'Tottie,' Royal Corinthian Yacht Club,
21-ft. class.
During the last two or three years prizes have been offered for 2½-raters, but the class has not as yet taken any hold on the Thames men, the only entries having been 'Camilla' and 'Cock-a-whoop.' This club now offers a challenge cup for 1-raters, viz. the cup won by the 3-ton 'Muriel,' and presented to the club by Captain H. C. Fox.
The Club received the Admiralty warrant to fly the Blue Ensign in 1884, and in 1893 Her Majesty the Queen was graciously pleased to command that the club should be called the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club.
The present officers of the club are: Robert Hewett, Esq., Commodore, and Rear-Commodore of Royal Thames, and of 'Buttercup' celebrity; J. Weston Clayton, Esq., Vice-Commodore; Frank C. Capel, Esq., Rear-Commodore; H. Neville Custance, Esq., Hon. Treasurer; and T. G. F. Winser, Esq., Secretary.
In order to extend the usefulness of the club to its members, the committee last year secured a club-room at Burnham on the Crouch, a most charming piece of water for small craft. With the greatly improved state of the Thames at Erith, however, it is probable that most of the yachts will come back to the headquarters of the club as of old. It is many years since fish were caught at Erith, but of late they have returned, and the Thames is now in as good condition as could be desired. This river and its estuary form a perfect cruising ground for the amateur yachtsman, and with a snug anchorage and comfortable quarters at the end of a cruise, such as the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club affords, he must be a glutton who is not satisfied.
The number of yachts belonging to the club is 220, ranging from 1 to 500 tons.
ROYAL LONDON YACHT CLUB
The Royal London was established in 1838, and takes the lead in the Victorian period. It began its career in May 1838 as the Arundel Yacht Club, when the majority of the yachts were probably kept on the foreshore at the foot of Arundel Street, Strand. Its flag at that time was a red field, white border, and white letters.
In 1845 the name was changed to the London Yacht Club, and the flag adopted was a white field with a blue cross, the union in the upper corner, a gold star in the lower. In 1846 the star was changed for the City arms, on receipt of a grant of this privilege from the Corporation of the City of London. 1849 was an important year in its history. The club received the patronage of Queen Adelaide, whereby it became Royal (a privilege not so easily obtained in those days), and also the recognition of the Admiralty by which the possession of an Admiralty warrant was secured to its members.