At a meeting of the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1837, it was moved and seconded: 'That the Commodore be requested to seek an interview or audience with Her Majesty, with a view to the continuance of the Royal Cup to be presented to the Yacht Club at Cowes.' The request was graciously accorded. The list of Cups presented by Her Majesty is given on p. 18. On the occasion of the Emperor and Empress of the French visiting Osborne, and landing in Osborne Bay in 1857, the Royal Yacht Squadron boats formed an escort round the Royal barge. [Illustration: 'Pearl,' The 'Falcon' _351 tons_ (_Earl of Yarborough_), 'Waterwitch.' _Off Spithead with the Royal Yacht Squadron on their voyage to Cherbourg_, 1832.] The Squadron has always been characterised by the large and powerful class of vessels composing it; and the oil picture now hanging in the dining-room at the Castle, painted by W. Huggins, 1835, shows the leading craft of that date, with the Commodore's yacht in the centre. This is the 'Falcon,' 351 tons, full ship rigged, carrying eleven guns on the broadside. The 'Pearl,' 130 tons, belonging to the Marquis of Anglesey, is coming up on the left side, dipping her gaff-topsail to the Commodore, who is under topsails with top-gallant sails loose; in the distance is a yacht, 'Pantaloon,' belonging to the Duke of Portland, brig rigged, with her topsail aback; a large schooner and several cutters are included. An engraving of this picture is lettered thus: 'The Right Honourable Lord Yarborough's yacht "Falcon," of 351 tons, off Spithead with the Royal Squadron, on their voyage to Cherbourg. Painted by W. Huggins, Marine Painter to His Majesty, and published by him at 105 Leadenhall Street. January 10, 1835. This was a grand period in the club's history for large yachts. These included the 'Pearl' and 'Alarm' cutters, and the schooners 'Dolphin' (217 tons), 'Xarifa,' 'Kestrel,' and 'Esmeralda.' A picture of this schooner, by Condy, is still in the possession of Lord Llangattock of The Hendre. Then came the 'Arrow' cutter of 'Chamberlayne' fame, with the well-known parti-coloured streak. She won and won until she was requested not to enter, which was hardly reasonable, as the enthusiastic owner improved her year by year, and kept well ahead of his day. [Illustration: 'Pearl,' R.Y.S., 130 tons (Marquis of Anglesey). Launched 1821.]