And then there were three pieces of silver...

by Sue Thornton-Grimes 27 May 2016 22:54 AEST 28-30 May 2016

Following the interest shown in the purchase of the Canford Cup, first presented at the Poole Regatta of 1849, two other silver trophies have come to light. These trophies were presented at Poole Regatta in 1840, 1849 and 1852.

Poole Regatta 1840

This Regatta was scheduled for Thursday 17th September 1840 and published the following lists of prizes beforehand, with the stipulation that there must be at least three starters in each class, or no race would take place:

• First Prize – For Yachts not exceeding 46 tons, a splendid SILVER CUP, value 35 Guineas
• Second Prize – For Yachts not exceeding 25 tons, a SILVER SALVER, value 25 Guineas
• Third Price – For Yachts not exceeding 16 tons, a SILVER SALVER, value 20 Guineas
• Fourth Prize – For Yachts not exceeding 10 tons, a SILVER CUP, value 12 Guineas

The weather prior to the Thursday of the Regatta was such that the bigger yachts were unable to reach Poole from Cowes and other places. The Thursday therefore saw races for fishing boats and small sailing yachts, with rowing matches interspersed between the sailing events. A grand firework display took place from the ballast quay in the evening, witnessed by thousands of spectators.

The larger yachts eventually arrived during Thursday night and on Friday 4 yachts contested the Silver Cup. There were not sufficient entries to warrant four races, however, so it was decided that the second and third prizes would be put together, and the first vessel in that class would receive the Silver Claret Jug value 25 guineas – which seems to have taken the place of the first Silver Salver – and the second vessel would receive the Silver Salver value 20 guineas. The Claret Jug was won by The Alarm, built in Poole by Thomas Wanhill and now belonging to Royal Thames Yacht Club. The Silver Salver (pictured here) was won by J Kemp Esq, sailing the 21 ton yacht Gulnare.

The Regatta Dinner took place on the Friday evening when 30 gentlemen sat down to a sumptuous repast at The Antelope Inn. Prizes were presented, toasts were drunk and even those who had not been successful looked forward to entering their yachts again in the Poole Regatta. The report in the Dorset County Chronicle of 24th September 1840 concluded by praising the Committee and Stewards for such a successful event: "Two days have seldom been spent in the town with such pleasure and harmony by all parties, and it is satisfactory to know that not the slightest accident happened to mar the pleasure of the occasion."

Poole Regatta 1849

In July 1849 it was made known that the gentlemen responsible for raising subscriptions for the regatta had succeeded in obtaining a respectable fund for the purpose, and also had the promise of a cup from Sir J John Guest, Lord of the Manor.

The 1849 Regatta took place on Friday August 10th 1849, when 3 races were held. The notice appearing in Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle on July 22nd 1849 announced that the following prizes would be offered:

• FIRST PRIZE: A Purse of 50 sovereigns, or a piece of plate of equal value, to be sailed for by yachts not exceeding 50 tons; a time race; three to start or no race
• SECOND PRIZE: A Silver Tankard, value 30 sovereigns, with 15 added, to be sailed for by yachts not exceeding 30 tons; a time race; three to start or no race
• THIRD PRIZE: The Canford Cup, presented by Sir J J Guest, Bart., M.P. for yachts not exceeding 15 tons; a time race; three to start or no race

Three yachts contested the race for the Canford Cup, which was won by The Gleam, belonging to P Roberts, Esq.

All the matches in the Regatta were closely followed by passengers on board the Atalanta, a steamer from Southampton which had been chartered by Mr John Broughton. His aim, according to the Dorset County Chronicle, was to enable people to witness, with every convenience and comfort, the whole of these very interesting sports." A band from Blandford played for the entertainment of the passengers on board. The evening ended with a vast display of fireworks over the town.

The passengers on board the pleasure steamer were, however, probably unaware that the ship had lost one of her vital crew. It appears that The Atalanta had arrived from Southampton on the day before the Regatta. John Boden, Chief Engineer on this ship, described as a steady and highly respected man, apparently left the Antelope at about ten o'clock that evening somewhat the worse for wear. Reaching his ship moored on the quay, he missed his footing and fell into the water between it and the quay. Ropes were immediately thrown to him but he was unable to grasp them. He was eventually hauled out by means of a boat hook, but died some 4 hours later.

Poole Regatta 1852

The Regatta of 1852 was the first one organised under the auspices of the newly-formed Poole Yacht Club. It caused controversy right from the start, as the Club had decided to run it on the anniversary of the Queen's Coronation Day, June 28th. After numerous complaints from local people and letters to the press, pointing out that shopkeeper and business people would lose a day's holiday if the regatta ran on that day, it eventually took place on Friday 9th July.

The silver salver that was recently discovered amongst the Poole Mayoral Regalia, and valued at £12 in 1852, was awarded for a race by second-class yachts not exceeding 10 tons, belonging to Poole Yacht Club. Three yachts of the five entered started the race, which was won by The Foam, belonging to Mr C J Stone.

Someone calling himself 'Old Salt' subsequently wrote to the newspaper, bemoaning the fact that there were so few boats taking part and sincerely hoped that the capabilities which Poole offered could be" used to the fullest possible extent, otherwise the Poole Yacht Club will soon follow the fate of many others."

And Miss Bennett of Blandford, who met with an accident in a boat collision by which three of her ribs were broken, happily recovered.

So how did this salver come to be locked up with the mayoral chains? Charles John Stone was for many years a prominent figure in the town. He was a Magistrate, a member of the Corporation and for many years had a seat on the Town Council. It can only be assumed that he thought this was a safer place to keep it than on his mantelpiece at home, but he probably had no idea it would still be there over one hundred and fifty years on.

For more information about the Regatta please visit the website www.pooleregatta.co.uk