—which read as follows; "A silver Cup, the gift of His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, is to be sailed for on Tuesday the 11th Inst, from Westminster Bridge to Putney Bridge and back, by Pleasure Sailing Boats, and constantly lying above London Bridge. Any gentleman inclined to enter his Boat may be informed of particulars by applying to Mr. Roberts, Boatbuilder, Lambeth, at any time before Saturday Noon Next."
This match, however, was not sailed until July 13th, owing to the weather. When it did occur, the cup, valued at 20 guineas, was won by the Aurora, which belonged to Mr. Parkes, "late of Ludgate Hill." And "His Royal Highness, who honored the sport with his presence, filled the Cup with wine, drank out of it, and delivered it to Mr. Parkes." This though not the first open sailing-match held in England, was the germ of yacht-racing as we know it at the present day.
On August 7, 1775, the Duke of Newcastle gave a magnificent regatta at Oaklands on the Thames, at which the Prince of Wales and the Princess Amelia were present. In this year also the Cumberland Fleet, or Cumberland Sailing Society, as it was sometimes called, was founded, and was the earliest yacht club in England. The members were called captains. And not without reason; for, by the rules of the club they were obliged to steer and handle their own yachts with the assistance of only two men. This title possessed then a real significance, and a resolution was passed that members should appear in "aquatic uniforms."
