Lines and midship section of 'Corsair,' built by M. Ratsey, Cowes, 1832. Length for tonnage, 57 ft. 9 in.; breadth, 18 ft. 6 in.; tonnage, 8484/94.
'YSEULT'
10-rater (P. Donaldson, Esq.) Designed by Fife, 1892.
The race was from Greenwich to Gravesend and back, and it certainly was not lacking in interest. The sport began early. 'Matchless' carried away her boom, running into 'Lady Louisa's' quarter; 'Lady Louisa's' bowsprit caught 'Rob Roy's' backstay, and she followed 'Matchless' ashore, dragging 'Lady Louisa' after her. At this time 'Daisy' was leading. Soon after 'Brilliant' became first and 'Ariel' second boat. In Erith Reach on the return 'Venus' was waterlogged. 'Donna del Lago' carried away her bowsprit; 'Vixen' carried away outhaul, and when she got into Erith Roads 'Vixen's' mast went by the board. Finally 'Brilliant' won by 1 minute from 'Ariel,' who was second. They were both reefed down to the balance-reef, as shown in the illustration taken from an old print. Balance-reefs are seldom seen nowadays, although they are occasionally carried by fishing craft.
'Brilliant' and 'Ariel' race, 1830.
There was one day's racing in 1892 which should be handed down as a remarkable instance of what the new boats can do in a stress of weather. It was Largs Regatta, July 12, when the Largs men witnessed and took part in the kind of sport they so dearly love; they are severe critics, but give honour where honour is due, especially to weatherly craft and good seamanship. The wind was from the east, freshening up towards the time for the start. Unfortunately 'Meteor' and 'Iverna' were not competing, the former having damaged her gaff. The forties were there, four in number—'Queen Mab,' 'Corsair,' 'Varuna,' and 'White Slave'—the 'Mohican' was flagship, in line with a flag on Largs Pier. It was a truly wild morning, white squalls being frequent and severe. The Firth was all spoondrift; 'Queen Mab' and 'Varuna' had housed topmasts, one reef down, 'Corsair' topmast on end. Under Knockhill the squalls were tremendously heavy, very patchy and local. Off Skelmorlie the racers got the true east wind hard, and found the flagboat dragging her anchor. They rounded, however: 'Queen Mab' was timed 11 hrs. 8 mins. 16 secs., 'Varuna,' 11 hrs. 8 mins. 52 secs. Coming over towards Largs they got into a lull, when 'Corsair' set her gaff-topsail, 'Mab' and 'Varuna' getting topmasts on end; the latter set her topsail, the former did not. Soon a mighty rush of wind burst down from between Tomont End and Largs. At the 'Knock' again there was a kind of vacuum-cum-Mäelström. Soon after, in a wilder phase of Clyde weather, 'Mab' and 'Varuna' were caught by a fierce squall and laid down to it. 'Corsair,' unfortunately, was the victim of a squall spout, which carried away her mast close to the board—such was the strain that something must have gone. The 'White Slave,' belonging to Mr. F. W. L. Popham, was at this time off the Knock; she took in her topsail, and nearing 'Corsair' further reduced her canvas, lowering her mainsail to assist her. Ultimately 'Corsair' was towed by Duncan, of 'Madge' fame. Skelmorlie mark was rounded at 12 hrs. 42 mins. 30 secs. by 'Queen Mab,' at 12 hrs. 45 mins. 12 secs. by 'Varuna.'