[Illustration: Cutter, 141 tons, from Stalkart's 'Naval Architecture,' 1781.] _October 1, 1665._--Lord's Day. Embarked on board the 'Bezan.' ... After supper on board the 'Bezan,' then to cards for a while and so to sleep; but Lord! the mirth it caused me to be waked in the night by the snoring around me. 1690.--Macaulay in his 'History' mentions a yacht. Caermarthen's eldest son--bold and volatile, fond of the sea, and living much among sailors--had a small yacht of marvellous speed. 1697.--Peter the Great is known to have added to the advancement of sailing and building yachts during his visit to this country. 1720-1737.--The Water Club of the harbour of Cork was established, to be held once every spring tide in April to the last in September, inclusive. The details of this doyen club will be found in its proper place, p. 99 _et seq._ [Illustration: Yacht stern, 1781.] Amidst all the voluminous MSS. of the Admiralty secured and appropriated by Samuel Pepys, it is unfortunate that no sketch or drawing of the Royal yacht of Charles II. is to be found. Search is vain among the papers at Cambridge, where most of the Diarist's gleanings are preserved. We must, therefore, start with existing Royal yachts, beginning with that built for King George III. in 1814, and now lying in Portsmouth Harbour. The Royal yacht 'Royal George' was laid down at Deptford, May 1814, designed by Sir Henry Peake, Surveyor of the Navy, and she was launched at Deptford in July, 1817. Her dimensions were as follow: ft. in. Length between perpendiculars 103 0 " keel for tonnage 84 4-1/2 Breadth, extreme 26 8 " for tonnage 26 6 Depth of hold 11 6 Burden in tons, 330 tons. The 'Royal George' was used on Her Majesty's accession, 1837; she was rigged as a ship, and was remarkable for excellent sailing qualities. The captain appointed was Lord Adolphus FitzClarence, G.C.B., &c. The 'Royal George' was laid up in Portsmouth Harbour, in charge of the Master and only fitted out when specially required for Royal service. The lieutenants, mates, assistant-surgeon, and crew were stationed on board a 10-gun brig, H.M.S. 'Pantaloon,' attached to the Royal yacht as tender. This vessel was employed in looking after fishermen, carrying mails, and on other services that might be required. 'Esmeralda,' cutter, under command of the second master, was also attached to the Royal yacht as tender.