Plymouth Regatta - start of yachts in the first race - from a sketch by J. Offord, Plymouth, 1860. The annual Royal Western Yacht Club of England and the Port of Plymouth Regatta took place on Thursday, the 16th, and Friday, the 17th September. Although the weather on the day previous was very discouraging to all concerned, on Thursday morning it cleared up, and the picturesque Sound of Plymouth presented all the appearance of an unusual holiday. A strong W.S.W. wind was blowing, cold for the time of year, but most appropriate for the event. The matches came off with unusual rapidity, producing a corresponding amount of interest amongst the spectators. A Government lighter (Devon), fitted up for the convenience of the committee and decorated with flags, formed a conspicuous object in the centre, while several other vessels equally gay were stationed near. The course was from the Devon, past Scots ground, the Knap, Pentille Point, Droyston, and, after crossing the Sound, ran in from the Mew Stone past the end of the Break-water. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.