Yachts of Cork Water Club, 1720. From an old picture at the R.C.Y.C., Queenstown.
Sailing orders for the Water Club fleet, 1720
The fleet to rendezvous at Spithead on club days by the first quarter ebb, any boat not being in sight by the time the Admiral is abreast of the Castle in Spike Island, to forfeit a British half-crown for gunpowder for the fleet.
When the Admiral hoists his foresail half up, it is for the fleet to have a peak upon their anchor, and when the foresail is hoisted up and a gun fired, the whole fleet is to weigh.
Observe that if the Admiral wants to speak with any of the fleet he will make the following signals.
If with the Vice-Admiral he will hoist a white flag at the end of the gaff or derrick, and fire two guns.
If with any private Captain he will hoist a pendant at his derrick, and fire as many guns as the Captain is distanced from him and from the same side.
When he would have the fleet come to an anchor, he will show double Dutch colours at the end of his gaff and fire a gun.
When the Admiral will have the whole fleet to chase he will hoist Dutch colours under his flag, and fire a gun from each quarter; if a single boat he will hoist a pendant and fire as many guns from the side as a boat is distanced from him. When he would have the chase given over, he will haul in his flag and fire a gun.