3-065-621 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Channel Fleet Regatta at Vigo, [Spain], 1874. The regatta '...has become a favourite institution of the fleet...Forty-five boats of all sizes, from the dingey with its boys to the launch with its crew of experienced sailors, engaged in the competition. The weather was fine on the first day, and the start, at ten o'clock in the morning, was favoured by a gentle breeze. The course was twelve miles, with a time allowance for difference of size and rig. Unfortunately, the wind failed towards evening, and the race was necessarily given up. On the Saturday morning there was a little more wind, but less sunshine, and even some rain. The boats again started well for the race, but another mischance prevented its being concluded. The Rear- Admiral's barge, sailed by Flag-Lieutenant Bunce, was capsized by a sudden puff of wind, at the time when it seemed to be sure of winning. The men in this boat escaped with a ducking, but it was provided by the rules that, in case of any boat capsizing, the race should be stopped. The contest was, therefore, left undecided...We have to thank Mr. G. H. Weekes, engineer of H. M.S. Agincourt, for a sketch of the regatta'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.