of the Thames Yacht Club. So that those members of the 'Coronation' Fleet who did not join in 1823 were finally absorbed in the Thames Yacht Club in 1831. Since that period the life of the club has flowed along pretty evenly, with a few ups and downs, like the noble river from which it takes its name. The first match of the Thames Yacht Club was held on September 9, 1823, for a cup valued at 25 guineas, when ten boats entered. They sailed the old course from Blackfriars Bridge, and finished at Cumberland Gardens; but in this case, for want of wind, the match had to be re-sailed on the 10th, when the cup was won by the 'Spitfire,' Mr. T. Bettsworth. The following year they had an above- and a below-bridge match, and this was regularly continued until 1840, after which the above-bridge match was given up. The 'Don Giovanni,' owned by Mr. J. M. Davey, won cups in 1824 and 1826; she was considered the crack boat of her day, and there is a song in existence which ends as follows:-- Now toast the Don Giovanni's crew, who bear the prize away, And may they always sail as well as they have sail'd to-day! Then fill each glass with sparkling wine, and bumpers let them be, And drink to Captain Davey's health--his health with three times three: For the cup is won, the match is done, And settl'd is the rub; Let mirth abound, and glee go round. In this--the Thames Yacht Club. [Footnote 22: _Globe_, August 5, 1823.] In 1827 a 50-guinea cup was given to be raced for, from Blackwall to Gravesend and back, to celebrate the event of His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence becoming patron of the Thames Yacht Club. This was won by the 'Lady Louisa,' belonging to Mr. T. Smith. The following year there was a split off from the club, caused by their refusal to give prizes for very small boats, so the seceders formed the Clarence Yacht Club, which existed for several years. On August 28, 1830, two cups were given to be raced for below bridge, in honour of the Duke of Clarence coming to the throne as William IV. The yachts sailed in two classes, the first of which was won by the 'Matchless,' 19 tons, Mr. J. Hyatt; and the second by the 'Brilliant,' 8 tons, Mr. W. Bucknall. On October 7 of the same year, at a meeting of the club, it was resolved 'that the uniform button should be altered from T.Y.C. to R.T.Y.C.'; in other words, they had become the 'Royal Thames Yacht Club.' This year the fleet of the club consisted of forty-three vessels. [Illustration: Lord Alfred Paget's 'Mystery' passing 'Blue Belle' May 23, 1843.]