2-982-212 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Paglesham Regatta - Start of the First-Class Oyster-Smacks, 1858. 'Britannia; Rosalind; Don Juan; Waterwitch; Gnome...The day was beautifully fine, with a good breeze from the north-west. In the centre of the river, gaily dressed, lay the Gnome yawl, A. Arcedeckne, Esq., Commodore of the Royal London Yacht Club, who had kindly made his vessel the flagship of the day...The course was just from above the flag-ship to round a boat off Bramskill, back round a boat off Black Edge, twice over, and finishing off the Gnome...the river was enlivened by the presence of several yachts under sail. At eleven o'clock the Commodore arrived on board his yacht, and almost immediately the preparatory gun was fired. Fifteen vessels lay at their moorings, divided into three classes, according to their known capabilities...All these vessels are working craft in the oyster-dredging, but almost perfect yachts in build and appointment'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.