I SAW A PHOTOGRAPH of the interior
of a 27-foot Albin Vega the other day and it looked bleak and featureless. I
was disappointed, because, for various reasons, I’ve always admired that little
design. This one, however, looked more like the inside of a railway carriage
than a proper little yacht. In short, it just didn’t look snug and comfortable.
It’s hard to say what makes a small
boat cabin comfortable. I guess there must be a compromise between too much and
too little in the way of furniture, fixtures, and fittings. There should be a
feeling of space but also of snugness. It should be cheery and cozy, homelike
and friendly. As you go below, you ought to feel that you’re being welcomed and
cosseted, not just tolerated. It’s a lot to ask for.
The famous naval architect L.
Francis Herreshoff had strong feelings about this, and one surprising
conclusion he came to was that comfort was related to salt.
“If a cabin is entirely free of salt
— that is, has had no salt water or particularly spray in it — it will be a dry
and comfortable place on damp and foggy nights,” he declared. “It will also be
much easier to clean and keep free of mildew.
“One of the best ways to keep the
salt out is to stop swimming parties from the boat. You may not like this, but
if you are to really enjoy cruising you must do it. After I start a cruise I
never go in swimming unless on a large yacht that has a freshwater showerbath.
“If you can keep your cabin and body
free of salt you will be much cooler in hot weather and your clothes and
bedding stay dry.”
Well, there you are. That’s what the
master advises. I’m not sure it’s practical advice for small boats without
showers (unless your sailing is restricted to freshwater lakes) but then, I’m
not L. Francis Herreshoff, either.
Today’s
Thought
Spilt
salt is never all gathered.
— John Ray, English Proverbs
Tailpiece
“How was the movie?”
“Didn’t see it. There was a notice
that said 'Under 14 not admitted.'”
“But you’re 35.”
“Yeah, I know, but I couldn’t find
13 others to go in with me.”
(Drop by every Monday, Wednesday,
Friday for a new Mainly about Boats column.)
L. Francis Herreshoffs book 'The Compleat Cruiser' has much very good advice, although some of his attitudes are a bit dated 50 years on - but I would agree with him regarding keeping the salt water out, if you possibly can.
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