The Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1860-08-13 00:00:00

BIRKENHEAD MODEL YACHT CLUB.
CLOSING MATCH OF THE SEASON.

A very unseasonable day did not prevent a large
number enjoying the excitement furnished by the closing
match of the Birkenhead Yacht Club on Saturday. A
dull and threatening morning was succeeded by a cloudy
day, with a strong breeze from the northwest, which,
although calculated to test the sailing qualities of the'
yachts to the utmost, promised to mar the enjoyment of
the spectators ; but, with the exception of one heavy
shower of rain, the weather was rather favourable than
otherwise. The race was under the direction of the
commodore (Harrison) ably assisted by the active vice-
commodore Scott. The scene was- enlivened by the
presence of an excellent band, which, under the direction
of Mr. Phillips, played at intervals during the race.
The wants of the inner man were catered for by Mr.
Anderson, of the Merchants• New Dining-rooms, in the
usual unique style of that establishment.

There were five yachts entered for the race, namely—
Zephyr, 53 tons, owned by Rowland Beauer, Esq. ;
Stella, 73, A. Bower, Esq. ; Barracouta, 33, J. M.
Hannay, Esq. ; Vision, 71, C. IL Mddington, Esq. ;
Snake, 73, W. Wilkinson, Esq.. The start was made at
five minutes to two o'clock, and was for the following
course :—From Woodside-pier round a flag-boat sta-
tioned at Bromboro pool, thence round a flag-boat
stationed southward of the Dingle, baek to flag-boat
at Dromboro' pool, returning to flag-boat stationed
southward of Woodside-pier, back round the flag-
boats stationed off Bromboro' pool and southward of
the Dingle, returning direct to Woodside-pier. At the
start the lead was taken by the Barracouta, closely fol.:
lowed by the Snake and Vision, the other boats keeping
well up for a short time, 14 falling considerably behind
before arriving at the first flag-boat, the race being
evidently between Barracouta, Snake, and Vision. At
Bromboro' pool flag-boat the little Barracouta was still

ahead The following is the respective times of passing
of the three between whom the race now 14Y

Barraeouta 2 20 316
Snake
2 23
2:3
Vision
After passing this boat the Barracouta fell behind,
leaving the race now between th,e_§n4lie and the Vision.
The excitement of the race was considerably enhanced
by the evident danger of the Zephyr at this time ; she
was carrying so much sail, and the breeze being so
strong, that there was evident difficulty in keeping her
from falling on her side. The steatner was, Two than
once, pat about to co tq npr assistance, but she righted
herself, and the steamer then proceeded. The Zephyr
had eventually to discontinue the struggle, having lost
her bowsprit.

On the second approach to the Bromboro' flag•
boat,' the yachts were all up-within a. short distance of

each other, the Vision nol,i being first, closely followed
by the Snake.

M.
1 45 15
2 45 45
2 47 30
2 49 30
2 52 30

Snake
Barracouta
Stella
Zephyr
:On rounding the flag-ship, the Vision and Snake seemed
• •
ito be in collision. On coming round, the Vision was
peen to have gained a little ground, which she kept all
the way round and home. As the other vessels were
now virtually out of the race, we give tile iut round of
the two

Woodside. Brom. Dingle. Woodside.
Vision
snake
the Vision having thus arrived five and a half minutes
before the Snake. We are sorry to have to announce
that a protest was handed in to the Commodore by Mr.
Wilkinson, the owner of the Snake, to qw, following
effect Tnat the yacht Vision did wilfully foul my
'acht Snake at the Bromboro' flagship, and. also
compelled the Snake to heave about at the Dingle,
Trhen, in accordance with the rules of the club, it was
he duty of the vision to put about." The mgter is to
be bronght before the co,nituittee of the club on Wed-
nesday evening neV, at eight o'clock, when the affair
will be decided. We refrain from offering any remarks
on the race-whilst it is thus ppicipt‘c save to again
cipreso our regtst that any circumstance should have
arisen calculated to cause annoyance or call for the
interference of the committee.