3-052-401 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sailing on skates, 1880. A 'novel method of locomotion upon the ice...An agreeable variation of the fashionable and popular exercise of skating at this frosty season has lately been recommended for adoption. It is practised in Norway and in Holland, and likewise, we believe, in Canada. Some experiments have been made in it, with tolerable success, by private parties in England..."The sail is made of a piece of unbleached calico of oblong form, with slightly rounded ends...As to size, I should recommend about 7 ft. 6 in. by 5 ft. as a good size for one skater to handle. I have found, however, that two people can manage a sail together with great comfort...Running before the wind needs no comment, but to work to windward satisfactorily and tack smoothly requires some practice. When two go together, the sail is under perfect control. The front skater steers, and the hinder one, who is in command, trims the canvas correctly by the wind. It is equally easy to gybe or tack, and one can always stop immediately by coming head to wind. I have found this a most exciting sport, and it might be utilised for racing to any extent".' From "Illustrated London News", 1880.