'LENORE'
Fife of Fairlie, 1882.
This year, too, witnessed another change in yacht measurement. The Yacht Racing Association had formulated and passed a rule of measurement by length and sail area, the length to be taken along the load water-line. This rule was adopted by the club, and at the regattas all yachts were rated according to it, with the exception of the 3½-tonners; these, as they happened to be the class of the year, were allowed to race under the old rule for which they were built. As many as six of these little vessels made the Clyde their headquarters and sailed at the regattas.
Through the club's agency, it must not be forgotten, telegraphic communication was opened up between Hunter's Quay, Glasgow, and the outer world. The club provided an office and guaranteed the sum required by the Post Office authorities, and by so doing conferred a benefit not only on themselves but on the whole surrounding neighbourhood.
Early in 1888 the club was engaged in determining the several classes under which yachts built to the 'rating rule,' as it was called, should sail. For this purpose, Messrs. R. Wylie and J. B. Hilliard, the two well-known representative Clyde yachtsmen, were chosen delegates to consult with the other leading yacht clubs in the North regarding the adjustment of a classification for the smaller yachts and sailing boats racing on the Clyde, and full powers were given them to carry out any decision that might be arrived at. Those adopted were the 10, 6 and 3 rating classes with two length classes, one of 17 ft. on the water-line and 19 ft. over all, with a sail area limited to 530 ft.; the mainsail or lugsail not to exceed .75 of the total sail area; the other class to be for boats 15 ft. on the water-line. The 6-rating class was chosen that it might form one in which the 3-tonners of the preceding year would be able to enter, as they ranged over 5 and under 6 as raters. At the time these changes were taking place a rule was introduced that there were to be no 'restrictions on the use of centreboards.'
The great feature of this year's regatta was the 'Queen's Cup,' the second presented to the club within five years, an event of which the members may justly be proud. In the interim between the Corinthian and annual regattas a channel match round Arran was inaugurated, for yachts not exceeding 9 tons Thames measurement and belonging to any recognised yacht club, for 50l., given in two prizes of 35l. and 15l., and presented by two members of the club. The course lay from Hunter's Quay down the Firth, through the Kyles of Bute, down Kilbrennan Sound between Arran and Cantyre, rounding Pladda Island, and home by any route. The yachts were to be bona fide cruisers, and only jib-topsails were prohibited. No restrictions were made as to crew or helmsman. No fewer than eight small yachts sailed in the race, and it proved a far greater success than was at first expected.
If this is to be known as the second Queen's Cup year, it will also have to be remembered for the terrible fire and loss of the club-house and hotel on July 12, nothing of which was saved, with the exception of some furniture, one or two models, and a few odds and ends. A club could be called upon to face no greater calamity, especially at a time when the season is at its height. Craigend Villa, within a short distance of the old house, was promptly rented as a makeshift for a year, and fitted up to meet all immediate necessities, while steps were taken at once to make arrangements for the building of a new house on the old site. To forward this the sum of 10,000l. was voted, which with another 8,000l. did not cover all the expenses. At the present moment there does not exist a more beautiful or conveniently arranged yacht club-house in the kingdom.
