3-017-355 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Naval boat-race in Cork Harbour, [Ireland], 1865. 'Some days ago an exciting match was rowed at Queenstown, Cork Harbour, by the crews, respectively, of the gigs of Rear-Admiral Dacres (in command of the Channel squadron) and Rear-Admiral Frederick (Port Admiral), for a considerable prize, subscribed by the officers of her Majesty's ships in the harbour. The challenge came from Rear-Admiral Dacres's gig, which beat the gigs of the French ironclads both at Cherbourg and Portsmouth, and was at once accepted by the flagship Hastings. The permission of Rear-Admiral Frederick having been obtained, his gig was manned by an excellent crew, and the two boats started. The distance was four miles - viz., from the R. C. Y. Clubhouse round the Bar-knock buoy and Spit Light, back and round the Frederick William, finishing at the starting-point. After an exceedingly close and well-contested race, in which great interest was manifested, Rear-Admiral Frederick's boat won by fourteen seconds - equal to three or four lengths. The winning crew was heartily cheered by the spectators'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.