We had nearly five hours of
fine sailing, beating up to windward, by long stretches in and off
shore, and evidently gaining upon the Catalina at every tack. When
this breeze left us, we were so near as to count the painted ports
on her side. Fortunately, the wind died away when we were on our
inward tack, and she on her outward, so we were in-shore, and caught
the land-breeze first, which came off upon our quarter, about the
middle of the first watch. All hands were turned-up, and we set all
sail, to the skysails and the royal studding-sails; and with these, we
glided quietly through the water, leaving the Catalina, which could
not spread so much canvas as we, gradually astern, and, by daylight,
were off St. Buenaventura, and our antagonist nearly out of sight. The
sea-breeze, however, favored her again, while we were becalmed under
the headland, and laboring slowly along, she was abreast of us by
noon. Thus we continued, ahead, astern, and abreast of one another,
alternately; now, far out at sea, and again, close in under the shore.
On the third morning, we came into the great bay of Santa Barbara, two
hours behind the brig, and thus lost the bet; though, if the race
had been to the point, we should have beaten her by five or six hours.
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