commanded by Naval officers on leave of absence. Speed was regarded as of less importance than good seamanship at the reviews of the fleet, which were occasionally held in the Solent, or, keeping the decks, guns, spars, and rigging in shipshape and man-of-war fashion. These yachts were the floating summer homes of their owners, who were frequently accompanied by their families, while the pleasant life on board was conducted with the decorum, refinement, and comfort of an English home.
In 1820 the name of the Club was changed to the Royal Yacht Club, and in 1821 the colors were changed to a red ensign with the letters R. Y. C. and a crown and foul anchor, also a red burgee. In 1826 the subscription was increased to £8, with an entrance fee of; £10. The tonnage limit was also increased to 30 tons.
In 1829 the Lords of the Admiralty issued warrants for yachts of the Royal Yacht Club to carry the St. George's ensign, a white burgee with a red cross and yellow crown in the centre, was accordingly adopted, and these are still the colors of the Club. In 1833 the name was again changed to the Royal Yacht Squadron.
It is a singular fact, that for the first ten years of its existence, the Club had no flag officers, and it was not until 1825 that Lord Yarborough became the first Commodore, and so continued until his death in 1846.
The first Club house was at West Cowes, now the Gloster Hotel. In 1801 an engraving of
