Seeing the "Defender's" Launching.
I really wish I had had every member of the Round Table that is interested in boats with me on Saturday, June 29th. On that memorable day I went with a party of friends on board of a sloop-yacht to witness the launching of the Defender. We left Warren about 9.30 a.m. We dropped anchor in Bristol Harbor just in time, for about five minutes later the big boat glided down the ways amid the banging of guns and the shrill whistles from the numerous steamboats. The only thing to mar the occasion was that the launching was not as successful as expected, for the boat stuck on the ways and was not floated till two days later.
AT THE "DEFENDER'S" LAUNCHING.
As soon as the launching was over, I looked around to see what yachts were in the harbor. At our left was the Colonia, the practice boat for the crew of the Defender, consisting of thirty-three men. Among the other yachts were the Valiant, the handsome Conqueror of F. W. Vanderbilt, the Shearwater, Sakonnet, and many, many others. The harbor, indeed, presented a beautiful picture from the shore. After lunch, my chum and myself went in one of the row-boats up near the cup-defender, thus getting a finer view of it than ever.
Souvenirs have been floating around Bristol and vicinity for a month in the shape of aluminum rings; but other souvenirs were sold on the launching-day. Some were stick-pins made from the bronze of the rudder-post. About 3.30 a stiff breeze set in, and many of the yachts took advantage of it and started out on a spin. When we got back to our yacht the waves were dancing merrily about its bow, much to our delight.
When we got "under way" and fairly flew out of the harbor, the crew of the Colonia took off their caps and waved to us (Captain "Hank Huff" also), and it is needless to say the salute was returned, and kept up for at least three minutes. With our spinnaker "set" we just skimmed homeward, reaching Warren in an hour. The spray came over the boat as we sped along. For my part, I got an extra coat of tan. I should like to know if any other members of the Table were at the launching.
Luise de Alcazar, R. T. L.
Warren, R. I.