Yachting, Vol. 2

The wind was light from the south-east. The professionals in the 'Quickstep' were the first over the line, but it was before the gun fired, and they had to recross it. This was not taken advantage of by the 'Enriqueta,' for the yacht, just as the gun fired, was, for some unaccountable reason, kept in irons quite two minutes by her helmsman. The 'Enriqueta' was steered by her owner and Major Urquhart. The 'Quickstep' won by 12 mins. 13 secs. On the following day the conditions were identical, except that the yachts were exchanged. The tide, wind, and weather were the same as on the Tuesday. Both yachts crossed the line at the same time. 'Enriqueta' held the weather berth, and, hugging the mark-boat, went about at once; but 'Quickstep,' by a very pretty piece of steering on the part of Mr. Maxwell Heron, was put about and brought on 'Enriqueta's' weather. 'Enriqueta' got away again under 'Quickstep's' lee, owing to the latter having her sails too closely pinned in. This error was fortunately rectified, and the 'Quickstep,' with sheets slightly checked, at once sprang ahead and forereached on the yawl, but not sufficiently to prevent the 'Enriqueta,' when off Southsea Castle, from going about and crossing 'Quickstep's' bow, a proceeding which, had it not been for the fine helmsmanship displayed, must have ended in a collision. When the yawl tacked the next time, however, the 'Quickstep' was to windward once more, and led round the Warner Lightship by 4 mins. The mark-boat was rounded at the end of the first round by the 'Quickstep' 14 mins. 15 secs. ahead of the 'Enriqueta.' On the second round the wind fell light, shifting and flukey, and, except that the 'Quickstep' won, offered no very interesting points of sailing worth noting. Such matches as the foregoing are worth repeating; for it is when acting in competition with men who make fore-and-aft sailing their business that amateurs find out the value of their seafaring knowledge, and can accordingly gauge their strength and learn to amend their weak points.

In 1885 the first regatta—and regattas now took place once a fortnight regularly—was memorable for the maiden races of the 'Elma' among the service boats, and the 'Syren' in the 25-ft. class. The 'Elma' had been an open whale-shaped admiral's barge. She was rigged with dipping lugs, and manned by sub-lieutenants from H.M.S. 'Excellent.' The writer had the privilege of seeing her work her way to Bembridge late in the season, and the smart manner in which the boat was handled, and the lugs lowered, dipped, and hoisted, was one of the prettiest sights of the season.

The second regatta witnessed the début of the two latest additions to the 30-ft. class—the 'Curtsey' and 'Yum Yum.' The 'Curtsey' proved herself the best boat of her year.

It was during this year that the new A, B, C classes were, for the first time, given a prominent place in the regatta programmes. These severally were supposed to include the full-blown racer, the out-of-date racer, and the ordinary cruiser. The idea was to try to create a method by which all yacht-owners might have an opportunity of joining in yacht racing. The system proved only a partial success, and the real gainers by the innovation, if there were any, were the sailmakers, who were kept employed, owing to many an 'old box' requiring spinnakers and other light muslin quite foreign to their original sail-plan.

The fourth regatta of the season took place away from the port, and off the new watering-place, Lee-on-Solent. The principal course started from over an imaginary line lying between the committee vessel and a flagstaff at Lee-on-Solent, round the north-east and east Middle buoy, the west Middle buoy, round the Bramble buoys, omitting the Thorn, Calshot Lightship, and Hill Head buoy, to pass between the committee vessel and shore, leaving all marks on the starboard hand; three times round.

On July 25, the first club match round the Isle of Wight took place. It was open to all yachts of 9 tons and upwards in the B and C classes. Two of Fairlie's old clippers came out in new feathers for this race, the 'Neptune' and 'Fiona'; and the former not only in this, but in many another thrash round a course during this and the following seasons, kept well in the van and showed that age had in no way been detrimental to her speed. The Royal Regatta was again held off Bembridge on August 8, when for the 10-tonners' prize the 'Queen Mab,' and in the 5-ton class the pretty 'Cyprus,' showed their wonderful weatherly qualities. The day is one that will long be remembered by those who took part in the trips round the Nab. The course, for all the classes from 5 tons and upwards, was from an imaginary line between the committee boat and H.M.S. 'Speedy,' round the Warner Lightship, the Dean Tail buoy and Nab Lightship, leaving all to starboard, to finish between the committee vessel on the port hand and the 'Speedy'; twice round. The weather was boisterous, with half a gale of wind blowing from the southward and westward. There was a nasty cross sea off the Nab, which frightened more than one hardy salt from making a start, and the owners of the 30-ft. yachts did their best to have their course shortened. The only accident, which might have turned out disastrous, was the capsizing of the 'Elma,' when making a board off the Nab Lightship. She was, however, righted, bailed out, and one by one all her crew got on board.

The next year (1886) exhibited a still further advance in the well-being of the club. The number of regattas during the season was increased from eight to ten, exclusive of matches and the annual Royal Regatta, which this year took place at Stokes Bay. Numerous new and old yachts were added to the club tonnage, for the B and C classes began to fill, and many a forgotten old heroine was made to come out and don her long-left-off racing suits. Of those which thus appeared all spick and span were the 'May,' 40 tons; 'Foxhound,' 35 tons; 'Veronica,' 92 tons; 'Terpsichore,' 38 tons; 'Leander' and 'Nadejola,' twenties; and 'Naiad' and 'Lily,' old Mersey tens. Of the new yachts the 'Hyacinth' was the fruit of the new classification, as she was designed and built by Mr. Arthur Payne, to race in the B class. This was the last year that any yachts were built to the 25-ft. and 21-ft. classes, the 'Verena,' 25 ft., and the 'Minima,' and 'Volador,' 21 ft., being the last that were laid down on the stocks.

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.

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.

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:—

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.

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:—

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

CHAPTER II
SCOTTISH CLUBS

THE ROYAL NORTHERN YACHT CLUB, ROTHESAY
By R. T. Pritchett

The Royal Northern Yacht Club is installed at that delightful spot, Rothesay, noted for its fine bay; and though Clyde weather is known to yachting men as being somewhat impulsive and petulant, whipping out spars, destructive to balloon canvas unless the skipper is very weatherwise indeed, still for real sailing the Clyde affords some of the best courses in the world and the grandest sport from 23-footers to 200-tonners.

The Royal Northern Club had a very interesting origin. It dates from 1824, when it was founded by some gentlemen in the north of Ireland and west of Scotland who were devotees of yachting. A few years later the club was separated into two branches, an Irish and Scotch division, as will be perceived by the flags given here in illustration. One has the shamrock wreath, the other the thistles, each division having its own committee and officials.

Original Members, A.D. 1824

The records of the Scotch division prior to 1846 were unfortunately destroyed by an accident some years ago. The minute-book of the Irish division has, however, survived. From it we find that at a meeting of gentlemen interested in the foundation of the Northern Yacht Club, held at Belfast on November 5, 1824, it was resolved 'that the establishment of a yacht club is a highly desirable object.' A committee was accordingly appointed to that end, Mr. Robert Thomson being requested to act as secretary, and at a general meeting held April 8, 1825, Mr. John Allan of Glasgow accepted the post of secretary for the Clyde. At a general meeting at Belfast May 2, 1825, the secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Allan, to consult with the Scotch members and fix with them the place of rendezvous for the first general meeting of the boats of the club. The date arranged was the first Monday in June, and the Irish members declared that they were ready to meet the Scotch members 'in any part of the Clyde' on that day.

The club was known as the Northern Yacht Club. There is no record in the minute-book of the burgee adopted, but in an old picture, now in the club-house at Rothesay, the yachts are shown cruising off Garroch Head, in the Clyde, with red ensigns, the burgee also red, with the letters N.Y.C. in white. The present secretary has courteously sent a photograph of this picture, also of the flags, as an historical contribution. The first prizes offered were for pulling (rowing) matches to take place in Ireland.

The Marquis of Donegall was the first President of the club, and Mr. Thos. Pottinger, Admiral for 1825.

The full dress of the club consisted of a blue coat with crimson silk lining, with 'Marall's' vest, white or black pantaloons or breeches, and silk stockings to correspond. Members who appeared at the dinners of the club without this dress were fined 10s. At a general meeting held at Greenock, on August 3, 1825, Mr. James Hamilton, of Holmhead, was appointed Admiral for the ensuing year.

In May 1826, at Belfast, the yachts were divided into three classes:—

The first regatta took place at Belfast, June 20, 21, 22, and on June 23 pulling races were rowed by members and their friends. On June 24 the yachts were to sail together 'in a fleet,' and 'manœuvre under the directions of the Admiral.' This is quite an echo of the Cork Water 1720 Club.

A proposal of the Scottish members to separate the Club into two distinct branches was agreed to on May 16, 1827. It was probably after this date that each division had a distinguishing burgee; from an old print of these flags now in the club-house at Rothesay, the Irish division seems to have flown a red burgee with a harp, the Scottish division being distinguished by a lion in white.

H.M. King William IV. became Patron of the club in September 1830, and from that time it was known as the Royal Northern Yacht Club.

In 1831 the yachts of the Club were arranged in classes as under:—

A two days' regatta was held at Belfast in 1836. The different classes just described were started at an interval of half an hour between each, beginning at 10.30 A.M., the prize for each class being ten sovereigns. On the second day a very important event took place, the race for the Belfast Cup, value 100l., a time race for all sizes. Eight vessels to start, or no race. Entry 3l.; the second yacht to save her stake. It is to be regretted that the details of this race cannot be given. On May 21, 1838, at a meeting held of the few remaining members of the Irish division, it was resolved to dissolve that half of the Club and hand over any funds (they amounted to 14l. 17s. 2d.) to the secretary of the Scottish division.

It would be well to record here the cracks of the Clyde in 1835. The 'Gleam' (see illustration on next page), Falcon, 'Nymph' and 'Clarence,' were very leading craft.

Clyde yachting was now firmly established; Largs, Gourock, Greenock, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Rothesay, were the stations most frequented, and each successive season brings them forward more prominently, with well-sustained reputation.

The present club-house at Rothesay was built in 1878, and the Royal Northern Yacht Club regattas are naturally always now held at that place, started from the Commodore's yacht which is moored off Craigmore for that purpose. A chart of the course is given, showing the whole set of different distances.

The prominent feature of this club is that it has from a very early period of its history had a club yacht, which is open to hire by members for periods not exceeding a fortnight, and fine vessels they have from time to time chosen. The first was the well-known 'Orion,' then came 'Mosquito,' a grand iron boat built in 1848, designed by Waterman, and now a pilot boat doing good work. 'Æolus' came next. In 1885 the club had their present vessel, the 'Ailsa,' 66 tons, built by Fife of Fairlie; and who better could have been chosen?

It has already been mentioned that Mr. John Allan, of Glasgow, was the first secretary for the Clyde, 1825. Mr. E. F. Donald is the present secretary.

There is no doubt that, if variety be really charming, very charming weather can be found in the Clyde waters, even within the six-hour limit: dead calm, Zephyr, good sailing breeze, rain squalls, white squalls, and the rest.