luff up to it a bit, so as to shoulder it—that is, take it on the weather bow and not broadside on. Do not carry too much canvas when sailing with the wind abeam.
If a really heavy sea is running do not venture to sail with the wind abeam; sail close-hauled or run for it according to circumstances—or do each in turn if by that course you can best reach your destination.
If sailing with the sea on the quarter, bear away before the more dangerous seas, so as not to run the risk of broaching-to.
To Come to an Anchorage, or to Pick up Moorings in a crowded roadstead is a matter requiring great skill and judgment; and the novice will probably find this the most difficult to master of all the manœuvres he has to execute while sailing his yacht.
Before getting to your anchorage haul up from below and range on deck a length of cable equal to, or slightly greater than, the depth of the water in which you intend to let go your anchor. Steer to windward of the spot where you wish to bring up. When near it lower the head sails, flatten in the main sheet, and bring the vessel up into the wind's eye, sharply, or with a long sweep, according to the circumstances. When she has lost all her way and begins to drop astern, let go the anchor. The length of the sweep one should make when coming up depends on the set and strength of the tide, the
