For prudential reasons, in this uncertain climate a fellow should take his "oilers" along. Even as I write I am reminded of the advisability of this by certain unpleasant rheumatic twinges which rack my old weather-beaten hull, and which might perhaps have been avoided if I had kept myself drier in my youth. Let no "freshie" take an umbrella aboard, as it is a breeder of bad luck, and if there happens to be an old sea-dog in the craft, ten to one he will seize an early opportunity of surreptitiously heaving it overboard—a proceeding which every right-minded mariner will cordially approve.
Do not burden yourself with walking-cane, field-glasses or camera, no matter how devoted you may be to the art of amateur photography. There is a time for everything, and your special duty during the match will be to pull and haul on ropes, to stick out to windward as far as possible when the yacht is close hauled, and to hop lively about the decks as occasion requires, never heeding salt sea water coming aboard in showers of spray from the ocean, or the drenching downpour from the open heavens.
It will occur to you that the fancy attire to which I have alluded above will be inappropriate to any but the calmest and sunniest weather. Enough said! If you wish to gratify the heart of the yacht-owner you will invest in a close crop and a clean shave prepara-
