We
shall have pretty nearly a dead beat down the Solent. Fortunately
the tide will be running strong with us, but there will be a nasty
kick up there. You will see we shall feel the short choppy seas
there more than we shall when we get outside. She is a grand boat
in a really heavy sea, but in short waves she puts her nose into
it with a will. Now, if you will take my advice, you will do as I
am going to do; put on a pair of fisherman's boots and oilskin and
sou'wester. There are several sets for you to choose from below."
As her owner had predicted, the Seabird put her bowsprit under
pretty frequently in the Solent; the wind was blowing half a gale,
and as it met the tide it knocked up a short, angry sea, crested
with white heads, and Jack Harvey agreed that she had quite as
much sail on her as she wanted. The cabin doors were bolted, and
all made snug to prevent the water getting below before they got
to the race off Hurst Castle; and it was well that they did so,
for she was as much under water as she was above.
"I think if I had given way to the ladies and brought them with us
they would have changed their minds by this time, Jack," Tom Virtue
said, with a laugh.
"I should think so," his friend agreed; "this is not a day for a
fair weather sailor.
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