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^ THE BOOK OF
AMERICAN PASTIMES,
C02N-TAINING A HISTORY OF THE PRINCIPAL
BASE BALL, CRICKET, ROWmG, AND YACHTING CLUBS OF THE UNITED STATES.
BY
CHARLES A. PEYERELLY.
Who has been engaged in the reporting of Ont-Door Sports for several ^N^ew York Journals for more than twenty years.
SECOND EDITIi
NEW YORK: THE AMERICAISr NEWS COMPANY,
119 AND 121 NASSAU STREET. 18G8.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866. by
CHARLES A. PEVERELLY.
In the Clerk's Ofiice of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.
r*rintcd and Stereotyped by
The Nkw York Printing Company,
-I, 83, trvdZs Centre Street,
Niw York.
pM lairns, j
r.t
President of ihe
^UDSON Amateui^ Rowing ^Association.
PFJSIDDi^ OF T3S ATALAiTTAS, AND TO HIS BROTHER OTFiCERS AND ^yiE^ylBERS
OF THE
toy C'~^
iulnvdu Mout 01ttb,
OF THE CITY OF >'E^r YORK.
NOW IN THE TWENTY-FIRST YEAR OF THEiR ORGANIZATION.
AND THE '
OLDEST ROTvTN-G CLUB IX AMEPvICAX WATERS.
In token of the nnany happy days passed with thenn in the olden "tinrie ; of their kindnesses during later years, and of that true friendship which has survived the changes of fortune and the vicissitudes of Wfe,
C. A, P.
CONTENTS.
TACHTma.
Ancient Yachting, 9; Yachting in G-reat Britain, 11; Yachting of the United States, 12 ; the New York Yacht Club, 14 ; Summary of Annual Regattas, 1 8 ; List of Schooners belonging to the New York Yacht Club, 30 ; List of Sloops belonging to the New York Yacht Club, 30 ; the Schooner- Yacht America, 34 ; Cruise of the Yacht Silvie, 37 ; Yacht Race around Long Island, 42 ; Match Race between the Gripsey, Zinga, and Favorita, 42 ; Steam-Yacht North Star, 44 ; the Yacht Wanderer, 44 ; Schooner- Yacht Edith, 46 ; Julia vs. Rebecca, 46 ; Josephine vs. Magic, 48 ; Fleetwing vs. Henrietta, 48 ; Log of the Fleetwing kept by Captain Yan Dusen during the Race, 51 ; Henrietta vs. Palmer, 53; Sloop- Yacht Eva, 58; Widgeon r 5. Testa, 59; Yesta vs. Henrietta, 60; Halcyon vs. Vesta, 63; L'Hirondehe vs. Yesta, 66; Henrietta vs. Restless, 68 ; Yacht Race across the Atlantic, 68 ; the late G-eorge Steers, 71; the Brooklyn Yacht Club, 74; Hoboken Yacht Club, 83 ; Jersey City Yacht Club, 89 ; Union Yacht Club, 97 ; lone Yacht Club of New York, 99; the Atlantic Yacht Club, 101 ; Ocean Yoyage of the Yacht Alice, 103; SaiUng Regatta in Boston, 104; Voyage of the Red, "White, and Blue, 106.
ROWING.
The Art of Rowing, 115 ; Naval History of Harvard College, 117 ; His- tory of the Yale Navy, 133; Atalanta Boat Club, 150; Waverley Boat Club, 165; Guhck Boat Club, 168; Atlantic Boat Club, 173; Alcyone Boat Club, 178; Columbia Boat Club. 180; Bero-en' Point Boat Club, 186; Ne-ptune Boat Club, 187; Hudson Boat Club, 188; Alcyon Boat Club, 189; Passaic Boat Club, 190; Nereid Boat Club, 192 ; Regatta of the Hudson Navy, 192 ; Eagle Aquatic Association, 194; Pioneer Boat Club, 195; Mutual Boat Club, 197; the SchuvlkiU Navy, 198 ; Bachelors' Barge Club, 201 ; University Barge Club/204; Undine Barge Club," 205 ; Quaker City Barge Club. 208 ; Pennsylvania Barge Club, 211; Malta Barge Club, 213; Philadelphia Barge Club, 215; Washington Barge Club, 216; Pacitic Barge Club, 217; Pick- wick Barge Club, 217; Patapsco Navy, 219; Ariel Barge Club, 221; Undine Boat Club, 222; Maryland Boat Club, 224; Argo Boat Club, 224; Union Boat Club, 225; Quinsio-amond Boat Club, 227; Union Boat Club, 228; Springfield Boat Clubs, 229; Alpha Boat Club, 230; North Star Boat Club, 231 ; Una Boat Club, 233 ; Detroit Boat Club,
IV CONTEXTS.
233 ; Wenona Boat Club, 236 ; Milwaukee Boat Club, 231 ; Menomo- nee Boat Club, 238 ; Xantho Boat Club, 239 ; Zephyr Boat Club, 239 ; Undine Boat Club, 240; Memphis Boat Club, 241; Palisade Boat Club, 242; Ivanhoe Boat Club, 242; SmMARY OF Regattas and Match Races, Professional and Amateur, from 1811 to 1866, in- clusive, 243 ; General Summary, 258 ; Empire City Regatta Club, 287 ; New York Regatta Club, 297 ; First Rowing Regatta in Boston, 302; Charleston, S."C., Regatta, 304; The Races of the G-eorge J. Brown Crew, 306 ; Rowing Career of James Hamih, 312 ; Joshua "Ward, 322; "Walter Brown, 325; Summary of James Lee's Races, 327 ; Hudson Amateur Rowing Association, 332 ; Essex Boat Club, 333.
THE NATIOlsrAL GAME.
Knickerbocker Base Ball Club, 339 ; Gotham Club, 357 ; Eagle Club, 365 ; Empire Club, 371; Active Club, 377; Mutual Club, 381; Jefferson Club, 387 ; Social Club, 389 ; Eclectic Club, 391 ; Sparta Club, 393 ; M. M. Van Dyke Club, 393; Union Club, 394; Excelsior Club, 400; Atlantic Club, 416; Eckford Club, 429 ; Contest Club, 439; Powhatan Club, 440; Pacific Club, 442; Atlantic Club, 443; Una Club, 444; Surprise Club, 445 ; Underchff Club, 446 ; Hudson River Club, 447 ; National Club, 449; Utica Club, 451; Knickerbocker Club, 452; Americus Club, 456; Olympic Club, 458; Kearney Club, 459; Liberty Club, 460 ; Lowell Club, 461 ; Harvard Club, 465 ; Eon Club, 467 ; Charter Oak Club, 467; Waterbury Club, 469; Uncas Club, 470; Chester Club, 471; Olympic Club, 472; Minerva Club, 475; Keystone Club, 477 ; Athletic Club, 479 ; Equity Club, 486 ; Swiftfoot Club, 488 ; Alleo:liany Club, 489 ; Mountain Club, 490 ; Alert Club, 491 ; National Club, 492; Potomac Club, 494 ; Alert Club, 495 ; Louis viUe Club, 496 ; Base Ball in Cahfornia, 497 ; Base Ball in Oregon, 497 ; The Fashion- Course Matches. — All New York vs. all Brooklyn, 497 ; the National Association of Base Ball Players, 499 ; Tenth Annual Base Ball Con- vention, 501; New England Association, 515; North-Western Asso- ciation, 517.
CRICKET.
The Game of Cricket, 523; St. George's Club, 529; New York Club, 530; Manhattan Club, 530; Willow Club, 531 ; Satelhte Club, 531; Boston Cricket Club, 532 ; Philadelphia Club, 535 ; Germantown Club, 537 ; Young America Cricket Club, 540 ; Olympian Club, 545 ; Merion Club, 547 ; Pottsville Club, 548 ; Union Club, 551 ; Forest City Club, 552 ; Visit of the All England Eleven, 553.
PREFACE.
In presenting this volume to that portion of the public who are identified with, and interested in, the progress of Aquatics, Base Ball, and Cricket, the author does not intend to enter into a long dissertation on the value of these pastimes, as he believes that within the past few years the people of the United States have become fully aware of the lasting benefits which a judicious system of out- door recreation confers upon the youth of a nation. Having been engaged in the reporting of out-door sports for several New York journals for more than twenty years, for two years past we have devoted the greater portion of our leisure time to obtaining the material for these pages. It has been a work of patient labor, as we were obliged to open a correspondence with nearly every organization identified with the pastimes of which we treat, in the country, in order to collect the desired information.
In compiling this work, we do not pretend to have written elaborate, long essays upon yachting, rowing, base ball, or cricket. We cheerfully resign that field to any one ambitious of entering it ; but we claim to have grouped together, for the first time in their history, all of the prin- cipal clubs at present organized in the United States ; to have made them acquainted with each other; and by
VI TEEFACE.
imparting a knowledge of their performances, strength, and influence, rendered them more powerful, and better enabled to progress, by future concert of action and unity of move- ment.
In our history of the base ball clubs we have confined ourselves to those belonging to the National Associa- TioK OF Base Ball Players ; and we desire to thank the ofl&cers of nearly all of the clubs for the very prompt manner in which they furnished us with the desired record. A very small number of the clubs are omitted, for the good and sufficient reason that they neglected to send us the requisite information, notwithstanding we gave them the ample notice of six months to prepare it.
One great pleasure we experience in concluding the Book of American Pastimes is, being enabled to dedi- cate it to the members of an aquatic organization with whom we passed many of the happiest hours we ever experienced, and formed associations and friendships second only to the cherished ties of family and kindred. We refer to the Atalanta Boat Cluh^ which time-honored asso- ciation is known and respected by the lovers of boating pastime in all our waters.
While soliciting the indulgence of our friends and the public, we launch confidently our little venture, knowing that we have perseveringly and faithfully performed our portion towards making this — the first volume of any size ever published devoted to American pastimes — acceptable to its readers and patrons, and worthy of their support and encouragement.
YACHTING.
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YACHTING.
ANCIENT YACHTINa.
As it is our intention to confine our space to the yachts and yachting of the United States, we can but glance briefly at its origin and progress. To trace the art to its original source would be impossible. We read in Genesis that ships were as old on the Mediterranean even as the days of Jacob ; and that eighteen hundred and thirty years before Christ, Amnon built "long and tall >ships, with sails," on the Red Sea ; and that ninety years afterwards the ship Argo was built — " the first Greek vessel "which ventured to pass through the sea without sight of land — being guided only by the stars." The wonderful vessel built for Hiero, king of Syracuse, excites curiosity and wonder. This craft was built under the direction of the celebrated mathemati- cian, Archimedes, by a ship-builder at Corinth, and the wood was cut from Mount Etna. Her decks were paved with small and curious tiles, on which was depicted the whole story of "Homer's Iliad" with wonderful art. At the highest entrance was a gym- nasium, containing gardens planted with all kinds of shrubs. The walks through these were overshadowed by ivy and vine branches, the roots of which received nourishment from moist- ened earth. Near this was the dining-room of Venus, paved with agates and other precious gems. The walls and roof were of cypress, the doors of ivory and thyia-wood. Near this was
I*
10 YACHTING.
the library, its doors and walls being of box, and the ceiling hav- ing the appearance of the sky by night, with the constellations embossed upon it. There was also a bathing-room with three brass baths, and another of Tauromenian stone holding forty gallons.
We read, also, of the barge of Cleopatra, of the thalamegus or pleasure-boat of the ancients ; of the dromones of the Romans, " long ships first used in sailing matches," in which Leo, the Emperor, used to pass from Constantinople to the Asiatic coasts — a species of which the Sultan continued to use until a late day ; of the fulcatoria, or feluccas, the gondolas of the Venetians, and a variety of other pleasure craft common to different countries in early times. Turning over the mouldy leaves of ancient Anglo- Saxon history, we learn that somewhere about a.d. 1000, Harold sent to Athelstan a present of a magnificent ship, with a golden beak and purple sails, surrounded with shields internally gilt, in which the monarch doubtless enjoyed royal comfort. The Anglo- Saxons also seem to have had small pleasure vessels which were called pleg scrips^ or " play ships ;" but nothing definite concern- ing their manner of construction or use has been handed down to posterity.
But in all ages and in all times man's effort has been, appa- rently, to combine beauty, luxury, and fleetness. Whether re- calling the rough canoe of the Esquimaux, framed of the bones of beasts and fishes, and covered with the skins of seals, and the Welsh vessels of the early Britons, made of basket-work, covered with hides ; or the terra-cotta boats of the Egyptians, filled in with leaves of the papyrus ; or the still more remote rafts of the Romans, whose borders were of wicker-work, covered wnth leather ; or, in later times, the felucca of the Barbary coast, the swiftrfooted bagguala of the piratical Arabs ; the garooku of the Persians ; the galley of the Venetians ; the gay diang of Anam ; the junk of the Chinese; the pattemar of the East Indies; the flying proas of the South Seas; the pirogues of the Cingalese on the coast of Malabar, and the tartan and xebec of the Mediter- ranean— the same principle governs them all.
YACIITIXG. 11
YACHTING IX GREAT BRITAIN.
In the kingdom of Great Britain yachting is reduced to a science, and the sport has been for generations patronized by the nobility, and supported by the aristocracy of the land. The popular saying of an English naval author, that " the security of the kino;dom is increased bv everv man beiuo- more or less a sailor," is now a national motto. ^Yithout further comment we will name some of their principal clubs.
In the year 1720 was organized in Ireland the first yacht- ing association in the world, under the title of " The Cork Har- bor Water Club.'' In 1828 it received the new appellation of the '' Cork Yacht Club," and on William the Fourth ascending the throne it received the addition which now makes it known as the " Royal Cork Yacht Club." Its commanding officer is styled " Admiral," and not " Commodore."
The Roval Yacht Club was founded in 1815, the month and year of the battle of Waterloo. It was originally called " The Yacht Club." Under the patronage of King George the Fourth the club rose rapidly ; and in September, 1820, received from that monarch the prefix of " Royal."
Among other Royal Yacht Clubs, may be enumerated the fol- lowing :
Royal Cork Yacht Club, established in 1720. Cork thus stands first, and Cowes second, in the list of royal clubs.
Royal Thames Yacht Club, founded in 1823.
Royal Northern Yacht Club, founded in Belfast, Ireland, in 1824 — ^joined by the yachtsmen of the Clyde in 1825 ; now known only as a Scotch club.
Royal Western Yacht Club of England, established in 1827, under the name of the Royal Clarence Regatta Club.
Royal Western Yacht Club of Ireland, established in 1830.
Royal Eastern Yacht Club, founded in 1835.
Royal Southern Yacht Club, founded in 1840.
Royal Harwich Yacht Club, founded in 1843.
Royal Mersey Yacht Club, started in 1844, in Liverpool. It
12 YACHTING.
was a yacht of this club, named the Queen of the Ocean, Com- modore Thomas Littledale, that saved the lives of thirty-two of the crew and passengers of the emigrant ship Ocean Monarch, of Boston, destroyed by fire in Abergle bay, August 24, 1848.
Eoyal Victoria Yacht Club, founded May 24, 1845, the anni- versary of her Majesty's birthday.
Royal St. George's Yacht Chib, founded in Ireland in 1846, as the Royal Kingstown, but subsequently adopted its present name.
Royal Irish Yacht Club, founded in Dublin bay in 1846.
Royal Welsh Yacht Club, Marquis of Anglesey^ Commodore, founded in 1847.
Royal Dee Yacht Club, founded at Chester, received the patronage of Queen Victoria in 1847.
Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, founded in 1847.
Royal London Yacht Club, founded in 1849, originally known as the Arundel Yacht Club, and under that name founded in 1838.
YACHTING OF THE UNITED STATES.
The lover and amateur of the time-honored pastime of yacht- ing cannot help, if he be at all observant, feeling joyous and happy at its unexampled progress in American waters. Indeed, one has to watch with considerable perseverance and strictness the press of the country, to possess even a fair and tolerable idea of its rapid advancement. In every section of the country — not only in the harbors, bays, and rivers of the older States, but on the little lakes, bayous, and inlets of the most distant portions of our country's broad domain, the white wings of the gull-like yacht and pleasure-boat add their picturesque beauty to adorn and gild nature's panorama. We have been led to this brief reflection by indulging in a retrospective glance at the number of yachts which have been built, and the many yachting organi- zations which have been formed around us during the past few years. As an ardent amateur of the pastime, it affords us heart- felt pleasure to record this fact; and we hope that the prevailing
TACHTIXG. 13
spirit will never culminate until the American yacbting marine outnumbers — as it now does outsail — tbe world !
It is not many years since tbose who evinced an interest in aquatic matters could almost enumerate tbe pleasure-craft tbrougbout tbe country. Tben tbe yacbts belonging to tbe gen- tlemen of New York, Pbiladelpbia, Boston, Baltimore, Mobile, 'New Orleans, etc., were familiarly known to all amateurs of yacbting. Now tbe case is far different ; tbe increase and influ- ence of tbe " Xew York Yacbt Club " bave given an extraordinary impetus to yacbting recreation in every locality. Clubs com- posed of vessels of large and small dimensions, are found in every seaport of our land. Inland places, and tbe barbors of our great lakes, as well as tbe river towns and villages, attest and give prac- tical evidence of our assertion.
Tbe celebrated scbooner-yacht Wave, belonging to Mr. Stevens, was, in ber day, one of tbe fastest vessels afloat; sbe acquired great reputation in New York and otber cities wbenever sbe bad an opportunity to display ber admirable qualities. Her visit to Boston, and trials of speed witb tbe pet yacbt of tbat city, tbe Nortbern Lio-bt, are doubtless well remem^bered bv many of our readers. Tbe Onkabye, also scbooner-rigged, was, we believe, Mr. Stevens's next yacbt, tbe Wave baving been sold to tbe United States Government. We are not familiar witb tbe latter boat's performances, but do not tbink tbat sbe acquired tbe reputation wbicb was won by tbe Wave.
Our New York pilot-boats bave contributed greatly, in an indi- rect manner, to foster and promote a love for yacbting. For beauty of model, speed, and sea-going qualities, tbere are no pilot-boats in tbe world to be compared to tbem ; in fact, tbey are almost pleasure-yacbts, witb spars, canvas, and rig, for more boisterous and rougber duties. Tbey bave frequently visited Europe, and a number of tbem bave been sold to tbe Govern- ment, and by tbem converted into miniature men-of-war ; and as representatives of Uncle Sam, bave accompanied bis larger ves- sels, and displayed tbeir bunting in most of tbe waters of tbe globe.
Several years since an article in JTunfs Yachting Magazine,
14 YACHTING.
an English periodical, gave a grapliic record of the writer's voy- age across the Atlantic in one of the celebrated New York "black-ball liners." In eulogizing our models as he first saw them, he thus expresses himself:
" We must certainly yield to the Americans the palm of beauty of their nautical models, more particularly of the class to which their pilot-boats belong. We have had a specimen of this class in the America, which, though somewhat an exaggerated pattern, is nevertheless built upon the same principle as the pilot-boats. It often struck me as strange that among the many Englishmen who have visited the United States, many of them doubtless yachting men, no one seems to have noticed the beautiful models I have mentioned, with the view of introducing the build among our yachting fraternity. It was reserved for the America, so late as 1851, to introduce this improvement, which has been so exten- sively copied in almost all the recently constructed yachts. The American pilot-boats vary from fifty to one hundred tons ; they are long and low, rounding in aft from the greatest beam, which is generally some feet before the mainmast, and flaring out for- ward over a sharp and long bow. A break in the deck, by the mainmast, allows of a rise for the cabin, which is entered from a cockpit sunk in the aftermost part of the vessel. All are schooner- rigged, carrying mainsail, foresail, and staysail, upon ordinary occa- sions, and a jib and large flying staysail set from the head of a short maintopmast to the head of the foremast, and sheeted home half way to the deck.
THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUB.
^'' ITos Agimur Tumidis Velisy
The history of New York yachting begins wnth the earliest annals of this country ; and singularly enough, yachting lies at the foundation of our State enterprise, progress, and civilization. The renowned navigator and discoverer Hendrick Hudson, in 1609, was the pioneer yachtsman of this continent. In tliat year he entered and explored our bay and harbor in a small vessel of
YACHTING. 15
eighty tons, and gave his name to the beautiful stream ^vhich now enriches and adorns our city and State.
In 1616 Captain Cornelius Hendrickson, of Holland, in a small yacht of sixteen tons, named the Onrust (the Restless), who has a namesake now afloat, " peerless among the peerless," in our yacht fleet, made important explorations in Long Island Sound ; also near Manhattan Island and a long line of sea-coast. But not only yachts of sixteen tons, but ships upon a large scale were then built. And so we have been progressing and thriving, remarks the same author, for upwards of two hundred years, until our little island, like another Venice, has become a potent metropolis, influencing the world, whose eager commerce "pushes its wharves into the sea, blocks up the wide rivers with its fleets, and sending its ships, the pride of naval architecture, to every clime, defies every wind, outstrides every tempest, and invades every zone." [Vide Hart's " Romance of Yachting.")
We may mention as a part of the contemporaneous history of this time, that it was at Fort Orange, at the head of the navi- gation of the Hudson, in 1614, that the naval flag of Xew York was first hoisted on a bark built here by people who then "owned the mastery of the seas" — the Dutch. Thus much for our ancient Knickerbocker right to claim the distinction of being the first to establish the institution of yachting in American waters. This distinction, passing through many honored genera- tions, mostly Knickerbockers, has reached our own day unsullied in any respect.
All true aquatic Gothamites claim the date of 1616, the debut of Captain Hendrickson's historical Restless, as the origin of the " X. Y. Y. C." Passing by the reminiscences of Hendrick Hudson and Skipper Hendrickson, we will come down to the times of that father -of American yacht commodores, the late John C. Stevens, who, in 1802, organized himself and his famous little yacht Diver, of which he was " builder, captain, cook, and all hands," into a "New York Yacht Ckib." For the long period of eleven years, from 1844 to 1855 iiichisive, Mr. Stevens filled the position of Commodore, until his failing health obliged
16 * YACHTING.
him to withdraw reluctantly from the duties and cares of the position. As its founder, no record of the Club can be perfect without paying a proper tribute to the memory of one who was a true type of the upright man, the good citizen, and the influen- tial merchant. Commodore Stevens died in the month of June, 1857, " in the ripeness of age, in the fulness of a reputation with- out blemish, beloved and respected by all. Even as his spirit was passing to the sunny haven above, the beautiful squadron, of which he had been the creator and patron, was on its annual cruise ; and with flags at half-mast, and other testimonials of mourn- ing, manifested every respect for the memory of the departed." The following is his letter of resignation :
"South Amboy, May 1, 1855. " To N. Bloodgood, Esq., Secretary of the New York Yacht Club : " Dear Sir : — Will you do me the favor to present this, my unwilling resignation of the honorable post I hold of Commodore of the New York Yacht Squadron. A conviction of my inability longer to perform duties that the Commodore should be both willing and able to do, renders this determination on my part, if not absolutely necessary, at least advisable. I do not want the will, but I lack both the health and the spirits to enable me to make the attempt. Old age and hard service have worked with me their usual and inevitable results, and I cannot but sigh to think that I 'shall never more be fit for the sea.' That I am fairly entitled to ray discharge I trust you will admit, when I tell you I have been a yacht owner for more than half a century, commencing in 1802, as builder, captain, cook, and all hands of the celebrated yacht Diver — nine feet long, three feet wide, and three feet deep — and ending as commodore of a squadron whose flagship carries her pennant one hundred and fifty feet above the surface of the sea. Present my kindest and most heartfelt regards to my brother yachtsmen ; and say that, though no longer able to command them, I hope still to take an occasional cruise with them in the sunny waters of the Sound. With my warmest
YACHTING. 17
wishes for the prosperity of the club and the continual health of its members, I remain their attached and obedient servant,
" John C. Steyens."
The club accepted the resignation of the Commodore ; and among a series of complimentary resolutions, presented by M. H. Grinnell, Esq., adopted the following :
^^ JResolved^ That we gladly avail ourselves of this occasion to express the sense of our obligations to Commodore Stevens, the founder of this Club, and its chief officer from its commencement. To his enthusiasm as an accomplished gentleman, to his courtesy and high-toned character in the discharge of his official duties, so thoroughly tested when, in the yacht America, he raised to such proud eminence the flag of the New York Yacht Squadron in the British Channel ; to his personal standing in this commu- nity, where he has been so favorably known and highly esteemed during a long career of unexampled activity, may be justly attri- buted to a great degree the past success and present prosperity of the New York Yacht Club."
In communicating the resolutions to the Commodore, the Sec- retary of the Club took the opportunity to assure him that his " position among them had partaken as much of a parental as of an official character ; for not only had he been the founder of the Club, but that there was scarcely an active yachtsman of its mem- bers who did not turn to him as a friend and instructor in every- thing relating to the pursuit of his favorite amusement." In briefly recapitulating the history of some of the Commodore's favorite yachts, the Secretary further remarked :
"There are none of us, perhaps, who can retrace the half century which recalls the experimental Diver of 1802, and few who can remember the Trouble of a later period ; but nearly all have fol- lowed with interest the subsequent result of your enterprise and skill. The Wave, without a competitor in her time ; the On-ka- hy-e, with sharp bow and clean run, then looked upon with doubt as for ocean navigation, foreshadowing, nevertheless, the clipper-ship of to-day ; the deceptive Gimcrack, and finally the
18 YACHTING.
peerless Maria, hitherto unrivalled in speed, all bear witness to your zeal in the cause, and the time and labor you have devoted to its furtherance. In addition to this, when the yacht America went forth as a pioneer under your command to test the relative merits of England and America in mechanical skill — in which contest our country so signally triumphed — you earned for your- self not only the lasting gratitude of this squadron, whose flag you carried, but it can truly be said a national reputation on both sides of the Atlantic has attached itself to your name."
SUMMARY OF ANNUAL REGATTAS.
Before giving the summary of their annual contests we will notice briefly the incidents, etc., of their formal organization :
On the 30th of July, 1844, there assembled on board the yacht Gimcrack, off the Battery in this city, the following named gen- tlemen, having for their object the organization of a club for the systematic fostering of the noble art of yachting : John C. Ste- vens, representing the yacht Gimcrack ; Hamilton Wilkes, yacht Spray ; William Edgar, yacht Cygnet ; John C. Jay, yacht La Coquille ; George L. Schuyler, yacht Dream ; James M. Water- bury, yacht Minna; Louis A. Depau, yacht Mist; James Eogers, yacht Ida ; George B. Rollins, yacht Petrel.
At this meeting the club was organized, by-laws and regula- tions adopted, and John C. Stevens unanimously chosen Commo- dore. In accordance with a resolution to that effect, the above yachts, with the exception of the Ida, made a cruise to Newport, Rhode Island, stopping at Huntington, Long Island ; New Haven, Gardner's Bay, Oyster Point, and arrived at their destination on a Monday afternoon, having bad a very pleasant cruise. The night following their arrival at Newport, they were joined by the pilot- boat Belle, Capt. R. B. Forbes, and the yacht Northern Light, Capt. Winchester, both of Boston. Thus the New York Yacht Club, which is now known the world over as one of the most prosperous, began its career.
The first regular election of oflScers of the Club was held on
YACHTIXG. 19
tlie lYth of March, 1845, when the following gentlemen were chosen :
Commodore, John C. Stevens ; Vice-Commodore, Hamilton Wilkes ; Corresponding Secretary, George B. Rollins ; Recording Secretary, John C. Jay ; Treasurer, William Edgar.
So popular was this movement, that almost immediately mem- bers began to flock in ; and hardly an annual meeting has since been held that the Club has not received accessions of gentlemen ranking high in the social and financial circles of the community.
For many years the following regulations and course governed the contestants :
A flag-boat was anchored abreast of the Club-House at Hoboken, on the east side of which the sloops were anchored, head to wind, in the following order of position, commencing from the stake-boat with those of the least areas. The third class abreast of the stake-boat, eighty yards apart, on a line due east ; the second class, ninety yards apart, on a line parallel with the same, two hundred yards to the north ; and the first class one hundred yards apart, on a similar line, two hundred yards to the north of the latter ; the schooners anchored to the eastward of the second and first-class lines in the same order. Yachts were allowed to have their mainsails, or foresails and mainsails, accord- ing to their rig, hoisted, and gafF-topsails set.
The yachts were to pass to the north and west of a flag-boat stationed off Robins's Reef Light ; thence easterly to a flag-boat stationed off Owl's Head, Long Island, passing it to the north and east ; thence around the buoy of the South-west Spit, passing it from the north and east. Returning, they were to first pass the flag-boat off Owl's Head, Long Island, passing it to the south and east; thence to the flag-boat off Robins*s Reef Light, passing it to the south and west ; thence to a flag-boat off Castle Garden, passing it to the south and east ; thence to the flag-boat abreast of the Club-House, Hoboken, passing it to the westward. In going and returning, all the buoys on the west bank, viz. Nos. 11, 13, and ]5, were to be passed to the eastward.
This course was sailed until the annual regatta of June 8, 1865,
20 YACHTING.
when more of an ocean course was substituted ; the course being from the judges' yacht, moored off Owl's Head, Long Island, around the lightship, and return.
In July, 1845, the first regular regatta in the United States took place, on the following terms : — First, the tonnage was the Oustom-House measurement; second, forty-five seconds a ton were allowed for the start ; third, a cup of the value of the entrance-money was given to the winning boat. The following yachts entered for the race : — The Cygnet, forty-five tons ; Sybil, forty-two ; Spray, thirty-seven ; La Coquille, twenty-seven ; Minna, thirty ; Gimcrack, twenty-five ; Newburg, thirty-three ; Ada, seventeen ; and Lancet, twenty.
The annual regattas have been continued regularly since that period ; and for many years interesting squadron cruises and exciting private match races have whiled away the summer months.
On the 6th of June, 1848, the first annual regatta of the Club took place. The following yachts were entered and started, viz. :
Second Class, — Fifty tons and under ; allow^ance of time, forty- five seconds per ton ; measurement by displacement.
Sloop Lancet, 19 tons, R. R. Patton, started Schr. La Coquille, 21 tons, J. C. Jay, started Schr. Dream, 28^ tons, J. P. Hall, started . Schr. Spray, 34 tons, H. Wilkes, started Schr. Cygnet, 39 tons, D. L. Suydam, started
First Class, — Over 50 tons, allowance of time 35 seconds per ton.
H. M. S.
Schr. Siren, 60 tons, W. E. Miller, started . . 10 20 0
Schr. Cornelia, 75 tons, Wrn. Edgar, started . 10 28 45
Sloop Maria, 118 tons, R. L. Stevens, started . 10 53 50
The yachts arrived at the stake boat, off the Club-House, in the following order :
|
H. |
M. |
s. |
|
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
10 |
1 |
30 |
|
10 |
7 |
7 |
|
10 |
11 |
15 |
|
10 |
15 |
0 |
YACHTING.
21
Schooner Cornelia, . Schooner Siren, Schooner Cygnet, Schooner LaCoquille, Schooner Spray, Schooner Dreana, Sloop Lancet, .
H. M. s. . 3 12 40 . 3 59 52 . 4 14 35 . 4 17 25 . 4 21 —
Time not taken.
Time not taken.
The Maria was dismasted on her return, between Jersey City and Hoboken, and was at the time ahead of all, except the Cornelia. The yachts had a head tide all the way, the wind west- north-west and north-west, and part of the time very fresh.
The prizes were awarded as follows : —
First prize, first class, Cornelia.
Second prize, first class. Siren.
First prize, second class. Cygnet.
Second prize, second class, La Coqnille.
Second annual, on the 5th of June, 1849 ; the Maria, one hundred and nineteen tons; Cornelia, seventy-five tons; Siren, sixty-five tons ; Ultra, sixty-three tons ; Sybil, thirty-seven tons ; and Spray, thirty-four tons, were entered. They were started together at 10 a.m., and the result of the race was — sloop Ultra, first prize ; schooner Siren, second prize.
Third annual regatta was sailed on the 6th of June, 1850 ; the Maria, Breeze, Cornelia, Ultra, Una, Spray, and Undine, were entered, and the race won by the Maria ; but in consequence of her fouling the Ultra, she was ruled out, and the prize of her class given to the latter yacht ; the Una and the Undine won the prizes in the second class.
Fourth annual regatta was sailed on the 5th of June, 1851 ; the Cornelia, Ultra, Una, Sport, Ariel, and Alpha were entered, and the first and second prizes of the first class were won by the Una and Li^ndine ; and the first and second prizes of the second class by the Sport and Alpha.
22 YACHTING.
Fifth annual regatta was sailed on the 3d of June, 1852 ; seven yachts were entered in three different classes, the first being over fifty tons, the second under fifty but over tv^enty-five, and the third twenty-five and under. The prize for the first class was awarded to the Sylvie, and the prize for the second class to the Sport. No prize was awarded the third class, as the Alpha ran foul of one of the stake-boats, and the Ariel gave up the contest ; these two yachts were the only entries in the third class.
Sixth annual regatta was sailed on the second of June, 1853 ; eight yachts were entered and started, and the prizes were won and awarded to the following : Una, fifty-four tons, first class ; Undine, thirty tons, second class ; Alpha, seventeen tons, third class.
Seventh annual regatta was sailed on the first of June, 1854; fourteen yachts were entered and started, and the prizes awarded to the Una, L. M. Rutherford, first class ; Ray, F. M. Ray, second class ; L'Esperance, W. Langdon, third class.
Eighth annual regatta was sailed on the eighth of June, 1855 ; sixteen yachts were entered and started, and the prizes won by the Julia, seventy tons, J. M. Waterbury, first class, beating the Una three minutes seventeen seconds ; Ray, thirty tons, second class, beating the Undine one minute fifteen seconds ; Alpha, seventeen tons, D. M. Edgar, third class, beating the Ceres eight minutes twenty-four and a half seconds.
Ninth annual regatta was sailed on the fifth of June, 1856 ; twenty-one yachts were entered in three classes, the first contain- ing yachts carrying 3,300 square feet of canvas and upwards ; the second carrying 2,300 square feet and upwards, but less than 3,300 ; and the third, carrying less than 2,300 square feet. The prizes were won and awarded to : First class, Julia, 83-|^ tons, 3,307.45 square feet canvas; second class, Una, ^0-^^ tons, 3,142.43 square feet canvas; third class, Richmond, 21^^^ tons, 1,845.61 square feet canvas.
In August of 1856 the squadron assembled at Whitestone, L. I., for its annual cruise, which was made to New Bedford. The entries for the race which then took place were thirteen, and the results of the race were that the Julia, J. M. Waterbury,
YACHTING. 23
beat all of her class ; the America, E. T. Loper, all of her class ; and the Richmond, Charles H. Mallory, all of her class.
Tenth annual regatta was sailed on the fourth of June, 1857; twenty-one yachts were entered, and the prizes were won by the Julia, first class ; Rowena, M. W. Bacon, second class ; and the Lucky, C. F. Morton, third class.
Eleventh annual regatta was sailed on the third of June, 1858 ; twenty-three yachts were entered, and the prizes were awarded to the sloop Julia, first class ; sloop Hasewell, C. H. Mallory, second class ; sloop Edgar, H. A. Dennison, third class.
On the first of October in this year the autumn regatta was sailed, and it was the first sea-race of the Club. Handsome prizes were subscribed for, and the following yachts entered and started : New schooner Zinga, of New York, one hundred and eighteen tons, W. H. Thomas, owner ; schooner Madgie, of Phila- delphia, one hundred tons, R. F. Loper, owner ; sloops Rebecca, seventy-seven tons, J. G. Bennett, Jr., owner ; Una, fifty -four tons, L. M. Rutherford, owner ; Manersing, forty-two tons, C. T. Crom- well, owner, all of New York ; and the Narragansett, twenty- nine tons, of Newport, H. Bedlow, owner. The course was from a stake-boat anchored off" the Staten Island shore, round the South- west Spit, thence around the light-ship and return. The contest- ants were favored with a good working breeze. The Rebecca rounded the lightship first, and passed the stake-boat a handsome winner, followed by the Manersing, Madgie, Una, Zinga, and Nar- ragansett, in the order named. The Zinga won the schooner prize, and the Manersing and Narragansett the prizes of their class.
Twelfth annual regatta was sailed on the second of June, 1859 ; nineteen yachts were entered, and the prizes awarded to the schooner Madgie, R. F. Loper, 111.4 tons, first class; schooner Dawn, H. L. Fassitt, 41.8 tons, second class ; and to the Deer, Thomas Colly er, 68 tons, in first class sloops ; Hasewell, Charles Butler, 38.6 tons, second class ; and third class, Flying Cloud, L. B. Senat, 25.5 tons.
Thirteenth annual regatta was sailed on the seventh of June,
24 YACHTING.
1860 ; sixteen yachts were entered, and the prizes were won and awarded to the Favorita, A. C. Kingsland, first class schooner ; Haze, W, B. Duncan, second class do. ; Eebecca (no competi- tion), J. G. Bennett, Jr., first class sloop ; Manersing, C. T. Cromwell, second class do. ; Glengarry, C. Macalester, Jr., third class do.
August 15, of this year, the yachts rendezvoused at Clark's Point, New Bedford, where a race took place, in which the Madgie, Julia, Manersing, Haze, Bonita, and Narragansett won the prizes. The annual regatta for the year 1861 was, by reso- lution of the Club, postponed.
Fifteenth annual regatta was sailed on the 5th of June, 1862. Eighteen yachts were entered, and the yachts that were awarded prizes were : Schooners, first class, Favorita, 138.1 tons; second class, Eestless, 95.4 tons ; third class, Bonita, 34.9 tons ; sloops, first class, Scud, seventy-nine tons ; second class, Mallory, 44.2 tons ; third class. Glengarry, twenty-five tons.
Sixteenth annual regatta was sailed on June 11, 1863. There were fifteen yachts entered, and the prizes were won by the sloops Minnie, C. Morrow ; Fanny, E. H. White ; and White Wing, R. Stuyvesant.
Seventeenth annual regatta was sailed on June 3, 1864. There were twelve entered, but three of them, the Alarm, Nautilus, and Plover, did not start, leaving the course to the schooners Magic, W. H. McVickar, one hundred and twelve tons ; Julia, H. S. Fear- ing, eighty-five tons ; Juniata, J. W. Grigg, eighty-one tons ; sloops Nettle, L. D. Senat, forty-three tons ; White W^ing, R. Stuyve- sant, fifty-three tons; Geraldine, J. S. Dickinson, fifty-five tons; Narragansett, T. G. Dexter, thirty tons ; Annie, L. Livingston, twenty-seven tons ; and the Richmond, Charles H. Mallory, twenty-seven tons.
The prizes were severally awarded to : Sloops, first class, Nettle ; second class, Annie. Schooners, first class, Magic; second class, Julia.
Eighteenth annual regatta was sailed on June 8, 1865. The course was from a stake-boat off Owl's Head, Long Island, around
TACBTIXG.
25
the light-ship and retiira. The following started : Schooners Maria, two hundred and thirtv-one tons, E. A. Stevens; Magic, one hun- dred and twelve tons, W. H. McYickar ; Calypso, one hundred and nine tons, J. H. Bache ; Haze, ninetY-one tons, J. Van Schaick ; Juniata, eighty-one tons, J. W. Grigg ; Breeze, twenty-five tons, A. C. Kingsland, Jr. Sloops Bonita, fift\^\vo tons, R. Center; Annie, tw^enty-six tons, A. Livingston. The sloop Geraldine entered, hut did not start. The Magic won the schooner prize, an elegant silver punch-howl. The Annie won the sloop prize, a beautiful cigar-casket.
Nineteenth annual regatta was sailed on Thursday, June 14, 1866, with the following entries :
Name.
Annie, . Bonita, Dream, Eva, .
|
SLOOPS. |
||
|
Entered by Tonnage. |
Area. |
Allowance of Time. |
|
J. Heard. . . . 26.9 |
80-1.4 |
S2.9.6 |
|
E. Center .... .52.5 |
1,041.2 |
26.41 |
|
H. Center . . . 26.6 |
685.5 |
44.42 |
|
G. L. Lorillard . .81.2 |
1,561.8 |
10.13 |
Calypso, Haze,
Mao'ic,
SCHOOXERS.
J. H. Bache . . . 109.7 J. Van Schaick . 91.1 W. H. McYickar . 112.5
|
1,694.0 |
6.56 |
|
1,382 6 |
15.20 |
|
1,670.0 |
Y.29 |
The course was from the anchorage at Owl's Head to the buoy off the South-west Spit, then to the light-ship, and return on the same course.
The steamer Seth Low took the members of the club, invited guests and representatives of the press on board, at the pier foot of Christopher street, North River, at ten a.m., proceeding thence to the starting-point, at the flag-boat anchored abreast of the Owl's Head, Long Island, followed by the steamers Thomas P. Way, W. R. Fletcher, P. Crary, W. Tittamer, and several others, crowded with spectators.
26 YACHTING.
At half-past eleven o'clock a.m., the schooners Calypso, Haze, and Magic, started ; and at five minutes to twelve the sloops Bonita and Dream, the Eva and Annie withdrawing. The Bo- nita took the lead while they were in sight ; but shortly after one o'clock — the time of rounding the Spit — they were placed as follov;s: «^
The Calypso leading and passing the buoy at Ih. 14m. 20s. ; followed by the Haze at Ih. 16m. 25s.; the Magic at Ih. 16m. 36s.; the Bonita at lb. 33m. 36s.; and the Dream at Ih. 39m. 50s. Here it was almost dead calm; and although the yachts were being handled skilfully, there v/as but little interest in their progress.
At the light-ship, the Magic first turned at 3h. 15m. 05s. ; then the Haze, at 3h. 16m. 35s.; next the Calypso, at 3h. I7m. 09s.; and last the Bonita, at 3h. 24m. 3'7s. The Dream was hull down astern.
Upon the return the wind died out entirely, and a dense fog obscured the competitors from view.
At last it could be seen that the Magic had kept the lead from the light-ship ; and she turned the flagship at 6h. 50m. 05s., fol- lowed closely by the Bonita at 6h. 50m. 55s., by the Haze at 6h. 52m. 30s., the Calypso at 6h. 54m. 40s., and the Dream at Ih. 02m. 10s. Salntes were fired in honor of the winners by vessels in the harbor, and an answering gun resounded along the waters from Fort Hamilton.
The Haze having an allowance of 7m. and 51s. in excess of that of the Magic, and being but 2m. and 25s. astern of her, was the winner of the prize for schooners; and the Dream, hav- ing an allowance of 18m. and Is. in excess of the Bonita, and being only 11m. and 15s. astern of her, won the prize for sloops.
OFFICERS OF THE CLUB.
From the year 1844 to 1855, Commodore John C. Stevens, who was succeeded by Mr. William Edgar, owner of the yacht " Cygnet." This gentleman was one of the founders of the
YACHTING. 2*7
organization, and was reelected annually until 1880. Upon Ms retiring, Mr. Moses H. Grinnell was tendered the honorable posi- tion by a committee of the Club, but he declined to accept it in consequence of a contemplated visit to Europe. As a reminis- cence, we will mention here that the late Mr. Hamilton Wilkes was the first Vice-Commodore ; Mr. George B. Rollins, the first Corresponding Secretary ; Mr. John C. Jay, the first Recording Secretary ; and Mr. William Edgar, the first Treasurer.
The following officers were elected in 1860 :
Commodore, Edwin A. Stevens ; Yice-Commodore, Ambrose C. Kingsland ; Secretary, Hamilton Morton ; Treasurer, Robert S. Hone ; Measurer, Charles H. Haswell ; Surgeon, Dr. G. F. Woodward ; Regatta Committee, Charles H. Haswell, J. Howard Wain^vright, John C. Jay.
Messrs. Wainwright and Jay resigned from the committee, and Messrs. Westray and Rollins were elected to fill their places.
These gentlemen retained their positions until the election held in February, 1865, when the following officers were chosen:
Commodore, Edwin A. Stevens ; Yice-Commodore, Yfilliam H. McYickar ; Rear-Commodore, Alex. Major ; Secretary, Hamil- ton Morton ; Treasurer, Robert S. Hone ; Measurer, Alfred W. Craven ; Regatta Committee, George L. Schuyler, Yv'illiam W. Shippen, N. P. Ho sack.
The annual meeting of the Club for 1866 was held at Del- monico's, Fourteenth street and Fifth avenue, on Thursday even- ing, February 1. Before proceeding to the election of officers a letter from Commodore E. A. Stevens was read by the Secre- tary, which, while expressnig unabated interest in the prosperity of the Club, also communicated a final determination to with- draw his name as a candidate for reelection. An admirable por- trait, by Elliot, of the late John C. Stevens, one of the original members and founders of the Club, accompanied the communi- cation as a donation to the Club.
By unanimous resolution, a committee was appointed to express to Commodore Stevens their regrets that he should feel himself constrained to terminate his official connexion with
28 YACHTIl^G.
tlieir institution, and their high estimate of the many benefits and valuable services rendered during his long association with them ; and also to express their thanks for the very valuable, and to them highly interesting memorial of their first Commodore, John C. Stevens.
The following officers were then unanimously elected for the ensuing year :
Commodore, William H. McA^ickar, in place of Commodore Edwin A. Stevens ; Alexander Major, Vice-Commodore ; Aiison Livingston, Rear- Commodore ; Hamilton Morton, Secretary ; Treasurer, Robert S. Hone ; Measurer, Alfred W, Craven ; Regatta Committee, Messrs. W. W. Shippen, N. P. Hosack, and Fletcher Westray.
THE CLUB-HOUSE AT HOBOKEN.
Every visitor to the Elysian Fields, at Hoboken, must have noticed the beautiful cottage-built structure situated upon a romantic knoll and environed with noble oaks, which do not altogether obscure a view of that water which is the pride of the Empire State and City, and which has rendered immortal the name of Hendrick Hudson. This cottage, of such chaste pro- portion and correct architecture, is, as every true Gothamite knov>'s, the club-house and summer rendezvous of the New York Yacht Club. It was presented to the Club many yeai's since by its originator, the late Commodore John C. Stevens ; and a visit to it will well repay any one who possesses the slightest enthu- siasm for yachts and yachting.
It contains one high and capacious assembly or dining-room, where may be seen the models of many of the yachts which have won renown in our own as well as in foreign waters. Among these we may mention the original model by George Steers of the celebrated yacht America ; also those of the yachts Maria, Widgeon, Julia, Haze, Zinga, Gipsey, Henrietta, Favorita, Mal- lory, Narragansctt, Annie, Una, Madgie (now Magic), Lucky, Richmond, Undine, Irene, Prima Donna, Magnet, Seadrift, Hornet, Mystery, Ceres, Island Fawn, Alpha, Dream, Pet, Cyrene,
YACHTIXG. 29
Ariel, Spray, Starlight, Xorthwest, Minna, Plover, Twiliglit, Petrel, Minnie, Ultra, Edith, Bonita, Restless, Rowena, Fanny, Hope, Rebecca, Gertrude, Ray, L'Esperance, Breeze, Xettle, Sport, Mist, Sybil, La Coquille, Brenda, Cygnet, Escort, Edgar, Yolante, etc. There are also models of an English schooner and two English cutters. Among the curiosities is the flag of the old frigate Constitution, which was once captured by the British, and afterwards recaptured by the Americans. Also, as curiosi- ties, models of Chinese war vessels, revenue boats, Malay war boats, Singapore boats, etc., presented by the late Commodore Perry ; together with other curiosities donated by various dis- tinguished parties.
A large and convenient meeting or committee room adjoins the assembly hall. On the walls are hung numerous pictures of yachts, most of them English, presented by their owners, to all of which a pleasing history is attached. The original draw- ings of the America, by Steers, are also here. Among the pic- tures are those of Her Britannic Majesty's steam-yacht Fairy, Mr. Grinnell's yacht Truant, British yachts Kestrel, Helas, and Gazelle ; Her Britannic Majesty's ships Eurydice, Vindictive, Winchester, Pantaloon, Warspite, Pilot, Powerful, Daring, Ring- dove, model of British yacht Sabrina, drawing of the American yacht Mallory, etc.
RULES AXD REGULATIONS.
Each member, on his election, shall pay ' the sum of forty dollars, which shall include his dues for the current year. If said sum is not paid within thirty-five days fi'om the time of his election, such election to be null aad void. Each subsequent annual payment shall be twenty-five dollars, and shall become due at the first general meeting in each year. Foreigners, members of Yacht Clubs in their own country, and not residing in the United States, shall be exempt from all payments except the first of forty dollars. Members who are absent from the United States for the whole fiscal year, commencing on the first Thursday of February, shall be exempt from their dues for such
80
YACHTING.
List of ScHOONf:ES belonging to the New York Yacht Club,
IName.
Actoea
Alarm ,
Breeze .
Calypso
Dawn ,
Escort
Fleetwing- . . . Fleur-de-Lis. Halcyon . .
Haze
Owners.
Henrietta . . .
Idler. ^
Josephine . . . .
Julia ,
Juliet ,
Juniata
L'Hirondelle.
Magic
Maria ,
Nettie
Palmer
Phantom
Rambler.
Restless. . . Sea Drift .
Silvie
Vesta . , . Widgeon , Zinga
D. Sears. Jr
A. C. Kings! and
A C. Kingsland, Jr. . .
Jno. H. Bache . .
G. Griswold
J. A. H. Bell
G-eo. A. Osgood
F L. Gr. d' Haute ville,.
J. NL Hubbard
j J. Yan Schaick ,
) and J. E. Develin. , '
J. Gc. Bennett, Jr
Thos. C- Durant
Daniel Develin. ......
Crawford Alien, Jr
Franklin Gibbs
Jno. W. Grigg
S. D. Bradford. Jr
TV. H. McYickar
E. A. Steven?
D. H. Follett
R. F Loper
H. G. Stebbins
H, 8. Fearing '
F. Skiddy, Jr
S. Sandy '
W. R. Travers
A. Major
E Dodge
P. Lorillard
F. Osgood
W. H. Thomas
Port.
Boston
New York.
New Y^'ork
New York
New York
New Y'ork
New York
Boston
New Y'ork
New Y'ork
New Y^ork
New Y''ork
New Y'ork
Providence, R. I,
Boston
Philadelphia....
New York
New York
lioboken, N. J.
Boston
Stonington
New York
New Y''ork
New York ,
New Y'ork
New Y'ork
New York ,
New York ,
New Y''ork
|
O) |
||
|
ce |
||
|
J3 |
^ |
|
|
^ . |
<v |
|
|
W 0) |
o |
|
|
cS |
||
|
?. |
o |
|
|
< |
H |
^ |
|
1,585. |
98. |
20 |
|
* |
240. |
* |
|
058.2 |
257 |
9 |
|
1.694. |
109.7 |
22 |
|
811.2 |
41.8 |
11 |
|
850.9 |
33 8 |
11 |
|
2,208 7 |
206,1 |
28 |
|
1,429.3 |
95.5 |
18 |
|
* |
130. |
^ |
|
1,382.6 |
91.1 |
18 |
|
2,233. |
205.4 |
28 |
|
1.934.6 |
133.5 |
25 |
|
1,935. |
143. |
25 |
|
1,432.2 |
85.3 |
18 |
|
1.401.9 |
87.0 |
18 |
|
1,393. |
81.9 |
18 |
|
2.602,4 |
262.8 |
34 |
|
1.670 |
112.5 |
21 |
|
3,068.6 |
231.4 |
89 |
|
1,540.7 |
109.9 |
20 |
|
2,371.9 |
194.2 |
30 |
|
* |
:H |
* |
|
1,791.3 |
164. |
23 |
|
1,478.6 |
95. |
19 |
|
1.204. |
64. |
10 |
|
1,807. |
106 2 |
.23 |
|
2,512.5 |
201. |
32 |
|
1,016. |
105 9 |
21 |
|
2,181.6 |
136.1 |
28 |
List of Sloops belonging to the New York Y'acht Club, 1S80.
|
Name. |
Owners. |
Port. |
0) |
o |
o |
fao p |
|
Annie |
.Jno. Heard. U. Center N. B. Palmer |
Ipswicli, ?»Iass. . . New York Stoninglon New York New York New York Pawtuxet, R. I.. Flushing. L.I Mystic Bridge... lioston |
8mA 1,04L2 041.2 085.5 1,501.8 1,277.5 020. * 884.3 740.0 1,004.4 100. |
20 9 52.5 82.5 2S.6 81.2 60. 38.0 * 33.1 30.2 53.1 * |
9 11 7 7 16 13 10 * 9 8 11 * |
10 ft |
|
Bonita Sallie E. Day... Dream . . Eva |
12 ft. 10 ft |
|||||
|
H. Center Geo. L. liorillard Jno. S. Dickerson Henry Butler E. A. Lawrence Chas. IL Mallory F. G. De.xter Lloyd Phoenix W. M.B.Hartley |
10 ft. 12 ft |
|||||
|
Geraldine Haswell Jes.sie Kate Narragansett |
12 ft. 10 fb. 10 ft. 10 ft. 10 ft. |
|||||
|
White Wing. ... |
New York New York |
12 ft |
||||
|
Wave (steamer). |
* |
* Not measured.
YACHTING. 31
year, provided they give notice of their absence to tlie Secre- tary.
No yacLt shall be represented unless she has been launched, and a certificate signed by the Measurer, filed with the Secretary, specifying her tonnage and rig ; and no representation shall be admitted upon any yacht smaller than twenty-five tons, old measurement, and no other than full-decked vessels, reasonable cock-pits excepted, nor upon any yacht which shall have been out of commission for tw^o consecutive years.
No yacht shall be represented in the Club, unless by her design and construction she is well suited to accompany the Squadron on a cruise ; and the Measurer shall withhold his certificate from any yacht wdiich may not, in his opinion, be suited to meet this requirement. The owner of the yacht, however, may appeal from such decision to the Club ; and if the appeal be sustained, the Measurer will then furnish the necessary certificate.
The distinguishing signal of the Club shall be a pointed burgee, its width being two-thirds of its length ; the device, a white five-pointed star in the centre of two red stripes, they beino' in width one-fifth of that of the sio^nal, one runnino; lenglhwise through it in the middle, the other running cross- wise through it at one-third the length of the signal from its head — all on a blue field.
The Commodore, v>^hen afioat, v/ill wear a broad pendant, with a foul anchor eiicircled by thirteen five-pointed stars in white, on a blue field. The Yice-Commodore will wear a broad pendant, with a similar device on a red field; and the Rear- Commodore will vrear a broad pendant, with a similar device, in red, on a white field.
There shall be an annual regatta, to commence between the first and the fifteenth days of June — the course to be about forty miles.
The model of every yacht entered for a regatta shall be the property of the Club, and retained in its possession ; and no person other than a United States naval constructor shall be
32 YACHTIlSrG.
permitted to copy it, except he shall have obtained written authority from the owner or builder of the yacht.
CHARTER OF THE CLUB.
At the session of the Legislature of 1865, this Club was incorporated. The act reads as follows :
"Section 1. Edwhi A. Stevens, Ambrose C. Kingsland, Alex- ander Major, Robert S. Hone, William H. McVickar, Anson Livingston, Hamilton Morton, and such other persons as are now associated as a yacht club in the City of NewYork, or may hereafter become associated with them, are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of the ' New York Yacht Club,' to be located in the City of New York, for the purpose of encouraging yacht-building and naval architecture, and the cultivation of naval science.
" Sec. 2. The said corporation shall have power to make and adopt a constitution, by-laws, rules and regulations for the ad- mission and government of its members, as well as for their suspension and expulsion, for the election of its officers and defining their duties, and for the safe-keeping, management, and disposition of its property and funds. It may also, from time to time, alter or repeal such constitution, by-laws, rules and regu- lations.
" Sec. 3. The trustees of said corporation shall consist of all the members of the Club who are, or shafi be, for the time being, owners of yachts duly enrolled or entered on the records of the Club, and shall continue to be trustees so lorg as said members are the owners of such yachts.
" Sec. 4. For the transaction of the business of the corporation the owners of seven yachts, duly enrolled or entered on the records of the Club, shall constitute a quorum ; and every decision of a majority of said owners duly assembled as a board or meeting for the transaction of business, shall be valid as a corporate act, unless otherwise provided in the constitution or by-laws.
" Sec. 5. The said corporation may purchase and hold or lease
YACHTING. 33
any real or personal estate ; but tlie value of the real estate so held, or to be held by it, shall not exceed one hundred thousand dollars.
" Sec. 6. The said corporation shall also possess the powers and be subject to the restrictions and liabilities contained in the third title of the eighteenth chapter of the first part of the Eevised Statutes.
" Sec. 7. This act shall take effect immediately."
HONORARY MEMBERS OF THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUB, 1866.
The Secretary of the IS'avy of the United States, JEx Officio,
The Admiral of the New York Station, Ex Officio,
The Commander of the Navy Yard at Brooklyn, Ex Officio,
Silas S. Stringham, Kear-Admiral, U.S.N.
C. H. Da vis, Rear-Admiral, U.S.N.
James Glynn, Capt. U.S.N.
Lawrence Kearney, Capt, U.S.N.
His Royal Highness, the Prince of Walss.
The Earl of Mount Charles, Great Britain.
Lord Dufferin, Great Britain.
R. W. HiLLAs, Vice-Commodore Royal Western Yacht Club of
Ireland. J. O'CoNNELL, Rear-Commodore Royal Western Yacht Club of
Ireland. Hugh Tennant, Esq., Great Britain.
Andrew Arcedeckne, Commodore Royal Harwich Yacht Club. George B. Rollins, Esq., Glenwood, Iowa. The Commodore Royal London Yacht Club, Ex Officio, The Yice-Commodore do. The Rear-Commodore do. The Secretary do.
The Commodore Royal Harwich The Yice-Commodore do. The Rear-Commodore do. The Secretary do.
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34 TACHTIXG.
THE SCHOONER-YACHT AMERICA.
The triumphs of the famous yacht America over the entire yachting fleet of Great Britain, in 1851, gave a glory and im- petus to the pastime in this country which is felt to this day. She was built in the city of Xew York, by that great naval architect the late George Steers, for Commodore John C. Stevens.
She arrived at Cowes in July, when her commander immedi- ately offered to sail her against any vessel of similar construction in the world, for any sum from one to fifty thousand dollars. Public attention was instantly attracted to the " bold Yankee," and she w^as visited by thousands from all parts of England. Still the challenge was not accepted. On the 18th there was a race of seventeen yachts, including some of the fastest in the kingdom, the prize being a cup every year awarded by the Queen ; and, on the present occasion, open to the competition of the world. The America was entered, and won so easily as to excite the wonderment of the whole country. On the 25th another race of the squadron took place, but the wind being light, the America did not formally engage. After the last vessel of the squadron had been under way sixty -five minutes, however, she hoisted sail and follovred. The course was around the Isle of AYight, and she came in only ten minutes behind the wmner. The offer of Mr. Stevens being still open, it was then accepted by the late Robert Stephenson, the distinguished English en- gineer, the owner of the Titania, then reckoned the fastest yacht in the British fleet. The race came off" on the 28th of August. The wind was fresh, and the course forty miles out and back. The Earl of \Yilton was the umpire. Heavy bets were pending, and it was supposed that the America w^ould have no chance against such a crack craft as her rival ; but again she startled the nation by leaving her competitor a long distance in the rear. She was shortly after purchased by Lord de Blaquierc ; but, owing to lack of knowledge as to the proper method of sailing our yachts, her new owners were far from being as successful
YACHTIXG. 35
witli lier as -^-lieu she sailed under the " Yankee flao\" . The advent and triumphs of the America in English waters completely revolutionized the yachting system of the '' fast-anchored isle." She vras a novelty as vrell as a success ; and the result was that a wholesale reformation commenced, which has brought the art of vacht-buildino; and yacht-sailino; in Endand to a hig;her deoree of perfection than it ever before attained. The ancient bluff bows were exchanged for the sharp bow and clear run of the America ; an impulse was given to the sport all over the world ; and a large number of yachts, mostly on the American model, were added to those already in existence. Within two years after her appear- ance no less than eighty-five yachts were lengthened at the bows, or, as it is termed in England, " Americanized" after they were built.
The America's main peculiarities were a long, sharp bow, a width which was greatest two-thirds of the length from her stern, and sails which, in American hands, were always trimmed quite flat. The object attained was, first, greater speed with the same tonnage and canvas; second, greater stability in the vessel — that is, an increased hold upon the water ; third, greater even- ness and equality of motion ; fourth, greater powers of endurance in rough weather ; and fifth, a steadiness of motion which enabled her in sailing to keep close to the wind, and lose but little lee- way.
Lord de Blaquiere sold her to Lord Templetown, who in turn sold lier to the Messrs. Prit chard, ship-builders at Xorthfleet, on the Thames, tv/o miles above Gravesend. Lord Templetown sank the yacht by accident near the yard of the Messrs. Pritch- ard, and it vras only after she had lain in that condition for some time that she was bought by these gentlemen, who raised and repaired her. More than half of her timbers were found to be rotten, and she had to be nearly rebuilt. The America was for a long period lost sight of upon this side of the Atlantic, until she reappeared in the following manner. She was found scut- tled in one of the little inlets on the coast of Florida, during the late civil war, and taken possession of by our naval forces, having
36 YACHTING.
been engaged in blockade-running. She is now a government vessel in tlie United States naval school service, as a tender to tlie frigate Sabine, and can be seen at any time in iNev/ London liarbor, Connecticut, with tlie " Stars and Stripes," upon wMcIl her glorious sailing qualities shed so much lustre, flying at the fore.
The cup won by the America at Cowes, in 1851, was in 1857 presented by the former owners of that yacht to the New York Yacht Club, with the annexed letter and conditions :
" This cup was offered as a prize to be sailed for by yachts of all nations, without regard to difference of tonnage, going round the Isle of Wight, the usual course of the annual regatta of the Royal Yacht Squadron, and was won by the America, beating eight cutter and seven schooner yachts which started in the race. The cup is offered to the club, under the following conditions :
" Any organized yacht-club of any foreign country shall always be entitled, through any one or more of its members, to claim the right of sailing a match for this cup with any yacht or vessel of not less than thirty or more than three hundred tons measure by the Custom-IIouse rule of the country to which the vessel belongs. The parties desiring to sail for the cup may make any match with the yacht-club in possession of the same that may be determined by mutual consent ; but in case of disagreement as to terms, the match shall be sailed over the usual course for the annual regatta of the yacht-club in possession of the cup, and subject to its rules and sailing regulations, the challenging party being bound to give six months' notice in writing, fixing the day they wish to start. It is to be distinctly understood that the cup is to be the property of the club, and not of the members thereof, or owners of the vessel winning it in the match, and that the condi- tion of keeping it open to be sailed for by the yacht-clubs of all foreign countries on the terms above laid down shall for ever attach to it, thus making it a perpetual challenge cup for friendly competition between foreign countries."
TACHTIXG. 37
CRUISE OF THE YACHT SILVIE.
In July, 1853, tlie yaclit Silvie, belonging to Mr. Depau of New York, left this port for Coyngs, England, to test her sailing qualities with the yachts of that country. She sailed in only one race, on which occasion she was defeated by a fevv- feet, by the Julia, in a contest which could only be called a drifting match from the total lack of wind. The Silvie, although now a schooner, was launched and crossed the Atlantic sloop-rigged. She was a centre- board, of one hundred and six tons ; her mast was eighty-two feet long, her boom seventy-two feet ; from the end of the bowsprit to the mast was fifty feet, and the jib-boom was eighteen feet out. The length of her deck was eighty feet ; beam, twenty-four feet six inches ; depth, seven feet ; and draught of water six and a half feet aft, and three and a half feet forward. She cost twenty thousand dollars.
" To THE Members of the New York Yacht Club :
" Having been repeatedly asked since my return to America to give some account of the race of the yacht Silvie in England, I deferred doing so until her return to this country, and now lay before the New York Yacht Club and the public a description of the race and my ideas on the subject.
" I arrived off Cowes in the Silvie, August 8, 1853, and received the following note : —
"House, Cowes, August 8, 1853. " ' Sir :— 1 am desired by the Royal Yacht Squadron Committee to present their compliments to you, and to convey the ofier of the Royal Yacht Squadron House during your sojourn at Cowes
in the Silvie.
*' * I remain. Sir,
" ' Your most obedient servant,
" ^ W.C. Browne, Secretary.
" ' S. A. Depau, Esq.'
"The usual civilities were extended to me, and nothing further
38 YACHTING.
transpired until the day of the race, Friday the 19th August, when I received the following communication at half-past ten o'clock :
" ' Royal Yacht Squadron Cup. — Signal to prepare : First gun Tvill be fired five minutes before time of starting, and preparative flag hoisted ; when second gun is fired, preparative flag will be hauled dovfu for yachts to start at 11 a.m. Yachts to proceed to the eastward towards the l^ah light-ship, leaving the Norman land buoy and the light-ship on the starboard " hand ; thence to proceed round the steamboat, leaving her on the starboard hand, and to return between the Nab light-ship and the Island ; the first passing to the westward of the light-ship to win.
" ' N.B. — The steamer wall carry number 5, of the Royal Yacht Squadron, as a distinguishing flag.
" ' W. C. Browne.'
" The wind blowing fresh, the Silvie got under way as per above. For all the particulars of the race, I refer to the English papers. I wiU only add, that the wind lasted to the Nab light-ship ; hauled our sheets flat, and began the race to windward, heading in shore towards the Island for about two miles (close hauled), wind decreasing at every minute ; tacked off shore, being the first tack ; the wind became nearly calm, and continued the same to the end of the race. At this period, judging from the state of the wind and sea that it would be utterly impossible to sail the race, I determined to relinquish the contest; but, at the solici- tation of the English pilot, I allowed him to continue, and gave him the entire command of the yacht. The crew of the Sihie consisted of nine Americans, eight English sailors, and an English ])ilot — the same that piloted the America in the race the previous year. 1 am indebted to him for winning the second cup; and to this day, under the circumstances, I cannot imagine how he succeeded.
" The Julia is about half the size of the Silvie ; sharp build, and little beam ; sails very light canvas, which filled at the lightest air.
TACHTIXG. 39
The Silvie is sliarp, flat, great beam, sails heavy cotton duck No. 2, as thick as a board; a good sea being on, had not wind enough to steady her, and every roll of the sea flapped even the little wind she had out of her sails. All the boats approaching the tonnage, and twice the tonnage of the Silvie, vrere novrhere. Among the number was Mr. TTeld's champion yacht Alarm, which boat the Royal Yacht Squadron Committee exclude this year from the competition from the squadron cups (except in a race allowing time for tonnage) — vide BelVs Life in London^ July 27, 1856.
" A few days after the race I received a visit from Mr. Foun- taine, of the Eoyal Yacht Squadron. I said that I had come from America to test the speed of the Sylvie with the English yachts ; was not satisfied with the trial had, owing to the light wind on the day of the race ; that I considered it a drifting match, and therefore was not entitled to a cup, but would not refuse it for fear of wounding; the feelino-s of the o-entlemen of the Hoyal Yacht Squadron, to whom I was indebted for much politeness. Being a stranger in the country, I preferred, instead of addressing a letter to the Committee of the Royal Yacht Squadron, making known my views through Mr. Fountain e, who kindly off'ered to assist me. I proposed as follows :
" 1st. That the cup awarded to the yacht SiMe should be sailed for by all the yachts in the Royal Yacht Squadron, or of any other yacht scjuadron in England, the Silvie to remain at anchor ; or if the committee desired, she would enter for the race with the understanding that the distance must be performed by the win- ning vessel in a certain number of hours, according to the dis- tance to be sailed over — in order thus to determine that the race was sailed with a good breeze.
" 2d. The Silvie would sail any yacht in the Royal Yacht Squa- di'on a round race, one half distance to windward, for any reason- able amount of money, according to above rule concerning time.
" 3d. The Silvie would sail any yacht for the honor of the American flag.
''I received in reply the following:
40 YACHTII^G.
"'House, Cowes, August 21, 1853. " ' Dear Sir : — Mr. Foiintaine gave me your message yesterday afteruooii, after lea^^ng your yacht. I duly informed the sailing committee, whose official reply I inclose, to set the matter at rest. Yours very truly,
" ' W. C. Browne. " ' L. Depau, Esq;
'''House, Cowes, August 21, 1853. " * Sir : — I am directed by the sailing committee of the Eoyal Yacht Squadron to inform you they have already decided to pre- sent you with a cup, value fifty pounds, as the winner of the second prize on the 19th ultimo, as soon as one can be ap- proved of.
" ' I remain, sir,
" ' Your obedient servant,
'^ ' W. C. Browne, SecretavT/, " ' L. Depau, Esq., Silvie, N. Y. Yacht Club.'
'"House, Cowes, August 2*7, 1853. " ' Dear Sir : — T have the pleasure of sending to you the cup presented to you as winner of second prize on Friday, the 19th of August. Be good enough to acknowledge receipt of same by bearer. Yours very truly,
" ' W. C. Browne. " ' Louis A. Depau, Esq.'
'"Yacht Silvie, August 21, 1853. " ' Dear Sir : — I acknowledge the receipt of cup presented to me as winner of second prize on Friday, August 19th. Allow me at the same time to thank you as well as the other gentle- men of the Royal Yacht Squadron, for your and their polite treatment towards me during my short visit at Cowes.
" ^ Yours very truly,
' " Louis A. Depau. " ' W. C. Browne, Secretary R. Y. S.— House, Cowes.'
" ' I remained off Cowes some time after receiving the above notes, being under the impression that the sailing committee of
YACHTING. 41
the Eoyal Yacht Squadron might reconsider my propositions ; but receiving no further correspondence from them, I set sail for Russia.
"I forgot to mention that I had a roundabout proposition from, I believe, the son of Mr. Weld, of the yacht Alarm, to this effect : He said his father would sail the Alarm three distinct races for fifty pounds each. 1st. Dead to ^windward.' 2d. Wind ^ abeam.' 3d. Dead before the wind. I must confess this mode of sailing was so novel to me that I did not entertain it for a moment, and passed to some other conversation. I men- tion this circumstance that I may not be contradicted in any of the facts that I note.
" I will merely add, that if any gentleman of the Royal Yacht Squadron (or of any squadron in the world) should come to this country on a tour of pleasure, or to test the sailing qualities of his yessel, the Xew York Yacht Club will give him a hearty welcome, and as many trials of speed as he may require.
" I must conclude by saying that during my stay in England with the Silvie, I acted according to the best of my judgTaent ; and if I erred, I beg the members of the New York Yacht Club, to whom this is addressed, to be lenient ; to remember that I was alone without a single adviser, and had not any of the advan- tages of our good Commodore of the America, vfho was sur- rounded by gentlemen an fait in such matters.
" I have at least proved to the English that a centre-board boat is a sea-boat.
" Tlie Silvie crossed the Atlantic in sixteen and a half days, and returned in thirty-five, beating all the packets which sailed in company with her (our packets are considered no slouchers), though she carried away her bowsprit and main-boom, and was thus obliged to shorten sail.
" She is now in good order, and looks as well as when she arrived off Cowes, more than three years ago.
" Yours respectfully,
" Louis A. Depau.
''New York, Auo^ust 10, 1856."
42 YACHTING.
YACHT RACE AROUND LONG ISLAND.
In tlie summer of 1858 the owners of the schooners Haze, Sihde, and Favorita, and the sloops Eebecca, Madgie, Una, and Mmnie, made up a sweepstakes of eight hundred dollars for an ocean race around Long Island, the start to take place from ofi: the Club-House, at the Elysian Fields, making a distance of two hundred and fifty miles. The Kebecca came in ahead; but in consequence of a misunderstanding in the course sailed by her, the sloop-prize was awarded to the Minnie. The schooner-prize was won by the Silvie.
MATCH RACE BETWEEN THE GIPSEY, ZINGA, AND FAVORITA.
The following yachts rendezvoused off City Island in the beginning of October, 1859 : Schooners Widgeon, Edgar, Juliet, Le Roy, Gipsey, Spencer, Favorita, Kingsland, Zinga, Thomas ; and sloops Eebecca, Bennett, Alpha, Morris, Ray, and Rutherford. On Thursday, October 6, a match race was arranged between the Zinga, Favorita, and Gipsey. The yachts got under weigh at eleven o'clock a.m.
The wind was blov/iug very fresh from the northward, and it was determined to make a running start — the starting point to be reached when the tree at the southerly point of Hart's Island should shut in Desbrosses Hunter's House ; the yachts were thence to proceed to the buoy off Eaton's ISTeck, and round the buoy and return.
The Gipsey carried her full jib and a single reef in fore and mainsail. The Favorita had the same canvas, which was evi- dently too much for her. The Zinga had double-reefed mainsail, single-reefed foresail, and the bonnet off her jib. The wind from the start continued to freshen, and occasionally howled in a manner not particularly gratifying to weak nerves or frail spars. The Gipsey passed the buoy off Matinicock at 11.26 o'clock, and Lloyd's Neck buoy at 12.8 o'clock. Previous to this, however, the Favorita, staggering along under too much canvas, wrung her rudder-head, and was compelled to return.
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YACHTIXa. 43
The Zinga, mearivvliLle, was losing gTound, and veering and yawing ; while the Gipsey, like a strong bird with " mighty pinions," made a straight course for Eaton's Neck. They rounded the buoy thus':
Gipsey
Zinga
The two competitors were now close-hauled, and making a stretch across the Sound to the north'ard-east'ard — with the wind still freshening, and now and then a squall making every- thino' howl. The Zino-a now stowed her foresail and made the rest of the race under double-reefed mainsail, and bonnet off her jib. The yachts both stretched across the Sound about ^ve miles, when they tacked and stood for the starting-point; the wind blowing furiously off every passing bay.
The Gipsey, under the same sail with which she started, again made the starting-point at two hours, fifty-eight minutes, forty- five seconds ; time made being four hours, eight minutes, and thirty seconds — distance run forty-seven miles.
The Zinga arrived thirty-two minutes and forty seconds later ; deducting from this the two minutes and twenty seconds start of the Gipsey, the Zinga was beaten by the Gipsey thirty minutes and twenty seconds.
In this connexion it will not be out of place to give the follow- ing record of the Gipsey :
She was built in 1857, in this city, by Van Deusen Brothers. She left New York on the 3d of July, 1863, for Europe, her owner, Mr. A. W. Morse, of this city, crossing the Atlantic in her. It was expected she would join in the race for the Com- modore's cup of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, which came off between Ryde and Cherbourg, France, on the l7th of August, 1863; but in consequence of some accident to her head-gear, encountered on the passage, she did not enter the lists. The Gipsey reached Cowes on the 23d of July, making the passage in twenty days, including a stoppage of ^vq days at Queenstown.
44 YACHTIXG.
Shortly after her arrival in England her owner came to the reso- lution of disposing of the yacht. She was purchased by Mr. Mather, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, a member of the E. W. Yacht Club of Ireland.
STEAM- YACHT NORTH STAR.
The North Star was a steam-yacht of the largest size, built expressly for her owner. Commodore Vanderbilt, to make a plea- sure voyage to European waters ; and combined all the requi- sites to insure comfort and safety which outlay could secure. She left New York in May, 1853, having on board a family party, consisting of Commodore Vanderbilt, his wife, eighteen of his sons and sons-in-law, and daughters and daughters-in-law, besides his family physician and clergyman, with their ladies ; and after a pleasant run across the Atlantic, touched first at Southampton ; from thence the party proceeded to London, Liverpool, Eome, Naples, Leghorn, Florence, Copenhagen, Cronstadt, St. Peters- burg, Gibraltar, visiting, in fact, nearly all the prominent seaports of the Continent, and many of the interior cities. The presence of a private citizen of the United States on such a magnificent pleasure- jaunt, attended by all the surroundings of royal splen- dor, naturally excited wonderment wherever he went, and throughout the trip the tourists were the recipients of bountiful hospitality. After spending three months in this agreeable man- ner, the Commodore turned his adventurous prow homeward, dropped anchor on the 27th of September in New York bay, and shortly after had the satisfaction of seeing a record of the events of his pleasant journey perpetuated in a volume published by his pastor.
THE YACHT WANDERER.
This name is already familiar to the majority of our readers in connexion with a romantic career. She was launched at Setauket, L. T., in June, 1857, for J. D. Johnson, Esq., of this city, and cost §25,000. Slie is tlie largest yacht ever built in this country, being two hundred and forty-three tons mea-
yachti:n^g. 45
surement, and of the following dimensions : — Keel, ninety-five feet ; depth of hold, ten feet ; beam, twenty-six feet. Though belonging to the l^ew York Yacht Club, she was never entered in a race, from the fact that with her measurement and canvas she would have had to give too much time to the other boats.
Interiorly her accommodations were of the most costly and luxurious character, her cabin presenting the appearance of a magnificently furnished parlor ; v/hile outside, when employed for the purposes of pleasure, everything was as taut, tidy, and ship- shaped as the daintiest yachtsman could desire. During the ensuing winter, the owner, with a party of gentlemen, started upon a cruise to the West Indies, Havana, New Orleans, and other Southern ports, where they were hospitably received and entertained. Soon after this she was disposed of for the sum of $12,000 to Captain William C. Corrie, and then became sud- denly famous by her adventures in the slave-trade, in which, through the cunning of her Yankee skipper and her own fleet- ness, she was partially successful. She was shortly taken, how- ever, by the United States.
When the character of the Wanderer became known, the New York Yacht Club passed the following resolution :
" Whereas, the fact is officially stated that a cargo of upwards of three hundred negroes from the coast of Africa has been landed in Georgia from the Wanderer ; and whereas the vessel thus desig- nated is comprised in the list of yachts forming the New York Yacht squadron : it is unanimously resolved that the name of the yacht Wanderer be erased from the list, and that William C. Corrie, proprietor of said yacht and member of this Club, prima- rily for his deliberate violation of the laws of the United States, but more especially from his being engaged in a traffic repugnant to humanity and to the moral sense of the members of this asso- ciation, be, and he' hereby is, expelled from the New York Yacht Club."
46 YACHTING.
SCHOOXER-YACHT EDITK.
This is anotlier American yaclit, belongiBg to the Xew York Yacht Club, which has found its way a long distance from home. Built in the vicinity of Boston, she was used for a time by her owner, Mr. E. B. Forbes, as a pleasure-boat; but in April, 1859, was sold as a pilot-boat to parties in Buenos x\yres, and made the passage from Boston to Montevideo in forty-seven days, the mainmast having gone by the board on the way. It is an inter- estino- fact in connexion with this craft, that the flao- of the Club was carried by her further in the upper waters of the UragTiay and the Rio j^eoTo than the American flao- had before been. She is probably the first boat of the squadron that has visited the southern hemisphere.
JULIA VS, REBECCA.
The match race between these celebrated yachts was sailed on Thursday, August 2, 1860, from off Sandy Hook. It resulted in favor of the Julia. She is a nrst-class sloop-rigged yacht of eighty-three tons.
Built by George Steers, she is a fitting emblem of his skill, genius, and infinite talent as a naval architect. For several suc- cessive years she won the first prize in the annual regattas of the New York Yacht Club, until her entry for the race came to be regarded as but another title for the award of the highest prize. The Julia was ov>-ned by J. M. Waterbury.
The Rebecca justly ranks as one of the very fastest yachts in the country. Slie was cojistructed by those famous shipbuilders, the Messrs. Westervelt, who are noted the world over for the beauty of their packet, clipper, and pilot-boat models. She is a first-class sloop of seventy-eight tons, and was the property of James G. Bennett, Jr.
The steamboat Jacob Bell, which had been chartered by a party of gentlemen, members of tlie New York Yacht Club, started from the barge ofiice at Whitehall about nine o'clock in
YACHTIXG. 47
the forenoon, and arrived off Sandy Hook about half-past ten o'clock.
On arrival they found the Julia, Eebecca, Haze, and Kestless, standing off and waiting for a breeze, but in vain. As the race was not to take place wdth less than a six-knot breeze, the prospect was fair that all would be disappointed in seeing it.
About four o'clock a breeze sprang up, and Messrs. Waterbury and Bennett agreed to start. The conditions were to sail twenty miles to windvv^ard of Sandy Hook.
The Jacob Bell took the yachts in tow ; and having got a good start, the lines were loosed at a signal, and, hoisting their jibs, they sped off on opposite tacks before a south-south-east wind, while the steamboat went ahead.
After sailing four minutes the yachts w'ere at liberty to sail as they pleased. The Julia tacked to the eastward, the Rebecca to the southward. On the first tack the Julia took the lead, and increased the distance betv>'een herself and competitor at every tack.
The advantage was so evidently with the Julia from the start, that there was little or no excitement ; every one appearing to reo:ard the result as a foreo-one conclusion.
The Jacob Bell ran the prescribed twenty miles to vrindward, and then stopped. At 7.20 p.m., after six tacks, the Julia passed round her bows, amid much cheering. Fifteen minutes later, the Rebecca went by.
The judges, Messrs. W. B. Duncan and L. M. Rutherford, decided that the Julia had beaten the Rebecca by a quarter of an hour.
The prize sailed for by the Rebecca and Julia was a piece of plate valued at $250.
The Julia was in the skilful hands of Capt. Dick Brown, the person w^ho sailed the celebrated yacht America w^hen she beat the combined British Squadron at Cowes. The Rebecca was also well managed by Capt. Luke Rustan, who is admitted to be one of the best and most experienced sailmg-masters in our waters.
48 YACHTllS-G.
JOSEPHINE VS, MAGIC.
On Monday, June 19, 1865, these well known schooner- yaclits, belonging to the New York Yacht Chib, sailed a match race for one thousand dollars, " play or pay." The course was from the buoy off Sandy Hook, fifteen miles to windward and back, making it a race of thirty miles. A number of the yachts of the squadron, and one or two steamers, all well filled with spectators, had gathered off the Hook to witness the trial. At 11.55 A. M., the start was made from the buoy, a six-knot breeze blowing. Shortly after starting, the Magic took the lead, and maintained it over the course, returning to the starting- point at four o'clock and eleven minutes p.m. The Josephine did not return until nearly six o'clock, and reported that she lost some two hours in a vain effort to find the outer stake, in the fog which arose during the race. The Magic is of one hundred and twelve tons, and is owned by Commodore William H. McVickar. The Josephine is of one hundred and forty-three tons, and is owned by Mr. Daniel Devlin.
FLEETWING VS. HENRIETTA.
If any one thing more than another has given a name to yachting in Great Britain, it is the bold and fearless spirit which prompts their yachtsmen to display their colors in the most distant harbors of the globe, and urges them to court dangers and toils from the pure love of grappling with them. As an illustration, let the reader peruse Ticknor & Fields' republication of Lord Dufferin's voyage to Iceland and Spitzbergen in the Foam ; the Nancy Dawson's trip to the Arctic regions, and circumnavigation of the globe ; and the voyage to Borneo and Celebes, of Sir James Brooke's yacht.
" In summer we find them in the neighborhood of St. Peters- burg, or Kamschatka, or the North Sea ; while in the winter they are voyaging about the Bay of Biscay, sailing along to Cadiz or Gibraltar ; anchored by the side of some line-of-battle ship at Malta, or dancing in the wake of the Sultan's caique, as
YACHTIXG. 49
she cleaves the waters of the Golden Horn. Others, still more adventurous, have crossed the ocean to the Cape of Good Hope ; and one brave fellow astonished the Australians by appearing in Melbourne harbor in a small cutter-yacht of less than twenty tons. During the Crimean war many yachtsmen accompanied the Enghsh fleet to the Baltic, and remained several months. One of the most remarkable among these was Rev. E. E. Hughes, a brave English clergyman, who twice navigated a little craft of less than eight tons burden, called the Pet, across the tempestuous Xorth Sea, through the shoals, quicksands, and rocks of the Baltic to the Gulf of Finland."
The contestants in this ocean match race were two of the finest vessels belonging to the Xew York Tacht Squadron, the schooners Henrietta and Fleetwing. The former is owned by Mr. James G. Bennett, Jr. ; the latter by Mr. G. A. Osgood. The Henrietta is some two hundred and thirty tons measure- ment, and was built in Xew York in 1861. Dimensions : Length, one hundred and eight feet ; beam, twenty-three feet ; hold, ten feet. The crew of the Henrietta comprised twenty-eight men, including Captain Richard Brown, who took the yacht America to England; Benjamin Brown, his brother; Charles Brown, his son, and Captain Lyman Beebe — all experienced pilots — besides two quarter-masters.
The Fleetwing is a new and beautiful schooner, launched in 1865. Her builder, Mr. Joseph Tan Dusen, is already known to fame as a builder of clipper-yachts, having turned out such specimen boats as the Alarm, Gipsey, and others. Her length on deck is one hundred and six feet ; beam, nearly twenty-four feet; depth of hold about ten feet, and tonnage about two hundred tons. Her entrance is not so sharp, and she has nine inches less dead rise.
The Fleetwing is rigged in the same manner as the Henrietta, and her spars are the same. The crew comprised some twenty- five men. The yacht was sailed by Captain Harris, aided by Daniel Chapman, Nelson Comstock, and others.
The sailing regulations were as follows :
50 YACHTING.
" It is agreed that the Henrietta and Fleetwing shall be towed out to the light-ship at Sandy Hook, and at a given signal, on the morning of Monday, the 11th day of September, 1865, shall cast off from the tug-boat, start on the race, proceed to the light- ship off Cape May, and sail around it, the Fleetwing showing blue, and the Henrietta red lights. On their return they will, on passing the Sandy Hook light-ship to the southward and eastward, throw up, the Fleetwing two rockets, and the Henri- etta three, at intervals of one minute each, and hail the light- ship and report their arrival."
The competitors rendezvoused at the Horseshoe, just inside the Hook, the night previous, so as to be in time for an early start on the morrow. In addition to the steam-tug Only Son, the Henrietta and Fleetwing, the yachts Bonita, Calypso, Widgeon, and Phantom, of the New York Yacht Club, and one or two vessels of the Brooklyn Yacht Club, were grouped together in the Horseshoe ; the little fleet quietly rocking at their anchors, forming a handsome nautical picture.
At early dawn, before five o'clock, all hands were at work on board the rival yachts preparing for the start. At six o'clock the Only Son, with the Henrietta and Fleetwing in tow, steamed away for the light-ship. At 7.43 a. m., September 11th, the proper position having been attained, at a signal from the tug, the hawsers of both yachts were cast loose from the steamboat, and the race began, with a light wind and foggy weather. The Henrietta took the lead at the outset, and kept it by a distance varying from one to two miles, up to 1.15 p.m., September 11th, when the Fleetwing passed her, and kept her lead to the termi- nation of the race. The wind was dead ahead all the way to Cape May light-ship. The little fleet of yachts which had gathered at the Horseshoe prior to the start intended to accom- pany the contestants on the course ; but the light wind pre- vailing, and the Fleetwing and Henrietta being towed for nearly two hours before they were cast off, prevented effectually any of them from performing escort duty or witnessing any portion of the race. At a quarter to 6 p.m., on Tuesday, there was a
YACHTING. 51
finb eight-knot breeze blowing from soutli-west, at wbicli time the Henrietta was two miles astern to leeward. During the night the weather was extremely foggy, and the yachts lost sight of each other. At 6 a.m., Wednesday, September 13, the day opened bright and clear, with light breeze ; Barnegat two miles to windward ; the Henrietta three miles astern to leeward. The Fleetwing gradually gained upon her opponent during the day, until at 5.55 in the afternoon she tacked to the eastward to weather Cape May light-ship, the Henrietta being then hull down astern, six miles distant. As soon as the Fleetwing rounded the light-ship she had a splendid breeze from N. E. by N. ; made the distance from light-ship to Squan Beach, thirty miles, in three hours. At 5.30 a. m., the Fleetwing heading for Sandy Hook ; Barnegat light bearing W. S. W. ; Henrietta not in sight. At 9 A. M. the Highlands in sight, bearing N". by W., the Fleet- wing heading for the light-ship at Sandy Hook, which she rounded at 1 1. 55i a.m., the Henrietta being fully fifteen miles astern. The latter rounded Sandy Hook light-ship to the south- east at 1.13 P.M.
The judges for the Fleetwing were Messrs. James Austen and L. R. Jerome, Avho were on board the Henrietta. For the Henrietta, Messrs. Henry Babcock and S. Knapp, who were on board the Fleetwing.
LOa OF THE FLEETWINa KEPT BY CAPTAIN VAN DUSEN DURING
THE RACE.
Monday, 6.30 a.m. — Both vessels cast loose from the tug inside of Horseshoe, and bent their course for the ocean. 7.45 a.m. — Fleetwing half a mile from light-ship, heading S. S. E., wind S. S. W., about one knot breeze, the Henrietta letting go of the tug to windward of Fleetwing. 9.09 a.m. — Fleetwing drops the Henrietta about six lengths astern to the leeward. 10 a.m. — Not a breath of air ; the wind hauling around, brings the Henrietta about fifty rods to windward of Fleetwing. 10.15 a.m. — A small puff of wind, and the fog shuts in the Henrietta from sight.
52 TACHTING.
10.25 A.M. — "We see tlie Henrietta througli the fog, standing in an opposite tack, heading W. S. W. ; Fleetwing tacks. 10.35 a.m. — A three-knot breeze ; the crew of the Fleetwiug in good spirits, and confident of success ; the Henrietta half a mile ahead, and standing S. W. 11.08 a.m. — The Henrietta crosses the bow of Fleetwing on opposite tack. 11.14 a.m. — Fleetwing tacks on the windward quarter of the Henrietta, about fifty rods off the quarter. 1.30 P.M. — Fleetwing tacks, heading S. W. ; the Henrietta quarter of a mile astern to leeward, thirteen miles off' shore. 4.10 p.m. — An eight-knot breeze ; the Henrietta one mile and a half astern ; the excitement increases in both vessels. 4.45 p.m. — Fleetwino; tacks below Woodlands ; Henrietta tacks about the same time, one mile to leeward. 5.45 p.m. — Fleetwino; ao;ain tacking; ; Henrietta two miles to leeward, eio-ht-knot breeze S. T\'. bv W. 'T.IO P.M. — Fleetwing again tacking. 8.22 p.m. — Barnegat lights six miles W. S. W. 10.30 p.m. — Fleetwino- tacks in shore. 12.45 a.m. — Fleetwing tacked and stood ofl^ shore. 3.00 a.m. (Tuesday.) — Fleetwing tacks in shore ; four-knot breeze ; lost sight of Henrietta ; both yachts heading to windward and tacking incessantly; very foggy during the night. 6.00 a.m. — Morning breaks bright and clear, light winds make the Henrietta three miles on her lee beam; make Little Egg Harbor thirty miles below Barnegat; Barnegat two miles to windward. 6.10 a.m. (Wednesday.) — Both boats tack ofi' shore ; wind S. W., breeze three knots. 6.30 a.m. — Standing in the same tacldng, perfectly clear. 7 a.m. — Four knots westward and southerly, gradually increasing to six knots. 8.38 a.m. — Tacked in shore. 12.05 p.m. — Henrietta tacks off shore three miles to leeward. 12.15 p.m. — Fleetwing tacks off shore. 12.55 p.m. — Both yachts tack in shore, standing S. W. ; four-knot breeze. 4.57 p.m. — Fleetwing tacked for Cape May lights, five miles distant; Henrietta six miles astern ; four-knot breeze. 5.45 p.m. — Fleetwing tacked again from the light-ship. 5.55 p.m. — Tacked to the eastward to go around the light-ship. 6 p.m. — The Henrietta tacked from the light-ship, being at that time hull down astern of Fleetwing six miles. 6.4^^ p.m. — Fleetwing rounding light-ship, homeward
YACHTING. 53
bound, steering JST. E. bj N., after calculation ; Fleetwing was then making ten knots an hour ; made tbirty knots in tbree bours from ligbt-sbip to Squan Beacb. 7.30 p.m. — Ligbt-sbip twelve miles distant; a little fog. Henrietta was to bave burned tbree red rockets, but failed to do so on rounding ligbt-sbip. 8 p.m. — Nine-knot breeze. 8 p.m. — Made Absecom Li^bt, bearino- nortb. 10 P.M. — Wind five knots; Barnegat ligbts in sigbt. 11.50 p.m. — Moonrise, beautiful ligbt on waters, wind well on upper quarter. 4 A.M. — Two-knot breeze ; wing and wing ; wind bauling around square astern. 5.30 a.m. — Barnegat ligbt bearing W. S. W. ; wind from E. N. E. ; Fleetwing making ber course for Sandy Hook ligbt, sbut in fog-bank; many vessels around in sigbt. 6 to 7 A.M. (Wednesday.) — Four-knot breeze. 7.30 a.m. — Head- ing for Sandy Hook by tbe wind ; sail aboy, supposed to be tbe Henrietta ; Sandy Hook tbirty-two miles distant. 8.30 a.m. — Five-knot breeze ; fog all about ; sun breaking tbrougb fog-bank. 9 A.M. — Higblands in sigbt, bearing northward, balf west ; bright sun ; five and a balf knots by tbe wind, beading for tbe ligbt-sbip, 9.30 A.M. — Tbree knots ; very ligbt wind ; beading off to tbe nortb-west of ligbt-sbip. 10 a.m. — Breeze gradually increasing to six knots ; fog from nortb-east and west. 10.30 a.m. — Yery tbick fog. 10.45 a.m. — Eigbt knots; Henrietta fourteen miles astern. 10.50 a.m. — Made ligbt-sbip on weatber bow ; fog uplift- ing; abreast of Higblands, ten miles distant. 11.55|- a.m. — Rounded ligbt-sbip at Sandy Hook, tbe Henrietta being just discernible on tbe sun's disk in tbe glass, fifteen miles astern. Tbe crew tbrow up tbeir bats and cbeer.
HENRIETTA VS. PALMER,
The match race between tbe schooner-yachts Palmer and Henrietta, for a piece of plate valued at five bundi'ed dollars, commenced on Monday, October 16, 1865, and resulted in tbe Henrietta's winning tbe prize. The match, coming so soon after the celebrated trial of speed between the Fleetwing and Henri- etta, caused a gr.eat deal of comment and interest among all friends and lovers of yachting pastime; especially with those
54 YACHTIXG.
who look beyond the river and harbor races which have been, until recently, too much in vogue with the owners of. our Ame- rican yachts.
The schooner N. B. Palmer is a splendidly modelled yacht of two hundred and six tons burthen, one hundred feet in length, twenty-five feet beam, and nine feet hold. The model of the Palmer was made at Mystic Bridge, Connecticut, by Mr. John A. Forsyth. She was built at the yard of Messrs. BrierJy, Hill- man & Strieker, Philadelphia ; the Palmer was owned by Capt. E, F. Loper. She is named in compliment to Capt. Nat. B. Palmer, one of the most noted sea-captains of the American mer- cantile marine. The Henrietta is also one of the finest vessels devoted to yachting purposes ever launched in this country. She is well kno^Ti to the aquatic public, having participated in many races, and is in every particular a first-class yacht.
The following is a copy of the oflScial regulations governing the race :
"match race between the yachts palmer, captain loper, and henrietta, captain bennett, to come off october 16, 1865, at twelve o'clock noon.
** To start from the buoy off the point of Sandy Hook, to and around the light-ship off Cape May and back to the starting-point.
" To carry the following sails now on board the vessels belong- ing to them, and which are not to be altered in size :
"Palmer — Mainsail, foresail, jib, flying-jib, jib-topsail, main and fore gaff-topsails, two staysails, to be used alternately at pleasure (that is, when one is set the other must be stowed) ; one main-boom watersail, one squaresail, one fly-by-night.
" Henrietta — Mainsail, foresail, jib, flying-jib, jib-topsail, fore- gaff-topsail, two main-gaff-sails, to be used alternately at pleasure (that is, when one is set the other must be stowed) ; one staysail, one squaresail, and a watersail on main-boom.
" In case of a heavy gale of wind, for the safety of the vessel (but not otherwise), the Henrietta has the privilege of using two
YACHTIXG. 55
topsails with her jib; but no otber sail but tbe jib to be set with the topsails, or with either of them.
" It is understood that either of the above-named sails may be carried in any position on board the vessels at the pleasure of the parties.
" It is agreed that each party shall appoint one person to go on board the other party's yacht during the race, who shall report in writing upon his return whether the yacht in which he sailed has or has not fulfilled all the conditions of the match.
"The yachts to be started by the Commodore of the Xew York Yacht Squadron, or by some person appointed by him.
"After starting, floors and bulkheads to be kept standing.
" No ballast to be put in within five days of the day of sailing, and the yachts to bring in all the ballast with which they started.
" Boat, chains, anchors, spars, sails, and rigging, to be shifted at pleasure.
" But one boat to be carried by each yacht.
" R. F. LopER,
" J. G. Bennett, Jr. "Holmes' Hole, August 13, 1865."
Monday morning, October 16th, broke bright and clear, but it blew " great guns " from the north-east from sunrise to sunset. Off the Battery, the waters of the inner bay presented a grand appearance, with their white-capped waves in rude commotion gently rocking the numerous vessels sailing about and at anchor. " Old salts " shook their heads, and predicted no race for the yachting sailors to-day, saying, if it blew so inside, what must it be outside, in a twelve-knot nor'wester, where the "blustering railer" had everything his own way. Notwithstanding these dismal forebodings, the amateur blue-jackets had no idea of post- poning the affair; on the contrary, the harder " Old Boreas" puffed away the more resolved were the contestants to have it out. Accordingly, at about seven o'clock in the morning, the Henrietta left her moorings at Pike street, East River, arriving at Sandy Hook, after an extremely lively sail, at a few minutes after ten o'clock. The Palmer left her dock at Hoboken at ten
56 YACHTING.
A.M., and arrived off the Horseshoe at the Hoot at half-past eleven, thus making the run of twenty miles in an hour and a half, with only a single jib spread. On her way to the rendez- vous she passed the steam- tug Virginia Seymour, which had been chartered by Captain Loper, as if the latter craft was at anchor.
In consequence of the heavy weather, it was impossible for either the Henrietta or the Palmer to anchor inside the Hook. The same reason also prevented the Maria, Alarm, Fleetwing, Eambler, Phantom, Hope, Annie, Josephine, and Magic, who were to accompany the contestant from leaving their anchorage inside the Horseshoe. Owing to the severity of the weather a total change had to be made in regard to the judges of the race ; one intended for the Palmer being on the Henrietta, and the judge for the latter being on board the Palmer. The Maria not being able to leave her moorings, the mode of starting was also of necessity altered. Captain Loper hereupon hailed the Hen- rietta, and notified Captain Bennett that he would be perfectly satisfied with any arrangement he might make regarding either the matter of judges or the start. Captain Loper asked Mr. Bennett to hail the rival yacht and make whatever arrangements he could with Captain Palmer.
Accordingly the Henrietta started towards the light-ship — the Palmer having gone beyond it — taking her course in a similar direction. At a quarter to twelve o'clock both yachts came nearly bow-and-bow opposite the light-ship, and the signal being given the race began. At the time of starting, each vessel had mainsail and jib flying, the wind blowing very strong from the north-west, a thirteen-knot breeze. Immediately after starting the Henrietta hoisted her foresail and flying-jib, the Palmer follow- ing her example. The Palmer at first seemed to lead off, which could be seen by the Henrietta crossing her stern, both being on the same tack.
The Virginia Seymour accompanied the yachts for about six- teen miles out to sea, and at twenty-five minutes past twelve hove to off Long Branch, New Jersey, to enable her passengers to take a parting look at the rivals.
YACHTING. 57
At thirty-one minutes past twelve the Pahner passed the tug with reefed foresail and topsail jib free and full. A minute later the Henrietta passed, all sails free and apparently gaining on her opponent, the distance between the two being about a quarter of a mile. The yachts had with them at this time an ebb tide of three knots, and were making unprecedented yachting time, as follows : Distance, sixteen miles. Time of the Palmer, forty-six minutes ; the Henrietta, forty-seven minutes.
The two vessels kept their course down the coast to Cape May light, which the Henrietta passed at two and a half minutes past eight o'clock Monday evening; the Palmer making the same point at twenty minutes past eight, eight minutes astern of the Henrietta.
The Henrietta made the buoy off Sandy Hook at thirteen minutes past twelve o'clock on Tuesday, l7th ; the Palmer reach- ing the buoy at thirty-four minutes past twelve o'clock, the Hen- rietta winning the race by twenty-one minutes. The two boats displayed magnificent sailing qualities, making the best time on record.
The following log of the race was kept on board of the Palmer, by Captain David Wilcox :
Monday, October 16, 11.45 a.m. — Started side by side from buoy at Sandy Hook ; Palmer with reefed jib and foresail set. 12.05 P.M. — Highlands bearing west, six miles distant, Hen- rietta astern flying jib ; wind X. xsT. W. ; course south-half-west. 1.45 P.M. — Henrietta sets her main-topsail. 3 p.m. — Barnegat bearing north, Henrietta one mile and a half astern ; course S. W. by W. 3.40 p.m. — Passed Pilot boat Xo. 4 ; Henrietta two miles astern. 4.40 p.m. — Set our main-topsail. 4.40 p.m. — Shook out our mainsail. 5.54 p.m. — Absecom bearing west. 6.45 P.M. — Henrietta three and a half miles astern. 7.15 p.m. — Reefs all out of sails; staysail set; tight wind. 8.15 p.m. — Henrietta passes the Palmer ; wind very light, almost a calm ; close to light-ship. 8.22 p.m. — Henrietta passes Cape May light- ship. 8.30 P.M. — The Palmer passes the light-ship eight min- utes behind the Henrietta. 10.25 p.m. — Pass the Henrietta on
3*
58 YACHTING.
our way home ; wind ahead, K E. 12, midniglit. Wind K W. : mainsail, foresail, and jib only set. 7 a.m., Tuesday. — Barnegat bearing west fourteen miles off shore. Spoke pilot-boat; had not seen the Henrietta. 9.15 a.m. — Set fore and main gaff-top- sail and flying-jib. 11 a.m. — Made the Highlands. 12 m. — The light on Sandy Hook bearing west. 12.34 p.m. — Made the Sandy Hook buoy. The Henrietta was already coming in shore with a fi'ee wind before the Palmer arrived at the buoy.
SLOOP-YACHT EVA,
The beautiful sloop-yacht Eva was launched from the ship- yard of Messrs. C. & R. Poillon, foot of Bridge street, Brooklyn, on the eighteenth of April, 1866. The Eva is owned by Mr. George L. Lorillard, and is attached to the New York Yacht Club. She is about seventy tons. Her dimensions are : Length of keel, sixty-four feet; length on deck, seventy-two feet; extreme beam, twenty-two feet ; depth of hold, six feet. She is built in the most substantial manner, her lines and general appearance resembling very much the famous sloop Annie, During the summer cruise of the New York Yacht Club this fine sloop had an opportunity to display her qualities. The fleet rendezvoused at New London, Connecticut, during Monday and Tuesday, August 13 and 14, 1866. A purse of two thousand dollars was made up for the winner of the race to Newport, E. I. The start was made at nine a.m., Wednesday, August 15. Passing North Dunpling light, about an hour's sail from New London, the sloop Eva led all her mates, followed by the White- wing and Bonita. The Halcyon led the schooners, followed closely by the Yesta, Phantom, and Palmer ; the others strag- gling. At the Mystic lighthouse the Eva still kept far in advance, the rest following in the same order in Avhich they left New London ; the same at Watch Hill. The afternoon brought a long, weary calm, which finally gave way and suffered the yachts to make their way, with a head wind, to Newport, the first vessel reaching port about midnight, and the rest coming in several hours later. The Eva held her
YACHTING. 59
ahead of all competitors ; and the Phantom and Halcyon had a contest as to priority among the schooners. Two or three of the yachts went ashore coming into the harbor, but were got off without difficulty.
WIDGEON VS, VESTA.
On Friday, August lY, 1866, a match race for one thousand dollars aside was sailed between the Yesta, Pierre Lorillard, Jr. owner, of New York, and the Widgeon, F. Osgood, owner, also of New York.
The start was to take place off Fort Adams in Newport harbor, thence to run down to and round the stake-boat anchored off the end of Block Island. The Vesta is the larger yacht of the two, and as the match was made subject to the rules of the New York Yacht Club, she was obliged to give the Widgeon time as an allowance for her inferior tonnage, which allowance of time amounted to seventeen minutes and forty seconds.
The two boats started from Fort Adams, the signal being given by three distinct whistles from the little steam-tender Jeannette. The yachts Avent out in fine style, the Widgeon taking the lead. Owing to the want of ballast in the latter boat, every one who looked on, from the way in which she keeled to leeward, expected to see her upset ; and, in fact, those aboard were frequently of the same opinion. However, Captain Crandall, who was deter- mined to win the race, carried all sail, and the commander of the Vesta did likewise.
The Vesta was under mainsail, foresail, two jibs, jib-topsail, and gaff-topsail and topmast staysail. The Widgeon had the same, with the addition of a fore-topsail. It was evident that both boats had as much wind as they desired with that amount of sail, as both at times careened so far that their lee-rails were under water, yet neither was at any time seen to luff a particle, except that the Widgeon would at times ease up her jib-topsail until the flaw of wind had passed.
The Vesta rounded the stake off Block Island nine minutes and three seconds in advance of the Widgeon, and was conse-
60 YACHTING.
quently two miles ahead. It was now evident that the race must prove a very close one, as allowance would have to be made for the inferior size of the Widgeon, she being about one hundred tons smaller than the other; and when, on entering the inner har- bor, it was announced that the Widgeon had won the race by one minute and four seconds, the result was received with loud cheer- ing and salvoes of artillery by the other yachts, in token of their appreciation of his courage in carrying sail, which had been a source of admiration to spectators throughout.
The distance sailed was forty-four miles to Block Island and back, which w^as accomplished in three hours and thirty-one minutes. The Widgeon won the race handsomely, having a margin on her time allowance of one minute and forty seconds. Messrs. James G. Bennett, Jr., and Charles H. Stebbins, acted as umpires.
VESTA vs. HENRIETTA.
The match race between these famous yachts, which was sailed on Tuesday, October 9, 1866, for a purse of one thousand dol- lars, was one of the most exciting and important trials of speed and sea-going qualities ever indulged in by yachts of any nation. The race was sailed literally in a gale of wind ; and the weather and sea w^ere so threatening, that many vessels outward-bound sought an anchorage at the Hook, at the very moment that these gallant representatives of the sea-going yachts of the United States started upon their ocean course of more than two hundred miles. The speed and beauty of the American yacht have long since become a proverb. A few more such glorious ocean-sailed races as the season of 1866 has witnessed, and their superior sea- going and weatherly qualities will also have passed into an axiom.
The Henrietta has long been known as one of the fastest and staunchest yachts of the New York Squadron, having won seve- ral races, among others against the Palmer and the Restless. She was built in 1861, and since that period has served as a revenue- cutter in the service of the United States.
YACHTING. 61
The Yesta is new, Laving been launched in June, 1866. The measurement of the Yesta is as follows : — Tonnage, two hundred and one; one hundred feet six inches water line, ninetv-eio-ht feet keel, and twenty -five feet beam.
The crews of both vessels were fully prepared for the race, the Henrietta having a complement of twenty-four men, under the charge of Captain H. Dayton, her sailing-master ; and the Yesta having a crew of nineteen men, in command of Captain George Dayton, the sailing-master of the Yesta. The owners were on board of their respective vessels during the race. Accompanying Mr. Bennett on board the Henrietta were Mr. Lawrence Jerome, Mr. Shepard Knapp, and Mr. George Lorillard, the judge ap- pointed by the owner of the Yesta. On board the Yesta were Mr. Pierre Lorillard, Colonel Stewart Taylor, and Mr. Charles M. Connolly, Mr. Bennett's judge for the Henrietta.
The course was from Sandy Hoot light to Cape May light and back, a distance of two hundred and nine miles.
Both vessels arrived at the Horseshoe, a narrow inlet south of Sandy Hook light, on the evening before the race, and lay at anchor within hailing distance until the following morning. At eleven o'clock on Tuesday morning the steam-tug Peter Schultz came up wdth the guests of both yachts on board. The wind at the time was blowing so heavily that one steamer was found insufficient to tow both vessels from the Hook to the signal ships, so that the additional assistance of the steam-tug Philip was obtained. Owing to the rough sea and high wind, the steamers took the yachts to within three miles of the light-ship, when, upon a sig-nal from the Schultz, the hawsers attached to each of the yachts were let go, and the gallant vessels went bounding on their course. The best idea of this race may be gathered from the respective logs of the yachts, which are pub- lished below. Suffice it to say that the Yesta made the trip in twenty-nine hours and ten minutes, and the Henrietta in thirty hours and six minutes, the latter being beaten just fifty- six minutes.
62 YACHTING.
LOG OF THE VESTA.
At 12.23 P.M. sailed from the tugs, whicli refused to carry us to the light-ship on account of the heavy seas. Henrietta got under weigh the soonest, her sails all drawing, and passed us. At 12.40 carried away jib-boom, thus losing jib-topsail and flying-jib. The wreck clung to us for some time, greatly retarding our pro- gress. It was cut away with difficulty. At 5.30 p.m., wind E. S. E., increasing ; seas very heavy ; Henrietta about two or three miles ahead. At 9.37 p.m. saw Henrietta's rochets as she rounded the light-ship off Cape May. At 9.54 rounded the light-ship, seventeen minutes after the Henrietta. Tried to fire our rockets, but they missed. October 10, about 7 a.m., passed a schooner to leeward. At 11 a.m. all hands descried the Hen- rietta about four miles astern to leeward. We gained on her. At 12 M. she was at least six miles astern, hardly visible. At 12 M. passed Barnegat light; started sheet, going at least twelve knots, carrying double-reefed mainsail, fuU foresail, and bonnet out of jib. At 12 M., when off Barnegat, passed the steamer Mercedita, bound in with us. She was first seen at 10 a.m., three miles ahead. In an hour we ran her out of sight. Put men at pumps twice during the race ; found little or no water. 1 a.m. — Gale increasing ; wind very high. At 2.45 carried away lacings of foresail-head ; repaired damage and took in double reef. At 4.35 p.m. carried away leech of foresail; repaired damage and took in single reef. At 5.28 p.m. passed the Sandy Hook light- ship; hailed her and reported ourselves. The people of the light-ship stated that the Henrietta had not then passed. The Henrietta was out of sight astern.
LOG OF THE HENRIETTA.
October 9, 11.20 a.m. — Both yachts under weigh in tow of steam-tugs P. C. Schultz and Philip. Wind blowing a gale from the eastward. The owners of the two yachts tossed up for posi- tion, which was won by the Vesta. At 12.30 cast off hawsers from tugs, the Henrietta to windward, sailing under single reef
YACHTIXG. 63
mainsail, full foresail, and fall jib ; the Yesta under double-reefed mainsail, single-reefed foresail, and full jib. 12.45 — Vesta carried away flying jib-boom ; very rough sea. At 4.40 Henrietta set flying-jib. At 6.15 made Absecom light, bearing west-south- west ; Vesta five miles astern. At 6.35 Absecom light west by half north. At 7.30 the Henrietta put double reef in mainsail and took the bonnet out of jib. At 8.55 made Cape May Hght- ship. At 9.38 turned Cape May light-ship ; sent up three rockets, making the run down in nine hours and eight minutes. At 10.10 shook out a sino-le reef from the mainsail : no sio-nal fi^om the Vesta. At 11.30 put bonnet in jib, set main-topmast stay- sail; yacht behaving well in the rough sea. Oct. 10. — 4.55 A.M. — Carried away jib-stay. Sea very high ; lay-to one hour and a half to repair damages, during which time drifted to lee- ward six miles. 6.25. — Under way again ; wind east-south-east. 9.10. — Carried away jack-stay on the fore-gafi"; shortened sail, and soon repaired damages. 12.50. — Bamegat bearing west by north ; very hea\y head sea ; had to keep under easy sail to keep from carrying away jib-stay, imperfectly repaired ; at this time the yacht was under single-reef mainsail, full foresail, and bonnet out of jib. A large propeller on weather bow. 1.10 p.m. — Took in foresail. Wind increasing; jumping sea. 1.15. — Carried away flying jib-boom and all our head-gear. 2.30. — Passed steamer, supposed to be Mercedita, bound the same way ; sea and wind verv hio-h. At this time, head-o-ear beino; all o'one, had to keep yacht under easy sail for fear of losing foremast. 6.24. — Passed Sandy Hook light-ship ; making the race in thirty hours and six minutes. The Vesta has not been seen by us for twenty-four hours.
HALCYON VS, VESTA.
These fine yachts sailed their match race on Tuesday, October 23, 1866. The prize was a piece of plate of two hundred and fifty dollars value, and the course sailed over was from Sands Point to the New London light-ship and back, a distance of seventy -six and a quarter nautical miles each way, or eighty-eight
64 YACHTING.
and a half statute miles. Tlie Vesta, owing to her greater tonnage, allowed the Halcyon forty-seven minutes and fifteen seconds, and it was arranged that the first vessel coming between the Sands Point and Execution lights, allowing for time, should be declared the winner.
The Yesta is the property of P. Lorillard, and has figured frequently in match races, always exhibiting admirable sea-going qualities, and proving herself one of the most formidable of the New York fleet. She is of two hundred and one tons burden, with a centre-board, and is schooner-rigged. The Halcyon is a new boat, having been launched in 1866, and is owned by J. C. Hubbard. She is schooner-rigged, and her model reflects great credit on her builder, J. J. Harris, of Port Jefi*erson. She is eighty-one feet long, twenty-three feet beam, and one hundred and twenty-two tons.
The different yachts of the squadron, with several private yachts, whose owners were desirous of getting a view of the two contestants at the starting-point, were to rendezvous at Glen Cove, L. I. The day was a most beautiful one, and the Sound like a broad mirror. Not a ripple was to be seen, and the surrounding shores of Long Island and Westchester were glowing with all the warm tints of the golden, russet, and crimson autumn foliage. Before going to Sands Point, the Halcyon and the Yesta put into a cove between City Island and the main-land. Final pre- parations were made here for the race ; and a tug, hired, towed the two yachts out to Sands Point, some four miles distant. At 11.56 the Halcyon and the Yesta started even north of Sands Point light, the Halcyon having won the toss of position. Having got headway, the Halcyon forged ahead considerably. The wind was baffling, and the Halcyon led to the New London light-ship, which she turned first, but only by a few seconds, as the Yesta passed her five or six minutes after turning.
LOa OF THE VESTA.
"11.55.15 A.M. — Cast off from the steamer Jeannette, which had towed us from City Island to the starting-place off Sands
YACHTING. 65
Point. The Halcyon, at the same time, on a given signal, was cast off from the little steamer of Mr. Kennard. The third whistle of the Jeannette now assured us that the contest between the two vessels had fairly begun. There is a light easterly breeze ; tide making Sound ebb. Lighthouse bearing south-sou'- east. 3 P.M., set watersail under main-boom. At 5 p.m., the wind is south-south-west, the Halcyon bearing about east. She is yet a long distance ahead ; we are certainly gaining on her fast. 11.48. — The light-ship, an object of especial interest, is now descried straight over our bows. We gain on the Halcyon rapidly. The staysail is set. We are passing numerous craft of different sizes. At this time we were perceptibly closing up the space between the two vessels. 12.06 a.m., 24th inst. — Turned light-ship. The Halcyon was a few seconds before us. We both rounded the light-ship from southward and eastward. The Halcyon fired her gun first. 12.11 a.m. — We passed the Halcyon beautifully ; each vessel crowding all available sail. On the first tack we greatly distanced her. 12.30 a.m. — A loud thump was heard forward. It was thought for a moment that the centre-board had touched bottom ; but it was soon discovered that the noise was caused by the breaking of one of the iron bobstays from the stem, and that the wreck was dragging twenty feet under the bow, greatly impeding the progress of the vessel. The ship stood one hour and a half on the same tack in order to assist in the raising of the jib. This mishap, probably, by keep- ing us in the race tide, took us to leeward between two and three miles. 1.15 A.m. — ^We are now close-hauled, and going at a spanking rate. 8 a.m. — Halcyon is astern about five miles, fol- lowing to leeward of our wake. We now make about eleven knots. 10.20. — Cold Spring Harbor is bearing south-south-east. Both vessels tacked at the same time. The Halcyon is now about three and a half miles dead astern. 11.27. — Mattinacock Point bearing south. Halcyon off Oak Neck, about four miles astern. 12.38.30. — Sands Point lighthouse bore south, and, so far as our vessel was concerned, the race was at an end. A gun was fired, and as our victory was evident, all hands congratulated
6Q YACHTIKG.
each other. The Vesta gained the lighthouse and fired her gun at twenty-one and a half minutes to one o'clock, which, with the allowance of time to the Halcyon of 40.30, made the Yesta the winner with fourteen minutes to spare. Captain George Dayton sailed the Vesta, and Captains Tuttle, Cyrene Dayton, and Samuel Dayton, managed the Halcyon."
l'hirondelle vs. vesta.
This race, for a handsome piece of plate, was sailed on Wednes- day, October 31, 1866, resulting in a victory for L'Hirondelle. The yachts were to start from the light-ship off Sandy Hook and sail twenty miles to windward, turning a tug-boat, and back to Sandy Hook light-ship. It was also stipulated that the yachts were not to start unless an eight-knot breeze prevailed. The race was to have been sailed the day previous, Tuesday, but as it blew a gale of wind, the captain of the tug, which was to steam twenty miles outside the Hook and act as the outer stake, de- clined to perform the duty. The steamer W. Fletcher started bright and early on Wednesday morning from the Hook, and after making the prescribed twenty, miles hove-to for the yachts to round her. At half-past nine a.m., both vessels being in posi- tion at the light-ship, an exact start was made and the race began. The following extract from the log of the L'Hirondelle gives a correct description of the race :
" At half-past ten a.m. discovered the tug-boat three points on lee-bow. Jibbed main-boom and stood on our course for it. Gaining very slowly on the Vesta. More glorious sailing cannot be experienced than this. The noble yacht skims the waters like the bird of the swift, untiring wing after which she is named. 10.50 A.M. — The Vesta appears to hold us about the same. We have gained very little on her since leaving the light-ship. Our press of canvas is immense ; squaresail drawing magnificently. Here we are at the tug-boat, gaily dressed with bunting for the occasion. At 11.04 rounded tug-boat; Vesta at least three- quarters of a mile astern. Close race so far. AVe have now a dead beat back to windward. At 11.06|-[[- the Vesta rounded,
YACHTIXG. 67
just six minutes and a lialf after us. Breeze freshening and good good sea running, whicli seems to tell against our smaller antago- nist. 12.20 P.M. — Tacked ship. 12.45 p.m. — Vesta has gained on us perceptibly; she points in the wind better than we do. 12.46 P.M. — Shook reef out of mainsail. 2 p.m. — Wind decreas- ing; Vesta gaining a little. 2.30 p.m. — Light-ship about one mile ahead to windward. If no accident happens we shall win the race. The Vesta's chances are hopeless, although she has made a most gallant struggle and is now gaining a little as the seas are subsiding. Hurrah ! the race is won ! At 2.49|^ p.m. passed Sandy Hook light-ship, the point from which we started. All hands congratulated each other. The Vesta unfortunately tore her balloon-jib so badly that it was impossible to carry it during the race. This immense sail of seven hundred and fifty yards of canvas would have been a great aid to the Vesta in running free."
The Vesta is a centre-board schooner of two hundred and one tons ; length of keel, ninety-eight feet ; leng-th on deck, one hun- dred and eight feet. Her mainmast is eighty -four feet long and twenty-one and a half inches in the partners ; foremast, eighty- three feet long and twenty -two inches in partners; bowsprit, thirty-seven feet long ; jib-boom, twenty feet clear of the caps, twelve inches in the cap ; main-boom, sixty-five feet thirteen inches ; main-gafi", thirty-four feet in length ; fore-gaff, thirty- three feet ; fore-boom, thirty-four feet. The cabin of the Vesta is tastily furnished. She has four beautifully arranged and spacious state-rooms, with bath-room and all modern improve- ments. She was built at City Island, AVest Chester county, in Mr. David Carl's ship-yard, and was launched in May, 1866.
The L'Hirondelle is a new and beautiful yacht, and is said to be, both for the beauty of her model and the elegance of her inside and outside decorations, the most magnificent pleasure- boat in the world. She was built at Mystic Bridge, Conn., by Forsyth & Morgan, and was launched in June, 1866. Her keel is one hundred and seven feet in length ; length over all, one hundred and fifteen feet; breadth of beam, twenty -five feet;
68 YACHTING.
depth, ten feet. Her tonnage is two hundred and sixty-two and eight-tenths. Length of mainmast, eighty-nine feet seven inches ; foremast, eighty-eight feet seven inches ; length of fore and main gaffs, twenty-eight feet six inches ; main-boom, sixty-four feet. The length of the bowsprit outboard is twenty-two ffeet.
HENRIETTA VS. RESTLESS.
The above schooner yachts sailed a match race for a piece of plate valued at five hundred dollars, in the month of September, 1865. The course was from off Sand's Point, Long Island Sound, to the New London light-ship. The start was made on Saturday night, September 16th, shortly before 12 o'clock. The wind was light throughout the night, and so continued until sunrise, when daylight brought a fresh south-west breeze. The Henrietta passed the New London light at 11.15 o'clock on Sunday morning, September l7th, winning the race and prize by twenty minutes.
YACHT RACE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC.
The ocean race between the beautiful and swift schooner- yachts Henrietta, Fleetwing, and Vesta, of New York, from the latter port to England, is an important nautical occurrence, and is the noblest trial of speed between any yachts of either ancient or modern times; and the event will assuredly form a memorable epoch in the yachting history of the United States. For these vessels to make a winter race of three thousand miles across the broad Atlantic is certainly a fact worthy of chronicling, and its consummation will reflect an enduring lustre upon the escutcheon and colors of the New York Yacht Club.
New York, Oct. 21, 1866.
Original Articles of Agreement. — George and Frank Osgood bet Pierre Lorillard, Jr., and others, thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) that the Fleetwing can beat the Vesta to the Needles, on the coast of England. The yachts to start from Sandy Hook on the second Tuesday in December, and to sail according to the
YACHTING. 69
rules of the J^ew York YacM Club, waiving the allowance of time. The sails to be carried are mainsail, foresail, jib, flying jib, jib topsail, fore and main gaff topsails, main topmast stay- sails, storm staysails and trysails. The yacht Henrietta enters the above race by paying $30,000, a subscription by members of the New York Yacht Club. Any minor points not embraced in the above, that cannot be settled by Messrs. Osgood, Lorillard, and Bennett, shall be decided as follows : Each shall choose an umpire, and the umpires chosen, in case of disagreement, to choose two others ; 20 per cent, of the money to be deposited with Mr. Leonard W. Jerome on Saturday, the 3d of November, balance to be deposited on the first Tuesday of December — play or pay.
As we have given a detailed description of these yachts and their match races, in our history of the New York Yacht Club, it is only necessary to say that prior to the race all three of the vessels were put in thorough order for their winter contest ; and, as they lay off Sandy Hook in readiness for the starting signal, their entire appearance was in striking contrast to their summer rig for gala-day regattas. The Henrietta is a keel boat, of 205 tons burden. Her bowsprit was shortened 16 inches; her lower masts 7 feet, and her main boom 6 feet. She is furnished with an entire new gang of rigging of Italian hemp, and also with new fore and aft stays and jibstays of first quality charcoal wire, in- dependent of which she is provided with an extra forestay, which comes into the night-heads. She has extra gammonings, spare fore and main boom, fore and main gaft jibboom, topmast, and also two spare spars. She carries extra sails, with three storm trysails and storm forestay sails. Her hatches are so arranged that in five minutes they can be thoroughly caulked and wooded. She has a new rudder, and is steered by a patent screw and wheel. In case of any accident, however, she has spare tillers, which can be shipped in a few minutes without boring through the rudder head. She carries two patent liquid compasses, and also two storm compasses, to which, in case the binnacle should be carried away, lights are attached. Her boats and spare spars
70 , YACHTING.
are secured by ring bolts passing through the deck and clinched. The Henrietta has the following crew : — Captain, S. Samuels ; sailing master, Martin J. Lyons ; first mate, J. Jones ; second mate, John Cole ; boatswain, carpenter, sail-maker, two quarter- masters, two cooks, two stewards, and fourteen seamen. The owner of the yacht — Mr. J. G. Bennett, Jr. — Mr. Lawrence Jerome, Mr. Melvin Knapp, and Mr. S. E. Fisk, editor of the New York Leader^ also sailed in the Henrietta.
The Vesta is a centre-board boat, of 201 tons burden. She has a new bowsprit, and her boom is shortened 6 feet ; her main and foremast are razeed 6 feet, and 12 feet taken off her main boom. She has an entire new suit of sails ; also an entire new spare set, in addition to heavy weather sails. Her rigging is new throughout, the whole being made of the best Italian hemp. She will be steered by a patent wheel apparatus, and in case of this being carried away, she has spare tillers which can be fitted to the rudder head. She carries a patent water anchor, which, when thrown into the water, opens as an umbrella, and will be of great service in heavy weather. The Yesta is man- ned as follows : — Captain and sailing master. Captain George Dayton ; first ofiicer, Mr. Hodgson ; a second mate, boatswain, two stewards, two cooks, and sixteen seamen. Mr. George Lor- illard, her owner, and also owner of the sloop-yacht " Eva/' together with Col. S. M. Taylor, sailed in her.
The Fleetwing is a keel boat, of 212 tons, and like the others, she has been thoroughly refitted and furnished with new rigging, sails, and an abundance of spare spars, etc. She also has a patent steering apparatus, and two life-boats. The Fleet wing's crew and passengers consist of Captain Thomas, of the " City of New York," sailing master. Her other officers are : First mate, Joseph Brown ; second mate, Henry Hoffinan ; quartermasters, .Joseph Crandell, John Beebee, John Wood, John Hazleton. The crew consists of eighteen men, beside cook and steward. Mr. Ernest Staples and Mr. Robert Center, of the New York Yacht Club, sailed in the vessel as judges. Mr. Staples repre- sented the Henrietta, and Mr. Center the Vesta.
YACHTTN^G. 7l
The course sailed is an ocean one in its broadest signification, being from Sandv Hook light, at the entrance to New York Bay, to the Xeedles lio;ht on the western end of the Isle of Wio-ht, in the English Channel. As this volume was nearly ready for pub- lication on the eve of the departure of the contestants, we can only take the reader with us to Sandy Hook, to bid them, as so many hundreds did, a heart-felt God-speed.
" Far on the deep mid-ocean tossed,
Leagues away from the friendly shore, In the watery wilderness lost
Driven and deafened by rush and roar, Baffled by wind and wave are we ; —
What sweet home-spirits may there be Sadly pondering on our wandering
"^ide and wearisome, out at sea ! "
THE LATE GEOEGE STEERS.
No allusion or record of American yachts or yachting would be complete without the writer's paying a tribute to the memory and fame of him whose name heads this article, and whose early and sudden decease was truly a blow to the science and art of American ship-building. In the city of Xew York, especially, is the name and reputation of George Steers cherished ; for the waters of the metropolis witnessed his proudest nautical triumphs.
When a mere boy of seventeen years, in the summer of 1836, he built the Martin Van Buren, a seventeen -foot sail-boat, which was matched against the Gladiator, then considered without a rival for speed in New York, and flying unchallenged the cham- pion colors. A match was soon arranged between the two boats, although it was deemed by the numerous partisans of the Gladi- ator a very presumptuous move on the part of those interested in the Van Buren. The course was from a flag-boat anchored off* the Battery, up the Hudson river to a stake-boat off Fort Washington point, and return. In this conte-t the Martin Van Buren had an easy victory, and at the finish of the race the
72 YACHTIl^G.
Gladiator was almost out of sight. The trial excited a great deal of interest, and hundreds of spectators assembled to witness it. The Gladitor was sailed by W. Bennett. George Steers sailed the Martin Van Buren. The same day this match race was sailed, the yacht Three Brothers, also a capital specimen of his youthful talent and promise, carried off the first prize in a re- gatta of seven entries, sailing over a course from off Hoboken up the Hudson to Manhattan ville, thence around Fort Diamond and home.
In 1838 he built the four-oared race-boat, John C. Stevens, which possessed great improvements ; in her he introduced out- riggers, at that period a novelty, as our crack boats all rowed with thole-pins upon the gunwale. The Stevens wsls thirty feet long, and, with her four oarsmen and coxswain, drew but four inches of water, and weighed one hundred and forty pounds. Her amateur crew consisted of George and Henry Steers, Eobert Earl, George Hoyt, and Samuel Allen (coxswain) ; with this crew she beat the Abm. Hatfield, Unexpected, etc ; and with a picked crew won races against the Samuel J. Willis, Duane, and other noted four-oared boats. In the summer of 1840, at a re- gatta at the Colonnade Garden, Brooklyn, she won the first prize for four-oared boats ; she also rowed in the Newburgh re- gatta, of 1841, but did not finish the race in consequence of be- coming nearly filled with water, it being exceedingly rough. The late Commodore Stevens, in whose honor the boat was named, presented the club with a handsome set of silk colors.
The pilot-boats William G. Hagstaff, Mary Taylor, George Steers, Moses H. Grinnell, and Anthony B. Neilson, won a name for their builder, although they were pitted against the en- tire squadron of New York boats, then as now the most perfect- ly modelled and fleetest pilot-boats in the world. The schooner Pride of the Seas, of two hundred and fifty tons, for the Austra- lian trade, was launched in June, 1853, and the clipper-ship Sun- ny South, seven hundred and fifty tons, for the China trade, in September, 1854. Neither of these vessels were approachable for speed and beauty, and they were worthy compeers of the subse-
YACHTING. 73
quent fruits of his genius, as illustrated in the Niagara and Adriatic. His contributions to the New York Yacht Club we can scarcely enumerate ; among others, we recall the Syren, Sybil, Cornelia, Sylvia, Julia, Una, Widgeon, Cygnet, L'Esperance, Ray, etc., etc. ; while the triumph of the world-renowned America capped the climax of his fame, and rendered the name of George Steers his- torical in the yachting annals of the United States.
The sad manner of his death, caused by his being thrown from his vehicle, will ever be a source of sincere regret to his countrymen. Suddenly, and with scarcely a warning note, he was summoned to that "better land" in the midst of his labors, while his hands and brain were still active with ennobling hopes and aspirations of future usefulness and triumphs.
THE NEW YORK YACRT CLUb's TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF GEORGE STEERS.
New York Yacht Cltjb, ) New York, September 30, 1856. )
At a special meeting of the New York Yacht Club, convened by order of the Commodore, Sept. 29, 1856, on motion of Lewis M. Rutherford, Esq., the following resolutions were passed :
Resolved, That we have heard of the death of our fellow-mem- ber and friend, George Steers, with feelings of sincere sorrow and profound regret ; that to his genius and skill this Club is in- debted for its most beautiful and successful models.
Resolved, That his connection with the New York Yacht Club, from its earliest infancy, has been a source of pride and honor to that institution, and that his amiable personal qualities, and his high and unbending integrity, have secured to him the respect and affection of those who were connected with him socially and professionally.
Resolved, That we tender our warmest sympathy to his be- reaved family, and that the Secretary be instructed to furnish to his widow a copy of these resolutions, and that the same be put upon the records of the Club.
N. Bloodgood, Recording Secretary. 4
14: YACHTING.
BROOKLYN YACHT CLUB.
The Brooldyn Yaclit Club was organized in the fall of 1857 under circumstances of the following nature : A number of gen- tlemen, some owning large pleasure sail-boats and some yachts, who were accustomed to sail in the waters of the upper and lower Xew York Bay, and who kept their craft at or near w^hat was then called " The Penny Bridge," at the foot of Court street, Brooklyn, frequently meeting in their afternoon and evening excursions, became more or less acquainted, and finally the idea was started of forming a club. Among those most prominent in the organization that took place were Messrs. G. L. Haight, John H. Dimon, William T. Lee, Elias Pitcher, John M. Sawyer, John Ellerby, William W. Mead, Henry Wood, P. W. Ostrander, Benjamin Coffin, and S. and H. Smedley. All these gentlemen are still members of the Club except Mr. Pitcher, who is de- ceased. The first year of its existence the Club numbered about twenty-five members and the following yachts :
Niagara, owned by Mr. John Ritch ; Partridge, William Petri e ; Dreadnought, H. Wood and B. Coffin ; Restless, G. L. Haight ; Atalanta, J. H. Dimon ; Incognita, P. W. Ostrander ; Staghound, S. Longman ; Wild Wave, William W. Mead ; Two Elizas, G. A. Cooper ; Tourist, J. Ellerby ; and several others wdiose names have not been ascertained.
Most of these vessels were model yachts, although several were fine cabin yachts.
The first Commodore elected was Elias Pitcher. He was succeeded by G. L. Haight, who had acted as first Vice-Commo- dore, and who served for several terms as Commodore with great popularity. Mr. G. A. Cooper was Secretary the first year, and he was succeeded by Mr. William T. Lee, with whose faithful and excellent services the Club have never since felt able to dispense. Mr. Haight was succeeded as Commodore by Mr. John Jones, who in turn was succeeded by Mr. R. M. Whiting, its present able and deservedly popular Commodore.
Several years after its organization the Club built a club-house
YACHTLS-G. 75
on the basin near the foot of Court street, comfortably fitted with lockers for the use of owners oi yacrits, a reception-room for ladies, and large and roomv piazzas, -where the members with their friends can pass a pleasant hour when not inclined to sail, and with cigar or pipe enjoy their dolce far niente^ watching the graceful curvettings of the yachts as they glide in and out of the basin, and comment on their manoeuvres and the skill or awkward- ness displayed in their management.
The Club has steadily increased and prospered, and now num- bers about two hundred members, all of them influential citi- zens and some of them men of considerable note, and a fleet of about thirty-five sail, many of them well known and favorite yachts.
The members also have a handsome club-room at Xo. 9 Court street, Brooklyn, opposite the City Hall, which is tastefully decorated with oil paintings and models of yachts belonging to the Club. It is used as a library by the members, as well as for business purposes. The Club has inaugurated the system of building one large yacht every year, to be the property of the Club, and to be of the most improved model and construction, with the \'iew of improving upon and correcting errors in model- ling which may be ascertained by actual experiment and not alone by theory.
The club-house and anchorao^e o-round for the yachts are favorably situated at the head of Gowanus Bay, across the southerly part of which are constructed some long docks, run- ning out from Red Hook, which completely shelter the yachts from any southerly blow. At all times of the tide there is good sailing in the slack water along the Long Island shore, thus mak- inor this location a secure and convenient vachtino* harbor, of the advantages of which the owners of numerous other yachts, besides those of the Club, avail themselves by making it their anchorag^e-g;round.
The Club gave three regattas during the first summer of its existence (1858) : One sailino- bv measurement of canvas; one by length of yacht; and one by working pleasure sails. The
TO YACHTING.
races were all well contested, and gave great pleasure and satis- faction. Tlie main object of the gentlemen who formed the Association — merchants, professional, and business men — was to improve the taste for a noble and healthy exercise, and at the same time to improve the models of sailing craft, in order to gain speed by actual test and comparison in every way.
First annual regatta was sailed on Tuesday, June 22, 1858, and the following yachts were entered :
First Class. — Two Elizas, No. 2, J. Jones, thirty feet one inch; Eainbow, No. 11, Pitcher, twenty-nine feet ten inches; Wild Yv^ave, No. 3, O'Connor, twenty-eight feet ten inches ; Contest, No. 4, Fowler, twenty-eight feet six inches.
Second Class. — Staghound, No. 6, Longman, twenty-six feet three inches; Cadet, No. 7, Jones and Wood, twenty-five feet seven inches ; Niagara, No. 8, Eoberts and Ritch, twenty-six feet nine inches ; Dreadnought, No. 9, H. S. Wood, twenty-six feet seven inches.
Third Class. — Elizabeth, No. 14, Babcock, twenty-one feet.
The distance sailed was nearly twenty miles, from judges' boat, off the foot of Court street, to Owl's Head, L. I., the course to be sailed over three times.
The race was all one way throughout ; the Two Elizas winning without an effort, her only competitor being the Wild Wave which boat made every effort on the first stretch around the home stake-boat to keep the lead, but was forced to give way to her swift competitor. The first prize was won by the Two Elizas, and the second by the Niagara.
The autumn regatta was sailed on Saturday, September 18. Two Elizas, entered by G. A. Cooper; Wild Man, W. W. Mead; Alfred Partridge, W. Petra ; Dreadnought, Henry Wood; Con- test, J. D. Fowler ; Niagara, W. Roberts ; Haidee, P. W. Ost- rander; Rainbow, E. Pitcher.
The boats started at half-past two o'clock. The new and ele- gant yacht Partridge immediately showed her heels to the rest of the squadron, and took a handsome lead — the well known Dreadnought following as second, the Two Elizas third, and
Ureaanought loilowmg as second, the .
YACHTIXG. 77
Contest ranking as number four. These positions were not varied througliout the afternoon, and the Partiidge continued to gain upon the balance of the fleet. During the earlj part of the race the wind was very light, but towards the end the breeze freshened so that the yachts could make some little display of their sailing qualities ; but it came too late to be of much benefit, and it was quite dark before the Xiagara and Eainbow passed the home flag-boat. The Partridge beat the Dreadnought twenty- seven minutes, fourteen seconds ; the Dreadnought beat the Two Elizas, which was third, fourteen minutes. The Contest was three minutes fifteen seconds behind the Two Elizas.
The first prize was a silver goblet, valued at SoO ; the second prize a silver goblet, valued at 8-30 ; the third prize a silver gob- let, valued at 820.
The second annual regatta was sailed on Thursday, June 23, 1859. The course was as follows:
For first class : From stake-boat ofl" the Club-House to and around Buoy Xo. 11, on the end of the West Bank, and back to the place of starting. For second and third class : From stake- boat ofi" the Club-House to and around Fort Diamond and back, turning stake-boat off' Club-House, and repeat.
Of the following entries all started, with the exception of the Gazelle, Eeady, Unknown, and Eugenie.
First Class. — Eestless, seventeen tons, J. Jones ; Haidee, sixteen tons, P. "W. Ostrander; Early Bird, fifteen tons, G. H. Lawrence.
Second Class. — Pastime, thirty feet ^ve inches, John Ellerby ; Wild Wave, twenty-nine feet one inch, W. W. Mead ; Niagara, twenty-six feet six inches, Roberts & Pitch ; AYilliam Partridge, twenty-six feet three inches, William Petrie ; Dreadnought, twen- ty-six feet two inches. Wood, Coffin & Doty ; Linda, twenty-six feet one inch, J. J. Jova.
Third Class. — Orient, thirty feet, H. R. Haydock; Atalanta, twenty-six feet ten inches, J. M. Sawyer ; Contest, twenty-eight feet, J. D. Fowler ; Son of Malta, twenty-seven feet, Henry Smed- ley ; Unknown, twenty-seven feet, John Dimond ; Mystic, twenty- seven feet, Wood <fc Yvllson ; Eugenie, twenty-six feet, D. T. Eas-
T8 YACHTING.
ton ; Losee, twenty feet, J. McGreevy ; Gazelle, twenty feet, Edward Merritt ; Ready, nineteen feet, Sol. Smedley.
As tliey neared the liome-stake for the last time their positions were as follows : Xiagara first, and handsomely leading the Alfred Partridge, which she beat some two or three minutes. Then came the Wild Wave. The Linda was fifth, and the Son of Malta, of the third class, sixth. The other yachts were some distance astern.
The first-class yachts, having a greater distance to sail, reached home last, coming to the stake-boat as follows: The Early Bird first, the Restless a long way behind, and the Haidee hull down astern of all. The Early Bird won the first-class prize, the isTiagara the second-class prize, and the Son of Malta the third- class prize.
The third annual regatta was sailed on the 25th of June, 1860. N"one of the first or second class boats started. The Isabel and Surprise won the prizes of the third class. The Smedley and Xancy were successful in carrying off the honors of the fourth- class boats.
The fourth annual regatta, for 1861, was postponed in conse- quence of the civil war.
The fifth annual regatta was sailed on Thursday, June 19, 1862. The following boats started :
Zaidee, George Atkins, tvrenty-three feet ; Arethusa, William Dagnell, twenty-five feet ; Partridge, W. Peters, twenty-six feet ; Laura, R. M. Whiting, twenty-six feet ; Henry Smedley, II. Smedley, twenty-seven feet; Favorita, J. McClennan, twenty- eight feet ; Sophia, John Morse^ tv»' en ty -eight feet ; Xoopareil, Ira Smith, twenty-eight feet ; Isabel, John Ellerby, twenty-eight feet.
At about half a mile from the Club-House the schooner Arago was stationed as the stake-boat — the course being from the home stake-boat to one stationed off Bay Ridge dock ; thence to another stake-boat anchored off Robin's Reef light-house ; thence to the home stake-boat — the course being sailed three times. The time allowed for the performance of the race was six hours, according to the rules of the Club, an allowance of two minutes
YACHTIXG. 7i?
per foot being made to each boat on returning — half a minute being allowed on starting.
The following is the order in which the boats returned : 1. Partridge; 2. Laura; 3. Henry Smedley ; 4. So}:hia ; 5. Favorita ; 6. Arethusa ; 7. Xonpareil ; 8. Zaidee ; 9. Isabel.
There were two handsome prizes, the first being a valuable day and night marine glass, and the second a handsome silver goblet, lined with gold.
Sixth annual regatta was sailed on the 25th June, 1863. Entries of first-class yachts : Restless, Dolphin, Midnight, Annie Laurie, Oceana, Addie, and Katydid. The second-class yachts consisted of the Laura, Xonpareil, Commodore, L. F. Xewman, Arethusa, Sophia, and the Favorita. Prizes : a handsome baro- meter for the first-class boats, which was won by the Katydid. The prize for the second-class winner was an oil-painting of a yacht, won by the Laura.
Seventh annual regatta was sailed on Wednesday, June 22, 1864. Twenty-five yachts entered and started, and the steamers Xaushon and D. R. Martin accompanied the fleet over the course. The Laura won the first prize ; the Edna C, schooner, won the second prize for the first-class yachts. The Moliie and Black Hawk carried off the prizes of their respective classes.
Eighth annual regatta was sailed on the Tth of June, 1865. Twenty- nine sail started. The Edna C. won the schooner prize; the Jennie Cable, the first-class sloop prize ; and the Xonpareil, the second-class sloop prize. The course sailed was from the judges' boat, off the Club-House, to a stake-boat off Coney Island point ; thence to buoy Xo. 2, at the tail of the West bank, turning it to the westvrard ; thence to home stake-boat — making a distance of twenty miles.
Xinth annual regatta came off in a spuited style on Wednes- day, June 12, 186^, with a good breeze, thousands in attend- ance, and a large fleet of entries. The entries, divided mto three classes, were as follows :
Schooners. — Mystic, 2,443 square feet; Staitled Fawn, 1,848 ; Comfort, 1,435.
80 YACHTIXG.
Firsf-Class SIooj^s. — Psvche, 2,167 square feet ; Lena, 2,002 ; Nautilus, 1,916; Fanny, 1,766; Restless, 1,235; Jennie Cable, 1,147; Carlton, 1,072; Falcon, 1,007; Modesty, 978; Isaac Walton, 817; Early Bird, 806.
Second-Class Sloops. — Martha, 1,044 square feet; Muscateed, 941 ; Una, 850 ; Hornet, 800 ; Apollo, 765 ; Amalia, 733; Carrie, 720; W. M. Tweed, 627; Echo, 610; Nancy, 593.
Allowance of time, one and a quarter second to square foot.
The course was from the stake-boat in Gowanus Bay to and around a stake-boat moored off South-west Spit, turning the same from the eastward, and back to the home stake-boat, passing to the eastward of all the buoys off the West bank, makino* a race of thirty miles. At 12.20 the sio-nal-OTu was fired for the schooners to make sail ; and at intervals of one minute each, the first and second class sloops got under way.
The Jennie Cable, first-class sloop, took a commanding lead early in the race, and at Fort Hamilton led the fleet by nearly a mile. The little Martha, second-class sloop, and one of the swiftest yachts in New York bay, was second. Then came the Nautilus, Psyche, and the handsome schooner Mystic. Within thirty minutes after starting, the fleet gradually became strag- gling, and the steamers William P. Way and W. Fletcher, with their crowded decks, hurried down the bay, so as to be at the South-west Spit (fifteen miles from the start, and half of the race) in time to see the leading boats turn. The Jennie Cable turned first, at 2.27 ; the Psyche second, at 2.33 ; one minute later came the Martha, third-class, which craft was handled and sailed admirably ; the Mystic, schooner, came to the Spit at 2.39, with not half the breeze she desired to do herself justice, followed by the neat and trim sloop Nautilus, fifteen seconds later.
After these came at intervals the schooners Startled Fawn and Comfort ; sloops Falcon, Muscateed, Lena, Hornet, Amalia, Wm. M. Tweed, Echo, Una, Restless, etc., etc.
The steamboats were now headed for Gowanus Bay and home. The principal leaders maintained their relative positions, with the exceptions of the little Martha taking the lead, and the Psyche
YACHTING.
81
changing places with the Jennie and Apollo well up.
At about a quarter past four in the following order :
Cable, with the Nautilus, Mystic, P.M., the home-stake was passed
|
Starting Time. |
Class. |
Arriving Time. |
|
|
Martha, . . . |
. 12.30 |
Second, |
4.16-1 |
|
Psyche, |
, 12.25 |
First, |
4.16J |
|
Jennie Cable, |
. 12.25 |
First, |
4.32 |
|
Nautilus, |
. 12.25 |
First, |
4.27 |
|
Mystic, . . . , |
. 12.15 |
Schooner, |
4.32^ |
|
Apollo, . |
. 12,30 |
Second, |
4.43 |
|
Amalia, . . |
. 12.30 |
Second, |
4.46 |
|
Hornet, . |
. 12.30 |
Second, |
4.48 |
|
Lena, . . . . |
. 12.25 |
First, |
4.51 |
|
Restless, |
. 12.25 |
First, |
4.53 |
|
Fannie, . |
. 12.25 |
First, |
4.56 |
The prizes consisted of two sets of silver for the schooners and first-class sloops, and finely executed marine views, in oil, for the second-class sloops.
The prizes were awarded as follows : Schooner prize. Mystic ; starting time, 12.15 ; round time, 4.32|-. Sloop prizes, first- class, Jennie Cable ; starting time, 12.25, Total time, deducting allowance, 3.51. Second prize. Psyche; started 12.25 p.m., arrived 4.16^ p.m. Total time, four hours eleven minutes.
The first prize of the second-class sloops was Avon by the Martha; starting time, 12.30; arriving tune, 4.16|- p. m. Total time, three hours and forty-six minutes. The second prize among the second-class sloops was won by the Apollo ; starting time, 12.30 p.m. ; arrived 4.45 p.m. ; round time, four hours and thirteen minutes.
YACHTS BELONGING TO THE CLUB IN 1866.
Schooner Class. — Calypso, seventy tons, J. J. Bache ; Mystic, fifty-five tons ; Startled Fawn, thirty-five tons, R. W. Holmes ; Comfort, twenty-five tons, H. Wood.
82 YACHTIIS^G.
First-Class Sloops. — Psyche, thirty-five tons, F. B. Taylor; Lena, tliirty-five tons ; Nautihis, thirty tons, J. C. Gay lor ; Fannie, thirty tons, F. Tiffany ; Restless, twenty-five tons, J. Jones ; Alarm, thirty tons, Gilbert L. Haight ; Jennie Cable, twenty tons, R. M. Whiting ; Castleton, twenty tons, J. M. Weeks ; Whistler, eighteen tons, Augustus Peters ; Falcon, eighteen tons ; Modesty, eighteen tons ; Isaac Walton, eighteen tons, Nathaniel F. Waring ; Early Bird, fifteen tons, George A. Cooper ; Oceana, fifteen tons, J. White.
Second-Class Sloops. — Muscateed, thirty feet, W. Furman; Una, thirty feet ; Hornet, twenty-eight feet, W. Whitman ; Apollo, thirty feet, J. Fry; Amalia, thirty feet, J. J. Jones; Carrie, twenty-eight feet, J. Dunn ; Echo, twenty-eight feet, N". N. Van Dyke ; Nancy, twenty-eight feet, S. Longman ; Contest, twenty-eight feet, J. D. Fowler.
OFFICERS OF THE BROOKLYN YACHT CLUB.
1858-59. — Commodore, Elias Pitcher; Vice-Commodore, G. L. Haight ; Secretary, G. A. Cooper ; Treasurer, H. S. Wood ; Measurer, J. M. Sawyer.
1859-60. — Commodore, G. L. Haight; Vice-Commodore, T. C. Fowler ; Secretary, William T. Lee ; Treasurer, H. S. Wood ; Measurer, J. M. Sawyer. From 1860 until 1864, inclusive, the above ofiicers were reelected.
1865. — Commodore, Robert M. Whiting; Vice-Commodore, Theodore W. Sheridan ; President, Peter W. Ostrander ; Secre- tary, William T. Lee ; Treasurer, Edwin Underhili ; Assistant Secretary, AYilliam M. Ringwood ; Measurer, J. M. Sawyer.
1866. — Commodore, Robert M, Whiting; Vice-Commodore, Augustus Peters ; President, Gilbert L. Haight ; Secretary, W. T. Lee ; Assistant Secretary, W. M. Ringwood ; Treasurer, Edwin Underhili ; Measurer, John M. Sawyer.
SEAL.
The Corporate Seal of the Ckib is circular, with an inch radius. In the centre is the figure of a yacht under full
YACHTING. S3
sail, with Club signal at mast-head. Underneath, the name, ^'The Brooklyn Yacht Club." Above, "Established 1857." Underneath, " Incorporated," and in the rim, between two foul anchors, the date, "1864." Around the rim is the motto of the Club, " JVavibus petimus bene vivereJ'^
UNIFORM.
The uniform of the Club consists of a blue cloth pea-jacket with Club buttons, blue cloth pants, blue navy cap, with initials of Club on the front, and blue flannel shirt, with the Club signal embroidered in chain-stitch in white upon the breast.
The Club button is a triple-gilt, navy size and shape, with plain edge. The letters " B. Y. C." in old English in the centre of the button, encircled by a cable, knotted at the lower edge.
In place of the pea-jacket, a navy blue dress coat, and blue cloth or white Marseilles vest, with standing collar, each vrith six Club buttons around the cuff, is worn by the Club as a fuU dress.
HOBOKEN YACHT CLUB.
This club, as its title implies, is located in Hoboken, K J., at the foot of Fourth street, near the Elysian Fields. It was or- ganized September 1, 1856, by about a dozen members, and progressed rapidly in numbers and prosperity until the com- mencement of the rebellion, when the members of the Club, in a body, tendered their services as volunteers to the Navy Depart- ment, in a certain emergency, which, although accepted, were for some reason never availed of.
The Club-House was at first located at the old Atlantic Garden, near the Hoboken and Barclay street ferry, but was soon after- wards removed to its present location. The anchorage is good and well protected ; and their house, although convenient and comfortable, would be greatly improved were it not for the fact that they have no lease of the water-front and property adjoin- ing, which belong to Mr. E. A. Stevens.
84 YACHTING.
The regattas of the club take place in July each year, at which prizes are presented to the winning yachts, and those con- tests have been usually very exciting and interesting.
There is one marked feature in the rules of the Club which tends very much to the proficiency of the members, and increases their interest in yachting — viz. that none but bona fide members are permitted to handle the tiller in a regatta.
Another of their rules is, that no professionals are admitted to membership.
The number of active members at present is about one hun- dred.
FIRST REGATTA, SEPTEMBER 16, 1856. LIST OF ENTRIES.
First Class.- — Audubon, entered by H. Byron ; Walton, by A. Barber; Restless, by G. L. Haight.
Second Class. — Wanderer, entered by William T. Gushing; Frolic, by J. B. Livin2:ston, Jr.; Anna, by William H. Curtis; Ettie, by H. E. Bailliere ; Flying Cloud, by L. Thompson.
Prizes won by the Walton, first class ; and Anna, second class.
REGATTA OF JUNE 24, 1857.
First Class. — Smoothing Iron, Pastime, Louise.
Second Class. — Estelle, Banshee, Spencer Kirby, Audubon, Frolic, Ada, Wanderer.
Third Class. — Emily, Anna, Walton, Blue Jacket.
The prizes were won by the Smoothing Iron, first class ; Estelle, second class ; and Walton, third class.
REGATTA OF JUNE 15, 1858.
First Class. — Alice, Secret.
Second Class. — Louise, Wanderer, Clickner, Banshee, Jane. Third Class. — Zephyr, Lightfoot, Anna, Frolic, Walton. Tlie prizes were won by the following boats : first class, Secret; second class, Clickner; third class, Walton.
YACHTI>sG. 85
REGATTA, JUNE 18, 1859.
First Class. — Edgar, Secret, Sjren, Louise, Alice, Leader.
Second Class, — Arbitrator, Fannie Townley, Clickner, Jane, Rei^tless.
Third Class, — Manahatta, Anna, Emma, Walton, Zephyr.
Prizes awarded to the Laura Keene, Fannie Townley, and Walton.
REGATTA, JUNE 16, 1860.
First Class. — Mallory, Daisy, Twilight, Secret. Second Class. — Syren, Manahatta, Wanderer. Third Class. — Fannie Townley, Vesper. Fourth Class. — Prima Donna, Restless, Jane, Anna. Prizes were awarded to the Daisy, Syren, Vesper, Prima Donna. Regatta of 1861 was postponed on account of the troublesome times.
REGATTA, JUNE 21, 1862.
First Class. — Panic, Syren, Dart, Osprey. Second Class. — Anna, Restless, Wave, Prima Donna, Julia Bayne.
Prizes were awarded to the Panic and Julia Bayne.
REGATTA, JUNE 26, 1863.
First Class. — Dart, Panic, Osprey, Julia Bayne.
Second Class. — Anna, Wave.
Prizes awarded to the Julia Bayne and Anna.
REGATTA, SEPTEMBER 10, 1864.
First Class. — Harriet, Bertha.
Second Class. — Nellie, Cornelia.
Third Class. — Maoro;ie, Carrie.
Prizes v,^ere awarded to the Bertha, Nellie, and Carrie.
REGATTA, JUNE 19, 1865.
First Class, — Vesper, Cornelia, Glance, Harriet, Adelaide, Geneva.
Second Class. — Nellie, Carrie, Maggie, Tiger's Cub.
86 YACHTIXG.
Prizes were awarded to tlie Cornelia and Came.
The course for regattas usually was from the Club-House to a stake-boat off buoy thirteen, and return to stake-boat off the Club-House.
The Club had seyeral balls for the first few years after its organization ; but since, and some tiine previous to the breaking out of the civil war, they haye had no regular ball : but, for seyeral winters, sociables haye been held at the Club-House, where ample amusement was afforded the members and their immediate friends. It is the intention of the members to have sociables an institution of the Club.
The annual regatta, 1866, was sailed on the 15th of June. Tlie course was from the judges' boat opposite the Ckib-House to a stake-boat up the river some ten miles — just above Fort Waskington. The entries were few, but they were some of the best boats of the club.
The entries upon this occasion were the following:
First Class — Cornelia, C. Fox, owner ; Broadbill, F. Eenwick, owner ; Xellie, S. Griswold, owner ; Sirius, J. Foley, owner.
Second Class — Carrie, X. Yuillaume, owner ; Cub, Blague Covell, owner.
Everythino- beino; in readiness, at ten o'clock and forty min- utes the first gun was fired to make ready; and it was a sigkt worth seeing to observe the activity and life everywhere mani- fested on board these diminutive vessels. At ten o'clock and forty-five minutes the second gun was discharged, and, dexterous- ly slipping their cables, away tkey went, the Cub getting the best of the start. The breeze was yery light, direct from the south ; but as a strong flood-tide was setting, the boats moved along at a good rate, the Cornelia taking the lead.
The yaclits arrived off Guttenburg as follows : — First, Cornelia, by about a length ; second, Carrie ; third, Broadbill ; fourth. Cub ; fifth, Nellie.
At the stake-boat the Cai-rie (second class) turned first at 12.13; second, Cornelia (first class), 12.18f ; third, Broadbill, 12,16; Cub, 12.19; Nellie, 12.22.
YACHTING. 87
At Fort Y^asliiiigton the Carrie took the lead ; but this did not last many minutes, for the Cornelia would not be denied her place, and again went in front.
The beating down the river was very exciting. They passed the stake-boat in the following order: Cornelia, winning first- class prize, at 2.22|- ; Broadbill, 2.41 ; Xellie, 3.05. Second class: — Carrie (winner), 2.36|-; Cub, 2. 42 J; the winning boat making the round trip in 3.3 7|-.
A fine collation was served up on the termination of the race.
OFFICERS OF THE CLUB SIXCE ORGAXIZATIOX.
Officers for 1856. — Abraham Barker, Commodore; William H. Curtis, Vice-Commodore ; H. E. Bailliere, Secretary ; E. D. Grandval, Treasurer.
Officers for 1857. — A. Barker, Commodore; Henry Byrom, Vice-Commodore ; F. R. Peacock, Recording Secretary ; T. C. Malloy, Corresponding Secretary; William T. Cushing, Treasurer.
Officers for 1858. — A. Barker, Commodore; Henry Byrom, Vice-Commodore ; H. P. Sinclair, Recording Secretary ; William B. Baker, Corresponding Secretary; Conrad Fox, Treasurer; W'illiam T. Cushing, Measurer.
Officers for 1859. — James T. Bache, Commodore; A. T. Higgins, Vice-Commodore ; L. E. Go eke, Recording Secretary : J. Sinclair, Corresponding Secretary ; C. Fox, Treasurer ; Wihiam T. Cushing, Measurer.
Officers for 1860. — Conrad Fox, Commodore; L. E. Goeke, Vice-Commodore ; G. P. Fountain, Recording Secretary ; W. B. Baker, Corresponding Secretary; J. C. Appleby, Treasurer; William H. Wood, Measurer.
Officers for IS61. — C. Fox, Commodore; W. R. Westervelt, Vice-Commodore ; Henry Byrom, Treasurer ; T. R. Kenway, Recording Secretary; P. S. Kenway, Corresponding Secretary; J. H. Meeter, Measurer.
Officers for 1862. — C. Fox, Commodore ; J. C. Appleby, Vice- Commodore ; Peter Kenny, Recording Secretary ; T. R. Ken-
88 YACHTIXG.
way, Corresponding Secretary; H. Cunningliam, Treasurer; J. H. Meeter, Measurer.
Officers for 1863. — C. Fox, Commodore ; Henry Byrom, Vice-Commodore ; T. H. Huttou, Eecording Secretary ; J. H. Meeter, Corresponding Secretary ; J. E. Mitchell, Treasurer ; J. E. Pope, Measurer.
Officers for 1864. — Henry Byrom, Commodore ; Peter Kenny, Yice-Commodore ; E. Matile, Jr., Eecording Secretary ; J. H. Meeter, Corresponding Secretary ; J. E. Mitchell, Treasurer ;
E. M. Cooke, Measurer.
Officers for 1865. — J. C. Appleby, Commodore; Victor Vuil- laume, Vice-Commodore ; George Courvoisier, Eecording Secre- tary ; Samuel J. Hall, Corresponding Secretary ; "William H. Henry, Treasurer ; Charles McGibbon, Measurer.
The following boats now belong to the Club :
Cornelia, owned by Conrad Fox; Glance, Joseph Gillett; Harriet, P. M. Knight, E. P. Dodge, E. E. Wilson ; Broadbill,
F, W. Eenwick ; Sirius, John Foley ; Geneva, E. Dumartheray ; Carrie, Victor Vuillaume, Vice-Commodore ; Tiger's Cub, E. S. Covell, William H. Blague ; Tillie, Samuel J. HaU ; Edith, E. M. Cook.
UNIFORM.
The unifonn of the Club consists of a blue cloth sack, double-breasted, with six club buttons on each side, and four on the cuffs of each sleeve ; blue cloth pantaloons, white vest, single- breasted, five buttons ; blue navy cap. The officers, in addition to the above, are distinguished by the following marks :
Commodore, — Two shoulder-straps, with silver eagles on the coat. Two silver-fouled anchors in a gold wreath on the cap. ' Vice- Commodore, — Two shoulder-straps, with double-fouled anchors in silver on the coat; one silver-fouled anchor in gold wreath on the cap.
Secretaries^ Treasurer^ and Measurer. — Two shoulder-straps, with single-fouled anchors in silver on the coat ; gold wroath with silver initials on the cap.
YACHTING. 89
Honorary Members. — Double-fouled anchors in gold on left collar of coat ; Club flag embroidered on the cap.
Members, — One plain gold anchor on left collar of coat ; Club flag embroidered on the cap.
Captains of Yachts. — One fouled anchor in gold on each collar of coat ; one fouled anchor in gold on the cap.
JERSEY CITY YACHT CLUB.
Organized July 23, 1858. Chartered March, 1866. Club- House, Central Railroad Pier, Jersey City. List of officers since organization :
0 fleers for 1858. — Commodore, William J. Van Duser ; Vice- Commodore, Samuel Pearson ; Treasurer, Gannett ; Secre- tary, Albert Mason ; Measurer, Peter Miller.
1859. — Commodore, William J. Van Duser ; Vice-Commodore, Samuel Pearson ; Treasurer, — — Gannett ; Secretary, Albert Mason ; Measurer, Peter Miller.
1860. — Commodore, William J. Van Duser ; Vice-Commodore, Philip Van Wart ; Treasurer, William Baker ; Secretary, Mau- rice Fancon ; Measurer, Peter Miller.
1861. — Commodore, William J. Van Duser; Vice-Commo- dore, Peter Miller ; Treasurer, William Baker ; Secretary, Mau- rice Eancon ; Measurer, Stephen P. Hill.
1862. — Commodore, William J. Van Duser; Vice-Commo- dore, Peter Miller ; Treasurer, William E. Pearson ; Secretary, Maurice Fancon ; Measurer, Stephen P. Hill.
1863. — Commodore, Henry Elderd; Vice-Commodore, John Ward ; Treasurer, William Clarke ; Secretary, Mortimer Jahne ; Measurer, Stephen P. Hill.
1864. — Commodore, William J. Van Duser; Vice-Commo- dore, John Ward ; Treasurer, William E. Pearson ; Secretary, Mortimer Jahne ; Measurer, Stephen P. Hill.
] 865. — Commodore, Henry C. Walton ; Vice-Commodore,
90 YACHTING.
Frederick Grain, Jr. ; Treasurer, Adrian B. Eeynolds ; Secretary, William Clarke, Jr. ; Measurer, Stephen P. Hill.
1866. — Commodore, Henry C. Walton ; Vice-Commodore, Peter Miller ; Treasurer, Adrian B. Eeynolds ; Secretary, Wil- liam Clarke, Jr. ; Measurer, Stephen P. Hill.
Board of Directors. — Henry C. Walton, Andrew Clerk, Peter Miller, William J. Van Duser, Adrian B. Reynolds, Daniel Ber- rian, William Clarke, Jr., Sheppard Homans, Stephen P. Hill, Joseph G. Hill, Henry Jahne.
REGATTAS OF THE JERSEY CITY YACHT CLUB.
First annual regatta was sailed September 1, 1858, with the following entries : North Star, Zephyr, Phantom, Gertrude, Louisa, Comet, Sarah, A. Z., Eugenie, Marion, Foam, and the William J. Van Duser. The course was from the Judges' boat around the buoy south of Sunken Island, and back to the starting- point : this course to be sailed over three times. The Eugenie carried off the prize. The judges were Stephen Quaife, George T. Appleton, and Joseph McManus. We will here state that a regatta was sailed on Wednesday, August 18, 1858, of which no details have been preserved.
Second annual regatta was sailed on Wednesday, June 22, 1859. The day was remarkably fine ; the breeze was a little too strong for some of the smaller craft, but it only made the sport the more exciting. There were over fifteen hundred spectators present, v/lio assembled in the vicinity of the Club-House for the purpose of witnessing the race, and they had a most excellent opportunity, as the stake-boats were all in view, and the same ground was gone over three times, making a distance of between eighteen and twenty miles. The following are the names of the boats, and b}^ whom entered :
Fiviit Class. — Florence Grinnell, entered by B. F. Grinnell ; Howadji, S. Pearson; Petrel, P. Miller; Marion, P. Hill; Eu- genie, W. W. Van Uuscr ; Foam, Captain Ilanford ; P. P. Smith, Robert L. Smitri.
Second Class, — Ariel, entered by F. Gniin, Jr. ; North Star, A.
YACHTING. 91
B. Reynolds ; Tide Water, Captain Eansen ; Incognita, T. Herr- sted ; Gertrude, J. Ward, Jr. ; Gazelle, A. Clerk ; Harvey G. Fowler, P. Van Wart ; Mary, John Stevens.
The route was from the Judges' stake-boat, near the Club- House ; from thence to the stake-boat between Ellis's and Bed- loe's Islands ; thecce to the stake-boat, near Cavan Point, return- ing to the Judges' boat. The Eugenie, owned and sailed by W. J. Van Duser, Commodore, received the prize, a silver cup, in the first class ; and the Gazelle received the first prize, also a silver cup, in the second class. The Eugenie sailed at a quarter past one o'clock, and came up to the Judges' boat on the third trip at three o'clock and twenty-five minutes, having sailed the distance in two hours and nine minutes. The time of the Ga- zelle was two hours thirty minutes and forty-five seconds.
Judges, — John B. Rae, Joseph McManus, and George F. Poin- dexter.
The autumn regatta was sailed September 6, 1859, with the following contestants :
First Class. — Eugenie and D. P. Smith.
Second Class. — Howadji, Petrel, and Marion.
Third Class. — Zephyr, Howadji, of Mystic; Gertrude, and Mary.
The course sailed was the same as in the annual regatta of June. The Eugenie, Petrel, and Gertrude, won the prizes.
Third annual regatta was sailed June 13, 1860, passing off" in a highly successful and spirited manner, with a list of twenty- four entries, as follows : —
First Class. — North Star, Ariel, Thorn Walling, Zephyr, Kill Time, Gertrude, Gazelle, H. G. Fowler, and Mary.
Second Class. — Cora, Wave, Silvie, Howadji, Petrel, Black Bird, J. Bradish, and Amphitrite.
Thi7'd Class. — Dreadnought, Quickstep, Foam, W. J. Van Duser, D. P. Smith, D. Lockwood, and J. Colgate.
The first class boats started from the Judges' yacht ofl*the Club- House, thence down the bay to buoy No. 13, and return. Second and third classes started from the Judges' boat, and
92 YACHTING.
proceeded to a stake-boat between Ellis's and Bedloe's Islands, thence to stake-boat moored off Fish Point ; thence to home stake-boat. Course to be sailed over three times. The prizes were a silver goblet for the winner of each class. The " Kill Time " won the first prize, the " J. Bradish '' the second, and the " Dreadnought " the third. Judges : William B. Dunning, John B. Rae, and Peter Harned.
In 1861 and 1862 no annual reo;attas were sailed by this club.
Sixth annual regatta was sailed June 23, 1863. The day was very fine. The Club-House was profusely decorated with bunt- ino^, and filled with a numerous and select assemblao-e of ladies.
The course for the second and third class yachts was from a stake-boat anchored off the Club-House, to a stake-boat near Bedloe's Island, passing it to the north and east ; thence to home stake-boat, passing at the north and west ; the course to be sailed over three times, making a distance of tvrelve miles. The course for the first-class boats was from the judges' boat, down the bay to Red Hook, and back, and repeat ; making a distance of twenty miles.
The annexed reo-ulations in startino- were observed. The smallest boat in each class started first, commencing with the third class, at intervals of thirty seconds between the boats. One minute interval between the classes. The second and first classes started in the same manner, a similar interv^al of time between the boats being allowed. Allowance of time, two minutes to the foot. The first class boats measured twenty-five feet and over ; the second class twenty feet, and under twenty-five ; the third class all under twenty feet. The following contestants sailed the race :
First Class. — Rachel, Chase, and Hooper, twenty-six ft. five and a half in. ; Colleen Bawn (new), H. T. Elderd, twenty-seven ft. four and three-quarter in. ; Edward Reed (new), E. Reed, twenty-eight ft. four in. ; Eugenie, W. J. Van Duser, thirty ft. nine in.
Second Class. — Empire, Victor Piard, twenty-nine ft. ^ve and a half in. ; Emily, James Mayer, twenty-one ft. three and a quar-
YACIITIIS^G. 93
ter in. ; Sylvia, P. Hill, twenty-one ft. six in. ; Black Bird, W. Gettinger, twenty -three ft. fonr in.
Third Class. — Nettie, J. W. Dean, sixteen ft. seven in. ; Quin- sigamond, T. Howe, sixteen ft. seven in. ; Salus (new), D. Wal- ton, seventeen ft. tw^o in. ; Gertrude, Jolm Ward, eighteen ft. two in. ; Comet, S. C. Ketchum, eighteen ft. four in.
Each boat sailing in the regatta carried the Club signal at the peak, and her number, making it easy for the spectators to dis- tinguish them.
Shortly after twelve o'clock we were off with a good breeze blowing; from the west and southward. For the first turn over the course, and a portion of the second, the yachts kept well together, but subsequently they became a good deal scattered. The new yacht. Colleen Bawn, of the first class, had a fair pros- pect of winning the first prize, when she carried away some of her rigging, and was obliged to relinquish the contest. The Nettie was also disabled, and drew out from the regatta. One or two others met with minor accidents. The race was finally won by the annexed boats :
Third Glass, — The Comet won the first prize by seventeen minutes and ten seconds. The Gertrude won the second prize.
Second Clxss, — Sylvia w^on the first prize, by thirty-nine seconds ; the Empire winning the second prize.
First Class. — The Rachel won the first prize by eight minutes and ten seconds. The Eugenie, the second prize, by six minutes.
The Judges were John B. Rae, Stephen Quaife, George S. Appleton, and G. Morton.
In 1864 no annual regatta was sailed by this club.
Eighth annual regatta was sailed June 20, 1865, with the following entries :
First Class. — Salus, Petrel, Sunny Side, and Wmnie.
Second Class. — Gazelle, Lizzie, Neptune, Zephyr, Jessie, Nettie, and Sea-Bird.
Course w^as from Judges' yacht outside of Central Railroad, around buoy off Robin's Reef light, thence around a stake-boai off Pollock's Dock, thence back to the buoy off Robin's Reef,
94 YACHTIXG.
and thence home, passing Bedloe's Island to the eastward. Distance sixteen miles. Prizes : First class, silver goblet ; second class, marine glass. The Salus won the first prize ; the Nettie the second class prize.
Judges : Charles H. Murray, Eichard A. Wood, and S. Quaife.
Ninth annual regatta was sailed on Wednesday, June 20, 1866, and was one of the most spirited ever arranged by the Jersey City Yacht Club, who have from the date of their formation, as far back as 1858, enjoyed deservedly the good-will and respect of all lovers of American yachting, for the efforts and exertion they have made to promote yachting pastime in the waters of New York Bay. The Club was favored with a fine breeze blow- ing steadily from the south-west, just strong enough for the boats belonging to the Association. The neat steamboat Chicopee was chartered for the occasion, and she was filled to overflowing with the members, their friends and invited guests. She left the Cunard dock shortly before the start, and accompanied the boats over the course, which was as follows : From the flag-boat, an- chored outside of the trestle of the Central Railroad, off" the Club-House, to a stake-boat anchored oiF Coney Island Point, passing it to the east and south ; thence back to the starting point, passing the flag-boat to the west and north. The second class yachts started from the same point and sailed around Fort Lafayette, passing it to the east and south ; thence back to the flag-boat, passing it to the west and north. The first class yachts are those measuring over twenty-three feet ; the second class, those measuring twenty-three feet and under. The first class were allowed for time two seconds per square foot of canvas, and the second class two and a quarter seconds per square foot.
The following yachts entered and started:
First Class, — Salus, Commodore Walton, one thousand and fifty square feet; Virginia, Captain Hill, one thousand one hun- dred and forty feet; Severn, Captain Duncup, nine hundred and twenty-seven feet; Jennie, Captain Sclah Hill, six hundred and seventy-seven feet; Nameless, Captain Human, six hundred and
YACHTIXG. 95
seventy feet: L*tiis, Captain Janewav, five hundred and seventy feet ; Psyche, Captain Pearson, five hnndred and foity feet.
Second Class, — H. C. TTalton, Commodore Walton, four hmi- dred and fourteen feet ; Zorav, Captain TTads worth, three hun- dred and eighty-nine feet ; Comet, Captain Ketchum, tvro hun- dred and eighty-five feet ; Lizzie, Captain H. Jahne. two hundred and twenty-seven feet ; Zephyr, Captain C. Smith, two hundred and one feet ; Xeptune, Captain Reynolds, one hundred and ninety-seven feet.
At about twenty minutes past one o'clock the signal started them off handsomely, and for some time they kept well together, the Walton, Comet, and Zoray, leading the second class boats around Fort Hamilton ; and the Salus, Yirginia, and Jennie, lead- ing the first class boats at turning of tbe outer stake off Coney Island Point. The return trip, although close and exciting, did not change the positions of the competitors very materially, and tbey reached the home fiag-boat as follows : Of the first class boats, Salus, winner of the first prize, at three o'clock fifty-four minutes ; Virginia, at four o'clock ; Jennie, at four o'clock and four and a quarter minutes ; Xameless, Severn, Lotus, and Psyche, followino: in the order they are named, fifteen minutes later. The Jennie was awarded the second prize. The prizes were, fii'st, an eleo^ant marine o^lass : second, an octag:on silver medal with the winning boat in relief, and an appropiiate inscription. The prizes for second class boats were silver medals.
Of the second class boats the Walton reached the home stake- boat first, at three o'clock twenty-five and a half minutes ; Comet second, at three o'clock twenty-seven and a half minutes ; Zoray third, at three o'clock and thirty-two minutes ; Lizzie, Xeptime, and Zephyr, in the order oi their names. The Comet was de- clared the winner of tlie first prize for second class yachts. The Walton was awarded the second prize in this class.
Soiree of Jersey City Yaclic Club, — The first and only ball ever given by this Club was held on Tuesday evening, February 14, 1860, at Metropolitan Hall, Jersey City, under the direction of the following committee, appointed by Commodore Van
\)b YACHTING.
Duser, ^dz. Messrs. Grain, Miller, Pearson, Murray, Jahne, Mason, Van ^Yart, Clerk, Jardine, ISTegus, Sherman, Reynolds, Hill, Lamb, and Grinnell. The room was crowded with " fair women and brave men ; " constituting a most brilliant assemblage. The decorations, comprising the colors, signals, etc., of the numerous yachts of the squadron, were elegantly and tastily festooned around the walls of the hall, forming appropriate and showy ornaments ; while, to cap the climax, Noll's superb music dis- coursed their sweetest notes during the evening. All present enjoyed the occasion to the top of their bent, and the fair devo- tees of Terpsichore paid homage to their deity in quadrille, polka, redowa, and schottische,
" Till the night grew grey in the coming dawn."
THE CLUB-HOUSE.
When the Central Railroad erected their bridge across the bay, it seriously incommoded the sailing facilities of the Club, as it almost sealed them in, leaving for their egress only a small gap of about forty feet in width, at the eastern portion of the net- work, and at a very inconvenient distance from the Club-House. Therefore it became necessary to change its location. At pre- sent the Club-House is built upon piles, connecting by bridge to the end of pier on the south side of the track of the New Jer- sey Central. The Club-House is well protected fi^om storms by the bulkhead in front. The anchorage is very fine, leaving a depth of five feet at low water. The house is tastily and neatly furnish- ed, and is ornamented with handsome marine pictures and models of the various yachts belonging to the fleet. From it may be enjoyed a delightful view of New York Bay, the Hudson river, and the City of New York.
YACHTS OWNED BY THE CLUB FOR 1866.
Salus, H. C. Walton, thirty-fonr ft. six in. ; Virginia, S. P. Hill, thirty -three ft. : Severn, A. T>. White, thirty-three ft. ; Jennie, S. Y\\ Hill, thirty ft. ; Lizzie, Schoonmaker, tliirty ft. ; Lotus, W. k F. Janeway, twenty-seven ft. six in. ; Psyche, P. Miller, twen-
YACHTING. 97
tj-eight ft. ; Nameless, S. Homans, twenty-eight ft. ; Zoray, W. Woodworth, twenty-three ft. ; Walton, H. C. Walton, twenty- two ft. ten in. ; Comet, S. C. Ketchum, eighteen ft. five in. ; Sunny Side, J. R. McComb, twenty ft. ; Gazelle, A. Clerk, eight- een ft. ; Lizzie Smith, G. Smith, seventeen ft. ; Jessie, C. H. Murray, sixteen ft. six in. ; Neptune, H. Teazy, sixteen ft. six in. ; Zephyr, C. A. Smith, sixteen ft. five in.
UNION YACHT CLUB.
The Union Yacht Club of New York was founded January 7, 1864, and incorporated March 14, 1865. Their first annual regatta was sailed on the 27th July, 1864. The course was fi-om a stake-boat ofi" New Brighton, Staten Island, to a boat moored off Owl's Head, Long Island, and return — making a dis- tance of some twenty-seven miles. The followmg yachts com- peted : Mist, forty tons, C. J. Ketchum ; Lillie, ten tons. Com- modore James ; Katydid, fourteen tons, L. Ketchum ; Pauline, fourteen tons, Messrs. Peters ; and the Iris, fourteen tons, M. Willett. The Lillie, while proceeding from Cold Spring to the rendezvous, encountered a severe gale, which prevented her from taking part in the race. The Katydid came in first, the Pauline second, and the Iris third.
At the time of the Union Club's formation they numbered thirty-five members, and owned six yachts. The Union Club did not have any annual regatta in 1865, but in lieu thereof, a match race between the Lillie, twelve tons, Vice-Commodore Julian James, and the Katydid, fourteen tons, Landon Ketchum, took place on the 25th June. The course was as follows: From a stake-boat off New Brio-hton to red buov No. 18 ; thence to South-west Spit, and return, passing buoys 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 on the West bank, to the eastward.
The yachts got under way at 11.58|-Q-. They rounded buoy 18 as follows: Lillie, 12.l7f|; Katydid, 12.18. The Katydid passed the Lillie on the down-stretch at about one p.m. The
5
98 YACHTIKG.
Lillie, however, regained her position by 1.20 p.m. They rounded South-west Spit as folio w^s : Lillie, 1.58 ; Katydid,
At can-buoy No. 11, the Lillie was six minutes ahead. The Katydid, however, passed the Lillie about half an hour before they reached Fort Lafayette. They rounded buoy 18 as follows : Katydid, o.36 J-f ; Lillie, 5.39|-§-. They reached the stake-boat off New^ Brighton as follows: Lillie, 6.11; Katydid, 6.13ff. The Lillie had an allowance of four minutes, and was the victor by six minutes and thirty-tw^o seconds.
The yachts were ably sailed (by owners), and the race closely contested. Several yachts of the Brooklyn and Hoboken Clubs, and a party of gentlemen in steamer J. C. Gibbs, accompanied the boats over the course.
The third annual regatta of the Club was sailed on Thursday, June 13, 1866. The course was from a stake-boat in Gowanus Bay to the South-w^est Spit and back, for a prize of a silver set, valued at one hundred and fifty dollars. Three yachts, the Glance, Mist, and Fonchie, were entered, but the Mist did not start. At twenty-five minutes past ten o'clock the yachts started with a fresh wdnd from the west. Passing Fort Lafayette the Fonchie was a few minutes ahead. The steamer with the regatta committee on board steamed for the South-west Spit, where she arrived in time to see the vessels round the buoy at the following time: Fonchie, 12.07; Glance, 12.21. On the way down, the Fonchie was sailing under jib and mainsail — the Glance having the same, with the addition of her gaff-topsail. After rounding the buoy to return, the Fonchie set her jib-top- sail, but it did not prevent the little Glance from gaining on her. The Foil cl lie reached the stake-boat at 1.51, the Glance not ari'iviiio; until two o'clock — the Fonchie thereby winning the race. The Fonchie was allowed three minutes and fifteen seconds over her rival, being a sloop of thirty-four feet and nine inches in length, while the length of the Ghmce was thirty-eight feet. Both vessels were allowed as much sail as they could carry.
The Club is in a very flourishing condition, and its growth thus
YACHTIXG. 99
far has greatly exceeded the expectations of its founders. The members are all young men, and practical amateur yachtsmen. The Club-rooms are situated at 177 Fifth Ayenue, and are adorned with modelsj yachting-pictures, etc.
Officers of the Union Yacht Cluh in 1864. — Commodore, Julian James ; Yice-Commodore, M. Willett.
Officers for the Year 1865. — Commodore, Charles G. Ketchum; Vice-Commodore, Julian James; Eecording Secretary, E. H. Lacombe ; Treasurer, E. R Crary.
Officers for the Year 1866. — Commodore, Charles J. Ketchum ; Yice-Commodore, Julian James ; Eecording Secretary, John A. Johnson ; Treasurer, E. Henry Lacombe ; Corresponding Secre- tary, Edwa^'d F. Crary ; Measurer, William Potter ; Regatta Committee, J. De Lancey Xeil, Edward F. Crary, Joseph A. Gillett.
lONE YACHT CLTJB OF NEW YORE.
The lone Yacht Club was organized September 12, 1865, with the following list of yachts and owners : lone, sloop-rigged, twenty-four feet keel, owned and built by WiUiam H. CoiTiet ; Flirt, sloop, twenty- one feet long, built and owned by W. H. Cornet ; sloop Uncle Ben, twenty-four feet long, owned and built by Joseph A. Weayer ; Slipper, sloop-rigged, twenty-two feet keel, owned and built by J. A. Weayer; Twilight, sloop, twenty-six feet long, owned by S. H. Elliott and Charles H. Gage ; Laura, twenty feet long, owned by S. H. Elliott ; Lurline, sloop, twenty-one feet long, owned by George W. Osborne and Peter Hanlon, built by W. H. Cornet ; Saidy, sloop-rigged, seyenteen feet long, owned by George Walker.
The regular regatta of the Club was sailed on Wednesday, May 9, 1866.
Tlie course to be sailed oyer was twenty miles in length, the boats starting from the foot of Fifty-second street, Xorth Riyer, passing up the Hudson and rounding a stake-boat stationed oppo-
100 YACHTING.
site to Pleasant Valley ; then returning and rounding a second stake-boat nearly facing the starting-point, and again sailing as far as Pleasant Valley and back.
The following sail-boats, owned by members of the Club, were entered for the race :
The lone, a twenty-three feet sail-boat, sailed by R. McWin- ney ; the Flirt, a nineteen feet six inches boat, sailed by Com- modore W. H. Cornet : the Uncle Ben, a twenty-three feet boat, sailed by James A. Weaver ; the Lurline, a nineteen feet six inches sail-boat, sailed by Peter Hanlon.
At fifteen minutes to twelve o'clock the signal was given and the boats started with a good breeze. The Flirt passed the upper stake-boat at 12.34|^, the Lurline at 12.35i-|-j the lone at 12.39, and the Uncle Ben at 12.39-if. They passed the second stake-boat as follows: Uncle Ben, 1.46-^; lone, 1.50|^; Flirt, 2.23 ; and the Lurline at 2.24-^. On the second round the Flirt carried away her jib and the Lurline swamped on account of the high wind.
The Uncle Ben came in ahead of the lone at twenty minutes of five o'clock, and four minutes later the second boat reached the pier; the Flirt and Lurline being completely distanced.
The boats were accompanied on the race by the Fawn, owned and manned by members of the Fawn Yacht Club.
On Thursday, June 29, 1866, the boats of the Club sailed a race for two prizes, an ensign and club burgee, and a set of silver.
The starting-point was from a stake-boat anchored off the foot of West Fifty-second street, and the course w^as thence to and around a stake-boat off Bull's Ferry ; thence around a stake- boat off Day's Point, near the Elysian Fields, and back to the first boat. The race was a sail of three times over this course* The boats entered were the lone, by Robert McWinney ; Flirt, by W. n. Comet ; Uncle Ben, by Joseph H. Weaver ; Lurline, by Peter Hanlon ; Twilight, by W. IL Gage.
The lone won the first prize, beating the Flirt only twenty seconds. The Twilight did not finish the race.
Officers for 18G5 — Commodore, W. IL Cornet; Vice-Commo-
YACHTI^^G. 101
dore, George W. Osborne ; Recording Secretary, Joseph D. Malone ; Treasurer, Joseph A. Weaver.
Officers for 1866 — Commodore, W. H. Cornet; Vice-Commo- dore, G. W. Osborne ; Recording Secretary, N. A. Depew ; Cor- responding Secretary, J. D. Malone ; Treasurer, W. E. Winans. Club Rooms, Fifty-second street and Eleventh Avenue.
The lone Yacht Club held their first annual ball on Wednesday night, February 7, 1866, at the Everett Rooms. The ball-room was handsomely decorated with bunting and yacht ensigns, and the festivities were prolonged until "fair Aurora heralded in the rosy morn."
THE ATLANTIC YACHT CLUB.
The first annual regatta of the Atlantic Yacht Club was sailed OQ Monday, June 11, 1866.
The entries consisted of two classes, namely, first and second class sloops. There were no schooners or cat-rigged boats re- presented in the race. The following yachts were entered : —
First Class Sloops. — 1. Psyche, Captain Fitch B. Taylor; 2. Annie Laurie, Captain C. P. Low ; 3. Black Hawk, Captain G. R. Maxwell; 4. Lois, Commodore Lyman; 5. Dolphin, Cap- tain T. W. Sheridan ; 6. Frolic, Captain C. T. Lippitt.
Second Class Sloops. — 1. Agnes, Captain Edward Harvey ; 2. Lizzie, Captain W. H. Langiey; 3. Alida, Captain. Philip Bra- sher ; 4. Nameless, Captain Sheppard Homans ; o. Hector, Captain William Peet ; 6. Lnp, Captain H. W. Hubbell, Jr. ; 7. Zaidee, Captain C. T. Litchfield.
The course was from the anchorage-ground ofi" the Club-House to and around a stake-boat off Coney Island, turning the same from east to west; thence to a stake-boat ofi" buoy No. 9, at the tail of the West bank, turning the same from the eastward and home, steering to the eastward of the West bank buoys on the way up. No allowance was made for the size of sails or ton- nage, each yacht-owner being allowed to crowd on all the canvas
102 YACHTING.
he desired. The rules also provided that each boat should be sailed by its owner or a member of the Club, and this added greatly to the interest of the race. It was amateur pitted against amateur.
The wind was so light that the race turned out to be merely a drifting match, and the trial was far from being a satisfactory test of the speed of the boats. The day was, however, a beauti- ful one, and the excursionists enjoyed the gala-day with great zest.
Soon after 12 m. the signal was given from the deck of steam-tug William Fletcher, which conveyed the judges and invi- ted guests, and the yachts moved off in good style, under a favor- able but light wind. The view of the start was very fine. As the boats passed through the Narrows, the Lizzie, of the second class, which led at the start, was distanced by the Agnes, Alida, and Hector, of her class, and the Psyche of the first class. The Coney Island stake-boat was passed in the following order : Psyche, Black Hawk, Alida, A.nnie Laurie, Hector, Frolic, Agnes, the time being about 1.20 o'clock. The Hector and Agnes took the lead on the home stretch, beating the Psyche ; but the latter vessel soon overhauled her competitors, and but for the wind dying away would have led the turn at the home stake. The Hector and Agnes, however, came in first.
The prizes were won by the Psyche, of the first class, and the Hector of the second class. The first annual regatta of the Atlantic Yacht Club passed off in a highly successful manner, and the committee of arrangements deserve great credit for the good taste with which this, their first efi'ort in the yachting world, was carried through.
THE OFFICERS OF THE ATLANTIC YACHT CLUB.
Commodore, T. C. Lyman ; Vice-Commodore, Wm. M. Bra- sher ; Secretary, C. T. Lippitt ; Treasurer, G. Rogers Maxwell ; Measurer, Edward Harvey ; Chaplains, Eevs. A. A. Willets and James Eells.
The Regatta Committee were Messrs. John. T. Moore, Oliver G. Carter, William N. Puffer, Charles Condit, and Benson Van
YACHTING. 103
Vliet ; and tlie Judges, Messrs. William M. Mannies, Lucien Birdseye, and John T. Moore.
OCEAN VOYAGE OF THE YACHT ALICE.
The sloop-yacht Alice, owned by Mr. T. D. Appleton of Boston, and commanded by Captain Arthur H. Clark, sailed from that city on the 11th of July, 1866, and arrived at Cowes, Eng- land, on the 30th of July, makmg a fine passage across the Atlantic in nineteen days, six hours, and twenty minutes.
For three days, off the banks of Newfoundland, she encountered heavy gales, and found that she was in company with large vessels under reefs during the storm, passing them with double-reefed mainsail and bonnet off the jib. The remainder of the passage she had favorable winds, with only two days' calm weather. The wind was generally from the south-west and north-west. The Alice is the only yacht that has crossed the Atlantic with her racing sails. The Alice was built in Boston, and is twenty-seven tons American measurement, fifty-three feet long, seventeen feet six inches beam, and draws six feet two inches of water. She spreads one thousand and three hundred yards of canvas. At the regatta in Boston, of July 4, 1866, she came in a good second, being beaten only four minutes by a larger boat, the Edwin Forrest, a pilot-boat.
When only a short distance from the American coast, inward- bound steamers, vessels, and pilot-boats, hailed the Alice, suppos- ing she had been blown out to sea, and were greatly surprised when they learned she was bound on a voyage across the Atlantic. WTien about half-way across she was an object of much curiosity. When hailed and asked if anythiug could be done to assist her, if she required a supply of bread and water, the answer invariably was : " No, thank you ; we are comfortable enough." W^hen within two days' sail of the English coast, on answering the various questions, and particularly the inquiry of how long out, '^ Seven- teen days from Boston," the old salts refused to believe any such
104 YACHTING.
statement. But one vessel outsailed her, and she was an East Indiaman.
At the annual regatta dinner of the Royal Yacht Squadron, given at the Castle, Cowes, August 8, 1866, the Commodore said he had a pleasing toast to propose, which was, " The health of Mr. Appleton, the owner of the Alice." He was delighted to see American gentlemen coming amongst them, as they obtained some good and useful hints from them, and they were thus enabled to make great improvements on their own lines. It was really a most gallant act for the owner and a son of the great poet Longfellow, with the assistance of only three men, to cross the Atlantic in so small a vessel.
This toast was most enthusiasticallv received.
SAILING REGATTA IN BOSTON.
On the Fourth of July, 1866, the friends of yachting in Boston arranged an interesting regatta as a portion of the celebration of " Independence Day" in that city. There had been no sailing regatta of any great importance in Boston for nearly twenty years, and those friendly to yachting recreation resolved to ren- der the aquatic demonstration a success. The city authorities also gave the affair their influence and aid. The result was, that more than fifty yachts entered.
First Class, — Yachts measuring over fifteen tons (new mea- surement)— allowance of time fifty seconds per ton. Schooner Surprise, 32 tons, keel; schooner C. Barclay, 25.50 tons, keel ; schooner Edwin Forrest, 36.16 tons, keel ; schooner Glimpse, twenty-three tons, keel ; schooner Minnie, 20.25 tons, keel ; sloop Alice, 27.44 tons, keel ; schooner Nettie, 54.34 tons, centre- board ; sloop Psyche, 20.45 tons, centre-board.
Second Class, — Under fifteen and over five tons — allowance fifty seconds per ton. Sloop Kelpie, 7.7 tons, centre-board; sloop Tartar, 12.86 tons, centre-board; sloop Iris, 11.52 tons, centre- board; sloop Scud, 5.63 tons, centre-board; sloop Violet, 11.00
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tons, centre-board ; sloop Xapoleon, 8.07 tons, centre-board ; scliooner Dawn, 6. 3 7 tons, keel ; schooner Ranger, 6.00 tons, keel; scliooner J. Q.Adams, 5.91 tons, keel; schooner Osceola, 7.04 tons, keel ; scliooner Mercury, 6.92 tons, keel ; sloop Mist, 5.80 tons, keel ; sloop Columbia, 12.95 tons, keel.
Third Class. — Yacbts under five tons — allowance of time, one minute per foot. Sloop Ecbo, length, twenty-six feet, cen- tre-board ; sloop Mary Ellen, length, thirty-three feet, centre- board ; sloop Magic, length, twenty-five feet two inches, centre- board ; sloop Mandy, lenglh, twenty-one feet, centre-board ; sloop Coquette, lengi:h, twenty feet, centre-board ; sloop \VTiite Boat, length, twenty-two feet, centre-board ; sloop Secret, length, twenty-two feet, centre-board ; sloop Plymouth Rock, length, twenty feet, centre-board ; schooner Clithero, length,
, centre-board ; schooner Marion, length, twenty-seven feet ;
sloop Sonoma, length, twenty feet, keel ; sloop Little Xellie, length, twenty-two feet, keel ; schooner Ariel, length, twenty feet, keel ; schooner Ion, length, tw^enty-one feet, keel ; sloop Eclipse, length, twenty -four feet, keel; schooner Xorth Star, length, twenty feet, keel ; sloop Macdufi", length, twenty feet, keel ; sloop Ceres, length, tw^enty-five feet, keel ; sloop Mary Elizabeth, length, twenty feet, keel ; schooner Minnehaha, length, twenty feet, keel ; sloop Parqueta, length, twenty-four feet, keel ; schooner Adelaide, length, twenty feet, keel ; sloop Scout, length, twenty- one feet, keel ; schooner Arion, length, twenty-one feet six inches- At 2.15 P.M. the first class got under way, followed at 2.48- |-| by the second class, and at 3.10 by the third.
The stake-boat off Nahant was turned by the Nettie at 6.10- |-§- ; Edwdn Forrest, at 3.15; Surprise, at 3.19|-g-; Alice, 3.1911; and Psyche, 3.20^f.
During the latter portion of the race the wdnd increased to a gale, rendering it extremely hazardous for the smaller yachts to complete the course.
The winners were, in the first class, Edwin Forrest and Nettie ; second class. Mist and J. Q. Adams