Memorandum received by Banks from Captain John Bentinck titled 'Memorandum relating to the Triangular Courses', 5 January 1772 (Series 06.107) - No. 0004

[Page 4]

The Reef-Band (C.C.) should be so placed that the Mainsail could, in Time of Necessity, be bent, at that Reef, to the fore Yard.  The great, Economy arising from the use of these Sails is obvious, for 1st I have already explained how much less they will be liable to being Split or lost in working, than Square ones. 2dly.  Since they Contain only half the number of yards of Canvass which the Square ones do, they must have an equal Advantage in Price. 3dly.  From the smallness of the Sail, it is Clear that, each yard of Canvass in it will be less Strained in blowing Weather than that in the Square ones, and 4thly. These having been saved in Gales of Wind, will, in Cases of Necessity, be much more useful and Trustworthy than they would have been, after having been Constantly Set, Setting and hawling up During a long and Boisterous Winder's Cruize.

                           (A Copy)
[note by Banks]
this paper was given me by its author Capt.n Bentink during my preparation for a Voyage to the Southward in 1772.