The Sun.
London, England, 1853-06-02 00:00:00

AQUATICS.

ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB.
IYesterday was fixed upon for the second match of
this distinguished club since the commencement of the
present season, and the result was one of the finest and
closest contests ever witnessed. This match had ex-
cited unusual interest amongst aquatic circles, and it
may be considered as the first trial which has taken
place between vessels of a large class since the success
of the America in 1851 created such a furor amongst
yachtsmen, and gave a new turn to the skill and science
of our naval architects, who had been previously labour-
ing under the pleasing delusion that their yachts were
perfection, and that it was absurd to suppose that those
of any other country could successfully compete with
them. However that might be, a long course of success
had been attended with its usual results, so that a few
defeats were calculated to produce a most salutary
effect. True it is, however, that many are still to be
found whe affect to depreciate "mere sailing machines"
like the America, where comfort and accommodation are
ruthlessly sacrificed to speed. If we may judge from
the result of yesterday's race, a most happy combination
of the two has been successfully realised in the Rosalind,
a new vessel built by Inman, of Lymington, for Lord
Alfred Paget, whose capabilities, it will be seen, more
than realised the expectations which had been enter-
tained of them.
The Meteor steam-vessel was chartered for the accom-
modation of the members of the club and their visitors,
and at an early hour it left London-bridge with a nu-
merous assemblage on board, including a far greater
number of ladies than usual.
The course appointed for the match was from Graves-
end to sail round the Mouse Light vessel and back.
The following vessels were entered :
Name. Tons. Port. Owner.
1 Vestal 74 50uth......... Mr. B. G. Rowles.
2 Rosalind l9O London ...... Lord A. Paget, M.P.
3 May Fly lOO COIVOS .... Mr. T. M.P.
4 Svorige 2BO London.,_,..
.. Mr. T. Bartlett.
5 Violet 6O Plymouth ...Capt. FreestuLl, R.N.
6 Sappho lOl Portsmouth. Mr. G. P. Naylor.
No time allowed for tonnage. The Sverige was decidedly the favourite, although
some of the others had their respective admirers, but
these were very limited in number. This vessel excited
great attention, and her merits were variously criticised
as she lay at anchor, being very conspicuous from her
size and power amongst her smaller competitors. She
Caine from Sweden too late last season to be entered for
any great match ; but her fame rests upon a report of a
very mysterious match, in which she is said to have per-
formed great exploits against the celebrated America.
She is somewhat similar to the latter vessel in many
points, but apparantly with more internal accommo-
dation, and, as she proved herself yesterday under
several disadvantages, of very great speed. Her
sails did not seem large enough for her, and evidently
required several alterations, which, as she had been
hastily fitted out for this match, it may be presumed will
be forthwith executed ; she then will prove a most for-
midable competitor wherever she appears. The Rosa-
lind is also fashioned somewhat on the American model
—a powerful, full-bodied vessel, with a long bow, sitting
well upon the water ; and although no great sacrifices
have apparently been made to speed only, she proved
herself a vessel of no ordinary capabilities, considering
the much greater size and power of her Swedish antago-
nist. The Sappho is another new boat this season, built
by Camper, of Gosport. The Vestal was launched last
year from the yard of Messrs. Inman of Lyinington.
The other vessels are a season or two older than the
above, and if the race yesterday is to be considered ally
criterion, some progress has evidently been made in yacht
building since 1851.

The race may be described in a very few words. The
Commodore fired a gun as the signal for weighing anchor
at seven minutes to twelve o'clock. The Rosalind was
by far the smartest in setting sail, and took a command-
ing lead in gallant style. The Sverige was the last off,
having got her broadside on to the tide, and as it was
some time before her sails filled, she was left consider-
ably behind. The Mayfly had a very narrow escape of
fouling a large brig. They then stood out to sea in the
following order :---The Rosalind, Sappho, Mayfly, Vio-
let, Vestal, and Sverige last of all. Nothing calling for
special notice took place, except that the Sverige gra-
dually overhauled the others, and off South-end took the
second place, the Rosalind at the time having a lead of
nearly two miles. About halfway between the Bligh
and Chapman Head, the Violet and the Sverige being
both on the same tack, had to put about to clear a brig,
and it was alleged that in so doing the latter fouled the
former, who immediately hoisted a signal of protest
against the Swede. A variety of conflicting accounts
were given of this untoward occurrence, which mate-
rially marred the subsequent interest of the race, as the
Sverige forfeits all claim to the prize should the protest
be established. The Sverige, after this, slowly gained
on the Rosalind.
They passed the Mouse in the following order :
Rosalind..
Sverige 2 25 22
Vestal 2 34 20
The Sappho and Mayfly passed in succession very
quickly after the Vestal. The steamer having got too
far astern, the run home was not very clearly seen. On
coming up with the yachts, the Sverige had made up
her ground, and for the last half•a-dozen miles a
most exciting race ensued between them—first one and
then the other, appearing from the steamer, to have
the advantage. The excitement was increased by
the Sverige, about two miles from the winning
post, carrying away Ler foretopmast, just as she was
taking a decided lead. So close were the two, that as
they neared the flag-ship it was thought the Rosalind,
being to windward, would be able to slip round before
her opponent. The latter, however, was just enough
a-head to prevent this manceuvre ; and the Rosalind, in
her endeavour to avoid a foul, snapped her bowsprit.
They rounded the flag as follows :
Sverige 4h. 50 min. 49 sec.
Rosalind
Vestal
Sappho 5 19 10
Mayfly 5 21 50
The Violet having long before retired from the contest.
There was a very fair wind—a regular soldier's breeze—
and the match was consequently sailed at a very great
pace, the time being a few minutes under five hours.
This is, we believe, the shortest time in which the course,
66 nautical miles in length, has ever been accomplished.
In consequence of the protest the prize was not
awarded, the point in dispute having been referred to
the sailing committee, whose decision will be made
known next Wednesday. The prize is a piece of plate,
value 1001., representing Minerva as the patron deity of
science, that of navigation included, presenting the first
sail to the mythic hero Jason, to complete the equip-
ment of the Argo, previous to his celebrated expedition
in search of the golden fleece.