TRAINING UNDER SAIL
SIR,---The Scandinavian nations in pre-war days regarded training under sail, preferably in a large ship, as practically ah essential for all merchant navy officers, and of very great value for all seamen. Yet this country, having an equally great seafaring tradition, has, except I believe in one case, no training of this sort available. This one case is connected with the County Badge Scheme, and provides what appears to be a very ade- quate training. It is a beginning from which much of great value might follow. Something on Scandinavian lines might be attempted. There the public spirit of the wealthier maritime towns provides funds for the upkeep of a sailing vessel on which boys from the town can be trained. There is, I believe, no proviso that the boys should later join the merchant service and consequently the scheme provides, as Well as training, an outlet of great physical and moral value for youth. In view of present-day discussion on post-war plans for youth, it is an example which might well be followed.
Incidentally it would satisfy the desire, felt by many, to experience life at sea, and would keep alive what is surely one of man's masterpieces, the
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