When the first edition of this little book was printed in 1894 my publishers thought they would be very lucky if they ever disposed of half the number of copies turned out by the press. I had the same melancholy forebodings. The result has shown that our fears were groundless. The book was written in a simple sailorly style for all lovers of the sea and boats. That it should have received such cordial commendation as it has from amateurs and professionals has been both a pleasure and a surprise. In sending it out on its sixth edition, I cannot lose the opportunity of thanking my critics who have been very flattering to whatever merits it may possess.

New York, April, 1903.