The Sun.
London, England, 1824-08-28 00:00:00

GRAND SAILING MATCH.

Yesterday a tine competition took place among the fishermen
of the Thames, within the boundaries, for the new peter-boat,
given by some gentlemen who are fond of encouraging aquatic
sports, particularly where die competitors are hard-working and
industrious men.—At three o'clock the following boats were
placed at the buoys for starting :-
1 >eception Michael Murphy Blackwell
Iletsey R. Flynn Bankside •
Ann's Delight B. Cobb, jun. Greenwich
New Unity E. Barbery Wandsworth
Favourite Thomas Roberts Ditto
Henry William White Chiswick
Victory Thomas Brill Wandsworth
Father's Child Forgot John Garthwaite Greenwich
Friend's' Goodwill Robert Edmore Bankaide-
William and George G. Banks Lambeth
Henry and Jane J. Harbutt Wandsworth
Endeavour J. Reed Greenwich
Favourite Samuel Perkins Wandsworth
'Thomas and Agnes Thomas Pridmore Battersea
And the conditions of the match were stated to be . that;the
peter-boats were not to exceed a certain length (22 feet) anti
to sail, under spritsail and foresail, the distance from Black.
friars to Putney •and back. All having agreed and ratified
those terms, the wherries moved out of the way ; the 'stream
appeared clear 'for action, when the " fleet" containing► the
lookers-on set sail, and in a few minutes the signal for being
at positions was made, and at 20 minutes to four o'clock the
start took place. The Victory and the Ann's Delight having
declined the competition, only 12 boats started. The contest
at the setting out was very fine, the wind blew fresh from the
east, and the tide fully favoured the expectation of the come-
titors. The Betsey took the lead, and kept it in tine style
through Waterlm-bridge, having evidently every advantage
of tackle ; however, the Father's Child Forgot bore up, and in •
a gallant way took the lead ' • and at Vauxhall-bridge, she
was passed in fine style by the Endeavour, Favourite, anti
Thomas anti Agnes. This last boat, in Chelsea-reach, was
slightly fouled ; she, however, bore on her starboard tack
away, and had gained the lead, not only at Battersea, but in
the far-famed reach for trial of skill, at Wandsworth, where
the Betsey, by bearing to the windward, gained considerably
upon the Thomas and Agnes ; but this boat, by great stress
of sail, pusliedhpon a contrary tack, and, by dint of the most
skilful management, gained the breeze, and gallantly passed
round the boat stationed off the Powder-house, Putney, fol-
lowed by the Betsey ; but this beat had something to do to
avoid the Father's Child. Forgot, and at this time the contest
, was between the three boats. The Thomas and Agnes cut on
under every description of tack, closely pressed by the Betsey,
who made every effort to keep under her wake. At Nine .Einis
the second boat was slightly fouled, but she had no chance
of winning the prize, as the leading bout was at least, on every
tack, 30 lengths a-head. At 20 minutes past six, amid' the
roar of cannon, and cheers of an immense assemblage at Cum-
berland-gardens, the Thomas and Agnes came in the winning
boat, striking the sprit-enil. The order ofatomlug in appeared
to be the Betsey, The Father's Child Forgot, and the. Favourite.
The coming in was very fine :--there waltecarOY ftn••
In sailing, but evidently Pridmore, the.owner of t o Thomas
and Agnes, well understood the weathei-gage of the river and
consequently distanced his opponents. i Were*