2-982-253 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Royal London Yacht Club Match, 1858. Sailing on the Thames. 'The race was with third-class boats only, and three prizes were contended for, the distance being from Erith to Coalhouse Point returning to a boat moored off Greenwich...There were four boats entered...The steamer Father Thames was chartered by the club to convey the members and their friends, which, on leaving Blackwall, was filled with a brilliant and fashionable company of ladies and gentlemen...Little Mosquito was away first, closely followed by the Julia, whose topsail was first set; the Atalanta was next, and then the Blue Bell. The Atalanta, however, having carried away her mainstay, and, bearing up to repair damages sprung her mainmast, this accident destroyed her chance for the prizes, but she still sailed pluckily on...[they] finished at Greenwich in the following order: Julia, 4h. 28m. 40s; Little Mosquito, 4h. 32m. 10s.; Blue Bell, 5h. 5m. 30s...The prizes were presented to the respective winners...and bumpers of champagne were quaffed by the numerous guests...The steam-boat then ran down as far as Erith, the company amusing themselves with dancing, and returning to London-bridge Wharf with the reminiscence of a pleasant day's enjoyment'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.