open sailing-boats should do when left to themselves.
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Fig. 52.—Main and Mizzen.
The main and mizzen rigged boat in Fig. 52 has wooden battens in her two lugs after the Chinese fashion. With the assistance of battens a sail attains the maximum of flatness. The battens do not materially increase the weight of the sail, as they are made of light deal. They are passed through the reef bands of the sail. The dotted lines in the diagram indicate their position. This rig is peculiarly adapted for single-handed sailing; for a very large sail can be carried with safety if it be provided with battens, as reefing becomes an exceedingly simple and almost instantaneous process. To take in a reef, the halyard is slacked off a sufficient length; and then a pull on a line, which is rove through thimbles fastened at both ends of the
