The first notable Clyde racing yacht, of which there is any record, was launched by the Scotts in 1803, as already referred to on page 11 _ante_. She was a 45-1/2-ton cutter for Colonel Campbell, an Argyllshire soldier, and the launching ceremony, the honours of which were done by Lady Charlotte Campbell, was attended with military honours. For the twenty years immediately following the launch of this cutter, yachting made most pleasing progress, and in 1824 the Royal Northern Yacht Club was formed for the better organisation and encouragement of the pastime. The club had its origin in the North of Ireland, and had jurisdiction over that district, as well as over the West of Scotland up till 1838, when the Irish section was disbanded. The Royal Northern gave regattas throughout the season, at almost every suitable port, from Helensburgh on the Clyde to Oban. Amongst the leaders of the Clyde Division was John Scott, the second of the name, and a large number of the racing craft owned by the members were built by him. Indeed, one of the most experienced writers on Yachting in Scotland, Mr. J. D. Bell, says that "among the old yachting families of the West of Scotland, the Scotts and the Steeles filled the foremost place." Among the best remembered of the yachts built by John Scott were the cutters _Hawk_ and _Hope_, constructed for himself, and the _Clarence_, built for his son-in-law, the late Robert Sinclair. The _Hawk_ was a boat of about 30 tons, the _Hope_ was rather smaller, and was used for cruising rather than for racing; and the _Clarence_ was about 18 tons. The _Hawk_ was a successful racer, and secured many cherished prizes, but the _Clarence_ was her superior, and was the first of a long line of prize-winners which have brought renown to the Clyde. Indeed, in all she won over thirty challenge trophies, and in her best season never suffered defeat. Robert Sinclair, the owner, was himself a keen and accomplished yachtsman. [Illustration: Plate XXII. _From a painting at Halkshill._ THE "CLARENCE": AN EARLY RACING CUTTER.]