2-982-213 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Royal Thames Yacht Club Match, 1858. 'Whisper; Undine; Zuleika; Oriole; Julia; Dart; Violet, Midge; Silver Star; Emily; Pearl; Vampire...The signal for getting under way was fired by direction of the noble Commodore at 11.33, at which time there was a good breeze from the westward, with a trifle of south in it. They all canted at the same moment, and set their sails with great alacrity, forming one of the prettiest and most imposing starts we ever witnessed...the leading trio above Gravesend...were found nearly becalmed, the wind, which had again shifted to the northward, having died off. The Vampire no longer now possessed the lead which she had held from the first mile of the race, but was so closely menaced by the near approach, of the Pearl and Silver Star as to leave the result of the race exceedingly doubtful. Favoured by a stray puff, the Pearl drew within a few yards of her opponent's leeward quarter, and it was thought would pass her, and the event became very exciting. A breeze, however, sprung up, and again the Vampire went away from her opponent; the Pearl also increasing her lead of the Silver Star, which had neared her considerably...'. The race was won by Pearl, with Vampire in second place and Silver Star in third. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.