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
The Royal Western Yacht Club was established in 1827, and was at that
time known as the Port of Plymouth Royal Clarence Regatta Club; in
1833 it became the Royal Western Yacht Club. H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex
consented to become patron and H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent patroness,
eight presidents were appointed, one of whom, Sir T. D. Acland, is
still living in Devonshire. The vice-presidents, twenty-one in number,
were all men of high position and great influence. A most interesting
list of the yachts in 1835, giving the names of the boats, is still in
the possession of the club. Unfortunately there is not space to print
this in full, valuable as it would be as a record; still certain
points must be noted. There were 43 yachts in the list: of these 17
were clinker-built, like the 'Harriet' cutter of Cowes, 96 tons,
belonging to Sir B. R. Graham, Bart., a very handsome craft carrying a
crew of eleven hands. Ten were carvel-built, 16 not classified. This
was the period of general introduction of carvel surfaces. Sir T. D.
Acland's yacht 'Lady St. Kilda' was the largest schooner and largest
yacht belonging to the Royal Western Yacht Club. Her complement of
hands was eleven. Another point worthy of attention is the proportion
of rigs adopted: out of 43 vessels, 29 were cutters, 5 schooners, 4
yawls, 5 no rig given.
The regattas were held at first on the anniversary of the coronation
of His Majesty George IV., and the members were to be distinguished by
a uniform worn on the day of the regatta, and at such other times as
they might think proper.
Undress: Short blue jacket with round collar, single-breasted--six
buttons in front, and three on each cuff. White or blue kerseymere
waistcoat, with six buttons. White trousers. Blue and white shirt.
Full dress: Blue coat, with buttons on breast and cuffs. White
kerseymere waistcoat. White shirt, black handkerchief, white trousers.
The president, the vice-presidents, and the stewards were to have
three buttons on a slash cuff, and to wear blue pantaloons.
The regatta takes place about September 1, when there is generally a
great meeting. About four hundred members and one hundred yachts
belong to the club. The Royal Navy contributes innumerable classes of
craft to compete in the racing, whilst the trawlers and fishing
vessels all come in for the sports, producing one of the most
picturesque gatherings to be seen anywhere. The secretary is Capt. H.
Holditch, who has kindly furnished the information here given.
THE ROYAL VICTORIA YACHT CLUB, RYDE
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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