'Een Bezan Jagt,' 1670.
It is about thirty tons in burden, and carries 30 men with good commodation, as much more as any ship of her burden also as any vessel of this figure shall carry more men. She carries 10 guns of about 5 tons weight. In coming back from Holyhead they started together, and this vessel came to Dublin by 5 at night and the Pacquett boat not before eight the next morning.[1]
September 17, 1665.—Lord's Day. To church to Gravesend in the 'Bezan' yacht, and then to anchor for all night—and with much pleasure at last to sleep—having very good lodging upon cushions in the cabbin.
Cutter, 141 tons, from Stalkart's 'Naval Architecture,' 1781.
October 1, 1665.—Lord's Day. Embarked on board the 'Bezan.' ... After supper on board the 'Bezan,' then to cards for a while and so to sleep; but Lord! the mirth it caused me to be waked in the night by the snoring around me.
1690.—Macaulay in his 'History' mentions a yacht. Caermarthen's eldest son—bold and volatile, fond of the sea, and living much among sailors—had a small yacht of marvellous speed.
1697.—Peter the Great is known to have added to the advancement of sailing and building yachts during his visit to this country.
1720-1737.—The Water Club of the harbour of Cork was established, to be held once every spring tide in April to the last in September, inclusive. The details of this doyen club will be found in its proper place, p. 99 et seq.