3-043-756 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Barge-race on the Thames, 1872. 'The annual race of Thames barges from Erith down the river and back...the topsail barges rounding the Albert Edward off Hole Haven...there was so little wind, mostly from the north, that the course was necessarily shortened, and, instead of going to the Nore, the topsail barges had to round the committee's steamer, the Albert Edward, at the Lower Hope Point, while the spritsails went round a steam-tug moored a mile higher up...There were nine topsail barges in the race and eight spritsail barges, ranging from 34 tons to 47; the Alexandra, owned by Mr. S. Court, being 47; the Bessie Hart, Mr. C. Wood, 41; the Alice Lloyd, Mr. E. Lloyd. 39; and the Echo, Mr. W. H. White. 36 tons. These four were at the head of the others at the finish; the Alice Lloyd, sailed with great skill by Mr. C. Wood, taking the lead of all and winning the first topsail prize, a £20 cup...The first spritsail prize, a £16 cup,...was won by the Invicta, 39 tons, belonging to Messrs. Lee, Son, and Co. Several steam-boats, and many other vessels, bearing hundreds of spectators, accompanied the race. Mr. Cecil Longe, Commodore of the Prince of Wales Yacht Club,...presented the prizes when the contest was decided'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.