell, 3 Chancery-lane, London, W.C.
 
Render.--
To slacken or ease up. A rope is said to render when it slackens up or slips from a belaying pin or cavel.
 
Resistance.--
According to Beaufoy, a plane moved normally at a rate of 10ft. per second meets with a resistance of 112.5lb. per square foot. The resistance varies as the square of the velocity at low speeds. Generally understood to mean the resistance a vessel meets with from the friction of the water on her skin and from the waves she makes.
 
Ribbands.--
Long pieces of plank or timber, usually three-sided, and sometimes called harpings, secured to the frames of a vessel in a fore-and-aft direction, when she is building, and representing the dividing lines or geodetic lines.
 
Ribs.-- The frames or timbers of a ship or boat.
 
Ride.-- To rest at anchor or to be held by an anchor.
 
Ridge Ropes.-- The ropes rove through the eyes of metal stanchions fitted in the top rail.
 
Riding Down.-- When men go aloft and hang on the halyards and assist by their weight in hoisting sails.
 
Riding Light.--
The white globular lantern hung on the forestay of vessels when riding at anchor. (See ' Rule of the Road Rules Concerning Lights.")
 
Riding Turn.--
When the last turn of a rope crosses or rides over the previous torn on a bollard &c. to jam it.

 

Rig.--
The arrangement of a vessel's spars, rigging, and sails, as schooner rig, cutter rig, lugger rig, &c. To rig is to fit the spars with rigging, &c. To rig out is to fit out.
 
Right Away.--
In the direction of. An American term for quickly out of hand, or move ahead.
 
Right Hand Rope.-- Rope laid up or twisted with the sun.
 
Right, to.-- To bring a vessel back to the upright position after she has been heeled.
 
Ring Bolt.-- A bolt with an eye and a ring through the eye.
 
Ring Tail.-- The studding sail of a gaff sail.
 
Rings.-- Brass or yellow metal rings used in place of rooves for bolt clinching.
 
Rising Floor.--
Distinct from fiat floored or fiat bottomed ; sharp bottomed. (See "Dead Rise.")

 

Risings.-- Stringers fitted inside small heats to strengthen them and support the thwarts.
 
Roach.--
The curved part of the foot of a sail : formerly the allowance made for the bellying of a sail.
 
Roadstead.-- An open anchorage.
 
Roaring Calm.-- An Equatorial calm.
 
Roaring Forties.--
This term originated with the tearing winds which blow in the South Atlantic between lat. 30û and 50û S.
 
Rockered Keel.-- A keel whose ends curve upwards thus \_/ (See "Cambered.")
 
Rolling.-- The transverse motions of a ship when amongst waves.
 
Room and Space.--
The distance from the centre of one frame to the centre of another.
 
Roove.-- See "Ruff."
 
Rope.--
Ropes are of three kinds; three-strand, four-strand, and cable-laid. A number of yarns twisted together forms a strand. Three-strand rope (see Fig. 85) is laid righthanded, or with the sun (sometimes termed hawser-laid). Four-strand rope (see Fig. 86) is also laid with the sun (sometimes termed strand-laid). Four-strand rope is usually
 
FIG 85
FIG 86
FIG 87
 
used for sheets and shrouds, pendants, and generally for standing rigging. All rope comes under the general term of cordage. Cable-laid rope (see Fig. 87) consists of three ""three-strand' right-hand laid ropes laid up together into one these ropes are laid left-handed against the sun. Right-hand laid rope must be coiled with the son ; cable-laid rope is coiled against the sun.
 
Rough-tree Rail.-- The top rail fitted to the stanchion above the bulwarks.
 
Round In.-- To haul in on a rope.
 
Round To.--
To bring by the wind. To come up head to wind. A vessel is said to "'go round , when she goes about.
 
Rowed Turn.--
To pass a rope twice round a pin or cleat so as to make a complete circle.
 
Rove.--
The condition of a n rope that has been passed through a sheave hole or through any aperture.

 

Rowlocks.--
The fittings on the gunwale to receive the tholes or crutches for the oars.
 
Royal.-- The sail next above the topgallant sail.
 
Royal Standard.--
The flag of the Sovereign nod Royal family. It is always flown at the main. When the Sovereign is on board, the standard is flown at the main, and the Admiralty flag (a red ground with fouled anchor) at the fore, and Union Jack at the mizen.
 
Royal Yacht Club.--
A club which has obtained permission from the Home Office to use the prefix "Royal.' - An Admiralty warrant obtained from the Admiralty does not confer the title; but a Royal yacht club that has not also the Admiralty warrant can only fly the red ensign, and this can have no device. A club with an Admiralty warrant takes precedence of a club which has only a Royal warrant. (See "Recognised Club.")
 
Rudder Trunk.--
The trunk fitted in the counter to receive the rudder post into which the tiller is fitted.

 

Ruff or Roove.-- A small, slightly conical ring of copper placed over boat nails before clinching in boat building.
 
Rules of the Road .--
Every yachtsman should have some knowledge of the Rule of the Road at Sea so that he may know the "Right of Way." The beginner should first of all commit to memory the following four verses by the late Mr. Thomas Gray, C.B. :-
1. Two Steam Ships meeting
When both side Lights you see ahead
Port your helm, and show your RED.
2. Two Steam Ships passing.
GREEN to GREEN or, RED to RED-
Perfect safety-Go ahead !
3. Two Steam Ships crossing
Note.-This is the position of greatest danger; there is nothing for it but good look-out, caution)on, and judgment.
If to your starboard RED appear,
It is your duty to keep clear:
To act as judgment says is proper;
To Port-or Starboard-Back-or, Stop her!
But when upon your Port is seen
A Steamer's Starboard Light of GREEN,
There's not so much for you to do,
For GREEN to Port keeps clear of you.
4. All Ships must keep a good leek-out.
Both in safety and in doubt.
Always keep a good look-out;
In danger, with no room to turn,
Ease her! Stop her! Go astern!
The next thing for the yachtsman to remember is never to put to sea without having on board "Lloyd's Calendar" for the current year; this book, price is., published at Lloyds, Royal Exchange, E.C., gives fully the regulations at present in force (under the Merchant Shipping Act) for preventing collisions at sea. These Rules were revised by an Order in Council on Oct. 13, 1910. The following are the chief Steering and Sailing Rules under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1913.
SCHEDULE I.
PRELIMINARY
These Rules shall be followed by all vessels upon the high seas and in all waters connected therewith, navigable by sea-going vessels.
In the following Rules every steam vessel which is under sail and not under steam is to be considered a sailing vessel, and every vessel under steam, whether under sail or not, is to be considered a steam vessel.
The words "steam vessel" shall include any vessel propelled by machinery.
Rules of the Rood-continued.
A vessel is "under way" within the meaning of these Rules, when she is not at anchor, or made fast to the shore or aground.
RULES CONCERNING LIGHTS, &c.
The word "visible" in these rules, when applied to lights, shall mean visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere.
Art. 1. The rules concerning lights shall he complied with in all weathers from sunset to sunrise, and during such time no other lights which may be mistaken for the prescribed lights shall be exhibited.
Art. 2. A steam vessel when under way shall carry :
(a.) On or in front of the foremast, or if a vessel without a foremast, then in the fore part of the vessel, at a height above the hull of not less than 20ft and if the breadth of the vessel exceeds 20ft., then at a height above the hull not less than such breadth, so, however, that the light need not he carried at a greater height above the hull than 40ft, a bright white light, so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 20 points of the compass, so fixed as to throw the light 10 points on each side of the vessel, viz., from right ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on either side, and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least five miles.
(b.) On the starboard side a green light so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 10 points of the compass, so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on either side, and of such a character as to he visible at a distance of at least two miles.
(C.) On the port side a red light so constructed as to show an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 10 points of the compass, so fixed as to throw the light from right ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on the port side, end of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least two miles.
(d.) The said green and red side lights shall be fitted with inboard screens projecting at least 3ft. forward from the light, so as to prevent these lights from being seen across the bow.
(e.) A steam vessel when under way 'nay carry an additional white light similar in construction to the light mentioned in subdivision (o). These two lights shall be so placed in line with the keel that one shall be at least 15ft. higher than the other, and in such a position with reference to each other that the lower light shall be forward of the upper one. The vertical distance between these lights shall be less than the horizontal distance.
Art. 3. A steam vessel when towing another vessel shall, in addition to her side lights. carry two bright white lights in a vertical line one over the other, not less than 6ft. apart, and when towing more than one vessel shall carry an additional bright white light 6ft. above or below such lights, if the length of the tow, measuring from the stern of the towing vessel to the stern of the last vessel towed, exceeds 600ft. Each of these lights shall be of the same construction and character, and shall be carried in the same position as the white light mentioned in Article 2 (o), except the additional light, which may be carried at a height of not less than 14ft. above the bull.
Such steam vessel may carry a small white light abaft the funnel or aftermast for the vessel towed to steer by, but such light shall not be visible forward of the beam.
Art. 4. (o.) A vessel which from any accident 15 not under command, shall carry at the same height as the white light mentioned in Article 2 (e), where they can best be seen, and, if a steam vessel, in lieu of that light, two red lights, in a vertical line one over the other, not less than 6ft. apart, and of such a character as to be visible all round the horizon at a distance of at least two miles and shall by day carry in a vertical line one over the other, not less than 6ft. apart, where they can best be seen, two black balls or shapes. each 2ft. in diameter.
(b.) A vessel employed in laying or in picking up a telegraph cable shall carry in the same position as the white light mentioned in Article 2 (a), and, if a steam vessel, in lieu of that light, three lights in a vertical line one over the other, not less than 6ft. apart. The highest and lowest of these lights shall he red, and the middle light shall be white, and they shall be of such a character as to be visible all round the horizon, at a distance of at least two miles. By day she shall carry in a vertical line one over the other, not less than 6ft. apart, where they can best be seen, three shapes not less than 2ft. in diameter, of which the highest and lowest shall be globular in shape and red in colour, and the middle one diamond in shape and white.
(C.) The vessels referred to in this Article, when not making way through the water, shall not carry the side lights, but when making way shall carry them.
(d.) The lights and shapes required to be shown by this Article are to be taken by other vessels as signals that the vessel showing them is not under command and cannot therefore get out of the way.
These signals are not signals of vessels in distress and requiring assistance. Such signals are contained in Article 31.
Art. 5. A sailing vessel under way, and any vessel being towed, shall carry the same lights as are prescribed by Article 2 for a steam vessel under way, with the exception of the white lights mentioned therein, which they shall never carry.
Art. 6. Whenever, as in the case of small vessels under way during bad weather, the green and red side lights cannot be fixed, these lights shall he kept at hand lighted and ready for use; and shall, on the approach of or to other vessels, be exhibited on their respective sides in sufficient time to prevent Collision, in such manner as to make them visible, and so that the green light shall not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the starboard side, nor, if practicable, more than 2 points abaft the beam on their respective sides.
To make the use of these portable lights more certain and easy, the lanterns containing them shall each be painted outside with the colour of the light they respectively contain, and shall be provided with proper screens.
Art. 7. Steam vessels of less than 40, and vessels under oars or sails of less than 20. tons gross tonnage, respectively, and rowing boats, when under way, shall not be obliged to carry the lights mentioned in Article 2 (a) (b) and (C), but if they do not carry them they shall be provided with the following lights.
1. Steam vessels of less than 40 tons shall carry:
(a.) In the fore part of the vessel, or on or in front of the funnel, where it can best be seen, and at a height above the gunwale of not less than 9ft a bright white light constructed and fixed as prescribed in Article 2 (a), and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least two miles.
(b.) Green and red side-lights constructed and fixed as prescribed in Article 2 (b) and (C), and of such a character as to be visible at a distance of at least one mile, or a combined lantern showing a green light and a red light from right ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on their respective sides. Such lantern shall be carried not less than 3ft. below the white light.
2. Small steamboats, such as are carried by sea-going vessels, may carry the white light at a less height than 9ft above the gunwale, but it shall be carried above the combined lantern, mentioned in sub-division 1 (b).
3. Vessels under oars or sails, of less than 20 tons, shall have ready at hand a lantern with a green glass on one side and a red glass on the other, which, on the approach of or to other vessels, shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision, so that the green light shall not be seen on the port side nor the red light on the starboard side.
4. Rowing boats, whether under oars or sail, shall have ready at hand a
lantern showing a white light, which shall be temporarily exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.
The vessels referred to in this Article shall not be obliged to carry the lights prescribed by Article 4 (a), and Article 11, last paragraph.
Art. 8. Pilot vessels, when engaged on their station on pilotage duty, shall not show the lights required for other vessels, but shall carry a white light at the masthead, visible all round the horizon, and shall also exhibit a flare-up light or flare-up lights at short intervals, which shall never exceed fifteen minutes.
On the near approach of or to other vessels they shall have their side-lights lighted, ready for use, and shall flash or show them at short intervals, to indicate the direction in which they are heading, but the green light shall not be shown on the port side, nor the red light on the starboard side.
A pilot vessel of such a class as to be obliged to go alongside of a vessel to put a pilot on board, may show the white light instead of carrying it at the masthead, and may, instead of the coloured lights above mentioned, have at hand ready for use a lantern with a green glass on the one side and a red glass on the other, to be used as prescribed above.
A Steam Pilot vessel exclusively employed for the service of Pilots licensed or certified by any Pilotage authority or the Committee of any Pilotage District in the United Kingdom when engaged on her station on pilotage duty and in British waters and not at anchor shall in addition to the lights required for all Pilot boats carry at a distance of eight feet below her White Masthead light a red light visible all round the horizon and of such a character as to be visible on a dark night with a clear atmosphere at a distance of at least 2 miles and also the coloured side lights required to be carried by vessels when under way.
When engaged on her station on pilotage duty and in British waters and at anchor she shall carry in addition to the lights required for all Pilot boats the red light above mentioned but not the coloured side lights.
When not engaged on her station on pilotage duty she shall carry the same lights as other steam vessels.
Pilot vessels when not engaged on their station on pilotage duty, shall carry lights similar to those of other vessels of their tonnage.
FISHING VESSELS AND BOATS.
Art. 9. Fishing vessels and fishing boats, when under way and when not required by this Article to carry or show the lights hereinafter specified, shall carry or show the lights prescribed for vessels of their tonnage under way.
(a.) Open boats, by which is to be understood boats not protected from the
Rules of the Reed continued.
entry of sea water by means of a continuous deck, when engaged in any fishing at night, with outlying tackle extending not more than 150 feet horizontally from the boat into the seaway, shall carry one all-round white light.
Open boats, when fishing at night, with outlying tackle extending more than 150 feet horizontally from the boat into the seaway, shall carry one all-round white light, and in addition, on approaching or being approached by other vessels, shall show a second white light at least 3 feet below the first light and at a horizontal distance of at least 5 feet away from it in the direction in which the outlying tackle is attached.
(b.) Vessels and boats, except open boats as defined in sub-division (o), when fishing with drift nets, shall, so long as the nets are wholly or partly in the water, carry two white lights where they can best be seen. Such lights shall be placed so that the vertical distance between them shall not he less than 6 feet and not more than 15 feet, and so that the horizontal distance between them, measured in a line with the keel, shall be not less than 5 feet and not more than 10 feet. The lower of these two lights shall be in the direction of the nets, and both of them shall be of such a character as to show all round the horizon, and to be visible at a distance of not less than 3 miles.
Within the Mediterranean Sea and in the seas bordering the coasts of Japan and Korea sailing fishing vessels of less than 20 tons gross tonnage shall not be obliged to carry the lower of these two lights; should they, however, not carry it, they shall show in the same position (in the direction of the net or gear) a white light, visible at a distance of not less than one sea mile, on the approach of or to other vessels.
(c.) Vessels and boats, except open boats as defined in sub-division (a), when line fishing with their lines out and attached to or hauling their lines, and when not at anchor or stationary within the meaning of sub-division (h), shall carry the same lights as vessels fishing with drift-nets. When shooting lines, or fishing with towing lines, they shall carry the lights prescribed for a steam or sailing vessel under way respectively.
Within the Mediterranean Sea and in the seas bordering the coasts of Japan and Korea sailing fishing vessels of less than 20 tons gross tonnage shall not he obliged to carry the lower of these two lights; should they, however, not carry it, they shall show in
the same position (in the direction of the lines) a white light, visible at a distance of not less than one sea mile on the approach of or to other vessels.
(d.) Vessels, when engaged in trawling, by which is meant the dragging of an apparatus along the bottom of the sea-
1. If steam vessels, shall carry in the same position as the white light mentioned in Article 2 (e), a tricoloured lantern so constructed and fixed as to show a white light from right ahead to two points on each bow, and a green light and a red light over an arc of the horizon from two points on each bow to two points abaft the beam on the starboard and port sides respectively; and not less than 6 nor more than 12 feet below the tricoloured lantern a white light in a lantern, so constructed as to show a clear uniform and unbroken light all round the horizon.
2. If sailing vessels, shall carry a white light, in a lantern, so constructed as to show a clear uniform and unbroken light all round the horizon, and shall also, on the approach of or to other vessels, show where it can best
be seen a white flare-up light or torch
in sufficient time to prevent collision.
All lights mentioned in sub-division
(d) 1 and 2 shall be visible at a distance
of at least 2 miles.
(e.) Oyster dredgers and other vessels
fishing with dredge-nets shall carry and show the same lights as trawlers.
(f.) Fishing vessels and fishing boats may at any time use a flare-up light in addition to the lights which they are by this Article required to carry and show, and they may also use working lights.
(g.) Every fishing vessel and every fishing boat under 150 feet in length, when at anchor, shall exhibit a white light visible all round the horizon at a distance of at least one mile.
Every fishing vessel of 150 feet in length or upwards, when at anchor, shall exhibit a white light visible all round the horizon at a distance of at least one mile, and shall exhibit a second light as provided for vessels of such length by Article 11.
Should any such vessel, whether under 150 feet in length, or of 150 feet in length or upwards, be attached to a net or other fishing gear, she shall on the approach of other vessels show an additional white light at least 3 feet below the anchor light, and at a horizontal distance of at least 5 feet away from it in the direction of the net or gear.
(h.) If a vessel or boat when fishing becomes stationary in consequence of her gear getting fast to a rock or other obstruction, she shall in daytime haul down the day-signal required by sub-division (k); at night show the light or lights prescribed for a vessel at anchor; and during fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain-storms make the signal prescribed for a vessel at anchor. (See sub-division (d) and the last paragraph of Article 15.)
(i.) In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain-storms, drift-net vessels attached to their nets, and vessels when trawling, dredging, or fishing with any kind of drag-net, and vessels line fishing with their lines out, shall, ii of 20 tons gross tonnage or upwards, respectively, at intervals of not more than one minute make a blast; if steam-vessels, with the whistle or siren, and if sailing vessels with the fog-horn; each blast to be followed by ringing the bell. Fishing vessels and boats of less than 20 tons gross tonnage shall not be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals; but if they do not, they shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than one minute.
(k.) All vessels or boats fishing with nets or lines or trawls, when under way, shall in daytime indicate their occupation to an approaching vessel by displaying a basket or other efficient signal where it can best be seen. If vessels or boats at anchor have their gear out, they shall, on the approach of other vessels, show the same signal on the side on which those vessels can pass.
The vessels required by this Article to carry or show the lights herein before specified shall not be obliged to carry the lights prescribed by Article 4 (e), and the last paragraph of Article 11.
This Article shall be read and construed as part of the Regulations contained in Schedule I. to the Order in Council, under Section 418 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, made the 27th day of November, 1896, and as if it had formed one of such Regulations and been numbered 9 among the Articles containing the same.
Art. 10. A vessel which is being overtaken by another shall show from her stern to such last-mentioned vessel a white light or a flare. up light.
The white light required to be shown by this Article may be fixed and carried in a lantern, but in such case the lantern shall be so constructed, fitted, and screened that it shall throw an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 12 points of the compass, viz., for 6 points from right aft on each side of the vessel, so as to be carried as nearly as practicable on the same level as the side lights.
Art. 11. A vessel under 150ft in length, when at anchor, shall carry forward, where it can best be seen, but at a height not exceeding 20ft. above the hull, a white light in a lantern so constructed as to show a clear, uniform. and unbroken light visible all round the horizon at a distance of at least one mile.
A vessel of 150ft or upwards in length, when at anchor, shall carry in the forward part of the vessel, at a height of not less than 20, and not exceeding 40, feet above the hull, one such light, and at or near the stern of the vessel, and at such a height that it shall be not less than 15ft lower than the forward light, another such light.
The length of a vessel shall be deemed to be the length appearing in her certificate of registry.
A vessel aground in or near a fairway shall carry the above light or lights and the two red lights prescribed by Article 4 (a).
Art. 12. Every vessel may, if necessary in order to attract attention, in addition to the lights which she is by these rules required to carry, show a flare-up light or use any detonating signal that cannot be mistaken for a distress signal.
Art. 13. Nothing in these rules shall interfere with the operation of any special rules made by the Government of any nation with respect to additional station and signal lights for two or more ships of war or for vessels sailing under convoy, or with the exhibition of recognition signals adopted by shipowners, which have been authorised by their respective Governments and duly registered and published.
Art. 14. A steam vessel proceeding under sail only, but having her funnel up, shall carry in daytime, forward, where it can best be seen, one black ball or shape 2ft. in diameter.
SOUND-SIGNALS FOR FOG &c.
Art. 15. All signals prescribed by this Article for vessels under way shall be given:
1. By '-steam vessels" on the whistle or siren.
2. By "sailing vessels and vessels towed" on the fog-horn.
The words "prolonged blast" used in this Article shall mean a blast of from four to six seconds duration.
A steam vessel shall be provided with an efficient whistle or siren, sounded by steam or some substitute for steam, so placed that the sound may not be intercepted by any obstruction, and with an efficient fog-horn, to be sounded by mechanical means, and also with an efficient bell.* A sailing vessel of 20 tons gross tonnage or upwards shall be provided with a similar fog-horn and hell.
In fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rainstorms, whether by day or night, the signals
** In all cases where the rules require a bell to be used a drum may be substituted on board Turkish vessels. or a gong where such articles are used on board small sea-going vessels.
Rules of the Road -- continued.
described in this Article shall be used as follows, viz. :
(a.) A steam vessel having way upon her shall sound, at intervals of not more than two minutes. a prolonged blast.
(b.) A steam vessel under way, but stopped and having no way upon her, shall sound, at intervals of not more than two minutes, two prolonged blasts, with an interval of about one second between them.
(c.) A sailing vessel under way shall sound, at intervals of not more than one minute, when on the starboard tack one blast, when on the port tack two blasts in succession, and when with the wind abaft the beam three blasts in succession.
(d.) A vessel when at anchor- shall, at intervals of not more than one minute, ring the bell rapidly for about five seconds.
(e.) A vessel when towing. a vessel employed in laying or in picking up a telegraph cable, and a vessel under way which is unable to get out of the way of an approaching vessel through being not under command, or unable to manoeuvre as required by these rules shall, instead of the signals prescribed in sub-divisions (a) and (c) of this Article, at intervals of not more than two minutes, sound three blasts in succession, viz., one prolonged blast followed by two short blasts. A vessel towed may give this signal, and she shall not give any other
Sailing vessels and boats of less than 20 tons gross tonnage shall not be obliged to give the above-mentioned signals, but if they do not, they shall make some other efficient sound signal at intervals of not more than one minute.
SPEED OF SHIPS TO BE MODERATE IN
FOG &c.
Art. 16. Every vessel shall, in a fog, mist, falling snow, or heavy rain-storms, go at a moderate speed, having careful regard to the existing circumstances and conditions.
A steam vessel hearing, apparently forward of her beam, the fog signal of a vessel, the exact position of which is not ascertained, shall, so far as the circumstances of the case admit, stop her engines, and then navigate with caution until danger of collision is over.
STEERING AND SAILING RULES.
Preliminary--Risk of Collision.
Risk of collision can, when circumstances permit, be ascertained by carefully watching the compass bearing of an approaching vessel. If the hearing does not appreciably change, such risk should he deemed to exist.
Art. 17. When two sailing vessels are approaching one another, so as to involve
risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other, as follows, viz. :
(a.) A vessel which is running free shall keep out of the way of a vessel which is close-hauled.
(b.) A vessel which is close-hauled on the port tack shall keep out of the way of a vessel which is close-hauled on the starboard tack.
(C.) When both are running free, with the wind on different sides, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.
(d.) When both are running free, with the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward.
(e.) A vessel which has the wind aft shall keep cut of the way of the other vessel.
Art. 18. When two steam vessels are meeting end on, or nearly end on, so as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter her course to starboard, so that each may pass on the port side of the other.
This article only applies to cases where vessels are meeting end on, or nearly end on, in such a manner as to involve risk of collision, and does not apply to two vessels which must, if both keep on their respective courses, pass clear of each other.
The only cases to which it does apply are, when each of the two vessels is end on, or nearly end on, to the other; in other words, to cases in which by day, each vessel sees the masts of the other in a line, with her own ; and by night, to cases in which each vessel is mu such a position as to see both the side lights of the other.
It doss not apply, by day, to cases in which a vessel sees another ahead crossing her own course; or by night, to cases where the red light of one vessel is opposed to the red light of the other, or where the green light of one vessel is opposed to the green light of the other, or where a red light without a green light, or a green light without a red light, is seen ahead, or where both green and red lights are seen anywhere but ahead.
Art. 19. When two steam vessels are crossing, so as to involve risk of collision, the vessel which hits the other on her own starboard side shall keep out of the way of the other.
Art. 20. When a steam vessel and a sailing vessel are proceeding in such directions as to involve risk of collision, the steam vessel shall keep out of the way of the sailing vessel.
Art. 21. Where by any of these rules one of two vessels is to keep out of time way, the other shall keep her course and speed.
NOTE.-When, in consequence of thick weather or other causes, such vessel finds herself so close that collision cannot be avoided by the action of the giving.way vessel alone, she also shall take such action as will best aid to avert collision. (See Articles 27 and 29.)
Art. 22. Every vessel which is directed by these rules to keep out of the way of another vessel, shall, if circumstances of the case admit, avoid crossing ahead of the other.
Art. 23. Every steam vessel which is directed by these rules to keep out of the way of another vessel shall on approaching her, if necessary, slacken her speed or stop or reverse.
Art. 24. Notwithstanding anything contained in these rules, every vessel overtaking any other shall keep out of the way of the overtaken vessel.
Every vessel coming up with another vessel from any direction more than 2 points abaft her beam, i.e, in such a position with reference to the vessel which she is overtaking that at night she would be unable to see either of that vessel's side lights, shall be deemed to be an overtaking vessel; and no subsequent alteration of the bearing between the two vessels shall make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of these rules, or relieve her of the duty of keeping clear of the overtaken vessel until she is finally past and clear.
As by day the overtaking vessel cannot always know with certainty whether she is forward of or abaft this direction from the other vessel, she should, if in doubt, assume that she is an overtaking vessel and keep out of the way.
Art. 25. In narrow channels every steam vessel shall, when it is safe and practicable, keep to that side of the fair-way or mid. channel which lies on the starboard side of such vessel.
Art. 26. Sailing vessels under way shall keep out of the way of sailing vessels or boats fishing with nets, or lines, or trawls. This rule shall not give to any vessel or boat engaged in fishing the right of obstructing a fairway used by vessels other than fishing vessels or boats.
Art. 27. In obeying and construing these rules, due regard shall be had to all dangers of navigation and collision, and to any special circumstances which may render a departure from the above rules necessary in order to avoid immediate danger
SOUND SIGNALS FOR VESSELS IN SIGHT OF ONE ANOTHER.
Art. 28. The words "short blast" used in this Article shall mean a blast of about one second's duration.
When vessels are in sight of one another, a steam vessel under way, in taking any course authorised or required by these rules, shall indicate that course by the following signals on her whistle or siren. viz. :
One short blast to mean, "I am directing my course to starboard."
Two short blasts to mean, "I am directing my course to port."
Three short blasts to mean, "My engines are going full speed astern."
NO VESSEL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES TO NEGLECT PROPER PRECAUTIONS.
Art. 29. Nothing in these rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, or master, or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to carry lights or signals, or of any neglect to keep a proper look-out, or of the neglect of any precaution which may he required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case.
RESERVATION OF RULES FOR HARBOURS AND INLAND NAVIGATION.
Art. 30. Nothing in these Rules shall interfere with the operation of a special rule, duly made by local authority, relative to the navigation of any harbour, river, or inland waters.
DISTRESS SIGNALS.
Art. 31. When a vessel is in distress and requires assistance from other vessels or from the shore, the following shall be the signals to he used or displayed by her, either together or separately, viz.:
In the daytime-
1. A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute;
2. The International Code signal of distress indicated by N C. ;
3. The distant signal, consisting of a square flag, having either above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball;
4. A continuous sounding with any fog signal apparatus.
At night-
1. A gun or other explosive signal fired at intervals of about a minute;
2. Flames on the vessel (as from a burning tar barrel, oil barrel, &c.);
3. Rockets or shells, throwing stars of any colour or description, fired one at a time, at short intervals ;
4. A continuous sounding with any fog signal apparatus.
 
Rules.--
The Y.R.A. Rules or rules of the Yacht Racing Association, under which all yacht races in this country are held, are fully explained in the body of this work. (See Chapters VIII. and IX.) The official hook of Y.R.A. Rules is published by Harrison & Sons, St. Martin's Lane. Price 2s. 6d. annually.
 
Rules.--
International Rules are the same as Y.R.A. rules. International rules are those of the International Yacht Racing Union known as IYRU Rule.
 
Rules for the Construction of Yachts.--
Rules published by Lloyds Register of Shipping, 71, Fenchurch Street Price 5s. (See "Yacht Register")
 
Rules for the Construction of Yachts of the International Rating Classes.--
Rules published by Lloyds Register of Shipping, 71, Fenchurch Street Price 5s. specially for racing yachts classed R (See Yacht Register" and also R)
 
Run.-- The under part of a vessel aft defined by the buttock lines and water lines.
 
Run.-- To sail before the wind. To come down by the run is to lower or overhaul without warning, or suddenly. To run away with a rope is to take hold of a fall and haul on it by running along the deck. Among sailors an agreement to work a single passage for so much money, independent of the time occupied.
 
Run Down.-- To foul a vessel or other object wrongfully or by accident.
 
Run Foul Of.-- To get into collision with a vessel or other object.
 
Run Out.-- To veer out a warp or cable.
 
Run Over.--
The same as run down. Generally denoting carelessness in bringing about a collision.

 

Runners.--
A rope passed through a single block on a pendant with a purchase at one end. Also seamen who sail by the run.

 

Running Bowsprit.--
A bowsprit that is fitted to run in and out and "reef" like an old cutter's. Since 1900 most yachts have their bowsprits fitted in a shoe.
 
Running by the Lee.--
To run with the boom on one quarter when the wind is blowing on the other quarter. A dangerous proceeding. (See "By the Lee.")
 
Running Off her Helm.--
Said of a vessel if, when sailing, her stern flies up to windward (her head apparently going off to leeward) and lee helm is necessary to bring her to.
 
Running Rigging.--
The parts of the rigging made to overhaul or run through blocks, as distinct from that set up by lanyards, shackles, &c.
..
 
 
 
x

 

 

 

 
x

<--index  S.

..

 

© 2000 Craig O'Donnell
May not be reproduced without my permission.
Go scan your own damn dictionary.

the Cheap Pages • John's Mother o' Maritime Lists • Top