On Sunday, August 11, the hotel was transformed into a temporary Club House and reserved for members and their friends only and there would be no untruth in saying the hotel had never been so fall before. About forty yachtsmen and friends availed themselves of the special train, kindly provided by the Shanghai Nanking Railway, and arriving at about 11, found all the yachts at anchor decorated for the occasion, and last but not least all the Inodahs in clean uniforms. After fs short visit to the hotel, to see if the ice was cold, most of the craft made efforts to sail without wind, which, feasible as it may seem, was not successful. Just as the attempt was given up as hopeless, however, wind did come slong transforming the tide-bound inert vessels into objects of beauty and life.
About one o'clock the bell announced that tiffin was ready and fifty-five sat down to an excellent cold meal, additional interest being lent to the proceedings by the presence of Admiral jab, who, in reply to the congratulation hed the Commodore, who was responsible for the daty, made a cheery and breezy speech, remarking on the importance of sport in bringing nations together, and congratulating the Club new enterprise, which he hoped would be the means of aiding the increasing of membership. He also expressed his regret that the British Admiral, who is also a member of the Club, was absent. He then toasted the Club and his brother officers of the U. 8. 8. Concord, who were present.
Mr. Hey, one of the oldest members the Club, then rose and said that although his yachting days were about over he could still congratulate the Club, and that he found it a great, pleasure to see the great advance the Club had made in the past three or four years in yachts and members and the variety of enterprises they now indulged in, such as long cruises, picnics, variety of races; and the fine quality of yachts, which would be a credit to any home Club.
Mr. Seitz, the Vice-Commodore, replied and thanked Mr. Hey for his very kind remarks and at the same time drew the attention of the members to the Rear-Commodore, Mr. Lloyd, to whose efforts, he said, a great part of the Club's present success was due. The ladies, of whom it is to be regretted there were only four present, were then toasted and given the song " For they are jolly good fellows". This brought the proceedings in the Hotel to conclusion.
Alter tiffin, Messrs. Denniston Sullivans' representative perpetuated the gathering by several photographs and at 3 o'clock there was a race round the West Spit Buoy and back to Prince's Pier, which was won by the Kid, sailed by Mr. Lintilbac, who is now the owner of the "Flyer." The Violet, the Commodore's yacht, came in a good second. There was a fine breeze which was most acceptable after the hot forenoon.
The day had proved so enjoyable that but few of the members availed them-solver of the " special' which returned to Shanghai at 5.30 but waited until 8 p.m. to take full advantage of the cool evening.
In conclusion very great credit is due to the Honorary Secretary, Mr. F. B. Walker, on whom fell the brant of all the detail work of the outing.
It i said that the Committee of the lab is now busy arranging for another reception to be held in the Autamn at Woosung Forts.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.