Page:The history of yachting.djvu/470

226 Thames for a cup valued at 30 guineas, in which the following yachts were entered: Mercury, Captain Astley; Daphne, Captain Unwin; Mermaid, Baron Hompeck; Owner's Delight, Captain Langston; Eliza, Captain Hunter; Two Brothers, Captain Drinkald; Olive Branch, Captain Dodd; Amelia, Captain Cox. The cup was won by the Mercury.

July, 1805, the silver cup and cover given by the proprietors of Vauxhall Gardens was sailed for by the following yachts: Caroline, Captain Wyne; Daphne, Captain Unwin; Bucephalus, Captain Gunston; Mermaid, Baron Hompeck; St. George, Captain Gunston. "The ceremony commenced with a barge belonging to the Royal Exchange fire-office going down from Westminster to Black-friars Bridge at half-past five with a full band of music on board. Shortly after that two cutters belonging to the Messrs. Roberts, the boat builders, went the same route, the one having a band of music, and the other some of the principal persons concerned in the property and management of Vauxhall Gardens, the prize behind them supported by two servants in livery. At 17 minutes before six the boats set off with a light breeze nearly east, and the Daphne belonging to Mr. Unwin, formerly of the Fondroyant, took the lead almost at starting and was the first that shot Westminster Bridge. The whole fleet went up the river with the wind upon their quarter, and with flowing sail, until they came abreast of Mr. M. Coy, the shipbreaker's yard at Nine Elms. The St. George was the first that