The tabernacle for mainmast is that described in the Field some months ago, which was designed for and used on the Severn. The mizen (sic) sail is an idea borrowed from America, giving it very low mast. It is a handy sail for waters where the bridges are so low as to necessitate unstepping a mizen mast of more than 2ft. 6in. in height.

Dimensions:
Length over all, 16 ft. Beam, 3 ft.
Depth from gunwale to bottom of garboard, 13 in. Camber of deck, 2 in. Buttock lines, 6in. apart.
Cruising mains'l area, 63 sq. ft.
Cruising mizen sail area 16 sq. ft.

Though a canoe of these dimensions is not the handiest possible for paddling, it could be easily propelled by that manner. I have, however, found the sculls of such immense advantage, that I should strongly recommend having rowlocks fitted and sculls used under any circumstances where some distance had to be traveled without the assistance of the sails.

A boat of this description I shall be having built on the Thames this winter, and during next summer her cruising capacities will be put to the test. I have every confidence that as an all-round cruiser, a handy boat for portages, and a boat that will keep one dry in choppy, open water, she will be a success. Of her sailing qualities it is well not to speak with certainty, but I think she will acquit herself well, and with a larger suit of sails could be raced with advantage.

Edgar T. Holding

(Editor's Note: The table of offsets on my copy of this article were very difficult to read, and the fractions were subject broad interpretation. In other words, expect mistakes in the translation...DJM

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