2-889-437 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ships' Boat-Race at Cherbourg, 1850. Naval review and regatta on the French coast. '...multitudes assembled on the piers, wharfs, roofs, and shores. First, there was a regatta commenced at nine o'clock in the morning. The first race run was open to all gigs, and several of the gigs belonging to the English Yacht Squadron were entered and ran for the prize, which, however, was won by the French boat Maguin. The course was run twice round, which is about a mile and a half in length. The second race was for pinnaces, being boats belonging to the French fleet, and run also twice round the same course. This was, as well as the former, stoutly contested, and afforded much amusement to the immense crowds which had congregated on every spot in the town, or on the fortifications and esplanade, which afforded a good view of the sports'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.