EAST DONYLAND​ / ROWHEDGE
DAPHNE
Capt. Jonathan Cranfield and a local crew
In 1880 Jonathan Cranfield took command of the newly-built DAPHNE, his brothers William and Richard being among the crew. The Times recorded some of her races where she was up against another two new boats, Vanduara and Cuckoo.
NATIONAL ARCHIVES - PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, KEW - BT 110/123
CERTIFICATE OF BRITISH REGISTRY - PARTICULARS OF SHIP
Official Number; 80457
Name of Ship; DAPHNE
No., Date and Port of Registry; No.39. 1879. Glasgow
Previous Registry; Nil
Whether British or Foreign Built; British
Whether a Sailing or Steam Ship; Sailing Ship
Where Built; Fairfield, Govan. County Lanark
When Built; 1879
Name and Address of Builders; John Elder & Co., Govan, Glasgow
No. of Decks; One
Number of Masts; One
Rigged; Cutter
Stern; Semi Elliptic
Build; Carvel
Galleries; None
Head; None
Framework; Steel, Planking Wood
Length from fore part of Stem under the Bowsprit to the Aft side of the Head of the Stern Post; 71ft 1tenth.
Main breadth to outside of plank; 14ft 2tenths.
Depth in hold from Tonnage Deck to Ceiling at Midships; 9ft 4.5tenths.
Gross Tonnage; 41.65 - Cubic Metres; 117.87
First Master; Duncan Hopkirk
Owner; William Pearce, of Fairfield, Glasgow, County of Lanark, Engineer and Ship Builder. Sixty-four Shares - 64.
Dated at Glasgow the 8th Day of May One thousand eight hundred and seventy-nine.
Signed by the Registrar of Shipping.
Registry closed May 1909. Vessel broken up.
International Code Signal: S.M.H.J.
THE TIMES - Saturday 10 July 1880 - ROYAL NORTHERN YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “In terribly baffling breezes and calms the first day’s sailing in the annual regatta of this, the premier Scotch club, was commenced on Thursday morning and finished shortly after daybreak yesterday. One of the finest fleets ever seen on the Clyde assembled at Rothesay, but the sailing was totally unreliable in character... MATCH for first class yachts - Course, twice round and a distance. Y.R.A. rules, &c. Starters:- Cythera, yawl, 116 tons, Mr. D. Richardson; Vanduara, cutter, 90 tons, Mr. J. Clark; Samoena, cutter, 90 tons Mr. J. Jameson, jun; Cuckoo, cutter, 89 tons, Mr. R. Holmes-Kerr; Saxon, yawl, 100 tons, Mr. E. Collins; Daphne, cutter, 59 tons, Mr. W. Pearce.
Samoena started down-wind at 10.30 with the lead, and in a light breeze Vanduara, Cuckoo, Cythera, Saxon, and Daphne followed. The times of the first round are as follows: - Samoena 4h.10m.47s; Vanduara 4h.14m.25s; Cuckoo 4h.22m.40s; Cythera 4h.25m.35s; Saxon 4h.27m.35s; Daphne 4h.32m.31s.
They ran again down the Ascog shore and across the Clyde in a light flickering breeze, but all got brought up by a calm off Wemyss. Times at the finish: - Friday a.m. Vanduara (winner) 5h.0m.45s; Cuckoo 5h.2m.22s; Cythera (winner 2nd prize) 5h.18m.42s; Samoena 5h.22m.50s.” [Daphne not mentioned]
THE TIMES - Tuesday 13 July 1880 - CLYDE REGATTAS - “In a nice sailing breeze, the second day’s sailing of the Royal Northern Regatta was brought to a successful close ..... MATCH for first-class yachts of any rig. First prize £70, second prize (for other rig than winner) £30. Course, twice round flag mark off Mount Stuart, Largs, Wemyss, and Rothesay, and a distance, 50 miles. Starters:- Samoena, cutter, 90 tons; Vanduara, cutter, 90 tons; Cythera, yawl, 116 tons; Cuckoo, cutter, 89 tons; Daphne, cutter, 59 tons; Saxon, yawl, 100 tons.
Starting at 10.30 with a pleasant breeze from the N.N.W. and fine weather, the Samoena showed the way, sailing large and the Cuckoo outran the Vanduara, the Cythera leading the Daphne and Saxon. They ran to Largs, had a bare fetch to Wemyss, and came by the wind for the home mark... In the plain sailing which followed to the Wemyss mark the Samoena and Cuckoo held the Vanduara, but in jamming dead to windward the Vanduara weathered the Cuckoo and settled up fast on the Samoena; the latter, however, well held her own, and won a finely-sailed race thus:- Samoena (winner) 4h.45m.39s; Vanduara 4h.51m.50s; Cuckoo 4h.55m.30s; Cythera (winner of 2nd prize) 4h.56m.23s; Daphne 5h.12m.38s; Saxon 5h.20m.0s.”
THE TIMES - Thursday 15 July 1880 - ROYAL CLYDE REGATTA - “On the closing day of the Scotch racing season the weather was more favourable than on Monday, when a succession of baffling breezes and calms did not permit the two principal matches being concluded. It was agreed, however, that matches should be ruled by the result of the second day’s sailing, and, as the Daphne saved her time on the Cythera, Mr. Pearce’s cutter won her maiden race. A steady north-east breeze was carried well into the second round, when it softened. Plain sailing was the rule, and the Daphne showed fine speed down wind, while the Cythera went in quite her old form.... MATCH for first-class yachts of any rig. First prize £80; second, for other rig to winner of first prize, £40. Course, from Commodore twice round Toward Bank and Roseneath buoys. Yacht Racing Association rules. Starters:- Samoena, Cutter, 90 tons, Mr. J. Jameson, jun.; Cuckoo, Cutter, 89 tons, Mr. R. Holmes-Kerr; Daphne, Cutter, 59 tons, Mr. J. Pearce; Saxon, Yawl, 100 tons, Mr. E. Collins; Cythera, Yawl, 116 tons, Mr. D. Richardson.
The Daphne held the lead for about an hour in a dead run for Toward, but she was picked up before reaching Skelmorlie. While the Samoena and Cuckoo were jockeying, the Cythera, going straight, took first place, and held upwards of a minute’s lead of the Samoena when the first round was finished. The Cuckoo came 30 seconds after Mr. Jameson’s cutter, and the Daphne 2½ minutes later. The wind failed about the middle of the second round, but the race was finished in a sharp north-west burst. Time:- Cythera (winner second prize) 6h.10m.52s; Samoena 6h.12m.47s; Cuckoo 6h.14m.41s; Daphne (winner first prize by time) 6h.18m.9s.
The Cythera was protested against for a breach of sailing rules.”
THE TIMES - Monday 19 July 1880 - ROYAL ULSTER YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “The following were the results of the racing in Belfast Lough on Friday:- MATCH, open to schooners, cutters and yawls exceeding 40 tons...Course, three times round marks off Carrick, Blackhead, and South Briggs, in Belfast Lough.” Starters, Vanduara, Samoena, Daphne, Cuckoo; Egeria, schooner, 147 tons, Mr. J. Mulholland, M.P., and Latona, yawl, 160 tons, Mr. A.B. Rowley.... The yachts finished as follows:- Samoena (winner) 4h.56m.36s; Latona (winner second prize) 5h.0m.2s; Vanduara 5h.1m.20s; Cuckoo 5h.14m.34s; Daphne 5h.23m.35s; Egeria 5h.48m.1s. The Samoena and Vanduara both exhibited protest flags..... Saturday last was one of the finest racing days in this season’s yachting, and the match on Belfast Lough for Her Majesty’s Cup proved well worthy of the occasion. There was a steady whole-sail north-east breeze all day. The match of the previous day not having afforded a fair test of the relative merits of the rival cutters.... MATCH for the Queen’s Cup, open to yachts exceeding 30 tons. Course (50 miles), three times round marks off Carrickfergus, Blackhead, Groomsport, and Bangor, on Belfast Lough... Starters:- Latona, Vanduara, Samoena, Cuckoo, Daphne, with Norman, cutter, 33 tons, Major Ewing, and Bloodhound, cutter, 39 tons, The Marquis of Ailsa...” Daphne was not timed for the final round, Latona winning the cup.
THE TIMES - Wednesday 21 July 1880 - ROYAL ALFRED YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “In Dublin Bay yesterday six yachts started at 10.30 to sail a 50 mile course round the bay for the champion cup of the club, value £105.... “ Starters- Vanduara, Latona, Daphne, Quickstep (now owned by Mr. Nolan), Egeria, and Samoena... “In a very light breeze Vanduara led through the line, with Latona second, then Cuckoo, Samoena, Daphne, Egeria, and Quickstep, and they went close-hauled across the bay for the Bar flagboat. Vanduara headed Latona about a quarter of a mile on the first tack, while lying in light baffling breezes and the rest were a mile and more dead to leeward. Latona took a free streak of wind, which sent her tearing up to the Vanduara, and as the latter was passing the mark boat on the port tack Latona’s bowsprit, end on her being luffed up in the wind, touched Vanduara’s main boom, and the cutter directly afterwards hauled down her racing flag and gave up. Latona led Samoena, Cuckoo, Daphne, Egeria, and Quickstep in the order named to the Kish. The wind then died away, and at 8.30 they had not finished 30 miles of the course. The Latona, Cuckoo, and Samoena were lying at the back of the breakwater, with hardly any steerage way on, and miles away out in the bay Daphne, Egeria, and Quickstep were becalmed. Signs of a breeze coming in from sea were apparent, but it was not expected that the affair would be finished till some time early this morning.”
THE TIMES - Thursday 22 July 1880 - ROYAL ALBERT YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “After sundown on Tuesday the night breeze gathered strength, and a north-westerly air brought the Samoena, Cuckoo, and Latona home in the second round of the course in Dublin Bay.... The Egeria, Daphne, and Quickstep gave up...” Samoena was the eventual winner, Cuckoo was second.
THE TIMES - Monday 26 July 1880 - YACHTING - “With the closing day of the Royal St. George’s Yacht Club Regatta the Irish racing season terminated. A strong southerly wind and eventful contests made up an exceptionally stirring time afloat and provided a very remarkable contrast to the listlessness of racing proceedings at the earlier part of the week. The set of the wind gave plain sailing all round the appointed courses for the first and second class vessels... Six heavyweights hoisted racing flags... MATCH for first-class yachts.... Course from Kingstown round the Rosebeg Buoy, and Kish Lightship, a flag-boat off the Muglins, and home, three times round; distance 48 miles. Y.R.A. rules, &c. Competitors:- Latona, Samoena, Vanduara, Cuckoo, Daphne, Cythera. All started with lug working lower canvas and second-yard topsails but Daphne, which had jib header aloft. Samoena and Vanduara were first to begin the race, getting through the line at the flash of the gun. Vanduara was soon upon Samoena’s weather beam, and the pair went away luffing off their course, while Latona, Cuckoo, Cythera, and Daphne were reaching straight on an easy bow line for the Rosebeg Buoy. The Samoena and Vanduara became last vessels through this jockeying, and on the second round Vanduara gave up, having carried away some of her gear. The match finished thus:- Latona (winner) 3h.1m.58s; Samoena (winner 2nd prize) 3h.13m.25s; Cuckoo 3h.25m.0s; Cythera, 3h.28m.30s; Daphne 3h.33m.0s.”
DAPHNE - 1881 - THE TIMES
THE TIMES - Wednesday 18 May 1881 - ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB - “The entries for the cutter matches of this club closed yesterday evening. The heavy-weight race filled with the required number, but the middle division, comprised of the forties, did not induce an entry... Appended are conditions, &c.:- MATCH for first-class cutters of any tonnage exceeding 42 tons. First prize, value £100; second prize, value £40; Course - from Gravesend, round the Mouse Lightship, and return to Gravesend. Entries:- Cuckoo, 90 tons, Mr. R. Holmes-Kerr; Samoena, 90 tons, Mr. J. Jameson; Daphne, 60 tons, Mr. W. Pearce.” [The third-class yachts would start at the same time] “The races will start on Monday next, 23rd inst., about 11.30, and a steamboat, leaving Adelaide Wharf, London-bridge at 8.45, will attend.”
ALSO - NEW THAMES YACHT CLUB - “The cutter matches of this club will be sailed on Tuesday next, May 24, entries for which closed last night, and are appended. MATCH for first-class cutters exceeding 42 tons, first prize, £80; second prize, £40. Course - from Gravesend, round the Mouse Lightship, and back. Entries:- Station 1 - Cygnet, 44 tons, Mr. T.W. Weeding; Station 2 - Samoena, 90 tons, Mr. J. Jameson; Station 3 - Daphne, 60 tons, Mr. W. Pearce.”
THE TIMES - Monday 23 May 1881 - “YACHTING - The opening cruise of the New Thames Yacht Club came off on Saturday... The Thames yachting season commences to-day with the cutter races of the Royal Thames Yacht Club. There will be only two starters in the first-class match, the Samoena, 90 tons, Mr. J. Jameson, and Daphne, 60 tons, Mr. W. Pearce; the Cuckoo, which was also entered, being on the Clyde.”
THE TIMES - Monday 13 June 1881 - “YACHTING - There was a large fleet of yachts at Southend on Saturday morning engaged in the New Thames and Royal London matches down the Swin to Harwich. The start was attempted about an hour and a half before high water, but there was not wind enough to enable the vessels to stem the tide, and more than an hour had passed before all were over the imaginary line. In the New Thames match the light draft boats that could work the shallow north shore got a good start, but presently the Samoena, from under the Cant, took a free slant, and was showing the way at the Shears, the order here being:- Samoena 1h.4m.0s; Viola 1h.15m.30s; Gudrun 1h.16m.20s; Egeria 1h.17m.0s; Spindrift 1h.17m.30s; Fleur de Lys & Britannia 1h.19m.30s.
The Daphne had lost her position through having got soundings on board, but was sailing well when water borne again, and was certainly threatening Samoena; the little Buttercup, too, was going in wonderful form. From the Spit buoy they came on one long reach to the Swin Middle, and here their positions were, Samoena, with a very long lead, Daphne, Egeria, Gudrun, Viola, Britannia, Spindrift, Fleur de Lys, Fiona, Arethusa, Buttercup, Maharanee, Christine, &c. A smart breeze brought them to the Rough buoy, where they gybed booms to starboard and set spinnakers square; but under the edge of the Cork the wind fell light, and for a time the tide had to be stemmed. The Samoena was a very long sail ahead of the next, but the destination of the prize was open enough with the Buttercup sailing faster at times than the Mabel and Arethusa. Mr. Jameson’s cutter, however, was rewarded for a smart piece of sailing, but had not the Daphne got on shore it is questionable whether the Lymington ship would have been able to give the allowance of 8min. 49sec. Times of arrival follow:- Samoena (winner £80) 4h.49m.25s; Daphne 5h.12m.25s; Egeria (winner, schooners, £40) 5h.17m.40s; Gudrun (winner, yawls, £30) 5h.25m.35s; Fiona 5h.26m.10s; Viola 5h.43m.0s; Britannia 5h.43m.35s; Spindrift 5h.44m.35s; Fleur de Lys 5h.46m.35s; Buttercup 5h.47m.50s; Arethusa 5h.47m.55s.”
THE TIMES - Wednesday 15 June 1881 - ROYAL HARWICH YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “The various events of this regatta on Monday, which were not concluded until a very late hour, resulted as follows:- First match, for yachts of any rig exceeding 41 tons, first prize of £30, the Miranda schooner, 129 tons, Mr. G.C. Lampson; second prize of £20, the Daphne cutter, 60 tons, Mr. W. Pearce. Second match, for cutters exceeding 25 tons and not exceeding 41 tons, prize of £30, the May [William Wadley Cranfield], 40 tons, Mr. N.B. Stewart....
The racing fleet sailed a return match from Harwich to Southend yesterday. An early start was made, but a calm prevailing, the vessels were for some time unable to stem the tide, and got away in very straggling order. The Daphne reindorsed (sic) her performance in the Harwich match by sailing away from Samoena, and winning easily. The Latona won the yawl prize, and Miranda that for schooners. Conditions, &c., follow:- MATCH from Harwich to Southend, keeping the Channel course up the Swin. Prizes £50, £30, and £25. Open to vessels of all rigs. Yacht Racing Association rules. Starters:- Latona, Yawl, 160 tons, Mr. A.B. Rowley; Spindrift, Yawl, 80 tons, Mr. H. Trower; Arethusa, Yawl, 57 tons, Mr. Stuart Lane; Sleuthhound, Cutter, 40 tons, Lord Ailsa; Britannia, Cutter, 33 tons, Mr. A. Lavery; Samoena, Cutter, 90 tons, Mr. J. Jameson; Daphne, Cutter, 60 tons, Mr. W. Pearce; Fiona, Schooner, 147 tons, Mr. E. Boutcher; Miranda, Schooner, 129 tons, Mr. G.C. Lampson.
Finish:- Daphne (winner) 5h. 2m. 0s; Samoena 5h. 7m. 10s; Latona (winner yawls) 5h. 19m. 28s; Sleuthhound 5h. 23m. 50s; Miranda (winner of schooners) 5h. 31m. 41s; Fiona 5h. 55m. 0s.
Arethusa, Britannia, Opal [not mentioned as a starter], Spindrift not timed.
[Lemon Cranfield was skipper of Miranda]
THE TIMES - Thursday 16 June 1881 - ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB - “The most important match of the Thames yachting season - that from the Nore to Dover - will be sailed on Wednesday next. The entries up to last night, the advertised time for closing, were as follows:- MATCH from the Nore to Dover; yachts to sail down the ordinary ship sea course of the Thames and go round the North Sand, East Goodwin, South Sand, and all buoys of the Goodwin Sands, and win off the Admiralty pier, Dover. Flying start. All vessels to sail in cruising trim and under the Royal Thames rules. Time allowances, &c.
Latona, yawl, 160 tons, Mr. A.B. Rowley; Florinda, yawl, 134 tons, Mr. W. Jessop; Gudrun, yawl, 84 tons, Mr. G.S. Leask; Christine, yawl, 39 tons, Mr. G. Burnett; Arethusa, yawl, 57 tons, Mr. Stuart-Lane; Samoena, cutter, 90 tons, Mr. J. Jameson, jun.; Daphne, cutter, 59 tons, Mr. W. Pearce; Sleuthhound, cutter, 40 tons, Lord Ailsa; Fiona, schooner, 147 tons, Mr. E. Boutcher; Miranda, schooner, 129 tons, Mr. G. Lampson.
Post entries will be received by the secretary, at the Club, up to Monday next, till 5 p.m.
The steamer Eclair has been chartered by the club to accompany the match, and members can embark at Gravesend Town Pier up to 6.30 on the morning of Wednesday. The Eclair will return to Gravesend immediately after the finishing of the race at Dover.”
THE TIMES - Tuesday 21 June 1881 - ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB - “The entries for the Nore to Dover race of the premier Metropolitan club closed last night, and are appended. The race will be started from the Nore at 9.30 a.m. to-morrow morning, and according to official instructions will be sailed down the Channel course - either the Alexandra or Prince’s - round all the lightships and buoys on the Goodwin Sands, and finishing at the Admiralty Pier, Dover. A very fine entry of vessels has been made, and it can now safely be said that the yachting schism, which had its rise in the measurement question, has become a matter of the past, so far as Royal Thames racing is concerned. The prizes are £100 and two prizes of £50 for other rigs than the winner. The entries follow:- Latona, yawl, 160 tons, Mr. Rowley; Florinda, yawl, 134 tons, Mr. W. Jessop; Gudrun, yawl, 84 tons, Mr. J.W. Leask; Arethusa, yawl, 57 tons, Major Lane; Opal, yawl, 55 tons, Mr. H. Willis; Samoena, cutter, 90 tons, Mr. J. Jameson; Daphne, cutter, 59 tons, Mr. W. Pearce; Sleuthhound, cutter, 40 tons, Lord Ailsa; May, cutter, 40 tons, Mr. R. B. Stewart; Druid, yawl, 80 tons, Mr. R.B. Arnold.
A club steamer to accompany the match will leave Gravesend at 6.30 a.m.”
THE TIMES - Thursday 23 June 1881 - ROYAL THAMES YACHT CLUB - “There was a fine breeze at Dover yesterday; in fact, the best of the season. How the Latona sailed is told by the result. The start was as follows:- Latona, 160 tons; Samoena, 90 tons; Daphne, 60 tons; Miranda, 120 tons; Fiona, 157 tons; Gudrun, 83 tons.
Times at North Sand Head:- Latona 12h. 28m. 40s; Miranda [Lemon Cranfield] 12h. 32m. 6s; Samoena 12h. 34m. 42s; Florinda 12h. 36m. 0s; Fiona 12h. 37m. 24s; Gudrun 12h. 41m. 10s.
Finish as follows:- Latona (winner) 3h. 1m. 30s; Samoena (winner of cutters) 3h. 6m. 40s; Miranda (winner of schooners) 3h. 10m. 50s; Florinda 3h. 14m. 10s; Gudrun 3h. 17m. 50s; Fiona 3h. 23m. 4s.”
THE TIMES - Monday 27 June 1881 - YACHTING - “The Daphne was returned winner of the cutter match on Friday, which owing to calms was a long and tedious affair, and lasted throughout the night and into another day. The Arethusa beat the Opal in the yawl match.” The article does not state whether the match was held by the Royal Thames Yacht Club or took place at the Royal Cinque Ports Regatta at Dover which was underway on the Saturday.
THE TIMES - Tuesday 28 June 1881 - ROYAL CINQUE PORTS YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “Very unseasonable weather was associated with yesterday’s racing at Dover. Calms prevented the yachts getting away from Dover for three hours after the start, and Boulogne was not made until four hours afterwards. Heavy rainstorms made the passage very uncomfortable, and at nightfall the vessels were in mid-channel. Starters:- Florinda, Gudrun, Daphne, Samoena, Fiona, Egeria, Miranda, and Arethusa. They laid their course across to Boulogne, Florinda leading, then Miranda, Egeria, Gudrun, Fiona, and Arethusa. The wind died away after dark, and the match was not likely to be finished till midnight.”
THE TIMES - Wednesday 29 June 1881 - ROYAL CINQUE PORTS YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “The finest fleet which has contended in one race sailed from Dover to Boulogne and back on Monday, the closing day of this regatta. It was to be regretted, however, that the weather was dismally ungenial, and the wind very unsteady and paltry throughout the day. Some of the vessels, in fact, took 16 hours to complete the course of 50 miles. The Florinda took the lead soon after starting, and held pride of place to the end, Miranda and Daphne taking the other prizes. Conditions &c., follow:- MATCH for the Dover Cup of £100; second prize, £50; third prize, £50. Course from Dover to Boulogne and back. Y.R. Association Rules. Time race. Starters:- Florinda, yawl, 134 tons; Gudrun, yawl, 83 tons; Daphne, cutter, 59 tons; Samoena, cutter, 90 tons; Fiona, schooner, 147 tons; Egeria, schooner, 147 tons; Miranda, schooner, 129 tons; Arethusa, yawl, 57 tons.
Consequent on a stark calm reigning in Dover Bay and a strong lee tide running, the vessels were compelled to hang to kedge anchors from 11 o’clock - the time of starting - till 2 o’clock, when a faint breeze from the S.W. filled flying fore and aft kites, and they dragged out clear of the Admiralty Pier and across the tide with sheets flat in. Daphne had a slight advantage, and was hung as high as possible to windward. Florinda and Miranda sailing full and bye, soon went through into leading positions. Rain came down heavily before the yachts were a mile on their course, and continued by fits and starts afterwards, the French coast, as they drew in, being almost hidden from view by the downpour. The Florinda was leading when Cap Grisnez was made, then Miranda, Daphne, Egeria, Gudrun, Fiona, and Arethusa, the Samoena not having come out of Dover Bay. The tide was going west, and without a tack all but the Arethusa made the Boulogne Mark, the order here being:- Florinda 6h. 6m. 0s; Miranda 6h. 11m. 30s; Daphne 6h. 15m. 30s; Egeria 6h. 20m. 0s; Gudrun 6h. 23m. 0s; Fiona 6h. 23m 20s; Arethusa (not timed).
The Florinda and Miranda chose a westerly track on the run back, while the others kept along the coast on a slacker tide. The two leaders went drawing away, and presently the wind was far enough aft for spinnakers to be put on booms. When the English coast was about 10 miles distant, the wind came very high and more westerly, and sheets came in. Gudrun passed Egeria, otherwise positions remained unchanged. Night had long closed in when the Florinda made the Pier, Miranda being on her track; Daphne was caught by the lee tide and was set east, but managed to struggle home. Egeria, Fiona, and Gudrun did not arrive till after 3 o’clock in the morning. Time of finish:- Florinda (winner) 10h. 5m. 10s; Miranda [Lemon Cranfield] (winner schooners) 10h. 32m. 22s; Daphne (winner cutters) 11h. 27m. 30s; Egeria, Fiona, Gudrun, and Arethusa - not timed.”
THE TIMES - Wednesday 20 July 1881 - ROYAL CLYDE YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “In fine sunny weather and light breezes, the opening day’s matches were successfully carried out. There were six starters in the first class - viz., Samoena, Vanduara, Latona, Daphne, Cuckoo, and Cythera. The Latona led at the outset, but Samoena fairly beat her in the last turn, and won by 5min. 50sec.; Cythera touched the ground and Vanduara fouled a mark.” [May, William Wadley Cranfield, was also competing here on this day.]
THE TIMES - Monday 25 July 1881 - ROYAL ULSTER YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “The Royal Ulster Regatta opened on Saturday in Belfast Lough in fine sailing weather, and a large fleet of racing vessels came down from the Clyde to Bangor to take part in the matches.... MATCH open to cutters, schooners, and yawls exceeding 40 tons. First prize, the County Down Cup.... Entries follow:- Latona, yawl; Samoena, cutter; Miranda, schooner [Lemon Cranfield]; Daphne, cutter; Cythera, cutter; Cuckoo, yawl; Vanduara, cutter. They sailed a course from Bangor round marks at Grey Point, Carrick, Blackhead, and Groomsport, twice round. “ [Latona won, Samoena, second. Others not mentioned]
[MATCH open to yachts exceeding 20 tons and not exceeding 40 tons included May.]
THE TIMES - Wednesday 27 July 1881 - ROYAL ALFRED YACHT CLUB MATCH - “Only two vessels contended for the No.1 Champion Cup of this club, and sailed the match in a hard west-north-west wind. Dublin Bay, however, was smooth; and although there was plenty of drift flying, no heavy water was shipped. The Samoena and Daphne were opposed the Annasona being withdrawn, as her chances of success on such a day against the Samoena was judged rather remote. Daphne made a fair fight for two rounds, when she gave up, and Samoena sailed the final without company. The conditions, &c. follow:- MATCH for No.1 Champion Cup, value £120, with £35 added, and £2 helmsman’s prize. Course, from Kingstown Harbour, round the South Bar buoy to the Rosebeg-bank buoy, thence to the Kish Lightship, and return three times round. Distance 48 miles. Entries:- Samoena, Cutter, 90 tons, Mr. J. Jameson; Daphne, Cutter, 59 tons, Mr. W. Pearce; Annasona, Cutter, 40 tons, Mr. R.D. Hedderwick.
A start was made at 10.35, the Annasona being an absentee. They went on a close-hauled reach, port tack, under single-reefed mainsails and foresails and second jibs to the first mark, both having topmasts housed. Samoena danced across Dublin Bay with a slight lead of Daphne, but on a run to the Kish there was little difference in speed. On the beat back to Kingstown, however, against the ebb tide, the Samoena weathered out on her opponent in a wonderful way and finished the first round at 1h.20m.30s; Daphne 1h.29m.31s. The wind had fallen lighter and reefs were shaken out, and the Samoena, with jibheaded topsail aloft, slightly reached the Daphne, but did not get away on the run out from the Barley to the Kish. They had almost slack water this time to turn over, and the Samoena completed the second round 12min. in advance - viz., Samoena 4h.4m.16s; Daphne 4h.16m.12s. The Daphne entered on the third round, but, judging pursuit to be hopeless, gave up, and Samoena finished the third round and won the cup [for one year] and prizes at 7.30. Mr. W.G. Jameson steered the Samoena and Mr. W.R. Johnson the Daphne.”
THE TIMES - Thursday 28 July 1881 - ROYAL IRISH YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “Wild squalls of wind and rain were experienced on the opening day of the Royal Irish Regatta. Nevertheless Kingstown eastern pier was crowded throughout the day with spectators interested in the sailing club matches. The principal event was the race for Her Majesty’s Cup... It was a hard sailing day, the unsteady wind making an additional labour of sail shifting, and causing a bright look out to be kept for spars and gear in the squalls... HER MAJESTY’S CUP, open to all yachts of any rig or tonnage, belonging to members of a royal or foreign yacht club. Course, from Kingstown round the Bullock, the Kish Lightship, a mark boat off Sutton, and back to Kingstown; three times round, distance 50 miles. Starters:- Samoena, Latona, Vanduara, Cythera, Daphne.
A smart north-west wind was blowing, and with the first mark dead to leeward a start was made under whole lower sail and jib-headed topsails, spinnakers being carried on the port side. Samoena led at the Bullock, then Cythera, Vanduara, Daphne, and Latona.”... Daphne is not mentioned again and at some point she gave up. William Wadley Cranfield and May were competing here on the same day.
DAPHNE - 1882 - newspapers
THE TIMES - 30 May 1882 - ROYAL NORTHERN YACHT CLUB - “Clyde yachting has opened brilliantly this season, a splendid fleet of vessels have mustered at the rendezvous - Fairlie - chosen by Lord Glasgow. Many well-known racing vessels aired their speed in the opening matches... MATCH for Yachts between 30 and 60 tons. Starters:- Daphne, Cutter, 60 tons, Mr. Wm. Pearce; Bloodhound, Cutter, 40 tons, Mr. W. Bain; Thoro, Cutter, 50 tons, Mr. F. Burnley; Dione, Yawl, 45 tons, Mr. Schaw; Muriel, Yawl, 40 tons, Mr. W. Mitchell.
Bloodhound and Thoro were at the head of affairs all through, but in a course from Fairlie round the Cumbraes to Lamlash the Daphne pushed Thoro very hard. There was a pleasant breeze, but it was by no means true. The times of finish were:- Bloodhound (winner) 4h.37m.15s; Thoro 4h.52m.12s; Daphne 4h. 52m.54s; Muriel 5h.20m.40s.”
THE GLASGOW HERALD - Saturday 1 July 1882 - “THE ROYAL NORTHERN REGATTA - Some of the racing yachts had not arrived in Rothesay Bay from Liverpool last night by eight o’clock, and considerable anxiety is occasioned by the fear that the wind may delay the yachts for the opening match of to-day. The wind has been out of the north-west and north-east, and would head the yachts in their passage, The Miranda (schooner), which has been thrashing Samoena and running away with all the money, has come straight to Rothesay from the South to have a try with the Lenore (schooner), designed by Watson for Mr. Smith, of Glasgow. This schooner goes to-day with her designer on board, but she is greatly in want of a Cranfield to sail her. If Lenore does well it will be against heavy odds. Cythera is in the bay, as well as Nixie, Daphne, Amy, and a crowd of Clyde boats.”
THE TIMES - Wednesday 5 July 1882 - ROYAL NORTHERN YACHT CLUB REGATTA - “On the closing day of the regatta of this club a fine southerly breeze prevailed, but the enjoyment of the sailing was marred by an incessant downpour of rain... MATCH for Yachts of any rig exceeding 40 tons. First prize £70; second prize £30. Course from Rothesay round marks at Mount Stuart, Largs, and Wemyss, and back to Rothesay. Twice round, with a distance to Largs and back. Yacht Racing Association Rules, &c.:- Cutters- Vanduara, Erycina, Samoena, Neva. Yawl- Daphne. Schooners- Miranda, Leonore.
Vanduara and Erycina made a clever start, Samoena, Daphne, Miranda, and Neva following. Second topsails were found to be large enough. Vanduara on a wind and running beat the others, but was held on a reach by Erycina, Samoena, and Miranda. The first round was productive of a fine exhibition of sailing, and the order at the Commodore was Vanduara, Erycina, Samoena, Miranda, Leonore, and Daphne. In beating down to Mount Stuart Samoena weathered Erycina, and Vanduara turned away fast from the fleet. Towards the close the breeze softened, but the steel cutter never lost the weather gage, and the match finished as follows:- Vanduara (winner) 4h. 25m. 34s; Samoena 4h. 29m. 46s; Erycina 4h. 34m. 57s; Miranda [Lemon Cranfield] (winner second prize) 4h. 45m. 15s; Leonore 5h. 20m. 40s.” Daphne and Neva gave up.
THE TIMES - Tuesday 12 September 1882 - ROYAL NORTHERN YACHT CLUB MATCHES - “The premier Scotch club brought the season of 1882 to a close on Saturday last, and the final matches in connexion with the closing cruise were sailed in a splendid breeze and fine autumn weather... The principal race was - Open to 1st-class yachts; prize presented by the club; course - from the Earl of Glasgow’s yacht in Brodrick Bay, round both the Cumbrae Islands, to Ardrishaig. Scaled handicap. Starters:- Erycina, Condor, Daphne, Nixie, Lenore. In a stinging north-east breeze they went away, with whole lower sail and jib headers on an easy bowline for the Cumbrae Light, Erycina showing the way, and Lenore, which had sailed through Condor’s lee, was pulling foot on the leader. Daphne, sailing well, came next... Daphne... the most nearly interested in respect to the handicap. The time of finish at the Commodore was:- Erycina (winner) 6h.44m.53s; Condor 7h.0m.9s; Lenore 7h.2m.30s; Daphne 7h.(?)m.55s. Nixie (not timed).”
