All Taut; or, Rigging the boat

In this lively installment of the Boat‑Builder series, a determined school principal decides to turn a handful of wayward boys into disciplined crew members by teaching them the art of rigging a small schooner. The youngsters, led by the charismatic yet rebellious Tom Topover, are initially skeptical of swapping their mischief for masts, spars, and canvas. Their reluctant teacher insists that a properly rigged vessel is the first step toward learning any real seamanship.

The narrative weaves practical lessons on vessel types, ropework, and sail handling with the boys’ growing camaraderie and occasional clashes of pride. As the crew learns to raise the Lily’s mast and set its sails, they also confront questions of authority, teamwork, and personal responsibility. Their progress is marked by humorous debates, a few spirited mutinies, and a small triumph when the schooner catches its first breeze on Lake Champlain.

By the end of the first act, the reformed “Topovers” have a taste of real nautical life, setting the stage for further adventures on water and beyond, while the school’s experiment in naval discipline begins to show promising signs of success.