The $100 clause is advantageous to the owner of a large yacht, for any damage that the craft might meet with while at sea, whether in the nature of collision, or carrying away of gear by stress of weather, would be more likely to exceed than come within the $100 limit. With small craft it is different. It would be a rather severe accident that would necessitate $100 worth of repairs. Some companies, realizing the injustice of this $100 clause, have lowered the amount to $50, but for this a slightly increased premium is demanded. I would advise all insurers of small boats to insist upon the $50 clause.
When taking out a policy on a sailing yacht, whether for coasting or deep-water cruising, no stipulation is made as to the sailing master being provided with a license. In fact, the law does not make it obligatory for the commander of a sailing yacht to pass any examination whatever; but the skipper of a steam yacht, like the engineer, must pass the regular examination and be provided with a license. The reason for this does not seem quite clear to the layman.
The owner of a yacht, if he acts as his own skipper and engages the crew himself, has all the autocratic power of a master in the merchant marine. He can quell a mutiny with the pistol, clap a refractory "shell-back" into irons, and maintain stern discipline afloat. But happily the yachtsman is never called
