Flappers & Fiction

Leaving behind the fierce gales of a Boston March, our narrator finds refuge in the subtropical enchantment of Madeira. Here, the transition is absolute: from snow to eternal summer, where bougainvillaea climbs the terrace walls and bullocks drag sledges over glass-smooth pebbles. It is a travelogue of delightful contradictions, mixing the thrill of a rapid descent down steep acclivities with the quiet tragedy of the island’s first lovers. This piece captures a world where nature acts as a host rather than an adversary, offering a glimpse of a life lived entirely for pleasure.

It began when local enthusiasts committed nautical heresy, branding our beloved American sloops as mere “skimming dishes” while praising the English cutter. This betrayal sparked a fierce design war that transformed our waters. From the heated defense of the centerboard to the triumph of the Volunteer, this piece chronicles the great yachting rivalry of the 1880s. It captures a moment when engineering and national pride collided, revealing the clever compromise that allowed American genius to retain the coveted cup against the best British challengers.