A breezy day outside, Estelle leading Resolute to Sandy Hook lightship

In the later half of the 19th century, it was popular for the members of the NYYC to hold 'stakes' or match races in the fall after the regular racing season. These were often grudge matches when yachts were not given a true test during the regular sailing season, or the yachts never met. The owners would put up a cash prize with the winner take all. Indian summer conditions with strong breezes made these races out to the Sandy Hook lightship popular.

Estelle was a centerboard schooner owned by Commodore James D. Smith. Commodore Smith was elected Commodore in February 1882. Estelle had principal dimensions of 88ft LOA, 78ft 5in. LWL, 22ft 10in beam, 6ft 8in draft. The schooner yacht Resolute was a keeled schooner owned by A.S. Hatch and had principal dimensions of 114ft LOA, 105ft LWL, 25ft 1in beam, 10ft 6in draft.