And mighty pretty our sleek-looking rival appears, with the sun shining on her creamy sails just new from the loft, but bearing the impress of artistic design and splendid fit. The only difference between Ghost and Phantom is that the first-named is painted black, while Phantom is resplendent in a snow-white garb. Captain Spike, the Ghost's skipper, a bronzed, bearded man of massive build, is steering, and as he passes under our stern we wave our hands or doff our caps in courteous salute. For although both ships are manned by sturdy fighters, yet we heartily respect each other, as gallant and honorable foes are wont to do in the domain of yachtdom.
"Bang!" goes the preparatory gun, which conveys the information that our class will start in five minutes. Our owner had timed his watch by the chronometer on the club boat early that morning, and both timepieces agree to a fraction of a second. It is to be a flying start, and the two rival skippers, Spike and Marlin, are equally famous for getting away with the gun, and both are past masters in the art of sea-jockeying for a commanding position on the line. It is most interesting to watch the manœuvres of the two captains. The yachts circle round and round each other like two kittens at play, while the owners, with watches in hand, call out the time.
"One minute gone' says our owner.
