Editorial Notes – Looking Back on 1887
A reflective editorial reviewing the progress of model yachting during 1887, noting the formation of seven new clubs, increased advocacy with town councils, technical discussions in the journal, and hopes for greater inter‑club competition in the coming year.
Growth of Model Yacht Clubs
A year‑by‑year summary of new clubs formed during 1887, including Scarborough, Llandudno, Highgate (London), Kingstown (Ireland), Edinburgh & Leith, Guernsey, and Southport, highlighting the expanding popularity of model yachting across Britain.
Exhibitions and Model Yachting Promotion
Discussion of the growing importance of public exhibitions in promoting the hobby, with Dundee, Goole, and Scarborough cited as current or forthcoming examples that help attract public interest and new members.
Resignation of Glasgow M.Y.C. Secretary
Notice of the resignation of Mr. McNicol after nine years as Secretary of the Glasgow Model Yacht Club, with expressions of regret and appreciation for his long service.
Yachting in 1887 – A Review of Full‑Sized Racing
An overview of the 1887 yachting season, focusing on the dominance of Thistle, the Jubilee race around Britain, the America’s Cup controversies, and dissatisfaction with changing class rules and measurement systems.
The America Cup and Rule Changes
Analysis of revised America Cup conditions, including extended notice requirements and detailed yacht disclosures, leading to reduced prospects of British challenges and criticism of American procedural advantages.
Criticism of the Length and Sail Area Rule
Discussion of the new measurement rule’s perceived failings, arguing that it favors large budgets and may increase costs rather than encouraging accessible racing yachts.
Doings of the Clubs – London Model Yacht Sailing Association
Report on recent third‑class matches at the Round Pond, Kensington Gardens, including results, prize winners, and notice of forthcoming first‑class racing.
Dundee Model Yacht Club Annual Meeting
Coverage of Dundee M.Y.C.’s annual meeting, prize distribution, election of officers, recent challenge matches, and optimistic outlook for the next racing season.
Serpentine Model Yacht Club Matches
Detailed race reports between Phantom, Mosquito, and Wild Rose, describing weather conditions, rigs carried, competitive scores, and close finishes.
Medway Model Yacht Club Winter Activities
Note that sailing has paused for the season, with members focusing on building new boats, including American‑style designs, and sympathy expressed for a member suffering major losses from a fire.
Kingstown (Ireland) Model Yacht Club Social Evening
Account of a social event featuring songs, speeches, and the presentation of the Challenge Cup, alongside discussion of class structures for the coming season.
London Model Yacht Club – Final Match of the Year
Report of a competitive match at Kensington Gardens, detailing the yachts entered, course conditions, a collision causing damage, and final point standings.
Scarborough Model Yacht Club Developments
Coverage of postponed and resumed matches, launching of new models, improvements to existing yachts, and preparations for a major exhibition at the Town Hall.
Manchester Model Yacht Club Activities
Summary of limited winter sailing activity, extensive building of new models, unusual design experiments, and plans to participate in the Scarborough exhibition.
Glasgow Model Yacht Club Annual General Meeting
Comprehensive report on prize presentations, major trophies awarded, officer elections, discussion on measurement rules, and commentary on a new but flawed public pond facility.
Dumbarton Model Yacht Club Annual Meeting
Details of officer elections, prize distribution, financial health of the club, and a full list of prize‑winners and donors.
Kingston (Hull) Model Yacht Club Annual Dinner
Account of a large social gathering with music, speeches by the Mayor, prize distribution, and celebration of the club’s prosperity.
Construction Article – Building a 10‑Ton Model Yacht
A detailed technical article explaining the step‑by‑step wooden construction of a 10‑ton model yacht built to the ‘1730’ rule, including materials, dimensions, shaping methods, and assembly advice.
Correspondence – Models Running Off
A letter addressing the issue of models “running off” under sail, emphasizing hull form over theoretical placement of centres, and cautioning beginners against over‑reliance on calculations alone.
Answers to Correspondents (Mast Position)
Editorial clarification on mast placement in cutter‑rigged yachts, explaining why traditional proportions remain optimal based on long experience rather than pure theory.
Canoeing Editorial Notes from Trinidad
A letter seeking advice on choosing a multipurpose sailing canoe, followed by editorial commentary explaining the trade‑offs between paddling ease, seaworthiness, and sailing performance.
Advocacy for Open Canals
Discussion advocating improved access to canals for canoeists, potential reduced licensing fees, and suggesting roles for a British Canoe Association in negotiations and youth participation.
Royal Canoe Club Annual Meeting
Extensive report on the R.C.C. annual meeting, including elections, rule changes, canoe dimensions, sail limits, recognition of Canadian canoe classes, and proposals for social gatherings.
British Canoe Association Progress
Update on the B.C.A.’s growing membership, adopted aims, new burgee design, and formation of a sub‑committee to draft a formal constitution.
American Canoeing – Materials
A Canadian contributor discusses basswood and cedar canoe construction, recounting long expeditions with heavy portaging and demonstrating the durability and cost effectiveness of painted basswood canoes.
American Canoeing – Camp Outfit
Practical guidance on tents, waterproofing, bedding, storage bags, and cooking gear for extended canoe cruises, based on Canadian experience.
“Strong Arms, Strong Winds” – Easter Cruise (Continued)
A narrative account of a challenging canoe cruise, including hazardous locks, portaging, adverse weather, campsite experiences, and camaraderie among the crew.
Canoeing Down the Wye – Continued
Continuation of a personal cruise narrative, describing river travel, camping near Hay, encounters with local residents, and excursions into the Black Mountains.
Notices, Registers, and Advertisements
Administrative content including club secretary updates, exhibition announcements, book advertisements, sale and exchange notices, builder advertisements, and supplies for model yachts and canoes.
