Brighton Guardian - Wednesday 02 May 1877

BRIGHTON SAILING CLUB.

The Brighton Sailing Club, which has now grown to be such important and interesting feature to those who take an interest in aquatics, celebrated the sixth anniversary of its foundation yesterday (Tuesday.) It did so under very encouraging auspices. The number of members continues to increase, and the Club has become, in point of fact, an institution which is looked upon as almost a local necessity—certainly ns an important local attraction. Last season’s sailing matches were peculiarly interesting; because of what nautical amateurs have come to style the Brighton beaching boats —that is the class of boats which the Brighton Sailing Club use in their matches —has been brought to perfection which now places yacht builders and yachtsmen upon their mettle to know how any possible improveroants for combined sea-going and racing purposes con be brought about. The prizes given last year were, of course, won, and by confessedly the best boats; but both winners and losers in the competitious would be the first to acknowledge that a high wind or a calm, heavy sea or choppy one might have made all the difference to the results. The boats of the Club are now built upon really an almost true model; nevertheless, members are having fresh craft built, and it is possible that the ensuing season will again give both builders and amateurs what is ordinarily called a wrinkle.” The arrangements for the coming season's races have been mode, and a series of matches will take place after the plan that has now become familiar to the Brighton public. Prizes have been given to the three classes of boats recognised by the Club, which votes from its own funds, this being supplemented by two valuable vases presented by its President, Mr James Ashbury, M.P. The inauguration launch of yesterday was for a coast cruise, when one of the vice-presidents, Mr Alderman Cox, J.P.,—always well to the fore in this, as in other public matters—had his steam launch the Little Bessie” ready for sea, and beaded the Club sailing squadron which, under rather too calm breeze somewhat east of north, steered for Worthing, the direction of the wind giving them a good sailing course there and back. They started under the flatter of banting from the club flagstaff (decidedly the best along the coast), from the staff of the Brighton Bowing Club, with which the “sailers” have always been on friendly and assistant terms, and also from the property of sympathising bathing machine proprietor, who hung out all his banners (not towels) in honour of the occasion. They went and returned safely.

From

https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/viewer/bl/0001641/18770502/081/0005