It was the Queen's Cup day.
Eight yachts were entered: three schooners--the Rhodope, the Isobel, and the Mayflower; four cutters--the Pearl, the Chrysalis, the Alacrity, and the Phantom; and the Osprey, which was the only yawl.

It was half-past eight, and all were under way under mainsail and jib.
The Solent was alive with yachts.

They were pouring out from Southampton water, they were coming up from Cowes, and some were making their way across from Portsmouth.

The day was a fine one for sailing.
"Have you got the same extra hands as last time ?" Frank asked the skipper.
"All the same, sir.

They all know their work well, and of course if there is anything to be done aloft, our own men go up.