An eccentric finish to a yacht race occurred in connection with this club, in the contest for Ryde Town Purse, August 11, 1892, and other prizes for smaller classes. There was a nice breeze from the eastward at 10 A.M., and like a flight of swans the yachts were away together. At 2 P.M., when off the Peel Bank, not a breath of wind was there to help them. The committee decided to run up signal to shorten course and conclude at the first round. No sooner was this done and carried out than a brave westerly breeze sprang up and brought in about fifteen of the craft, all classes together, both great and small, all with feathered bows. The whole of the starters returned together within about ten minutes. The uncertainty of the turf is proverbial, but the uncertainty of the sea is no less remarkable. [Illustration: 'Princess Royal,' steamer 'Leda,' 'Seagull,' 'Hebe,' 'Phoebe.' First race of Mersey Yacht Club, June 16, 1845.] [Illustration: 'Queen of the Ocean,' R.M.Y.C., Commodore Littledale, saving emigrants from 'Ocean Monarch,' August 24, 1848.] THE ROYAL MERSEY YACHT CLUB This club, which was established in 1844, originally had its headquarters at Liverpool, the first commodore having been Dr. Grinwood, whose brother is now the only original member left. About 1878 the club quarters were moved to a large house in Birkenhead, close to the river, on the banks of which a pavilion has been constructed, as well as a large slip and two gridirons. During the whole time the club has only had two honorary secretaries, the past and the present. To the late secretary, Mr. Henry Melling, we are indebted for the two illustrations (p. 47); he drew and published them himself, much to his credit, as valuable data showing the rig of the time. The annual regatta is generally held at the latter end of June, the great drawback to Liverpool yachting being the tides and the bar, to diminish which great efforts are being made by dredging on an enormous scale. 1893 was the Jubilee Regatta. This was a great success. 'Britannia,' 'Satanita,' 'Iverna,' took part in the races, which were accompanied by the club steamer, carrying the Commodore, Col. Gamble, C.B., and the Hon. Secretary, Captain James Gladstone. [Illustration: Royal Mersey Yacht Club.] [Illustration: Yacht Club Burgees.] The first illustration is most interesting as bearing the names of the yachts which sailed in the first match of the club, Monday, June 16, 1845. The bowlines on the luff of the gaff topsails should be particularly noticed as a feature of this period. The bowline is also shown in the drawing of the 'Cygnet,' 35 tons, in a following chapter on Thames Clubs. The second outline represents the 'Queen of the Ocean' yacht, Commodore Littledale, R.M.Y.C., going to the rescue of the 'Ocean Monarch,' emigrant ship, on fire in Abergele Bay, North Wales, Thursday, August 24, 1848. THE ROYAL PORTSMOUTH CORINTHIAN YACHT CLUB BY G. L. BLAKE