Lot Essay
The inscription on the plinth mount reads, R.Y.S. REGATTA. CHALLENGE CUP FOR ALL COMERS WON BY CHRISTABEL. AUGUST. 1861.
Christabel had a lively and impressive history. She was built by James Aldous, a local builder and contractor from Brightlingsea who, in 1833, had founded the Brightlingsea Shipyard of Aldous Successors Ltd.
His shipbuilding skills became highly sought and soon the shipyard activities began to consume his time. In 1846 Aldous built the cutter 'Fawn', reputed to be the first yacht built in Brightlingsea and by 1855, the racing yachts he designed were attracting attention and gaining a reputation.
In 1858 Aldous completed the vessel originally called 'Violet', later renamed 'CHRISTABEL', which became what is thought to be the most notable of all the Aldous yachts. She was sold to H. Kennard Esq., three years after her creation, who named her 'Christabel'. A splendid racing career followed, 'Christabel' won all races round the coast against her rivals, the Harvey designed 'Audax' and 'Volante' and the 'Thought' built by Hatcher.
Eventually she was beaten that season but her career was by no means over. 'Christabel' continued her string of successes, among them the victory for which this cup was awarded. The year 1866 was the high watermark of 'Christabel's' career. She won the Down Swim having stormed into Harwich. In the Nore to Dover race she led a fleet of 17 schooners and cutters, and the enormous 209 ton lugger yacht 'New Moon' only to be beaten at the last moment by 'Egeria'. After her final season she retired to be a cruiser before being broken up in 1908.
Christabel had a lively and impressive history. She was built by James Aldous, a local builder and contractor from Brightlingsea who, in 1833, had founded the Brightlingsea Shipyard of Aldous Successors Ltd.
His shipbuilding skills became highly sought and soon the shipyard activities began to consume his time. In 1846 Aldous built the cutter 'Fawn', reputed to be the first yacht built in Brightlingsea and by 1855, the racing yachts he designed were attracting attention and gaining a reputation.
In 1858 Aldous completed the vessel originally called 'Violet', later renamed 'CHRISTABEL', which became what is thought to be the most notable of all the Aldous yachts. She was sold to H. Kennard Esq., three years after her creation, who named her 'Christabel'. A splendid racing career followed, 'Christabel' won all races round the coast against her rivals, the Harvey designed 'Audax' and 'Volante' and the 'Thought' built by Hatcher.
Eventually she was beaten that season but her career was by no means over. 'Christabel' continued her string of successes, among them the victory for which this cup was awarded. The year 1866 was the high watermark of 'Christabel's' career. She won the Down Swim having stormed into Harwich. In the Nore to Dover race she led a fleet of 17 schooners and cutters, and the enormous 209 ton lugger yacht 'New Moon' only to be beaten at the last moment by 'Egeria'. After her final season she retired to be a cruiser before being broken up in 1908.