Charles O'Neal, Henry Mitchell, John Rodgers and Richard Bullen.
The headquarters of the club was the Castle, on the picturesque Island of Hawlbowline, in the beautiful harbor of Cork. From this stronghold these ancient yachtsmen used to embark on board their yachts and sail "a few leagues out to sea," led and commanded by their Admiral, who was assisted by a Vice-Admiral. The following were the " Sailing Orders for the Water Club Fleet, A. D., 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 fore-sail half up, it is for the fleet to heave apeak upon their anchor, and when the fore-sail is hoisted up and a gun fired, the whole fleet is to weigh.
"To observe no one offer to go ahead, or to windward of the Admiral, without being ordered. The Vice-Admiral to bring up the rear, and to wear the broad pendant at his masthead; the captains to follow the Admiral, and to take place according to their seniority, viz., the eldest captain present to keep on the starboard quarter of the Admiral, the second to the larboard quarter, and so on quite through the fleet; if any stranger or strangers join company, it is expected he or they shall receive orders from the Admiral.
"Observe, that if the Admiral wants to speak with any of the fleet he will make the following signals:
