newspaper, pasted together as shown in the pattern drawing. Down the center of this pasted sheet, draw a heavy black line. On this line, close to the top, mark a dot to represent the sail top. From this dot, measure down on the line the distances indicated, and make dots B, C and D.
Draw lines at right angles to dots B and D, the upper one 9 ft. long, and the lower 42 in. long. Now. fasten a piece of string to a thumbtack, and insert the tack through the paper at the dot C. Fasten a pencil onto the string at the proper distance to draw an arc through the ends of the 9-ft. line, and then, still using the point C as a center, swing another are through the ends of the 42-in. line. Draw lines connecting the intersections of the cross lines and arcs, and you will have a full-size pattern of the skate-sail.
The actual sail is then sewed together, using this paper pattern as a guide, and allowing 2 in. all around for hem. Material for the sail can be either 3-oz. zephyr cloth, 3-oz. duck, Egyptian cotton, balloon silk, or any other light, strong material.
Next in order come the spars. These should be cut from spruce, to the dimensions shown, and should be shaved down so that they taper slightly from the center to the ends. Pockets of light leather or very heavy canvas should be sewed to the sail to receive the ends of the spars. A stretching harness is made from straps, as shown in the sketch, and fastened to the sail at the lower end. Both the curved portions of the sail, at the top and bottom. are reinforced by having a length of light rattan inserted in the hem. Leather straps, or strong whipcord lashings, fasten the spars together where they cross.
So much for the sail. The other part of your equipment is, of course, the skates. Have these as long as possible: at least nothing shorter than the regulation 15-in. speed skate.
To learn to use the skate-sail, choose as smooth a stretch of ice as possible, and a day with a fairly stiff breeze. Hold the sail at arm's length over your head, both hands grasping the cross spar, and skate out on the ice. Face the wind. Bring the sail upright against your right side, resting the long spar on your right shoulder. Your right hand should grip the cross spar, while your left hand goes behind your body and takes hold of the long spar. The sail is between you and the wind. Swish! Away you go!
As soon as you be
