Page:The history of yachting.djvu/210

94 hanged for his love for the King, and so forced to be hangman himself." And Captain Hickes, who appears to have been ready for sea himself, mentions that he "will plunder abroad for rarities and share them with Pepys's wife."

It would be interesting to know whether the ex-hangman, Fortescue, secured his cook's berth, or Hickes his rarities; but we are left in ignorance concerning these matters. Indeed, yachting-history at this period, as recorded, is rather vague, and we are obliged to content ourselves with such glimpses as can be obtained by research through historical records relating to almost every subject except yachting.

The first private yacht in England appears to have been the Charlotte, owned by Sir William Batten, of the Admiralty. Pepys's records, under date of September 3, 1663, show that he "boarded her early in the morning at Greenwich, accompanied by Batten and Lady Batten, who, for pleasure were going to the Downes"; and the wind being fresh, he predicts that "they will be sick enough, as my lady is mighty troublesome on the water." And Pepys was correct; for, on September 5th, he records: "Sir William Batten was fain to put ashore at Oueensborough with my Lady, who has been so sick she swears never to go to sea again." This sounds modern, and perhaps no experience connected with yachting is so familiar or has repeated itself more frequently and persistently than this. Of course, the sea-sickness was beneficial. And no doubt Lady Batten sailed