3-011-840 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sailing-barge race on the Thames, 1864. 'A novel kind of sailing-match...was that which took place on the Thames, on Friday week under the auspices of the Prince of Wales Yacht Club, and which attracted a vast number of spectators, including some of the oldest yachtsmen. The match was for first-class topsail barges, not exceeding 100 tons, and second-class stumped-rigged barges, not exceeding 80 tons burden, to sail from Erith to the Chapman Light and back...There were nineteen entries in the first and twenty-three in the second class, or forty-two in all; and of these forty came to the starting-post; and at the time appointed a most animated scene took place. The members of the Prince of Wales Yacht Club, under command of its Commodore, Mr. Harrison, were accommodated with their friends and those of Mr. Dodd on board the Oread steam-boat, whilst the Petrel, Sea Swallow, and the Jackall also accompanied the match. The race was a very exciting one, and the tact and judgment of the men in managing their craft were the object of general admiration...It is hoped, by these races, to create a spirit of emulation and self-improvement amongst that useful class of men who are employed in our river navigation'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.