was again victorious in the principal race; the Anne, of Brighton (also a Hastings-built boat) won a second prize in both of the principal races. The skiff “Outlaw”, in which Mr. Mills of Brighton won a cup for gentlemen amateurs, was a beautiful life-craft. The “Panther” which came in first in the skiff match was also a fast boat. The whole of these boats were built by Mr. George Tutt, of Hastings. The watermen crew of the Black Bess (Wenman, Curtis, Buxted, Kent and Waters), undoubtedly bore away the palm as rowers. Then, as amateurs, beyond all controversy, the first crew was that which brought in the Unity ahead of the Black Bess when also rowed by amateurs; and which crew also made the Surprise beat the favourite Panther. This amateur crew which won in both cases in inferior boats was composed of four young men of Hastings – three brothers Edward, Robert and Archibald Hutchinson, and Frank Philcox. Four young men of greater promise and steadier conduct could hardly be found. The two eldest (twins) were a little over 20, and the younger brother about 19. Philcox was under 17, and the coxswain was Henry Roberts, of St. Leonards.
The Amateur Scullers’ Cup was presented to the winner, Mr. H. Roberts of St. Leonards, on the 22nd of September. It had been sent to London to have engraved upon it “The first Hastings Amateur Scullers’ Cup, won by Henry Roberts, Sept. 15th 1858.” On the opposite side was a decorated shield enclosing a beautiful representation of the Hastings Arms (see also Page 78).
A New Yacht. As Mr. George Tutt has been referred to as the builder of the successful boats in connection with the regatta, it may here be stated that by that noted boat-builder, a third new yacht for Lord Willoughby d’Ersby was commenced in the autumn. This one was to be even more peculiar. In length it was to be 138 feet, and in extreme width 19 feet only, and that extreme width three-fifths from the bow. It was to have an elliptic stern and to be fitted with auxiliary steam. The main mast was to be 85 feet long, and the mainsail to contain 1000 yards of canvas.
Royalty at Hastings
The Queen and Prince Albert and suite stayed at the Hastings Station of the 31st of August, only a few minutes, during a change of engines, on their way from Dover to the Isle of Wight.
The Prince of Wales made a hasty visit to Hastings in the week which ended on Saturday Dec.17th. His Royal Highness was travelling from Dover to Portsmouth, and while waiting for the South-Coast train – which did not start immediately on the arrival of the South-Eastern train, the Prince came into the town and made a small purchase at Mr. F. S. Mann’s shop in Wellington Place. His Royal Highness travelled in one of the South-Eastern Company’s state carriages, which was transferred to the South Coast Company’s lines.
