It was a merry sight on the 15th of November 1870, when boats of all
descriptions were gathered for a race, and nine yachts. The shipping,
with which the harbor was well filled, was ordered to change moorings,
and make a clear passage for the boats. An Order of Exercise was
printed for each of the two days, giving information of the names of
the Patrons, Committee, Stewards, Judge, Umpire, Starters. The Band
of Her Majesty’s 29th Regiment played, the names of the pieces being
duly entered on the handsome programme. Single pair sculling boats,
to be competed in by men who have never won a sculling race in China
or elsewhere; boats pulled by Non-commissioned officers and men of
any Regiment or Corps in Garrison, men of war Gigs, Pair Oars, and
two Pair Sculling Boats, House Boats pulled by Chinamen, Gig and Punt
Chase, Canoes; all open boats, Chinese excepted; yachts not exceeding
fifteen tons measurement; the Chinaman’s Cup, The American Cup,
presented by the American Community, The United Service Cup, The Canton
Cup, presented by the Canton Regatta Club, made up the attractive
programme. Some lady recently arrived is chosen to present the prize to
one of the winning competitors, with a little speech prepared for her.
The honor fell that year to one of our company. The yacht prize was won
by the Naiad, belonging to R. F. Hawke, Esq., an honorable citizen of
Hong Kong. A sailing match from Hong Kong to Macao was advertised to
come off the same season.