In early days the races were sailed above bridge, with an occasional bold venture as far down the river as Erith or Gravesend; but, finding by experience that no serious dangers existed in such then comparatively unknown waters, the above-bridge races were in a few years abandoned, and the time-honoured course from Erith round the Nore and back adopted. After many years, owing to the increase in the size of the yachts, and in both the number and size of the vessels navigating the Thames, another change was made. The Royal London always showed energy where yachting progress was concerned, and was the first to adopt flying starts on the Thames. A small class raced thus May 14, 1878, and it may be noted that the club was one of the first clubs in the United Kingdom, if not actually the first, to adopt the Y.R.A. rules, October 20, 1892. The office of Admiral was filled by the election of H.R.H. the Duke of York to that post. A striking illustration, not only of the progress of the club, but also of the development of yachting, is shown in the following table:—
| Year | Number of Yachts | Aggregate Tonnage | Average Tonnage | |||
| 1848 | 15 | 161 | 11 | |||
| 1892 | 248 | 17,000 | 69 | |||
On the social side its advance has been equally striking. After wandering about for many years, in 1857 rooms were engaged at the Caledonian Hotel, Adelphi. In 1882 the prosperity of the club justified the opening of a branch club-house at Cowes, and three years later the London headquarters were moved to their present position in Savile Row. These changes were attended by the most satisfactory results. The numbers, instead of fluctuating between 200 and 300 as they had done for a series of years, at once began to increase, and now there are over 700 names on the books. The yachts have increased correspondingly.
THE LONDON SAILING CLUB, HAMMERSMITH
The London Sailing Club is a vigorous and practical association which has to be specially commended for two features lately introduced. The first of these was an exhibition in its rooms of 1-rater half-models, scale 1 inch to the foot, each to carry a centre-plate—the design to show shear plan, body plan, and half-breadth plan. Each design was accompanied by a sealed envelope containing the designer's name. These envelopes were not opened until after the designs and models had been judged, and the prizes, three in number, awarded by Mr. Dixon Kemp. The whole arrangements were most satisfactorily carried out. The exhibition opened February 21, 1893, the models remaining on view until March 6. These models, from the hands of professionals as well as amateurs, were in some cases very beautiful. The first prize was awarded to Mr. David Weir, of Partick. The second ran Mr. Weir very close indeed, and when the envelope was opened the name of J. M. Soper was discovered, a name associated with many leading Solent small raters. The awarding of prizes is always a responsibility, but with Mr. Dixon Kemp's experience and scientific knowledge he had little difficulty.
The second feature referred to was the reading of papers by leading authorities on practical subjects connected with construction and sailing. The first paper, on centreboards, was read by Mr. Dixon Kemp, and illustrated with diagrams on the blackboard, and a discussion opened by Mr. Warrington Baden-Powell, of canoe fame, followed. The reading of these papers has a good influence in bringing members and their friends together. For special subjects experts and specialists are invited, and much valuable information is often afforded. About it as a club there is nothing very particular to be said. It is popular with its members, and very successfully carries out the objects of the foundation.
THE UPPER THAMES SAILING CLUBS
Upper Thames Sailing Club and Club-house, Bourne End, Bucks, 1893.