2-970-221 - /Heritage Images

Boston Regatta, the "Waterwitch", Winner of the Cup, off Frieston Shore, 1856. Sailing race off the Lincolnshire coast. 'At starting the Magic, having the windward side, was the first to take the lead, followed in quick succession by the Waterwitch...[Mr R Thorpe]...the yachts had reached Elbow Buoy, the Waterwitch leading followed with scarcely the interval of a boat's length by the Magic and the Kitten...Squaresails...and other fly-away gear were "doused," and each yacht was reduced to its legitimate canvas mainsail, gib, foresail, and gaff. As the yachts neared the Skull Ridge the promise of more wind was fulfilled, and each vessel was obliged to reduce sail...there was a fair wind, and another change of sails was the consequence; the modest gear which had been used for beating down was discarded, and every stitch of canvas was again the order of the day...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1856.