Halfrater Ethelwynn (1895)
Ethelwynn, the winner of the first Seawanhaka Cup in September 1895. The 15 ft halfrater skippered by its designer William P. Stephens competed against William Brand´s Spruce IV from England´s Minima Yacht Club.
My colorization of John S. Johnston´s September 1895 photo in the Library of Congress archive (Detroit Publishing Co. collection).
Although Ethelwynn did win convincingly, The Indianapolis Journal reported on September 27 that the race on the day before had not been without some drama when the owner, Mr. Field, who served as crew, decided to withdraw:
"The Indianapolis Journal, 27 Sept 1895 p 5 reported that Ethelwynn withdrew from Race 3 when nine minutes astern, her owner (who was crewing) insisting that the 15 mph breeze was “not halfrater weather, the wind being too strong.” The skipper withdrew from the series in protest, but in the moderate conditions of the last race Ethelywnn was an easy winner. Like other designers since, Stephens felt that his boat was much faster but not always sailed at her best."
As Mr. Stephens was mentioned as the skipper of the Ethelwynn in the final results, he must have reconsidered his withdrawal from the series.
The Seawanhaka Yacht Club gives a short summary of the Cup:
"The Seawanhaka Cup®, sometimes referred to as “The Junior America's Cup”, is the oldest yachting trophy, originating in America, that is still in active competition. Originated in 1895, the Seawanhaka Cup® trophy was offered for the purpose of promoting small yacht racing and developing the Corinthian spirit among yachtsmen. The original challenge was sailed in half-raters, a boat of about 15 feet, with the Seawanhaka boat Ethelwynn sailed by William P. Stephens sporting a marconi main over 20 years ahead of its time. Ethelwynn won the regatta against a challenge from the Minima Yacht Club of England."
Halfrater Ethelwynn (1895)
Ethelwynn, the winner of the first Seawanhaka Cup in September 1895. The 15 ft halfrater skippered by its designer William P. Stephens competed against William Brand´s Spruce IV from England´s Minima Yacht Club.
My colorization of John S. Johnston´s September 1895 photo in the Library of Congress archive (Detroit Publishing Co. collection).
Although Ethelwynn did win convincingly, The Indianapolis Journal reported on September 27 that the race on the day before had not been without some drama when the owner, Mr. Field, who served as crew, decided to withdraw:
"The Indianapolis Journal, 27 Sept 1895 p 5 reported that Ethelwynn withdrew from Race 3 when nine minutes astern, her owner (who was crewing) insisting that the 15 mph breeze was “not halfrater weather, the wind being too strong.” The skipper withdrew from the series in protest, but in the moderate conditions of the last race Ethelywnn was an easy winner. Like other designers since, Stephens felt that his boat was much faster but not always sailed at her best."
As Mr. Stephens was mentioned as the skipper of the Ethelwynn in the final results, he must have reconsidered his withdrawal from the series.
The Seawanhaka Yacht Club gives a short summary of the Cup:
"The Seawanhaka Cup®, sometimes referred to as “The Junior America's Cup”, is the oldest yachting trophy, originating in America, that is still in active competition. Originated in 1895, the Seawanhaka Cup® trophy was offered for the purpose of promoting small yacht racing and developing the Corinthian spirit among yachtsmen. The original challenge was sailed in half-raters, a boat of about 15 feet, with the Seawanhaka boat Ethelwynn sailed by William P. Stephens sporting a marconi main over 20 years ahead of its time. Ethelwynn won the regatta against a challenge from the Minima Yacht Club of England."