2-913-642 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Highgate Model Yacht Club, 1854. Sailing model boats in London: 'Within a year the Highgate youths produced twenty miniature vessels, the greater part of which were either entirely constructed or rigged by the owners. Prizes of a handsome silver cup and a geld seal were offered...The course was twice up and down the reservoir of the Hampstead Waterworks, situated in the valley between Highgate and Hampstead. In some cases, the almost entire absence of wind gives but few of the Lilliputian craft an opportunity of showing their capabilities; but the beauties of the scenery and the bracing air attracted a gay company...On Friday...in spite of the rain, which came down in torrents, the spirited members of this interesting Club held their annual Regatta on the principal lake between Highgate and Hampstead; and a more beautiful locality it is difficult to conceive'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.