A CHASE OFF THE BERMUDAS All the officers on board of the Bellevite who had never been in the navy had spent their long vacation in the study and practice of gunnery and naval tactics; and the men had been carefully drilled by a competent officer as soon as they reported for duty.

But a considerable number of the latter had served for years on board of men-of-war, and a few were sheet-anchor men.

The latter are sailors who have spent the greater part of their lives in the national sea-service, and they were competent to teach many of the junior officers.
Every day after the ship went into commission, both officers and seamen were drilled, and the captain declared that they had all made satisfactory proficiency.

He was ready to meet an enemy with them; but then the ship's company of the steam-yacht were of the very best material.

They were all intelligent men, and sailors to begin with, so that the task of qualifying them for active duty was not very laborious.
Christy was even better fitted for his duties than many of the older officers, for he was not only full of enthusiasm, but he was skilful and scientific, as a rule.