A couple of strong cords were secured to the center spar to provide for
fastening the sail onto the skater. Tied to the lower corners of the
mainsail were two sticks which were used for guiding the sail when in
flight.

The different methods of sailing with this rig are shown in Figs. 17-20.
When sailing with the wind the skater would stand very erect, bending
backward in proportion as the wind blew fresher. By inclining the sail in
one direction or the other, the skater could tack to port or starboard.
When moving against the wind by skating in the usual way, the body was
bent forward in such manner that the sail lay horizontal, so that it would
not offer a purchase for the wind.

[Illustration: Fig. 17. Before the Wind.]

[Illustration: Fig. 18. Topsail Lowered.]

[Illustration: Fig. 19. Skating against the Wind.]

[Illustration: Fig. 20. On the Port Tack.]



Bat's Wings.

One more sail deserves mention. It was Bill's idea, and it came near to
ending his career the first day he tried it. It had no spars at all, but
was merely a strip of cloth of somewhat triangular shape. The upper side
was tied to the head, and the two corners to the wrists, while the lower
portion was tied to the ankles. This converted him into a huge