when people "most do congregate" to prepare the inner man for the fatigues of the "midst breezes, clouds and sunny rays" - to quote the weather forecast in Brett's Gazette - the general aspect of the sky and the upward tendency of the barometer were such as to indicate fine weather. To those, however, who saw the heavens as it were on fine at the moment of sunrise, and the peculiar convoluted clouds which followed there was an inkling that the later appearances were illusory, and that the then 'quiescent state' was destined to last but a short time. The wind had also backed, which should have been a hint to those having the management of the Regatta that it was likely to "freshen", and that if the racing was to be resumed, it should have commenced much earlier than two o'clock. However, as all was done with the best of motives it could only be regretted that the united efforts of those most nearly interested were again thwarted by the bad weather which set in during the afternoon, and in consequence of which the greater matches were re-postponed to a more favourable time.
The only two races that were got off were for first-class amateur 4 oared galleys and first class pair-oared skiffs. The first event was for prizes £8, £5 and £2. Eight boats started, one of which was damaged and another gave up the contest. After a hard struggle and immense excitement, the "Excelsior" of Southampton came in first, with the "Lard Warden" of Hastings, half a length behind, and the "Anne" of Brighton a close third.
Finished at Last - The third attempt to finish the regatta was made on the 14th of September, and was, at best successful, but the interest had considerably worn off, especially as Curtis and Buxton, two of the champion crew of the "Lord Warden" were away on the "Herring Voyage". The principal race was for first-class 4 oared galley, the prizes being £20, £12 and £8. Nine boats were entered, but only five competed. The first prize was awarded to the "Wigeon" of Newhaven, the second to the "Ariel" of Dover and the third to the "Lord Warden" of Hastings. The bad position of the last-named boat was owing to its disorganised crew.
The Lord Warden Galley, which had once or twice beaten the frequently successful "Wigeon" of Newhaven, had also, when rowed by its own crew, been first in two of the principal races at the Dover and Folkestone regattas.
The Great Eastern Steamship
In spite of the many misgivings as to the Leviathan - as it was first called - leaving the place of her birth, the noble vessel's departure from the Thames was an accomplished fact, and on the 9th of September passed Hastings on her way to Portland. He trial trip was looked forward to with much interest, for on its performance hung interests of vast importance. It was felt that she must be successful, and that during her trial trip, if anything went wrong it would be matter of detail, to be remedied -
