Real business.
Each hand is on the look-out in calm weather, scouring the horizon for a wandering catspaw, or in bad weather, watching the other craft to see how they take it. To note the skipper's face is a study; his eye on every leach and every sheet, keen and ready for any emergency, entirely absorbed in 'her' and how she is going and how he can best cosset her. Such was the impression left of Ben Parker at the tiller of 'Queen Mab.' He had done good work in Mr. Hill's 'Dragons' of the 20's. His first command was the 'Ulidia,' Fife's 10-tonner, after having sailed for some years under Tom Diaper and O'Neil, and his Channel race from Dover in 1892 will never be forgotten. It was a merry close haul back from the Warner to Southampton Water. As the wind was drawing down the river we had a beat up to the Committee-boat, which was reached, 'Queen Mab' 4 hrs. 9 mins. 57 secs., winner, 40l. and silver medal; 'Thalia,' 4 hrs. 58 mins., second prize 10l. 'Thalia,' built by Fife of Fairlie, had a rare good crew, and Mr. I. A. Inglis has sailed many a famous race in her with his skipper, Carter, whose season of 1893 in H.R.H. the Prince of Wales's 'Britannia' speaks for itself. We get the 'gun,' that great joy at the end of a good race. 'Down foresail,' and round she comes. The cheering is over, so now to clear up. Unlash the dinghy, get back the cutter and gear, and fill in the Declaration, which has to be sent in by every owner or his representative immediately after a race is won. It runs thus:
Y.R.A. Declaration that Rules have been observed
I hereby declare that yacht whilst sailing in the Race this day has strictly observed the sailing Rules and Regulations.
Date . Signed
The gig is by this time alongside, and it must have been delightful to the owner as he stepped into her and left the side of the victorious 'Queen Mab,' to look up and see five winning flags flying, representing five first prizes in five starts in one week.
It is not the purpose of this chapter to record all 'Queen Mab's' victories, but it may be noted that she won the 40l. prize given by the Royal Dorset Yacht Club in August of this year—1892. The club was founded in 1875, and holds forth many inducements to yacht-owners to visit Weymouth. For small raters it is admirably adapted, as the Esplanade is of immense length, and the short courses can be seen from one end to the other.