Walton, James E.
Model yachts and model yacht sailing by James E. Walton is a practical instructional guide written in the Victorian era. Aimed at hobbyists and tinkerers, it explains how to design, build, rig, and sail self-acting model yachts that steer themselves without a fixed rudder. The likely topic is the principles and practice of creating fast, controllable model cutters, with emphasis on hull lines, balanced sail plans, and race-ready handling.The book opens by arguing that true model-yacht control comes from hull form and sail balance rather than a fixed rudder, then develops a design method inspired by the shapes of a mackerel (for clean run) and a duck (for skimming over the water). It recounts trials of successive models—broadening beam, lowering draft, adding lead keels—culminating in two near-identical cutters where a deeper hold proves superior, and shows why cutter rig, wide beam (about three to one), and minimal deck clutter work best. Step-by-step chapters follow: carving the hull from a solid block; fitting a false and lead keel with a brass shoe; laying deck, mast step, horses, and gudgeons; making bamboo spars, hooks, and slides; and cutting flat, durable calico sails (with taped luffs and unlaced feet), plus a smaller storm suit. The sailing section teaches self-steering by setting jib and foresail closer than the main, using a detachable lead rudder only for running, and trimming with small shot bags, with diagrams for every point of sail. Appendices list materials a…
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