Yacht of Cumberland Fleet, 1781.
The one thing curious about this match is that the 'Prince of Wales' sailing boat was advertised for sale, and it goes on to say, 'which no doubt will have the best chance to win the Jubilee Silver Cup which will be sailed for on the 17th inst.' She won that cup!
The proprietors of Vauxhall Gardens continued giving an annual cup to the club until the year 1810, when the last prize offered by them was sailed for on August 6, and won by the 'St. George,' 7 tons, Captain James Gunston. The ceremonies attached to the giving of the Vauxhall Cup differed but slightly from those attending the Duke of Cumberland's prize. The race started, as before, from Blackfriars Bridge and sailed round a boat stationed near Putney Bridge and back past a boat moored off Vauxhall Stairs, next door to Cumberland Gardens.
The gardens in the evening were magnificently illuminated; a wonderful transparency of the sailing match was on show, and the former prize cups won by the club were arranged on pedestals in front of it. There are many incidents connected with the Cumberland Fleet during all these years. The 'Morning Chronicle'[15] says: 'There was an attempt of foul play against the "Prince of Wales," the winning vessel of 1786, by other boats getting in her way, but she got all clear by a liberal use of handspikes.' In 1787 the match on July 19 was ordered by the club to be re-sailed August 3, on account of some mistakes in the sailing directions made by the competing yachts; this was eventually won by the 'Nancy,' Captain Dore, but the 'Blue Dragon' was disqualified for booming out her jib.
There must have been some form of Admiralty warrant extant in those days, as we find that the members of the club are requested (in an advertisement) to meet at the Crown and Anchor Tavern in the Strand, and it goes on to say,[16] 'The gentlemen who enter their boats are to attend at the same time to draw lots for situation at starting; and are hereby informed that they are expected either to produce their licence from the Admiralty, or other proofs of being owners of the vessels they intend to sail.'
In 1791,[17] Commodore Taylor, with a party of friends, started in the 'Cumberland' for Bordeaux, but we have found no reference to his having arrived there. This year there was a dreadful accident at the race for the Vauxhall Cup, by the bursting of a cannon at Cumberland Gardens, at the moment that the 'Mercury,' Captain Astley, was winning; by this two persons lost their lives. This is also the first year in which a second prize was given, viz. a silver goblet. The year 1793 was kept as a septennial one, and a handsome silver-gilt cup was presented to be raced for; the club thereupon challenged the world.
