Chapter I · ROYAL YACHTS AND ENGLISH YACHT CLUBS (continued 2)

The number of members up to this date had been steadily on the increase, so that by the end of the year the list had reached over 600. Since the club had started in 1880, over 73 regattas and matches had been held, and more than 2,600l. given in prizes—a past history such as few, if any, of the older clubs can show.

In 1887 the Yacht Racing Association rating rule came into force, and though some races were provided for the 25-ft. class, still the main racing was among the A, B, and C and rater classes. The 'Thalassa' and 'Stella' were the first representatives of the 2½-raters, the 'Sybil,' 26 tons, and 'Mary,' 25 tons, coming out to wrest the prizes from the 'Hyacinth.'

The next year it was found quite impossible to suit all owners so as to fill every event on a programme. This was owing to there still being a tonnage class, A, B and C, the new rating and the length classes. The consequence was that only seven regattas came off during the season, exclusive of the Royal Regatta, which was again held at Bembridge. During the season of 1888, the question of shifting keels was brought before the club committee, and a hard fight was made to have them abolished. There was the same curious assortment of classes as in the preceding year, because the rating rule had not as yet taken hold of the yacht-racing public.

By 1889 so great had become the popularity of the club and the demand for membership that it was decided to raise the annual subscription to 2l. 2s., with an entrance fee of 5l. 5s. for non-yacht-owners, and 2l. 2s. for yacht-owners. The rating classes had now come into full swing, and the season started with a match for 20-raters, unique, in that it brought together no fewer than five newly launched competitors, viz.: the 'Chiqueta,' 'Dragon,' 'Ghost,' 'Siola,' and 'Velzie.' By the third regatta eight 2½-raters were ready for the fray, seven of which were new boats that season—'Cock-a-whoop,' 'Cosette,' 'Humming Bird,' 'Madcap,' 'Nadador,' 'Heathen Chinee,' and 'Musume.' Among the 10-raters were the old 5-ton flyer 'Doris,' now swelled out to meet the more modern school, 'Fantan,' 'Dis,' 'Decima,' and 'Ethel.' The new 'Blue Belle,' 'Tar Baby,' and sometimes the 'Thief,' formed the 5-rating class.

The event of the season was the handicap race for the Cup given by the Queen, which took place on August 10. It was open to yachts of 20 tons and over, and 17 started. The course chosen lay to the eastward, from an imaginary line between the flagstaff on the Spit Fort, and the committee boat, round the Nab Lightship, west buoy of the middle and committee vessel, leaving all on the starboard hand, to finish between the committee vessel and the Spit buoy. There was a strong south-westerly breeze blowing all day, which suited the large yachts well, and some of the finest sailing of the year was witnessed by those who were fortunate enough to follow the race.

Nothing of note occurred during the 1890 period of the club's history. The match which took place on August 2, for yachts rated at 40 tons and over, was the most successful of the season, for it brought together all the large cracks of the year, viz. the 'Iverna,' 119, 'Thistle,' 120, 'Valkyrie,' 76, and 'Yarana,' 72. The 5-rater class proved a very full one, the leading yacht architects sending out as representatives of their skill the 'Valentine,' 'Glycera,' 'Quinque,' 'Alwida,' 'Archee,' and 'Fair Geraldine.' The 2½-rater class received as new additions the 'Troublesome,' 'Babe,' 'Janetta,' 'Dolphin,' 'Camilla,' and 'G.G.' A class, however, which gave a fund of amusement, and was allowed a place in the club's programmes for the first time this year, was the ½-rater. No fewer than ten little boats formed its racing fleet, and were always ready to cross the line whenever a prize and race were offered them.

In 1891 these mosquitoes had a Champion Cup presented to them by Mr. Blair Cochrane, and eleven started at the third regatta of the season for this trophy, which was won by the little 'Kittiwake,' the 'Coquette' coming in second. Another new class, for 1-raters, was started this year, but only four competitors composed it, among them being the 'Kelpie,' 'Samœna,' and 'Unit.' The Royal Regatta was held at Wootton Creek on August 8, and the annual race round the Island was perhaps the best race of the season. It will be seen that, after the rating rule came into force, racing among old cast-offs found no further favour in the eyes of the community, and as an example of the modern programme, the following on the next page, which is that of the Royal Regatta, is a very good specimen.

Of the sailing committee, which has done so much good work, there are names that have appeared on its list as serving members almost from the time a sailing committee was first formed. Capt. Sutton, the honoured Vice-Commodore, and Mr. Gilman, the Hon. Treasurer, deserve first mention, as they have been office-holders from the foundation of the club, and Mr. Gilman's name appears in the earliest committee list. Admiral Hallowes and Major Bulkeley are next in order of seniority. Capt. Hayes, R.N., Messrs. Crampton and A. H. Glennie (the latter is the present Rear-Commodore) follow in order, while Capt. Nottage, Messrs. Flemmich, Laity, Walford, and Wildy bring up the rear. The membership of a sailing committee of such a club as the Royal Portsmouth Corinthian is no sinecure, and a man must be a keen yachtsman who will undertake the duties entailed.

'YARANA' (NOW 'MAID MARION'). 72 tons. Designed by G. L. Watson, 1883.

ROYAL PORTSMOUTH CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUB

1891.

Commodore—General H.S.H. Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, G.C.B. Vice-Commodore—Captain F. Sutton ('Gadfly,' 20 tons). Rear-Commodore—J. R. West, Esq. ('Goshawk,' 239 tons).

THE ANNUAL REGATTA Under the Patronage of their Royal Highnesses THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES Will take place (weather permitting) OFF WOOTTON CREEK, On Saturday, August 8th.

FIRST RACE—YACHTS of 40-rating.

Prize, Cup value Sixty Guineas, presented by A. H. Glennie, Esq. Helmsman, value 5l. 5s. Entrance fee, 3l.

SECOND RACE—HANDICAP—YACHTS of 60-rating and upwards.

First, value 50l. prizes presented by A. H. Glennie, Esq.

Second, value 25l. "

Entrance fee, 50s. Helmsman, value 5l. 5s., presented by F. C. Hill, Esq.

THIRD RACE—HANDICAP—YACHTS under 60-rating.

First Prize, value 25l., presented by Julian Senior, Esq.

Second Prize, value 10l. Entrance fee, 25s.

FOURTH RACE—YACHTS of 20-rating.

First Prize, value 20l., presented by S. M. Richards, Esq.

Second Prize, value 5l., presented by Lt.-Col. A. D. MacGregor. Entrance fee, 20s.

FIFTH RACE—YACHTS over 2½, but not exceeding 5-rating.

First Prize, a Silver Cup, presented by Captain A. K. Wilson R.N., V.C., C.B., and Officers H.M.S. 'Vernon.'

Second Prize, value 5l. 5s., presented by W. A. Beauclerk, Esq. Entrance fee, 15s.

SIXTH RACE—YACHTS not exceeding 2½-rating.

First Prize, the 'Fernie' Cup, value 10l. 10s. (presented by Mrs. Fernie in memory of the late Robertson Fernie, Esq.)

Second Prize, value 5l. 5s., presented by the Vice-Commodore, Captain F. Sutton. Entrance fee, 10s. 6d.

SEVENTH RACE—YACHTS of 1-rating.

First Prize, value 6l. 6s., presented by Rear-Admiral Hallowes.

Second Prize, value 2l. 2s., presented by Colonel F. J. Smith, R.E. Entrance fee, 6s.

EIGHTH RACE—YACHTS of ½-rating, belonging to any recognised Yacht Club.

First, value 3l. 3s. Prizes presented by Paul A. Ralli, Esq.

Second, value 2l. 2s. Entrance fee, 3s.

NINTH RACE—SERVICE YACHTS.

First Prize, value 5l. 5s., presented by A. G. Wildy, Esq.

Second Prize, value 2l. 2s. Entrance fee, 5s.

All Yachts must belong to the club, eighth and ninth races excepted. Yachts in all the races must be steered by Amateur Members of any recognised Yacht Club. The Races will be sailed according to Y.R.A. Rules. Exceptions, time of entry, two to compete or no race; four, or no second prize.

The second and third Races will be handicapped by the Committee without appeal.

That the naval officers who are honorary members have been valued friends to the club goes without saying. Nothing could exceed the interest that has been taken in the club's welfare by the Commodore, H.S.H. General Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar, especially whilst in command at Portsmouth. Neither must the club's mainstay, the honorary secretary, Mr. John Main, be forgotten. Almost from the beginning Mr. Main had acted as under-secretary to the then honorary secretary, Mr. C. McCheane, and it is not too much to say that when acting in that capacity he was the kedge anchor to the club, and frequently on occasions was called upon to play the part of best bower. When Mr. McCheane resigned his office on July 14, 1887, after an interregnum of three months, during which Captain Haldane was made acting secretary, Mr. Main was chosen unanimously to fill the vacant office, and not only those connected with the club, but all who have had to hold communication with him, know how well its arduous duties have been performed. It is to this gentleman that the writer is indebted for help in compiling this notice.

With a commodious house, a signal station to keep up, and prizes to be provided (nearly 6,000l. have been given to be sailed for up to 1893), the expenses, it is needless to say, are great and tax the funds considerably. Money, however, is always forthcoming through the liberality displayed by many of the members. Among those who have come forward to help the club with gifts of cups and prizemoney are the following gentlemen, whose names are rarely absent from any notice or list calling for an extra supply towards the prize fund: Captain Sutton, Vice-Commodore; Mr. J. R. West, late Rear-Commodore; Mr. A. H. Glennie, Rear-Commodore; and Messrs. Julian Senior, S. Richards, and B. Paget. Mrs. Robertson Fernie makes an annual present of a purse in memory of her late husband, who was always a contributor up to the time of his death.

The club has certainly done more for amateur seamanship than any other inside the Isle of Wight; it was the first to start a system of fortnightly regattas, and has always been chosen by outside clubs to time the arrivals of their ocean races to the port of Portsmouth.

The usual annual regatta was held last year, 1893, somewhat unfortunately, during the squadron week at Cowes, whither the big cutters of the season had attracted so many lovers of yacht racing as well as general sight-seers. A very varied programme was provided, including all classes from the 100-tonner to the ½-rater, in all about five different races. The first was a handicap for yachts exceeding 19-rating, the course being from between the committee-vessel and the Spit Fort, round the N.E. middle buoy, Warner lightship, and Boyne buoy, all marks to be left on the port hand. This afforded a great opportunity for the spectators on Southsea beach to see the racing thoroughly well, as the competitors had to accomplish three rounds, making about a 40-mile course.

The object of handicaps is to get sport amongst craft of varied tonnage, class, and build, by giving time allowance. In the present case the largest vessel was 'Mabel,' late 'Irex,' 100-rating; the smallest,'Marigold,' 22-rating; 'Mabel' allowing 'Marigold' 39 minutes. Six started. A good race ensued, as the following time of the finish will corroborate:—'Columbine,' winner, 4 hrs. 32 mins. 41 secs.; 'Castanet,' 2nd prize, 4 hrs. 36 mins. 15 secs.; 'Creole,' 3rd prize, 4 hrs. 33 mins. 43 secs.; 'Mabel,' 4 hrs. 38 mins. 14 secs.

Yacht Rig Rating Handicap Owner

Mabel cutter 100 scratch Mr. Muir

Creole " 40 10 minutes Lieut.-Col. Bagot

Columbine yawl 50 12 " Mr. W. B. Paget

Castanet cutter 40 14 " Mr. W. R. Cookson

Hyacinth yawl 50 27 " Mr. T. C. Garth

Marigold cutter 22 39 " Mr. W. R. Martin

The 20-raters were represented by 'Dragon,' 'Deirdré,' and 'Molly.'

The 2½-raters brought together were in number eight—'Elf,' 'Gareth,' 'Gavotte,' 'Kismet,' 'Meneen,' 'Papoose,' 'Faugh-a-Ballagh,' and 'Undine.'

This race was for the Fernie Cup, value 10 guineas, won by 'Kismet,' Miss Mabel Cox.

Four 1-raters started over a 12-mile course, and the ½-raters finished a very successful regatta by having a match over an 8-mile course; the 'Mosquito,' belonging to Admiral Hallowes, beating the 'Coquette' by half a minute.

ROYAL CINQUE PORTS YACHT CLUB, DOVER ESTABLISHED 1872

Commodore: H.R.H. Duke of Connaught, K.G. Vice-Commodore: Earl of Pembroke

The leading feature in the regatta of the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club is the race to Boulogne and back, which really is the Channel match of the season; and in the year 1877, which was remarkable for hard winds and even gales on racing days, such as that when the Weymouth, as well as other regattas, was hopelessly stopped, the grandest race of the series was sailed June 14. The following fine fleet started:—

Yacht Tonnage Description Builder Owner

Australia 207 Schooner Inman W. W. Hughes, Esq.

Phantom 172 " Hoad A. O. Wilkinson, Esq.

Corinne 160 " Ratsey N. Wood, Esq.

Sea Belle 142 " Harvey H. Taylor, Esq.

Miranda 135 " Harvey G. C. Lampson, Esq.

Lufra 208 Yawl Ratsey J. Houldsworth, Esq.

Florinda 138 " Nicholson W. Jessop, Esq.

Jullanar 127 " Bentall A. D. Macleay, Esq.

Vol au Vent 103 Cutter Ratsey Col. Markham

With a very hard E.N.E. wind blowing all reefed mainsails and jibheaders, 1877 was a great season for carrying away spars, and June 14 added its share. The arrival time round Boulogne mark-boat is worth recording.

'ARROW,' ROYAL CINQUE PORTS YACHT CLUB. 117 tons (Tankerville Chamberlayne, Esq.). June 24, 1876.

h. m. s.

Phantom 2 17 0

Australia 2 21 30

Corinne 2 29 0

Lufra 2 29 30

Miranda 2 32 0

Florinda 2 32 19

Sea Belle 2 35 15

Jullanar 2 36 0

Vol au Vent 3 0 15

The E.N.E. was now a little before their beam; with flattened sheets they all began to dive a little more than on the voyage out. At last, some five miles or so after rounding the Boulogne mark-boat, the leading schooner, 'Phantom,' took a dive that was too much for her bowsprit, which snapped off short. Poor 'Phantom,' in the prime of life, leading grandly and full of promise! After this there were no more accidents. The 'Australia' had the lead, and finished, winning the 100l. prize, and establishing a record, 4 hrs. 12 mins. 40 secs. for the course, which has not been beaten up to the present.

The other racers came in as follows:—

h. m. s.

Australia 4 12 40

Corinne 4 26 18

Florinda 4 30 38

Phantom 4 33 3

Miranda 4 34 32

Jullanar 4 36 30

Sea Belle 4 37 48

Lufra 4 38 38

Vol au Vent 5 24 0

Another good race over the same course, on June 28, 1880, was won by 'Latona,' 160 tons, built by J. White; A. B. Rowley, Esq.; duration of race, 4 hrs. 14 mins. 4 secs. Started 10.30 A.M., arrived at Dover 2 hrs. 44 min. 4 secs.

'Reverie,' 40-rater. Built for A. D. Clarke, Esq., 1891, by Messrs. Fay. Designed by J. M. Soper.

'REVERIE.' 40-rater, by Fay & Co. Designed by J. M. Soper, 1891. Hauled up at Fay's Yard.

On July 22, 1889, the 'Wendur,' yawl, 124-rating, 43 tons, built by and belonging to Thos. B. C. West, Esq., ran this time very close, starting 10 A.M., arrived at Dover 2 hrs. 14 mins. 28 secs. Duration of race, 4 hrs. 14 mins. 28 secs., being 24 seconds longer than 'Latona.'

A race on Tuesday, June 14, 1892, was a very remarkable one, and showed what a 40-tonner is capable of in bad weather and hard wind in the Channel, which is not the smoothest water in a strong North-easter. The finish was as follows:—

Arrived at Dover

h. m. s.

Lethe, yawl 3 17 11

Queen Mab, cutter (winner, 70l.) 3 34 9

Iverna, cutter 3 38 1

Thalia, cutter (2nd prize, 5l.) 3 47 28

Creole, cutter 3 57 32

Varuna, dismasted

Duration of race, 4 hrs. 32 mins. 11 secs. Wind north-east, strong and squally.