Yachting, Vol. 2Dufferin and Ava, Frederick Temple Blackwood, Marquis of
History
Yachting, Vol. 2
Dufferin and Ava, Frederick Temple Blackwood, Marquis of
Yacht racing; Yachting; Yachts
To small details in a racing vessel's outfit the Americans give much
more consideration than British yachtsmen think necessary. Many a
wrinkle might have been picked up, however, in making a careful study
of the 'Navahoe's' outfit, and there is no doubt that much of the gear
and ironwork in English yachts is too heavy. 'Navahoe's' failing was
want of stability, and this was found out on the other side before she
set out from home. Her iron skin was not in her favour, and we, on
this side, have yet to learn that a vessel can be properly laid on a
wind when steered with a wheel. The 'Navahoe' started 18 times and won
6 prizes. Including the Brenton Reef Challenge Cup, her gross winnings
amounted to 445_l._
The record of broken masts and other spars in connection with
first-class vessels was a remarkable one. It is likely that poor
quality wood brought about the majority of the breakages; in fact,
last season's spars were a rank bad lot. The case was different in
'Thistle's' year, that vessel having a really splendid lot of sticks.
It may be said that the 'Britannia' had no fewer than three masts in
her forty-three racing essays, one topmast, two bowsprits, and one
gaff; 'Calluna' two masts, one main boom, and one gaff; 'Valkyrie' one
mast, one topmast, one boom, and one bowsprit; and 'Satanita' one
bowsprit and one boom.
Referring to the 40-rating class, it was feared at the outset of the
season that neither 'Lais' nor 'Vendetta' was any improvement on the
over-year 'Varuna.' The last named had quite a triumphal march at the
outset, winning four class matches right off. It was at Lowestoft that
'Lais' first gave 'Varuna' a taste of her quality, as she beat the
latter by 13 mins. 34 secs. in moderate weather. 'Lais' was afterwards
victorious at Dover, Southampton (R. Southern), Largs Regatta, Royal
Western of Scotland, Mudhook, Royal Ulster, Royal Irish, Royal Alfred,
Royal Yacht Squadron (Australian Cup), Royal Victoria. Altogether she
made up a string of 29 prizes in 39 starts, and the gross value of her
winnings was 827_l._ 'Varuna' gained first honours in the Royal London
match (Thames), Brightlingsea Regatta, Royal Harwich (both days),
Royal Mersey (both days), Royal Clyde, Royal Ulster, Royal Cornwall
(S.O.), Royal Southampton (2), Royal Albert (2), Royal Dart, and Royal
Western, her winning total being 23 prizes in 40 starts, value 605_l._
The 'Vendetta' won her maiden race, and only one more (R. Southern),
before leaving the Channel. She was an improved boat when she joined
in on the Clyde and won round the Royal Northern course, and she was
subsequently to the fore in the Clyde Corinthian Regatta, Royal Clyde,
Royal Irish, Royal London (Cowes), Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Dorset
and Torbay (2). In all she gained 18 flags in 33, and the value of her
prizes amounted to 490_l._ The 'Thalia' only carried Judge Boyd's
colours ten times, and won six prizes, value 150_l._
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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