SEA FOX—OWNER, A. CASS CANFIELD, ESQ.Again did thePuritantake the lead at the line, closely followed by theLydia,Clio,MontaukandVolunteer. Everything went smoothly till theMayflowerandGraylingcame along, and then occurred the only accident or collision of the cruise of ’88. Immediately after crossing the line theMayflowerwas directly behind theGraylingand was sailing a trifle faster. Almost before any one realized that an accident was about to happen, theMayflower’sbowsprit caught the endof theGrayling’smainboom. This of itself was nothing serious. The sloopReginawas, however, right ahead of theGrayling, and by theMayflowerpressing upon theGrayling’sboom, the latter’s stern was pushed to windward, her bow swung off, and in a moment her big bowsprit struck theRegina’smainsail just abaft the mast. The little sloop keeled over to starboard, when her topmast snapped, and the rigging came rattling down on her deck. Three of the guests on board theReginabecame excited, and jumped overboard, and then immediately started to swim for the boat which they had just left. Lines were thrown from theGraylingand caught by the swimmers, but the big schooner did not lose her headway, and the men grasping the rope were towed through the water.I have the honor to remain, Elbridge T Gerry, Commodore N.Y.Y.C.TheElectra,Grayling, andMayflowersoon had boats out, theElectra’sgig being first. By the time the excitement had subsided all the yachts had crossed the line, and the faster boats were rapidly moving to the front. Soon theVolunteerpassed thePuritanand took the lead, which she kept until almost to the line, only to be defeated by thePuritan, after having victory apparently within her grasp. The way in which Commodore Forbes regained the lead was a clever piece of work. TheVolunteerwas leading and was encountering a strong head tide; but thePuritanand others were rapidly overtaking her, not being bothered with the tide, while they had the full advantage of the wind. ThePuritanwas soon equal with the leader, and though not gaining, was gradually working toward the shore away from the current. Meanwhile theVolunteerhad dropped anchor, not being able to make any headway. As soon as thePuritancame near the shore and out of the strong current, she slowly moved toward the line, and crossed it a victor. The results of the day’s run were:FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.Start.Finish.ActualTime.NAME.H.M.S.H.M.S.H.M.S.Norseman1046067580091254Palmer1047077594591238Alarm1047358135092615Dauntless1049258162092655Wanderer1051008410095000Ambassadress105135——————Ramona1100007511595115SECOND CLASS SCHOONERS.Montauk1041587553091340Gitana104400——————Columbia1046178025891641Intrepid104735——————THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.Troubadour1043308343095100Sea Fox1043477211783730Sachem1044437234583902Miranda1045157312384608Grayling1048087211783309Varuna105100——————Elma1058557534085445FOURTH CLASS SCHOONERS.Iroquois1043167304384727Halcyon1045008062592125Marguerite1047358370094925Magic1049107530090350Clytie105100——————FIFTH CLASS SCHOONERS.Lydia1041158361595500Clio1041418350095319Harbinger1045488111192523Lotus105700——————Whim110000——————FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.Puritan1040537142583332Volunteer1041587224584047Mayflower1048087492290114THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.Pocahontas1042408123592955Katrina1042407522390943Huron104428——————Bedouin1048087265283844Fanny105037——————Vision1054228343094008Nonpareille1054498442594836FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.Whileaway104548——————Hildegarde104755——————Thistle1048088260093752Medusa1049358400093025FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.Athlon1044328050692034Bertie104548——————Cinderella104735——————SIXTH CLASS SLOOPS.Crocodile104428——————Regina104640——————Nymph1052208085891638WINNERS—Schooners—First class, Alarm; second, Montauk; third, Grayling; fourth, Iroquois; fifth, Harbinger; Sloops—First class, Puritan; third, Bedouin; fourth, Medusa; fifth, Athlon; sixth, Nymph.ELECTRA, THE FLAGSHIP—OWNED BY COMMODORE E. T. GERRY.⇒LARGER IMAGEDuring Sunday the fleet lay at anchor in Vineyard Haven. At a meeting of the captains, held on board the flagshipElectra, it was decided to abandon the cruise to Marblehead for this year and to accept the offer made by the Newport citizens, of cups, to be sailed for over the Sow and Pigs course before the cruise terminated. It was also decided to go to New Bedford on the day after the race for the Martha’s Vineyard Cup, and then from New Bedford to go to Newport and sail the race for the cup offered.Monday, August 13, was the day set for the race for the Martha’s Vineyard Cup, but after the flagshipElectrahad taken her position ready for the start the Regatta Committee decided to postpone the race. On Monday, therefore, the yachts lay anchored in Vineyard Haven, while their owners enjoyed themselves at Cottage City.IROQUOIS—OWNER, T. JEFFERSON COOLIDGE, ESQ.On Tuesday, the day was clear and bright, with a wind strong and fresh from the southwest. It was an ideal yachting day. The result was the finest race of the cruise.The prizes were a series of valuable cups offered by the citizens of Martha’s Vineyard, as follows: $250 for keel schooners, $250 for second-class centre-board schooners, $200 for third-class centre-board schooners, $250 for first-class sloops, $200 for second-class sloops, $150 for third-class sloops, $100 for fourth-class sloops and $100 for fifth-class sloops.The course gave a beat to windward of eighteen nautical miles to and round a stakeboat off Gay Head and return to starting line off Cottage City.The starting signal was given at 10.10, and thePuritanwas again first over the line. TheAlertwas next, closely pursued by theSea FoxandGrayling. General Paine was aboard theAlert, and it was generally believed that his presence did not keep her back at all.The wind increased shortly after the start, and soon a heavy sea came rolling in from the eastward, striking the big sloops first. ThePuritanwas still leading, but theMayflowerseemed to make better weather of the seas, and soon passed to leeward of thePuritan.About the same time theGraylingran through theSachem’slee, and theSea Foxwas holding a splendid wind and going fast through the water. She was to the windward of both theSachemand theGrayling. Soon after the start the schoonerPalmercarried away her fore gaff, but she held on under whole mainsail, fore topsail and jib. TheGraylingandSachemhad it hot for a while on the starboard tack; theSachemgot a little the best of the bout. TheAlertnow hoisted a small maintopmast staysail and came along at a slashing pace, apparently outsailing all the schooners. The first mark of the course to be turned was the bell buoy off Nobska Point, which was turned by the leaders as follows:Puritan, 11.17.30;Mayflower, 11.18.45;Sachem, 11.21.10;Sea Fox, 11.22.05;Alert, 11.25.00;Grayling, 11.29.00.On the way from Nobska Point to Gay Head the wind rather moderated, topmasts were sent up, and reefs shaken out on most of the boats. The time taken at Gay Head stakeboat was as follows:Puritan, 12.42.50;Mayflower, 12.47.00;Sachem,12.50.30;Alert, 12.52.22;Sea Fox, 12.53.26;Grayling, 12.58.32;Miranda, 1.01.45;Montauk, 1.14.00;Iroquois, 1.06.30;Katrina, 1.09.55.It was a free wind from Gay Head to the finish off the Sea View House at Cottage City. All the yachts sent their kites up soon after turning, and all made splendid time. TheAlertwas at a great disadvantage here in not having any spinnaker or balloon topsails on board, so that theMirandawas able to overhaul her. The race between theSea FoxandSachemwas most exciting and very close; theKatrinaalso pulled up on theBedouin, but not enough to save her loss outside. TheGraylingdid not do as well as usual in this home run; she was outsailed by both theSachemandSea Fox. The finish line was crossed in the following order:Puritan,Sachem,Mayflower,Sea Fox,Alert,Grayling,Miranda,Montauk,Iroquois,Bedouin,Katrina,Intrepid,Troubadour,Hildegarde,Halcyon,Bertie,Athlon,Vixen, andUsher.The following tables show the result:FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.Start.Finish.ElapsedTime.Corr’d.Time.NAME.H.M.S.H.M.S.H.M.S.H.M.S.Alert1010442213241048———Intrepid101143244144323143010Miranda101145227554161040514Palmer101758Did not finish.Ramona101024—————————SECOND CLASS SCHOONERS.Sea Fox101123220084094540823Grayling101125226234150341034Sachem101148217084062040433Montauk101323229464162341623Troubadour101500247204322042847THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.Iroquois101210234124220242202Halcyon101459310384553945454FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.Puritan101016212584024240007Mayflower101314217444043040430SECOND CLASS SLOOPS.Bedouin101125237394261442443Katrina101426242374281142811THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.Hildegarde101411309434553245532FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.Bertie101341326425130150759Athlon102000359455394553945FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.Vixen1016304013054500———Hesper1016484034754659———Thistle101654—————————Winners and prizes:Alert, $250;Sachem, $250;Iroquois, $200;Puritan, $250;Bedouin, $250;Hildegarde, $150;Bertie, $100, andHesper, $100.On Wednesday morning the fleet started for New Bedford. The wind was a regular sou’wester, and fast time was made.The preparatory signal was given at 9.50, and ten minutes later the starting gun was fired. The race abounded in exciting manœuvres, and much good seamanship was displayed. It was a grand sight to watch theSea Fox,GraylingandSachemcontesting for first place, and so close together were they at the finish that all three crossed the line within one minute.The following table shows the actual results of the race:FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.Start.Finish.ElapsedTime.Corr’d.Time.NAME.H.M.S.H.M.S.H.M.S.H.M.S.Ramona100430340455361553615Palmer102000354045340453159Intrepid100256342425394653721THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.Grayling100056303075021145838Sea Fox100121302185005750057Sachem100215303095005445927FOURTH CLASS SCHOONERS.Iroquois100121326155255452354Halcyon100209Did not sail the course.FIFTH CLASS SCHOONERS.Lydia1002595092370824———Clio1001214071460553———Harbinger100038Did not sail the course.FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.Puritan100035303405020545926Mayflower100219Did not sail the course.THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.Pocahontas1002523562055328Not meas.Katrina100700314375073750737Bedouin100524313135074950613Fanny101127Did not sail the course.FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.Hildegarde101012406305561855618FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.Athlon100400448526445264452Bertie100116435106335462843Cinderella100131439566382563739Concord100412Did not sail the course.SIXTH CLASS SLOOPS.Nymph100353Did not sail the course.Pappoose1004305073170301———
SEA FOX—OWNER, A. CASS CANFIELD, ESQ.
SEA FOX—OWNER, A. CASS CANFIELD, ESQ.
Again did thePuritantake the lead at the line, closely followed by theLydia,Clio,MontaukandVolunteer. Everything went smoothly till theMayflowerandGraylingcame along, and then occurred the only accident or collision of the cruise of ’88. Immediately after crossing the line theMayflowerwas directly behind theGraylingand was sailing a trifle faster. Almost before any one realized that an accident was about to happen, theMayflower’sbowsprit caught the endof theGrayling’smainboom. This of itself was nothing serious. The sloopReginawas, however, right ahead of theGrayling, and by theMayflowerpressing upon theGrayling’sboom, the latter’s stern was pushed to windward, her bow swung off, and in a moment her big bowsprit struck theRegina’smainsail just abaft the mast. The little sloop keeled over to starboard, when her topmast snapped, and the rigging came rattling down on her deck. Three of the guests on board theReginabecame excited, and jumped overboard, and then immediately started to swim for the boat which they had just left. Lines were thrown from theGraylingand caught by the swimmers, but the big schooner did not lose her headway, and the men grasping the rope were towed through the water.
I have the honor to remain, Elbridge T Gerry, Commodore N.Y.Y.C.
TheElectra,Grayling, andMayflowersoon had boats out, theElectra’sgig being first. By the time the excitement had subsided all the yachts had crossed the line, and the faster boats were rapidly moving to the front. Soon theVolunteerpassed thePuritanand took the lead, which she kept until almost to the line, only to be defeated by thePuritan, after having victory apparently within her grasp. The way in which Commodore Forbes regained the lead was a clever piece of work. TheVolunteerwas leading and was encountering a strong head tide; but thePuritanand others were rapidly overtaking her, not being bothered with the tide, while they had the full advantage of the wind. ThePuritanwas soon equal with the leader, and though not gaining, was gradually working toward the shore away from the current. Meanwhile theVolunteerhad dropped anchor, not being able to make any headway. As soon as thePuritancame near the shore and out of the strong current, she slowly moved toward the line, and crossed it a victor. The results of the day’s run were:
FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.
Start.
Finish.
ActualTime.
NAME.
H.
M.
S.
H.
M.
S.
H.
M.
S.
10
46
06
7
58
00
9
12
54
10
47
07
7
59
45
9
12
38
10
47
35
8
13
50
9
26
15
10
49
25
8
16
20
9
26
55
10
51
00
8
41
00
9
50
00
10
51
35
—
—
—
—
—
—
11
00
00
7
51
15
9
51
15
SECOND CLASS SCHOONERS.
10
41
58
7
55
30
9
13
40
10
44
00
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
46
17
8
02
58
9
16
41
10
47
35
—
—
—
—
—
—
THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.
10
43
30
8
34
30
9
51
00
10
43
47
7
21
17
8
37
30
10
44
43
7
23
45
8
39
02
10
45
15
7
31
23
8
46
08
10
48
08
7
21
17
8
33
09
10
51
00
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
58
55
7
53
40
8
54
45
FOURTH CLASS SCHOONERS.
10
43
16
7
30
43
8
47
27
10
45
00
8
06
25
9
21
25
10
47
35
8
37
00
9
49
25
10
49
10
7
53
00
9
03
50
10
51
00
—
—
—
—
—
—
FIFTH CLASS SCHOONERS.
10
41
15
8
36
15
9
55
00
10
41
41
8
35
00
9
53
19
10
45
48
8
11
11
9
25
23
10
57
00
—
—
—
—
—
—
11
00
00
—
—
—
—
—
—
FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.
10
40
53
7
14
25
8
33
32
10
41
58
7
22
45
8
40
47
10
48
08
7
49
22
9
01
14
THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.
10
42
40
8
12
35
9
29
55
10
42
40
7
52
23
9
09
43
10
44
28
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
48
08
7
26
52
8
38
44
10
50
37
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
54
22
8
34
30
9
40
08
10
54
49
8
44
25
9
48
36
FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.
10
45
48
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
47
55
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
48
08
8
26
00
9
37
52
10
49
35
8
40
00
9
30
25
FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.
10
44
32
8
05
06
9
20
34
10
45
48
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
47
35
—
—
—
—
—
—
SIXTH CLASS SLOOPS.
10
44
28
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
46
40
—
—
—
—
—
—
10
52
20
8
08
58
9
16
38
WINNERS—Schooners—First class, Alarm; second, Montauk; third, Grayling; fourth, Iroquois; fifth, Harbinger; Sloops—First class, Puritan; third, Bedouin; fourth, Medusa; fifth, Athlon; sixth, Nymph.
WINNERS—Schooners—First class, Alarm; second, Montauk; third, Grayling; fourth, Iroquois; fifth, Harbinger; Sloops—First class, Puritan; third, Bedouin; fourth, Medusa; fifth, Athlon; sixth, Nymph.
ELECTRA, THE FLAGSHIP—OWNED BY COMMODORE E. T. GERRY.⇒LARGER IMAGE
ELECTRA, THE FLAGSHIP—OWNED BY COMMODORE E. T. GERRY.
⇒LARGER IMAGE
During Sunday the fleet lay at anchor in Vineyard Haven. At a meeting of the captains, held on board the flagshipElectra, it was decided to abandon the cruise to Marblehead for this year and to accept the offer made by the Newport citizens, of cups, to be sailed for over the Sow and Pigs course before the cruise terminated. It was also decided to go to New Bedford on the day after the race for the Martha’s Vineyard Cup, and then from New Bedford to go to Newport and sail the race for the cup offered.
Monday, August 13, was the day set for the race for the Martha’s Vineyard Cup, but after the flagshipElectrahad taken her position ready for the start the Regatta Committee decided to postpone the race. On Monday, therefore, the yachts lay anchored in Vineyard Haven, while their owners enjoyed themselves at Cottage City.
IROQUOIS—OWNER, T. JEFFERSON COOLIDGE, ESQ.
IROQUOIS—OWNER, T. JEFFERSON COOLIDGE, ESQ.
On Tuesday, the day was clear and bright, with a wind strong and fresh from the southwest. It was an ideal yachting day. The result was the finest race of the cruise.
The prizes were a series of valuable cups offered by the citizens of Martha’s Vineyard, as follows: $250 for keel schooners, $250 for second-class centre-board schooners, $200 for third-class centre-board schooners, $250 for first-class sloops, $200 for second-class sloops, $150 for third-class sloops, $100 for fourth-class sloops and $100 for fifth-class sloops.
The course gave a beat to windward of eighteen nautical miles to and round a stakeboat off Gay Head and return to starting line off Cottage City.
The starting signal was given at 10.10, and thePuritanwas again first over the line. TheAlertwas next, closely pursued by theSea FoxandGrayling. General Paine was aboard theAlert, and it was generally believed that his presence did not keep her back at all.
The wind increased shortly after the start, and soon a heavy sea came rolling in from the eastward, striking the big sloops first. ThePuritanwas still leading, but theMayflowerseemed to make better weather of the seas, and soon passed to leeward of thePuritan.
About the same time theGraylingran through theSachem’slee, and theSea Foxwas holding a splendid wind and going fast through the water. She was to the windward of both theSachemand theGrayling. Soon after the start the schoonerPalmercarried away her fore gaff, but she held on under whole mainsail, fore topsail and jib. TheGraylingandSachemhad it hot for a while on the starboard tack; theSachemgot a little the best of the bout. TheAlertnow hoisted a small maintopmast staysail and came along at a slashing pace, apparently outsailing all the schooners. The first mark of the course to be turned was the bell buoy off Nobska Point, which was turned by the leaders as follows:Puritan, 11.17.30;Mayflower, 11.18.45;Sachem, 11.21.10;Sea Fox, 11.22.05;Alert, 11.25.00;Grayling, 11.29.00.
On the way from Nobska Point to Gay Head the wind rather moderated, topmasts were sent up, and reefs shaken out on most of the boats. The time taken at Gay Head stakeboat was as follows:Puritan, 12.42.50;Mayflower, 12.47.00;Sachem,12.50.30;Alert, 12.52.22;Sea Fox, 12.53.26;Grayling, 12.58.32;Miranda, 1.01.45;Montauk, 1.14.00;Iroquois, 1.06.30;Katrina, 1.09.55.
It was a free wind from Gay Head to the finish off the Sea View House at Cottage City. All the yachts sent their kites up soon after turning, and all made splendid time. TheAlertwas at a great disadvantage here in not having any spinnaker or balloon topsails on board, so that theMirandawas able to overhaul her. The race between theSea FoxandSachemwas most exciting and very close; theKatrinaalso pulled up on theBedouin, but not enough to save her loss outside. TheGraylingdid not do as well as usual in this home run; she was outsailed by both theSachemandSea Fox. The finish line was crossed in the following order:Puritan,Sachem,Mayflower,Sea Fox,Alert,Grayling,Miranda,Montauk,Iroquois,Bedouin,Katrina,Intrepid,Troubadour,Hildegarde,Halcyon,Bertie,Athlon,Vixen, andUsher.
The following tables show the result:
FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.
Start.
Finish.
ElapsedTime.
Corr’d.Time.
NAME.
H.
M.
S.
H.
M.
S.
H.
M.
S.
H.
M.
S.
10
10
44
2
21
32
4
10
48
—
—
—
10
11
43
2
44
14
4
32
31
4
30
10
10
11
45
2
27
55
4
16
10
4
05
14
10
17
58
Did not finish.
10
10
24
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
SECOND CLASS SCHOONERS.
10
11
23
2
20
08
4
09
45
4
08
23
10
11
25
2
26
23
4
15
03
4
10
34
10
11
48
2
17
08
4
06
20
4
04
33
10
13
23
2
29
46
4
16
23
4
16
23
10
15
00
2
47
20
4
32
20
4
28
47
THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.
10
12
10
2
34
12
4
22
02
4
22
02
10
14
59
3
10
38
4
55
39
4
54
54
FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.
10
10
16
2
12
58
4
02
42
4
00
07
10
13
14
2
17
44
4
04
30
4
04
30
SECOND CLASS SLOOPS.
10
11
25
2
37
39
4
26
14
4
24
43
10
14
26
2
42
37
4
28
11
4
28
11
THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.
10
14
11
3
09
43
4
55
32
4
55
32
FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.
10
13
41
3
26
42
5
13
01
5
07
59
10
20
00
3
59
45
5
39
45
5
39
45
FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.
10
16
30
4
01
30
5
45
00
—
—
—
10
16
48
4
03
47
5
46
59
—
—
—
10
16
54
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Winners and prizes:Alert, $250;Sachem, $250;Iroquois, $200;Puritan, $250;Bedouin, $250;Hildegarde, $150;Bertie, $100, andHesper, $100.
Winners and prizes:Alert, $250;Sachem, $250;Iroquois, $200;Puritan, $250;Bedouin, $250;Hildegarde, $150;Bertie, $100, andHesper, $100.
On Wednesday morning the fleet started for New Bedford. The wind was a regular sou’wester, and fast time was made.
The preparatory signal was given at 9.50, and ten minutes later the starting gun was fired. The race abounded in exciting manœuvres, and much good seamanship was displayed. It was a grand sight to watch theSea Fox,GraylingandSachemcontesting for first place, and so close together were they at the finish that all three crossed the line within one minute.
The following table shows the actual results of the race:
FIRST CLASS SCHOONERS.
Start.
Finish.
ElapsedTime.
Corr’d.Time.
NAME.
H.
M.
S.
H.
M.
S.
H.
M.
S.
H.
M.
S.
10
04
30
3
40
45
5
36
15
5
36
15
10
20
00
3
54
04
5
34
04
5
31
59
10
02
56
3
42
42
5
39
46
5
37
21
THIRD CLASS SCHOONERS.
10
00
56
3
03
07
5
02
11
4
58
38
10
01
21
3
02
18
5
00
57
5
00
57
10
02
15
3
03
09
5
00
54
4
59
27
FOURTH CLASS SCHOONERS.
10
01
21
3
26
15
5
25
54
5
23
54
10
02
09
Did not sail the course.
FIFTH CLASS SCHOONERS.
10
02
59
5
09
23
7
08
24
—
—
—
10
01
21
4
07
14
6
05
53
—
—
—
10
00
38
Did not sail the course.
FIRST CLASS SLOOPS.
10
00
35
3
03
40
5
02
05
4
59
26
10
02
19
Did not sail the course.
THIRD CLASS SLOOPS.
10
02
52
3
56
20
5
53
28
Not meas.
10
07
00
3
14
37
5
07
37
5
07
37
10
05
24
3
13
13
5
07
49
5
06
13
10
11
27
Did not sail the course.
FOURTH CLASS SLOOPS.
10
10
12
4
06
30
5
56
18
5
56
18
FIFTH CLASS SLOOPS.
10
04
00
4
48
52
6
44
52
6
44
52
10
01
16
4
35
10
6
33
54
6
28
43
10
01
31
4
39
56
6
38
25
6
37
39
10
04
12
Did not sail the course.
SIXTH CLASS SLOOPS.
10
03
53
Did not sail the course.
10
04
30
5
07
31
7
03
01
—
—
—