Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received
The Editor
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© F.Coakley , 2026
[from A.M Harrision's Descriptive List of Insular Societies]
no further information was included
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It is not clear why Harrision selected 1890 as the year as Regattas had been held at both Ramsey and Douglas in earlier years - possibly the publication of the accounts in 1890 was a novel feature.
Manx Sun, Saturday, 27th July 1889;
The Douglas Regatta and aquatic sports, on Bank Holiday, will be on a quite unusually big scale. Arrangements have already been made for a full programme of sailing, rowing, and swimming matches, with "duck-hunting," and other amusing sports. The Committee are working hard, and have held a number of meetings at which a thoroughly business-like tone prevails.
After dusk on August 5th, there is to be a grand illumination of the Bay and Conister, with a most elaborate firework display from various points. Prof. Wells, of Crystal Palace fame, is being interviewed by a sub-committee with reference to the pyrotechnics, and a huge show may be expected. Beyond the fireworks, we shall have a torchlight procession on the water, and the representation of a ship on fire. I can promise that the last-named feature will be one worth remembering. The details are being managed by another sub-committee, who have obtained most liberal contributions in money and material from gentlemen in the town.
What was more interesting was the report describing the Committee's dinner and presentation to their secretary - very much along Masonic lines:
Isle of Man Times, Saturday, 21st September 1889
The Recent Douglas Regatta. Interesting Social Gathering.
Presentation
The Committee who so successfully carried out the recent regatta in Douglas Bay, having terminated their labours, thought it would not be a bad idea if they adopted the British plan of celebrating that great event by dining together. The proposal was warmly taken up, and the little dinner "came off on" Wednesday evening last, at Butterworth's Hotel, Prospect-hill. The affair was a triumphant success, the genial host (Myles Evarard) and his amiable wife, putting before the guests a "spread " of the most appetising description, served in a manner which would do credit to any establishment in Douglas; and that is saying a good deal. Perhaps it would be as well if we produced the menu. Here it is:- Soup: hare; fish: black soles, shrimp sauce; entree: game pie; joints: roast pork, boiled leg mutton, caper sauce, ribs beef; poultry: roast chickens, stuffed Manx; sweets: phynnodderee pudding, damson tart. Regatta fritters, jellies, &c.,&c.; phantom salad, with Harris dressing; cheese.
There were altogether about thirty gentlemen present, and the energetic manner in which they devoted themselves to the proper "consideration" of the dishes showed that the labours of the season had not in the least impaired their appetites. They were in so happy a condition that it was not necessary to welcome them, as Macbeth did his guests, with the wish that good digestion might wait on appetite and health on both. Well, given good health, good appetites, and a good dinner, what else was required to complete their joy, except good, witty, pithy speeches, good liquor, and good harmony.
Well, these amply forthcoming, the result was a "social evening" of the most perfect description. Mr Brown, chairman of the Committee, presided,and the loyal and formal toasts having been rapidly disposed of, Mr Fox, the eloquent and popular vice-chairman of Falcon Cliff, who was present as a guest, proposed the Health of the Regatta Committee." During his remarks he referred to the desirability of increasing the number of attractions and fete days in Douglas, so that the town might reap greater benefit from the crowds of tourists who landed on its piers, but the great majority of whom simply slept in Douglas, passing the greater part of every day in other parts of the Island. The toast was warmly received.
The most interesting item in the evening's programme, however, was the presentation of a gold pendant to the Secretary of the Committee. The jewel, which is elegant in design and perfect in execution, is the creditable work of Mr Wylde, jeweller, Prospect hill. It bore the following inscription —"Douglas Bay Regatta, 1889: Presented to R. A. Cain, by the Committee, in recognition of his services as Secretary." The presentation was made by the Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, and he spoke in high terms of Mr Cain's labours, making special reference to the fact that Mr Cain was a volunteer in the fullest sense of the term, for, though elected behind his back, he at once, in the interests of the town, cheerfully undertook the work imposed upon him, and that he gave abundant satisfaction in the fulfilment of his task was evident from the unanimous response which was made to the proposal that a testimonial should be presented to him.
The healths of the Bros. Evarard and Mr L. Kelly, who were the first to suggest the regatta, and of the Marquis of Anglesea, and of Mr S. J. Harris, who had officiated as Commodore, were vociferously received; as also were the numerous other toasts, that well-known air, "For he's a jolly good Fellow," being sung with somewhat monotonous iteration in every key known to Fred. Vetter, and in some which are unknown to him or any other musician. The Host and Hostess having been awarded a hearty vote of thanks, the merry party brought matters to a conclusion, sometime after midnight, by singing the National Anthem.
The 1890 committee would appear to be operating on a much smaller budget
Manx Sun, Saturday, 11th October 1890
SIR,—On behalf of the Regatta Committee ot this year, allow me through the medium of your columns to return sincere thanks to those friends who by their generous contributions, either in cash or value, ensured the success, both from a financial and sporting point of view, of the recent Douglas Bay Regatta a success which will warrant us in coming forward next year and soliciting the same favours at their hands with the object of carrying out a regatta on a more extensive scale. Appended is an abstract ot the accounts : -
RECEITS. Total subscriptions collected £54 17 6
Entrance fees .- £30 0 0
Sale of programmes and advertisements . £36 5 9
£61 3 3
EXPENDITURE Cash prizes £36 5 0;
s.s. Minnow. Committee boats, mark boats expenses, booms, &c. £11 15 0
Painting and advertising £14 11 0
Stamps, stationery, &c £0 12 0;
Balance ... £1 0 3Your, &c, Louis KELLY, Secretary.
Though judging from comments re the proposed 1891 regatta not everything went to plan.
Manx Sun, Saturday, 22nd August 1891
THE DOUGLAS REGATTA.
The clerk of the weather being propitious a capital day's sport will be provided in Douglas Bay on Tuesday next. The commiittee are sparing no pains to make the Douglas Bay Regatta of 1891 a huge success. The programme of the regatta has been sent to the best swimming clubs and Corporation baths throughout England. and already every encouragement from the secretaries of the different clubs, and particularly from Liverpool and Manchester, has been received. The permit from the Northern Counties Amateur Swimming Association has been granted, also every assistance from the secretary of that body. Miss Lane haa promised to assist, and to allow a number of her pupils to compete in the ladies' swimming race.
Subscriptions have not come in quite so readily, but it is expected that a personal canvas which is to be made will result in sufficient to make the regatta a great financial success.
The Harbour Commissioners have agreed to keep the course clear and they will send a pier or harhour master to superintend the necessary arrangements with this object in view. Onr visitors will then have a better view of the different competitions.
Last year, after the committee had gone to the trouble of booming the course for the swimmers, a yacht was wantonly run into the booms by some boatmen , and most of the enjoyment was spoiled. Considering that no body of men benefit so much by a regatta as the boatmen, this conduct was most reprehensible , and it is hoped it will not occur again,
The steamer Sambo has been engaged as the committee boat, and is being especially fitted to accommodate the competitors. Too little is done in Donglas so far as the entertainment of visitors is concerned, and it is not too much to expect that a decent sum will be raised to meet the expenses of Tuesday next. Evans, the amateur swimming champion of England, and several other champion swimmers will compete ; and the rowing and sailing matches have also secured good entries. A meeting of the Regatta Committee was held in the Granville Hotel on Wednesday night, and was adjounied to this afternoon at three o'clock, at which fact the members of the committee are particularly requested to take notice and attend.
The secretary was authorised to send out the following notice.- We are requested to state that entries in the swimming matches can be made to Mr C Ford. Mr J. J. Corteen, Mr John Corkhill, or Mr L. Kelly.
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Any comments, errors or omissions gratefully received
The Editor |
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