SCOTTISH CLUBS
THE ROYAL NORTHERN YACHT CLUB, ROTHESAY
BY R. T. PRITCHETT
The Clyde is, and always has been, the great yachting nursery and
centre of the North. The very mention of the name arouses all who have
pleasurable recollections of the great waters which lead up to the
narrow Clutha, whence emerged those monsters of the deep, 'Lucanias,'
and other triumphs of modern science. As recently as 1886 the steamer
'Industry,' built by Fife of Fairlie in 1814, was lying in the mud at
Haulbowline, after running some sixty years between Greenock and
Glasgow. Yacht-building has always been vigorously carried on in the
Great Estuary for three generations. The Fifes of Fairlie have
designed and built grand vessels there, though the flat shore presents
immense difficulties, which are greatly added to by the present
increase of draught and lead ballast in yachts of all classes.
[Illustration: 1824. Northern Yacht Club Seal.]
The Royal Northern Yacht Club is installed at that delightful spot,
Rothesay, noted for its fine bay; and though Clyde weather is known to
yachting men as being somewhat impulsive and petulant, whipping out
spars, destructive to balloon canvas unless the skipper is very
weatherwise indeed, still for real sailing the Clyde affords some of
the best courses in the world and the grandest sport from 23-footers
to 200-tonners.
[Illustration: Royal Northern Yacht Club, Rothesay.]
The Royal Northern Club had a very interesting origin. It dates from
1824, when it was founded by some gentlemen in the north of Ireland
and west of Scotland who were devotees of yachting. A few years later
the club was separated into two branches, an Irish and Scotch
division, as will be perceived by the flags given here in
illustration. One has the shamrock wreath, the other the thistles,
each division having its own committee and officials.
_Original Members_, A.D. 1824
No.
1. Thomas Pottinger (Admiral 1825)
2. John Turnley
3. J. E. Matthews
4. R. Kennedy
5. Robert Thomson (first secretary) 1824, and admiral, 1827
6. Gordon Thomson
7. G. Matthews
8. Henry J. McCracken
9. Edward S. Ruthven
10. Thos. Ch. Stewart Corry
11. George Russell
12, 13, 14. McCrackens, junrs.
15. J. Smyth, Helensburgh (for many years Commodore of R.N.Y.C.)
16. J. Carrick, Greenock
17. Robert Langtry
18. Robert Christian, Sligo
19. Claudius Armstrong, Dublin
20. Robert F. Gordon
21. Edward Forbes Orson, Balyreggan House, Stranraer
22. John Kennedy, Cuttra
The records of the Scotch division prior to 1846 were unfortunately
destroyed by an accident some years ago. The minute-book of the Irish
division has, however, survived. From it we find that at a meeting of
gentlemen interested in the foundation of the Northern Yacht Club,
held at Belfast on November 5, 1824, it was resolved 'that the
establishment of a yacht club is a highly desirable object.' A
committee was accordingly appointed to that end, Mr. Robert Thomson
being requested to act as secretary, and at a general meeting held
April 8, 1825, Mr. John Allan of Glasgow accepted the post of
secretary for the Clyde. At a general meeting at Belfast May 2, 1825,
the secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Allan, to consult with
the Scotch members and fix with them the place of rendezvous for the
first general meeting of the boats of the club. The date arranged was
the first Monday in June, and the Irish members declared that they
were ready to meet the Scotch members 'in any part of the Clyde' on
that day.
The club was known as the Northern Yacht Club. There is no record in
the minute-book of the burgee adopted, but in an old picture, now in
the club-house at Rothesay, the yachts are shown cruising off Garroch
Head, in the Clyde, with red ensigns, the burgee also red, with the
letters N.Y.C. in white. The present secretary has courteously sent a
photograph of this picture, also of the flags, as an historical
contribution. The first prizes offered were for pulling (rowing)
matches to take place in Ireland.
The Marquis of Donegall was the first President of the club, and Mr.
Thos. Pottinger, Admiral for 1825.
[Illustration: Royal Northern flags.]
The full dress of the club consisted of a blue coat with crimson silk
lining, with 'Marall's' vest, white or black pantaloons or breeches,
and silk stockings to correspond. Members who appeared at the dinners
of the club without this dress were fined 10s. At a general meeting
held at Greenock, on August 3, 1825, Mr. James Hamilton, of Holmhead,
was appointed Admiral for the ensuing year.
In May 1826, at Belfast, the yachts were divided into three classes:--
1st class over 30 tons register
2nd " " 15 " "
3rd " under 15 " "
The first regatta took place at Belfast, June 20, 21, 22, and on June
23 pulling races were rowed by members and their friends. On June 24
the yachts were to sail together 'in a fleet,' and 'manoeuvre under the
directions of the Admiral.' This is quite an echo of the Cork Water
1720 Club.
A proposal of the Scottish members to separate the Club into two
distinct branches was agreed to on May 16, 1827. It was probably after
this date that each division had a distinguishing burgee; from an old
print of these flags now in the club-house at Rothesay, the Irish
division seems to have flown a red burgee with a harp, the Scottish
division being distinguished by a lion in white.
H.M. King William IV. became Patron of the club in September 1830, and
from that time it was known as the Royal Northern Yacht Club.
In 1831 the yachts of the Club were arranged in classes as under:--
1st class over 75 tons register
2nd " " 50 tons and under 75 tons
3rd " " 30 " " " 50 "
4th " " 20 " " " 30 "
5th " " 15 " " " 20 "
6th " under 15 tons
A two days' regatta was held at Belfast in 1836. The different classes
just described were started at an interval of half an hour between
each, beginning at 10.30 A.M., the prize for each class being ten
sovereigns. On the second day a very important event took place, the
race for the Belfast Cup, value 100_l._, a time race for all sizes.
Eight vessels to start, or no race. Entry 3_l._; the second yacht to
save her stake. It is to be regretted that the details of this race
cannot be given. On May 21, 1838, at a meeting held of the few
remaining members of the Irish division, it was resolved to dissolve
that half of the Club and hand over any funds (they amounted to 14_l._
17_s._ 2_d._) to the secretary of the Scottish division.
[Illustration: Northern Yacht Club cruising off Garroch Head, 1825.
(_From a Painting by Hutcheson at R.N.Y. Club, Rothesay._)]
It is unfortunate that the records of the Scottish division and of the
Royal Northern Club, after the dissolution and prior to 1846, have
been lost. It had prospered much. The Clyde was developing rapidly and
with great energy, as is shown by their four days' Regatta in 1835,
the first day at Helensburgh, the second at Greenock, the third at
Dunoon, the fourth at Largs, which is without doubt one of the most
enthusiastic of yachting stations.
It would be well to record here the cracks of the Clyde in 1835. The
'Gleam' (see illustration on next page), Falcon, 'Nymph' and
'Clarence,' were very leading craft.
Tartar 30 tons A. Morris
Sylph 30 " J. Crooks
Dream 66 " A. Ranken
Gleam (Fife)[3] 30 " H. Gore Booth
Clarence 15 " R. Sinclair
Amethyst 20 " J. Smith
Wave 15 " T. C. Buchanan
Emma 15 " Jas. Bogle
Falcon 15 " Jas. Kerr
Nymph 15 " H. F. Campbell
[Footnote 3: The first celebrated cutter by Fife of Fairlie was
'Lamlash,' 1814.]
Clyde yachting was now firmly established; Largs, Gourock, Greenock,
Dunoon, Helensburgh, Rothesay, were the stations most frequented, and
each successive season brings them forward more prominently, with
well-sustained reputation.
The present club-house at Rothesay was built in 1878, and the Royal
Northern Yacht Club regattas are naturally always now held at that
place, started from the Commodore's yacht which is moored off
Craigmore for that purpose. A chart of the course is given, showing
the whole set of different distances.
The prominent feature of this club is that it has from a very early
period of its history had a club yacht, which is open to hire by
members for periods not exceeding a fortnight, and fine vessels they
have from time to time chosen. The first was the well-known 'Orion,'
then came 'Mosquito,' a grand iron boat built in 1848, designed by
Waterman, and now a pilot boat doing good work. 'Æolus' came next. In
1885 the club had their present vessel, the 'Ailsa,' 66 tons, built by
Fife of Fairlie; and who better could have been chosen?
It has already been mentioned that Mr. John Allan, of Glasgow, was the
first secretary for the Clyde, 1825. Mr. E. F. Donald is the present
secretary.
[Illustration: Midship Section.
'Gleam,' designed and built by Fife of Fairlie, 1834.]
There is no doubt that, if variety be really charming, very charming
weather can be found in the Clyde waters, even within the six-hour
limit: dead calm, Zephyr, good sailing breeze, rain squalls, white
squalls, and the rest.
[Illustration: Royal Northern Yacht Club, Rothesay.]
ROYAL CLYDE YACHT CLUB
BY G. L. BLAKE
The history of the Royal Clyde Yacht Club affords one more proof of
the old belief that slow and steady progress is the most enduring.
It is now nearly forty years since the following very modest
announcement, under the heading 'Clyde Model Yacht Club,' appeared in
the 'Glasgow Herald,' of August 28, 1856:--
A number of gentlemen connected with yachting propose to
form a club under the above designation, with the view of
furthering a greater amount of emulation amongst the
proprietors of small yachts. It is proposed to take in
yachts under 8 tons only, being the smallest acknowledged by
the Royal Northern Yacht Club, and to have an annual
regatta, to be held in rotation at the various
watering-places along the coast.
In answer to this call a meeting was held shortly after at the Globe
Hotel, Glasgow, on which occasion about thirty-one gentlemen entered
their names on the club's list as members. Messrs. Jas. Gilchrist,
Archibald Kennedy, Richard Ferguson, Jas. Mum, J. Gibson, Jas.
Spencer, Jas. Sutherland, and W. Kennedy were chosen to form the first
committee and draw up a code of rules, Mr. W. Kennedy acting as
secretary and treasurer.
At a general meeting held the following month, September, the late Mr.
Jas. Smith, of Jordan Hill, was elected first Commodore, and Mr. Tom
Holdsworth Vice-Commodore, and before the end of the year the little
club boasted some fifty members.
[Illustration: Royal Clyde Yacht Club Hunter's Quay. Est. 1856.]
On January 27, 1857, the Admiralty warrant was granted, allowing the
club to fly the blue ensign with their burgee: blue with a red lion on
a yellow shield in centre. Measuring officers were told off, who had
to deal with the old Thames Rule of measurement, excepting in the
method of taking the length, the club rule being that 'the length must
be taken from outside of the stem to the outside of the sternpost at
half the depth of each from the load water-line.' A curious provision
was made, too, with regard to racing flags. The club had a series of
flags numbered from 1 to 10, and each yacht was provided with a number
according to priority of entry for a race, but this kindly
thoughtfulness on the part of the ruling powers did not continue
beyond a couple of seasons, and members had to provide racing flags
for themselves, as they have done ever since.
Though an opening and other cruises had been held, together with a
small meeting at Largs, the first great event of the Clyde Model Yacht
Club took place on August 29, 1857, off Helensburgh, when four items
made up the programme, and Captain Small, Messrs. James Rowan, James
Gilchrist, Robert Hart, Dan Buchanon and Thomas Falconer did duty as
the sailing committee. The Commodore's yacht 'Wave' was moored off the
baths for the occasion, and the course chosen was from the Commodore
round the Shoal buoy--thence round a flag boat moored off Ardmore
Point and back round the Commodore's yacht, leaving all on the port
hand; twice round for the first and second races, and once round for
the third and fourth.
The first race was for yachts of 8 tons and under, and for this the
'Fairy Queen,' 8 tons, Mr. Grant, junior; 'Armada,' 7-1/2 tons, Mr.
Dickie; 'Bella,' 8 tons, Mr. Walker; and 'Maud,' 8 tons, Mr. St. Clair
Byrne, sailed, and finished in the order given.
In the second face for yachts of 6 tons and under, the 'Pearl,' 4-1/2
tons, Mr. Ferguson; 'Maria,' 5 tons, Mr. R. Lyall; 'Leda,' 6 tons, Mr.
Alexander Finlay; 'Comet,' 5 tons, Mr. Steven; and 'Clutha,' 5 tons,
Mr. Spencer, entered, the three first coming in as named.
The third race, for yachts of 4 tons and under, brought four
competitors together--the 'Francis,' 3-1/2 tons, Mr. Miller; 'Lily,'
3-1/2 tons, Mr. Ure; 'Echo,' 2-1/2 tons, Mr. Sutherland; and the
'Banshee,' 4 tons, Mr. Taylor. The 'Francis' won, followed home in the
order as above. The fourth item was for boats of 19 ft. over all, a
class which, though developed almost out of recognition, has always
remained a firm favourite.
It may here be noted that an attempt made at the close of the season
to introduce the American 'sail area' rule of measurement signally
failed.
Between the years 1857 and 1862 little of importance took place.
During 1863 the first symptoms of a break out from bounds was
exhibited, and prizes were given for a race for yachts of 25 tons and
under, besides one for yachts of 10 tons and under. A stipulation was
made with regard to the latter race--viz. that each yacht was to be
manned by one hand only, a dangerous though sporting condition which
had previously brought disaster and proved fatal in Irish waters, and
has never been permitted since. Both races filled, Mr. Fulton's
'Glide,' 14 tons, won the first, and Mr. McIver's 'Brenda,' 8 tons,
the second.
With this divergence from the original scheme on which the club was
founded the society threw off its old name and came out under the more
independent title of the Clyde Yacht Club. To celebrate this era the
annual regatta was lengthened out to a two days' programme, and the
'Lesbia,' 37, cutter; 'Reverie,' 41, schooner; 'Kilmeny,' 30, cutter,
and 'Dawn,' yawl, met to do battle with the 15-ton 'Torch,' the crack
of the year. Besides the annual regatta, at which yachts from all
parts of the kingdom were invited to compete, the Corinthian regatta
of the club must not be lost sight of or hidden away behind the lustre
of the great event of the season. It had formed part of each season's
programme of events for some years, and had been the means of
cultivating a true taste for amateur seamanship. Many a member can
look back to his first Corinthian race as the beginning of his
practical experience in yacht racing. The races at these regattas have
been mostly handicaps, and two or three are always open to yachts in
cruising trim. The only conditions of the regatta are that 'Yachts may
carry their ordinary paid hands, but no extra paid hands, and must be
steered by members of a yacht club.'
It is always pleasant to meet with names which are as well known as
the club to which they belong, to whom their club owes much, and whose
pride and interests are centred in its prosperity. It was in 1863 that
two such members' names were added to the official list--the late Mr.
J. A. Lockett as Rear-Commodore and Mr. William York as treasurer.
Both these gentlemen have for the last thirty years been busily
engaged in furthering the welfare of the club, the one in his capacity
as secretary or treasurer, or both, the other in several offices, but
principally as one of the house committee.
When the year 1867 closed the Clyde Yacht Club's first racing decade,
the club was well under way and able to hold its own with any existing
yacht-racing community, both as a provider of sport and for the
attractions offered to the lovers of yachts and yachting, when with
their friends they were brought together on the waters of the 'Bonny
Clyde.' This was noticeable in 1863, but it became much more so in
1865, when the well-known clippers 'Mosquito,' 59 tons; 'Glance,' 35
tons; 'Fiona,' 78 tons; and the 'Vindex,' 44 tons, came round to the
Firth to sail under the Clyde Club's auspices.
Though opening and closing cruises had always been in vogue since the
foundation of the club, it was left for the tenth year to start the
long series of these expeditions, which last from a Thursday to the
Monday morning following, and, with the combined attractions of
racing, cruising and social gatherings, have proved such pleasant
features in each season's yachting. The list of members had now
reached over 100, while the yacht tonnage had risen to 1,200 gross,
comprising 87 yachts of 5 to 103 tons. Among these were included the
three most successful yachts of the year in the United Kingdom, and,
to the praise of the Clyde shores it may be said, all built and
designed by Mr. W. Fife of Fairlie--the 'Fiona' in the 1st, the
'Kilmeny' in the 2nd, and the 'Torch' in the 3rd class.
The season of 1868 would have passed without note or comment had it
not been that the club founded an annual Corinthian match, in which
two paid hands were to be allowed for yachts of 15 tons and over, and
one paid hand to all the smaller yachts. The helmsman was to be an
amateur, and no _shot-bag or shifting ballast_ of any kind was to be
permitted. Besides proving that the club possessed amateur seamen
capable of handling a racing yacht of any size, the fact that that
unseaworthy equipment shifting ballast, which had been in use in the
Clyde foot classes and in most racing yachts during the early Fifties,
was to be abolished, at all events in this race, was a move in the
right direction.
1869 is a year of real historical importance, for it not only gives
the date when the 40-, 20-, and 10-ton classes became generally
acknowledged, but it brings credit to the Clyde Yacht Club where
credit is due, as being the founder of these classes, which held sway
for so many years. A year later the club was the first to introduce
the smaller class of 5 tons as a standing dish in its regatta
programmes, and to the Clyde Yacht Club belongs the honour of being
the first in the field to recognise that this diminutive class of
flyers was well worthy on its own merits of being encouraged.
[Illustration: The Start for Ardrishaig Cup.]
Channel matches had been long ere this time a matter of annual
interest with some of the clubs in the south of England, as well as
the Royal Alfred Yacht Club at Kingstown, and Royal Northern in
Scotland; but the sport of Channel racing and open-sea work had either
not been thought of, or had met with no favour, for the first Channel
match held in connection with the Clyde Club did not take place till
1871. The race came off after the regatta held that year at Barrow and
before the Clyde regattas, the course being from Barrow to the Clyde,
so that the yachts about to visit and race in the Firth might find it
worth their while to put on a spurt and make the best of their way
to their destination. No better course could be chosen for trying a
vessel on all points of sailing, to say nothing of her sea-going
powers, including as it does the passage between the Isle of Man and
the Mull of Galloway. For this race the 'Enid,' 57 tons; 'Livonia,'
280; 'Glance,' 35; and 'Coralie,' 35, started, all yachts at that date
as racers. The 'Glance' saved her time and carried off the trophy.
If 1871 opened up Channel groping under racing trim, 'progress' must
truly be held the motto for 1872. Not only was the club made a Royal
club, and allowed the privilege of placing a crown over the lion's
head in the burgee crest, but early in the spring of this year the
Royal Clyde opened to its members the house which Mr. Hunter, of
Hafton, had built for them at Hunter's Quay adjoining the hotel.
Of course with a settled headquarters, Hunter's Quay became the future
rendezvous for all club fixtures, such as opening and closing cruises,
regattas, matches and the like; and as the opening cruise this year
may be considered the first general meeting of members afloat off the
new house, it will not be amiss to give a short description of it. The
meeting took place on Thursday, May 30, and began at 2 P.M. with a
lunch at the club-house, after which at 4 P.M. the yachts weighed
anchor under the Commodore, and sailed under his orders till the
signal was made from the flagship for them to make the best of their
way to Rothesay. On arrival there, those who were not required on
board their vessels to stow sails and clear up for the night took
their dinghies ashore, or were taken in their gigs, for a stroll
through the old town. In the meantime on board the yachts, as soon as
the decks had been cleared up and ropes coiled down in their places,
the galley fires were lighted, so that by 7 P.M. the men had had their
tea, and the cooks and stewards were ready with goodly repasts
awaiting the coming on board again of the hungry masters and their
friends.
Dinner over, the pleasures of the evening began with what is known as
'ship-visiting'--that is, the yacht-owner starts off, and either rows
himself and friends in his dinghy, or is rowed in correct form, to
some friend's yacht where he may remain, or, after a short visit,
proceed, taking with him his host and as many of his friends as he can
pack away in the gig's stern-sheets, to some other yacht, and so on
_ad infinitum_. To row himself is much the better plan, since it means
independence of the crew (which perhaps may consist only of one hand),
and avoidance of a troubled conscience, that the man or men are being
kept up and prevented from turning in.
The following morning only a few burgees were visible, most of the
yachts having donned their silken racing flags, for an early start had
to be made in a handicap race to be sailed _viâ_ the Garroch Head (the
most south-westerly extremity of the Isle of Bute) to Tignabruich.
More than half the yachts were started in this race, for which four
cups were provided as prizes. The contingent of small non-racers made
Tignabruich by way of the Kyles of Bute, as did also some of the
larger sailing yachts, which preferred calm and untroubled travelling
to a dusting round the Garroch Head. The gathering at the head of the
Kyles is, if anything, more enjoyable than that spent at Rothesay. The
anchorage is more land-locked, and therefore less liable to
disturbance from winds or sweeping seas, and ship-visiting can be
carried on without any fear of a ducking or other unpleasantness.
On the Saturday morning, the members of the club and their friends
breakfasted together at 9.30 at the Royal Hotel, when the prizes were
presented to the winners; after which a few returned to their yachts,
got under way, and dispersed with the object of extending their
cruise, while those left behind remained to enjoy the beautiful
scenery and walks with which the locality abounds, and on Sunday
attend church parade on board Lord Glasgow's yacht.
[Illustration: 'Marjorie.'
_Blue, with white cross. 68 tons_ (_J. Coats, Jun., Esq._). _Built by
Steele & Co._, 1883.]
Beyond the adoption by the club of the Royal Alfred Yacht Club rules
and regulations, nothing of any moment worth chronicling took place
till 1875, in which year the purchase was completed by the club of
the whole of the grounds and buildings, including the hotel and
club-house, and early in 1876 the members enjoyed the privilege of not
only having a club-house, but also an establishment worked on the
principle of a private hotel, where they could provide themselves and
their families or friends with comfortable quarters on very reasonable
club terms.
In this matter the Royal Clyde Yacht Club is specially fortunate, as
also in one other, viz. the magnificent scenic setting by which their
possession is surrounded. Nothing can equal the Holy Loch for beauty
and charm of colour, on a summer's evening, particularly about sunset,
or an early winter's morning, with its sunrise lowering and
accompanied by ever-changing tints lending their enchantments to the
rugged grandeur of the hills which bound it. This, with the distant
view up the Clyde, obtained from the club-house windows or frontage,
is not to be surpassed in any country in the world.
At the opening of the season of 1877, and the close of the second
decade, the club numbered no fewer than 643 members, with a fleet of
yachts computed at 195, and as the Club Regatta now occupied two days,
the three Clyde clubs--viz. the Royal Clyde, the Royal Northern, and
the four-year-old Mudhook Yacht Club--considered it necessary to work
together for the furtherance of sport, and held their first meeting to
arrange a suitable date for celebrating a 'Clyde Week.' A change was
also made this season in the several courses at the regattas, a change
which had been for some time considered desirable, and which turned
out a welcome improvement.
The new courses were as follows: For First-Class Yachts, from Hunter's
Quay to Toward buoy, thence to Skelmorlie buoy, thence to the Powder
Vessel's buoy, and thence to Hunter's Quay, leaving all on the port
hand; twice round, distance 50 miles.
The Second-Class Course lay from Hunter's Quay to Skelmorlie buoy,
thence to the Powder Vessel's buoy, and thence to Hunter's Quay,
leaving all on the port hand; twice round, distance 40 miles.
The Third-Class Course was from Hunter's Quay to a flagboat moored in
Inverkip Bay, thence to the Powder Vessel's buoy and back to Hunter's
Quay; twice round, distance 30 miles.
The Fourth-Class Course was from Hunter's Quay to the Inverkip
flagboat, and back to Hunter's Quay; twice round, distance 24 miles.
The Fifth-Class Course lay from Hunter's Quay to a flagboat moored off
Dunoon Pier, thence to a flagboat moored off Kilcreggan and back to
Hunter's Quay; twice round, distance 11 miles.
Another new feature this season was the introduction of the Yacht
Racing Association's scale of time allowances, based originally on
that drawn up for the Royal Alfred Yacht Club by their late secretary,
Mr. James A. Lyle. This scale had been in general use by the R.A.Y.C.
for many years.
In 1878, not only the club, but all those who had partaken of its
hospitality, had to lament their loss in the death of Mr. Samuel King,
one of the most kind and genial of its members. This year was
remarkable for the entry in the race for first-class yachts on the
second day of the regatta. Five yachts crossed the line for the 60_l_.
prize, not one of which was less than 100 tons measurement, viz., the
'Lufra,' 222 tons, yawl; 'Jullanar,' yawl, 130 tons; 'Condor,' 190
tons; 'Cythera,' cutter, 116 tons; and 'Formosa,' cutter, 103 tons.
From that day to this there has never been such a meeting of so many
first-class large racing yachts, showing so great a tonnage. It may be
said also of the useful little 5-ton class, at this time at its zenith
of popularity, that the entries this season were the largest that have
ever been known. No fewer than eight of these mosquitoes, including
Mr. York's pretty little 6-ton yawl 'Rocket,' came to the fore on all
the great occasions provided for their sport.
[Illustration: 'May'
_42 tons_ (_W. Chrystal, Esq., Vice-Com. Royal Clyde_). _Built by
Steele & Co._, 1881.]
During the years 1879, 1880, and 1881, there was a satisfactory
increase in the number of members, and a consequent augmentation of
the club funds. The annual amount given away at this period in prizes
had reached something over 450_l._ The entries at the regattas during
the seasons of 1880 and 1881 were splendid in the 20-ton class; no
fewer than seven 20-tonners and the 15-tonner 'Maggie' crossed the
line in 1880, and in 1881 the same number, less the 'Maggie,' did
likewise. A new class of 2-1/2-tonners was started in 1880 with seven
yachts to its name, and in 1881 still another class had to be catered
for, consisting of 3-1/2-tonners. The entries, too, this year, in the
first class must not be forgotten; for in these days of fashionable
small yacht racing it almost reads like a fairy tale when it is said
that, out of nine entries, seven yachts were of 89 tons and over, the
other two being about 60 tons each.
If the above two years are notable in the annals of the club, in the
following year, 1882, its prosperity was evinced in a marked degree by
the addition to its possessions of a club yacht; and as there are only
one or two clubs which provide such a luxury for their members, it may
not be amiss to give a short account of the _modus operandi_ employed
in connection with it. Among the 600 to 700 members of the club there
were many who did not care to keep yachts of their own, but enjoyed an
occasional cruise. It was in answer to a proposition made by one of
these gentlemen that funds were procured by means of shares, which
were bought by individual members, and by the club itself. In this way
the necessary amount of purchase money was speedily collected, and a
committee was told off to superintend the choice, purchase, and
fitting out of a yacht, with all arrangements connected with manning,
and the carrying out of the regulations in regard to hire, &c. The
yacht thus secured by the club was the 'Alcyone,' 35-ton cutter, which
had been built by Mr. D. Hatcher, and had proved herself no mean
performer in the 40-ton class. She is a good wholesome vessel, and a
fast and able sea-boat. Her accommodation is excellent, and includes
berths for five passengers at least. There is capital headroom between
decks, and any amount of space for stowage of baggage, &c.
The 'Alcyone' is manned by a captain and four hands, and when a member
hires the yacht he has no expenses whatever to provide for beyond the
hire and the keep of himself and friends while on board. Four rules
were framed by the committee in charge, as being necessary for the
working of the scheme, viz:
First.--The limit of time for hire is 14 days. Second.--The
cost of hire is 3_l._ 10_s._ per diem, including cruet
stores. Third.--The club is to keep a supply of liquors on
board, to be supplied at a small profit. Fourth.--Hirers are
bound, if called upon, to deliver up the yacht in the Holy
Loch, or at any other anchorage inside the Cumbrae Head.
If it is desired to keep the yacht for a month, then it must be done
by two members joining together in the hire, the one putting his name
down for the first fortnight, and the other for the second. The cost
of hire may seem at first sight somewhat heavy, but the 'Alcyone' is
kept up like a private yacht, and no money has been spared to provide
every possible contrivance which might be conducive to comfort. The
success of the venture is proved by the fact that she has rarely been
disengaged or unlet for more than a day or two during any one season
since her purchase.
Another sign of prosperity was the institution of an annual club ball,
which is held at the St. Andrews Hall, Glasgow, during the winter
months, and acknowledged to be one of the principal balls of the year
and one of the great events of the winter season.
The next year--1883--showed a still further advancement in the club's
popularity, for it was the chosen recipient of a Queen's Cup. This
prize was sailed for on July 14, during the 'Clyde Week,' in a race
for all yachts over 40 tons, and no fewer than eleven yachts started.
[Illustration: 'Thistle'
_Winning the Queen's Cup in the Clyde._]
If, however, 1883 has been rendered famous for being a Queen's Cup
year, 1884 will be noted for the success of its closing cruise, and
the sport it provided. This season surpassed itself in the number of
entries for the closing cruise handicap, and never have so many yachts
come forward to race for the handsome cups, the gifts of members of
the club, as on this occasion. In the first match for yachts over 40
tons, ten entered, including five over 90 tons, three 60-tonners, and
two of 40 tons. It was the race for 20-tonners, however, that gave
real character to the meeting, and there can be no mistake in saying
that no other club in the kingdom has ever had to start so many as
nine 20- and two 15-tonners in one race, all clever fast yachts, and
no third or fourth rate cruisers, as will be seen from their names:
'Clara,' 'Lenore,' 'Amathea,' 'Louise,' 'Sayonara,' 'Irene,' 'Thyra,'
'Maggie,' 'Calypso,' 'Rival,' and 'Gem.' In the race for 10-tonners
seven started, among them the old 'Helen' schooner, 17 tons, a yacht
which saw more hard sailing than perhaps any other belonging to the
club. She was built at Cowes, and was one of Halliday's pretty
creations, a few of which are still to be met with. In 1892 she was
unfortunately driven on the rocks off Hafton in the Holy Loch, during
a severe gale, and was soon smashed into matchwood. For the prize in
the 5-ton class three put in an appearance, all the fastest racing
yachts of the year.
[Illustration: 'Clara,' 10 tons, midship section.]
The courses for yachts of 40 tons and upwards were altered in 1885;
instead of rounding the Powder buoy a mark buoy anchored off
Kilcreggan became the furthest point. In 1886 the club forwarded a
challenge to the New York Yacht Club, in the name of Mr. Jas. Bell,
and this ended in the yacht 'Thistle,' now known as the 'Meteor' and
owned by H.I.M. the German Emperor, being built, and sent across the
Atlantic, to contend for the Cup won by the 'America.' The 'Thistle'
and 'Volunteer' matches were the consequence, and they are so well
known that it would be superfluous here to furnish an account of them;
suffice it to say that, though the Scotch yacht did not win the great
event, her performances with the 'Volunteer' not only taught British
yachtsmen many a lesson, but afforded not a few hints to their
American rivals.
At the beginning of 1887, the end of the club's third decade, the
finances of the club consisted of a capital of 6,990_l._, and the
amount at this time annually expended on yacht racing was 487_l._,
exclusive of gifts of money made by individual members. During the ten
years the numbers on the list of members fluctuated from 610 to 640:
in this particular year only 610 names appeared on the list. With
regard to the number of yachts sailing under the club flag, there had
been the same variation, for though always between 180 and 197, this
year the yachts numbered only 189, or 11 fewer than the previous year,
the gross tonnage amounting to 12,302 tons.
During the winter of 1886 many matters were discussed which brought
forth fruit in the season of 1887, and made that year more important
than it otherwise would have been. First of all, the club had to
regret the loss of their Commodore, Lord Glasgow, who, after acting
for over a quarter of a century in that office, was compelled to give
up the appointment owing to failing health. Mr. John Clark was elected
to take his place, and Messrs. Jas. Bell and H. Lamont became Vice-
and Rear-Commodores. Mr. York, to whom the writer is much indebted for
assistance given him in compiling this notice, held the office of
secretary and treasurer, which he had so ably filled for over twenty
years. During the winter the club had acquired three boats, of 19 ft.
length on the load water-line, for the benefit of those members who
wished to go out for a day's sail; the three boats being made, as far
as the designer, builder, and sailmaker were concerned, as nearly
equal in merits as it was possible for them to be, in order that they
might show good sport when taken out racing together. Prizes for a
race for these boats have since been regularly given at the regattas,
to encourage members to take them out match sailing. In this way
they have proved very useful in initiating many a tiro into the
secrets and mysteries of yacht racing.
[Illustration: 'Lenore'
_Fife of Fairlie_, 1882.]
This year, too, witnessed another change in yacht measurement. The
Yacht Racing Association had formulated and passed a rule of
measurement by length and sail area, the length to be taken along the
load water-line. This rule was adopted by the club, and at the
regattas all yachts were rated according to it, with the exception of
the 3-1/2-tonners; these, as they happened to be the class of the
year, were allowed to race under the old rule for which they were
built. As many as six of these little vessels made the Clyde their
headquarters and sailed at the regattas.
Through the club's agency, it must not be forgotten, telegraphic
communication was opened up between Hunter's Quay, Glasgow, and the
outer world. The club provided an office and guaranteed the sum
required by the Post Office authorities, and by so doing conferred a
benefit not only on themselves but on the whole surrounding
neighbourhood.
Early in 1888 the club was engaged in determining the several classes
under which yachts built to the 'rating rule,' as it was called,
should sail. For this purpose, Messrs. R. Wylie and J. B. Hilliard,
the two well-known representative Clyde yachtsmen, were chosen
delegates to consult with the other leading yacht clubs in the North
regarding the adjustment of a classification for the smaller yachts
and sailing boats racing on the Clyde, and full powers were given them
to carry out any decision that might be arrived at. Those adopted were
the 10, 6 and 3 rating classes with two length classes, one of 17 ft.
on the water-line and 19 ft. over all, with a sail area limited to 530
ft.; the mainsail or lugsail not to exceed .75 of the total sail area;
the other class to be for boats 15 ft. on the water-line. The 6-rating
class was chosen that it might form one in which the 3-tonners of the
preceding year would be able to enter, as they ranged over 5 and under
6 as raters. At the time these changes were taking place a rule was
introduced that there were to be no 'restrictions on the use of
centreboards.'
The great feature of this year's regatta was the 'Queen's Cup,' the
second presented to the club within five years, an event of which the
members may justly be proud. In the interim between the Corinthian and
annual regattas a channel match round Arran was inaugurated, for
yachts not exceeding 9 tons Thames measurement and belonging to any
recognised yacht club, for 50_l._, given in two prizes of 35_l._ and
15_l._, and presented by two members of the club. The course lay from
Hunter's Quay down the Firth, through the Kyles of Bute, down
Kilbrennan Sound between Arran and Cantyre, rounding Pladda Island,
and home by any route. The yachts were to be _bona fide_ cruisers, and
only jib-topsails were prohibited. No restrictions were made as to
crew or helmsman. No fewer than eight small yachts sailed in the race,
and it proved a far greater success than was at first expected.
If this is to be known as the second Queen's Cup year, it will also
have to be remembered for the terrible fire and loss of the club-house
and hotel on July 12, nothing of which was saved, with the exception
of some furniture, one or two models, and a few odds and ends. A club
could be called upon to face no greater calamity, especially at a time
when the season is at its height. Craigend Villa, within a short
distance of the old house, was promptly rented as a makeshift for a
year, and fitted up to meet all immediate necessities, while steps
were taken at once to make arrangements for the building of a new
house on the old site. To forward this the sum of 10,000_l._ was
voted, which with another 8,000_l._ did not cover all the expenses. At
the present moment there does not exist a more beautiful or
conveniently arranged yacht club-house in the kingdom.
[Illustration: 'Verve'
_23-footer_ (_Robert Wylie, Esq._)]
Notwithstanding the liberal sums devoted by the club to match sailing,
there have always been at each regatta meeting a plentiful supply of
cups and purses forthcoming to swell the list of prizes, the gifts of
individual members. To enumerate all the donors would be out of place
here, but it is impossible to overlook such names as Bell, Buchanon,
Clark, Coates, Falconer, Ferguson, Forrester, Lockett, Ure, Wylie,
and York, names which will ever be linked with the club's successful
past.
The year 1890 was remarkable principally for the number of 10-raters
belonging to members, and entered for races in that class. It seemed
like a resuscitation of the old 10-tonner days. On the other hand, the
Clyde, the home of the 5-tonner, had not a single 5-rater to its name,
and a 6-rating class had to be formed to take in the Irish contingent,
which with Mr. Inglis's little 'Darthula' raced for the prizes
provided for them. The 2-1/2-rater class made its entry in the club
programmes, and started with a small fleet of seven yachts, including
four belonging to the Royal Ulster Yacht Club; but in 1891 this class
became the fashionable class of the year, and the club of itself could
boast of no fewer than eight of these small fry.
The fleet belonging to the club in the year 1857 numbered 56 yachts,
mostly of very small tonnage. By 1867 the number had risen to 87 only,
but then the gross tonnage was very much greater, viz. 1,200 tons. In
1877 there were 194 yachts, including a few screw steamers. In the
year 1887, 189 names appeared on the club yacht list, i.e. five fewer
than in 1877, but the total tonnage on the other hand amounted to
12,302 tons. The last half-decade, however, has quite eclipsed all
preceding years, for the yachts now flying the Royal Clyde Yacht Club
burgee number 267, which represent a gross tonnage of no less than
14,407 tons. Last year not far short of 1,000_l._ was given in prizes.
The club at the present time numbers 951 members, which will be seen
to be an increase of over 300 within the last five years. It is a
pleasure seldom accorded to writers of club histories to have to
record such an exceptional advance, and in bidding farewell to the
society, it may be firmly hoped and prophesied that long ere the close
of its fourth decade the R.C.Y.C. will have increased its list of
members to over four figures and its yachts and yacht-tonnage in
proportion.
THE ROYAL FORTH YACHT CLUB
BY R. T. PRITCHETT
The Forth Club was established in 1848 under the name of the 'Granton
Yacht Club,' and received permission from the Queen to assume the
title of 'Royal Forth' in 1883. The flag of the club is the blue
ensign of Her Majesty's fleet, with a gold crown and Maltese cross.
The club is now well supported, having as patron the Duke of
Buccleuch, K.T. Sir Donald Currie, K.C.M.G., is Commodore, backed by
a very influential staff. The Hon. Secretary is Mr. Bruce Fenwick. The
number of members amounts to nearly 2,000, with a total tonnage of
about 4,600; but the Firth of Forth has serious disadvantages as a
yachting centre, being favoured neither by nature nor circumstances as
is the Firth of Clyde, which absorbs all yachting interests. Mr. T. B.
C. West, who carried off the Queen's Cup at the Regatta in 1892 with
his well-known 40-rater 'Queen Mab,' presented a challenge cup of 100
guineas, to be sailed for annually in the month of June. That,
however, was not sufficient inducement to get a large entry. The fact
is there are so many regattas now that the tendency is to
concentration, and consequently outlying stations suffer.
The Royal Forth Yacht Club had a match in June 1893, at the beginning
of their water sports, from Hartlepool to Granton, for a prize of
30_l._ The starters were
The Creole Cutter 40-rater Lieut.-Col. Bagot.
Daydream Yawl 89- " Mr. James Shepherd.
[Illustration: Royal Forth Yacht Club Courses.]
The wind was very light at the start, which took place at 10.50 A.M.
on Thursday, June 22. Later on light airs from east-north-east helped
them; but off the Farne Islands--without any notice or disturbed
appearance in the sky--a tremendous squall struck 'Creole'; she,
however, behaved splendidly, and was specially well handled. By
Saturday morning the weather had moderated and they got the mainsail
on her and ran up past Inch Keith, getting the gun at 11.34 A.M. from
the 'Iolanthe.'
The larger vessel, the yawl of 89-rating, had her troubles too, and
finally got into the Tyne on Saturday morning, under storm canvas.
On the last day of the racing--June 26--there was a match for yachts
belonging to the Royal Forth Yacht Club, for the T. B. C. West
Challenge Cup, the entries confined to members of the club. Five
yachts entered for the race, over a course of forty miles. The tonnage
was very small, and the handicap one of large range; it will be noted
that 'Ida,' at scratch, allowed 'Lintie' 1 hr. 23 mins. 48 secs.
+---------------+--------+-------------------+-----------------------+
| | | | |
| Yacht Rig | Rating | Handicap | Owners |
|---------------+--------+-------------------+-----------------------|
| | | | |
| Ida Cutter | 12 | Scratch | Messrs. Park & Wilson |
| Nora " | 8 | 12 m. 24 s. | Dr. W. S. Armitage |
| Uranus " | 3.9 | 36 m. 47 s. | Mr. F. A. Robertson |
| Glance " | 3.7 | 40 m. 42 s. | Mr. W. A. Bell |
| Lintie Lug | -- | 1 hr. 23 m. 48 s. | Mr. G. W. Mitchell |
+---------------+--------+-------------------+-----------------------+
The start took place at 10.37 A.M., with a nice breeze from the
north-west. 'Lintie' led off, but 'Nora' soon took up the running and
led all the way home, finishing at Granton:--
h. m. s.
Nora (winner) 6 21 32
Ida 6 29 30
Uranus 6 47 0
Glance 7 42 32
Lintie 7 58 0
This will give some idea of the application of time allowance.
The ROYAL EASTERN, established 1835, is a small Scottish Club whose
existence may be noted; but yachting does not flourish much on the
East Coast.