In 1891 only 13 vessels showed up for the start. In 1879 it was revived, but not again until 18. In 1878, the first time since 1867, there was no regatta. Losers were awarded the more tangible prizes, winners gained custody of a silken, gold-tassled, red, white and green banner decorated with a strutting gamecock and the word “CHAMPION” emblazoned across it. The climax was the evening ball where winners were announced and prizes distributed. These rugged workmen of the bay came forth not for the trophy, but to put on a show for their city, display their pride in their country, their boats, their companies, and to exhibit their skills as seamen. Right-of-way encounters, and individual duels were usually settled by bare knuckles, the throwing of coal, or with buckets of sea water, but there seems to be no record of a committee who sat in judgement of carefully drawn protests. Thirty to forty schooners participated, many guests were invited aboard, spirits were high, and the bottle was passed around from one to another as they fought to win the race. The boats were timed as they left the starting line, and again when finished, so starts could be delayed without penalty. Beating back toward Telegraph Hill, out to the Gate, and ending the race in a pleasant run back. The original races started between Goat Island and the foot of Telegraph Hill, headed towards Hunter’s Point, then in a reach off toward the mouth of Oakland Creek. Some of the fleet was nearly always visible to the spectators. Thousands of spectators watched from the top of Telegraph Hill where the bay spreads out in a magnificent panorama. The Master Mariners Regatta became a part of the Fourth of July festivities, and San Francisco Bay’s reliable summer afternoon wind guaranteed an active race.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |