EAST DONYLAND​ / ROWHEDGE
s.y. SAPPHIRE
One of the last really grand steam yachts of the era before the Great War, Sapphire was designed by G.L. Watson & Co. and built in John Brown´s Clydebank yards in 1912. Ordered by Herbrand, 11th Duke of Bedford, to replace his existing Sapphire, her successor was registered at 1,207 tons gross (546 net and 1,421 Thames) and measured 251 1/2 feet in length with a 35 foot beam. Capable of 14 knots, she was sumptuously fitted out and had a highly distinctive profile which made her instantly recognisable wherever she went. Although nominally owned by the Bedfords until 1919, she spent most of the Great War as an armed auxiliary patrol yacht until released by the Admiralty whereupon she was sold to Lord Furness who kept her until 1923. She was then sold to Urban Broughton (later Lord Fairhaven) under whose colours she became a familiar sight practically worldwide due to her owner´s enthusiasm for ocean cruising.When the Second World War began in 1939, she was purchased initially as a convoy leader but then became a submarine tender in Campbeltown Loch in 1940 under the name of H.M.Y. Breda. Still there in 1944, she was accidentally sunk in a collision with a submarine on 18th February but not deemed worth raising. [Source: www.wrecksite.eu]
THE TIMES - Thursday 25 September 1919 - “... Lord Furness has just bought from the Duke of Bedford the twin-screw schooner Sapphire 1,421 tons, which was also engaged on war service.”
AGREEMENT AND ACCOUNT OF CREW OF A YACHT
G.R. & R.O. of S. & S. Received 31 AUG. 1920
Name of Yacht; SAPPHIRE
Official Number; 133065
Port of Registry; Glasgow
Port No. And Date of Register; 79. 1912
Registered Tonnage - Gross; 1207, Net; 546
Nominal Horse Power of Engines (if any); 214
Registered Managing Owner; Viscount Furness
Address of Owner; 60 St. James’s Street, London S.W.1
No. of Seamen for whom accommodation is certified; 52
[This is one of two documents for this voyage and contains only twelve men]
The several persons whose names are hereto subscribed, and whose descriptions are contained below, and of whom – sixteen – are engaged as Sailors, hereby agree to serve on board the said Yacht, in the several capacities expressed against their respective Names, until the said Yacht shall be paid off.
On a voyage from Southampton to Gibraltar, India and Japan, and/or any other ports or places within the limits of 75º North and 60º South Latitudes, as may be required by the Master. Voyage not to exceed twelve months, and to end in the United Kingdom.
And the Crew agree to conduct themselves in an orderly, faithful, honest and sober manner, and to be at all times diligent in their respective Duties, and to be obedient to the lawful commands of the said Master, or of any person who shall lawfully succeed him, and of their Superior Officers, in everything relating to the said Yacht, and the Stores and Cargo thereof, whether on board, in boats, or on shore: in consideration of which Services to be duly performed, the said Master hereby agrees to pay to the said Crew as Wages the Sums against their Names respectively expressed, and to supply them with Provisions according to the Scale on the other side hereof. And it is hereby agreed that any Embezzlement, or wilful or negligent Destruction of any part of the Ship’s Cargo or Stores shall be made good to the Owner out of the Wages of the person guilty of the same. And it is further agreed, that if any Seaman enters himself in a capacity for which he is in, he is liable to be disrated. And it is also agreed, that the Regulations authorized by the Board of Trade, which are printed herein and numbered 1 to 6 are adopted by the parties hereto, and shall be considered as embodied in this Agreement. And it is also agreed, that if any member of the Crew considers himself to be aggrieved by any breach of the Agreement or otherwise, he shall represent the same to the Master or Officer in charge of the Ship in a quiet and orderly manner, who shall thereupon take such steps as the case may require: and it is also stipulated that advances on account and allotments of part of wages shall be made as specified against the names of the respective seamen in the columns provided for that purpose. And it is also agreed, that any man guilty of misconduct shall be liable to be discharged by the Master at any Port in Great Britain or Ireland; and that the voyage shall be considered as terminated when the Yacht is paid off. And it is also agreed, that
Uniform shall be supplied by the Owner and to be worn by the crew. It shall become the property of the crew on completion of the voyage, and on final discharge of the crew.
A War Risk Bonus of £3 per month will be paid to each member of the crew (in addition to the wages stated herein), except in the cases of O.S., Deck Boys, First Voyage Trimmers, and Boys in the Catering Dept., who will receive £1/10/0 per month.
In Witness whereof, the said Parties have subscribed their Names herein, on the days mentioned against their respective signatures.
Signed by A. Reavley, Master, on the 19th day of February 1920.
Date of Commencement of Voyage; 22/2/20
Port at which Voyage commenced; Southampton
Date of Termination of Voyage; July 24th 1920
Port at which Voyage terminated; So’ton
Date of Delivery of Lists to Superintendent; 24/7/20
I hereby declare to the truth of the Entries in this Agreement and Account of Crew, &c. A. Reavley Master.
All men, except where noted, joined Sapphire 19/2/20 at Southampton, and all received V.G. for ability and general conduct. All men, except where noted, were discharged 24/7/20 at Southampton and signed their names upon engagement and discharge.
TWO LOCAL CREWMEN
S.W. SIMONS 850576, age 25, born Rowhedge. Of; Merrythought, Rowhedge. Last served; 1919 SHEELAH. Captain’s Steward. Wages per Calendar Month; £12. Fortnightly allotment; £5.10/-. Balance of Wages paid on Discharge; £9.2/10
W.J. BROWN 839260, age 63, born Wivenhoe. Of; Fingringhoe, Colchester. Forecastle Cook.
THE STRAITS TIMES - 16 April 1920. p.8 - “Viscount Furness, who is in Singapore with his yacht Sapphire, is the Chairman of Furness, Withy and Co. Ltd; Furness Houlder, Argentine Lines Ltd; Irvine’s Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. Ltd; South Durham Steel and Iron Co. Ltd; Deputy Chairman of Weardale Steel, Coal and Coke Co. Ltd; Broomhill Collieries Ltd; Director of several other important industrial concerns and Lord of the Manor of Grantley.”
ACCOUNT OF CREW OF A YACHT
G.R. & R.O. of S. & S. Received 2 MAY 1921
Name of Yacht; SAPPHIRE
On a yachting cruise from Southampton to Gibraltar and/or any ports or places within the limits of 75º N. Latitude and 60º S. Latitude as may be required by the Master. Maximum period of engagement not to exceed twelve months, and to end in the United Kingdom.
Date of Commencement of Voyage; 2/1/21
Port at which Voyage commenced; Southampton
Date of Termination of Voyage; 23rd April 1921
Port at which Voyage terminated; Southampton
Date of Delivery of Lists to Superintendent; 23/4/21
I hereby declare to the truth of the Entries in this Agreement and Account of Crew, &c. A. Reavley Master.
LOCAL CREWMEN
All men joined SAPPHIRE 30/12/20 at Southampton and were discharged 23 April 1921 Southampton except where noted. All men signed their names upon engagement and discharge. In the accompanying Log Book all men were rated “V.G.” for ability and for general conduct.
S.W. SIMONS 850576, age 26, born Rowhedge. Of; Merrythought, Rowhedge. Last served in; Same Ship 1920. Capacity; Captain’s Steward. Wages per Calendar month; £15. Amount of weekly allotment; £5.10/-. Balance of Wages paid on Discharge; £7. 3/9.
H.V. CRANFIELD 21010, age 33, born Rowhedge. Of; Florence Cottage, Rowhedge. Capacity; 3rd Mate.
HARRY BUTCHER 384755, age 46, born Brightlingsea. Of; 19 Colne Rd, Brightlingsea.
H. PARKER 381566, age 36, born Rowhedge. Of; Church St., Rowhedge.
H. EADE 412877, age 31, born Brightlingsea. Of; 51 Bevoir St., Soton.
W.A. COLE 381696, age 36, born Rowhedge. Of; 1 Edge St. (sic), Rowhedge.
A.J. DRAPER 880289, age 29, born Brightlingsea. Of; 81 Colne Rd, Brightlingsea.
W.J. BROWN 837260, age 64, born Wivenhoe. Of; Fingring Hoe (sic), Colchester.
P. STIFF 306973, age 26, born Rowhedge. Of; Church St., Rowhedge.
W. TAYLOR 880409, age 29, born Rowhedge. Of; Chapel St., Rowhedge.
THE TIMES - Tuesday 18 January 1921. p.13 - RIVIERA NOTES - ARRIVALS FROM ENGLAND - CANNES, Jan. 12 - “... Lord and Lady Furness arrived here yesterday with their family, on board their steam yacht Sapphire.”
THE TIMES - Saturday 22 January 1921. p.13 - RIVIERA NOTES - YACHTING AT CANNES - CANNES, Jan. 17 - “The Regatta Committee have issued the programme for a fortnight’s racing, beginning on February 13. A large number of sailing yachts are expected, including the 933-ton schooner Zarifa. Among the yachts actually in the port are Lord Furness’s Sapphire.... Lord and Lady Furness, who arrived in the yacht Sapphire, are installed at Villa Kasbeck...”
THE TIMES - Thursday 27 January 1921. p.13 - RIVIERA NOTES - “New arrivals at Cannes include the following:- ... The Dowager Lady Furness also arrived yesterday from London and went on board the yacht Sapphire.”
THE TIMES - Friday 11 February 1921 - RIVIERA NOTES - CANNES, Feb. 8 - “Lord Furness has returned to Villa Kasbeck. His yacht Sapphire is also back in the port.”
THE TIMES - Monday 28 February 1921 and Tuesday 1 March 1921. - DEATHS - “FURNESS - On the 25th Feb. on board the Steam Yacht Sapphire off Cadiz, Daisy, wife of VISCOUNT FURNESS of GRANTLEY. Buried at sea, 26th Feb. Memorial services to-morrow (Tuesday), at 12 noon, at St. Mark’s Church, North Audley-street. London. W., and at Winksley Church, Grantley, near Ripon, Yorkshire.” [She had been recovering after an operation]
Account of a cruise on the Sapphire... for private circulation.
A Winter Cruise and Some Mental Ramblings - Urban Hanlon Broughton (1857-1929).
Publisher: T. and A. Constable at the Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh 1922.
Covering dates January 14, 1922 - April 29, 1922.
Scarce, but a few copies are to be found for sale online.
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ACCOUNT OF CREW OF A YACHT
G.R. & R.O. of S. & S. Received 1 June 1923
Name of Yacht; SAPPHIRE
On a voyage or voyages from Southampton to Gibraltar and thence to any ports or places within the limits of 75º N. and 60º S. Term not to extend beyond 12 months from date of agreement, and the agreement to end in the U.K.
16 crewmen
Date of Commencement of Voyage; Feb. 11th 1923
Port at which Voyage commenced; Southampton
Date of Termination of Voyage; May 23rd 1923
Port at which Voyage terminated; Southampton
LOCAL CREWMEN
All men joined SAPPHIRE 9/2/20 at Southampton and were discharged 23/5/23 at Southampton, except where noted. All received “V.G.” for ability and for general conduct, and signed their names upon engagement and discharge.
S. SIMONS 994627, age 28, born Rowhedge. Of; Merrythought, Rowhedge. Last served in; Same. Capacity; Captain’s Steward. Wages per Calendar month; £11. Amount of weekly allotment; £3. Balance of Wages paid on Discharge; £10. 17/10.
WILLIAM SIMONS 334467, age 45, born Wivenhoe. Of; Alma St., Wivenhoe. Last served in; MAUD. Capacity; A.B. Wages per Calendar month; £10. Amount of weekly allotment; £4. Balance of Wages paid on Discharge; £4. 12/8. [This is Sid’s cousin]
P.S. CRANFIELD 526985, age 35, born Rowhedge. Of; Albion St., Rowhedge. Capacity; Quarter Master.
W.J. OWERS 857647, age 30, born Rowhedge. Of; Woodbine House, Rowhedge, Essex. Capacity; 2nd Officer.
W. BLYTH 389821, age 56, born Wivenhoe. Of; West St., Wivenhoe. Capacity; Quarter Master.
S.J. MILLS 621923, age 31, born Rowhedge. Of; Chapel St., Rowhedge. Capacity; A.B.
ERNEST WILLIAM BARR, age 30, born Wivenhoe. Of; 10 Station Rd, Wivenhoe. Capacity; A.B.
J.F.A. MILLS 698491, age 30, born Rowhedge. Of; 2 Head St., Rowhedge. Capacity; A.B.
W.J. BROWN 619846, age 64, born Wivenhoe. Of; Spring Villas, Fingringhoe, Colchester. Capacity; Forecastle Cook. [William Jackson Brown]
Sidney Simons
Harold Cranfield
Henry "Harry" Parker
William Simons
Sid Simons had previously worked on s.y. Sheelah owned by Admiral of the Fleet David Beatty. He then became valet to Lord Furness and joined Sapphire. Sid's father was Capt. Charles Simons who won a German Emperor's Cup in 1902 with Irex.
Harry Parker, seen here on board King George V's Britannia, sailed on a number of the top racing yachts and luxury steam yachts of the period. His father was a crew member of Lord and Lady Brassey's famous yacht Sunbeam which sailed around the world in 1876.
Harold Cranfield was a son of Capt. Jonathan Cranfield and became Chief Officer of the Sapphire. He then obtained his Master's Certificate and commanded the s.y. Sayonara.
William Simons, like Harry Parker, sailed on many famous yachts. Pictured here in 1900 wearing Royal Naval uniform.
The Sketch - 9 March 1921
AGREEMENT AND ACCOUNT OF CREW OF A YACHT
G.R. & R.O. of S. & S. Received 10 JUN. 1925
Name of Yacht; SAPPHIRE
Official Number; 133065
Port of Registry; Glasgow
Port No. And Date of Register; 79. 1912
Registered Tonnage - Gross; 1207, Net; 545
Nominal Horse Power of Engines (if any); 214
Registered Managing Owner; N.H. Broughton Esq. (sic)
Address of Owner; Bank Buildings, St. James’s Street, London S.W.1
No. of Seamen for whom accommodation is certified; 60
The several persons whose names are hereto subscribed, and whose descriptions are contained below, and of whom – 16 – are engaged as Sailors, hereby agree to serve on board the said Yacht, in the several capacities expressed against their respective Names, until the said Yacht shall be paid off.
On a Yachting Cruise to any places to which the Owner or Master may wish to go. Cruise to end in the United Kingdom and not to exceed 12 months.
And the Crew agree to conduct themselves in an orderly, faithful, honest and sober manner, and to be at all times diligent in their respective Duties, and to be obedient to the lawful commands of the said Master, or of any person who shall lawfully succeed him, and of their Superior Officers, in everything relating to the said Yacht, and the Stores and Cargo thereof, whether on board, in boats, or on shore: in consideration of which Services to be duly performed, the said Master hereby agrees to pay to the said Crew as Wages the Sums against their Names respectively expressed, and to supply them with Provisions according to the Scale on the other side hereof. And it is hereby agreed that any Embezzlement, or wilful or negligent Destruction of any part of the Ship’s Cargo or Stores shall be made good to the Owner out of the Wages of the person guilty of the same. And it is further agreed, that if any Seaman enters himself in a capacity for which he is in, he is liable to be disrated. And it is also agreed, that the Regulations authorized by the Board of Trade, which are printed herein and numbered 1 to 6 are adopted by the parties hereto, and shall be considered as embodied in this Agreement. And it is also agreed, that if any member of the Crew considers himself to be aggrieved by any breach of the Agreement or otherwise, he shall represent the same to the Master or Officer in charge of the Ship in a quiet and orderly manner, who shall thereupon take such steps as the case may require: and it is also stipulated that advances on account and allotments of part of wages shall be made as specified against the names of the respective seamen in the columns provided for that purpose. And it is also agreed, that any man guilty of misconduct shall be liable to be discharged by the Master at any Port in Great Britain or Ireland; and that the voyage shall be considered as terminated when the Yacht is paid off. And it is also agreed, that
The uniform supplied by the owner is to be worn on board and on shore and is to become the property of the crew subject to good conduct, only at the final discharge of the whole crew.
The crew to keep themselves smart and tidy at all times. No overtime to be paid.
In Witness whereof, the said Parties have subscribed their Names herein, on the days mentioned against their respective signatures.
Signed by A. Reavley, Master, on the 12th day of May 1924.
Date of Commencement of Voyage; 11.5.24
Port at which Voyage commenced; Southampton
Date of Termination of Voyage; 8/5/25
Port at which Voyage terminated; So’ton
Date of Delivery of Lists to Superintendent; 8/5/25
I hereby declare to the truth of the Entries in this Agreement and Account of Crew, &c. A. Reavley Master.
All men, except where noted, joined Sapphire 12/5/24 at Southampton, and all received V.G. for ability and general conduct. All men signed their names upon engagement and discharge.
LOCAL CREWMEN
10. H. WISBEY 781204, age 46, born Rowhedge, of Rowhedge, Essex. Last served in; SEA SERPENT. Joined this Vessel; 12/5/24 at Southampton. Capacity; Quartermaster. Wages per week; £3.2/6. Amount fortnightly; £4. Discharged; 13/10/24 at Cowes. Balance of Wages paid; £4.4/5.
18. G.H. CRANFIELD 1042561, age 30, born Rowhedge, of Rowhedge, Essex. Last served in; SEA SERPENT. Joined this Vessel; 12/5/24 at Southampton. Capacity; A.B. Wages per week; £3. Amount fortnightly; £4. Discharged; 8/5/25. Balance of Wages paid; £33.18/-
21. G.A. BLACKWOOD 857746, age 28, born Essex, of 4 Bath St, Wivenhoe. Last served in; SYLVANA 12/5/24. Joined this Vessel; 12/5/24 at Southampton. Capacity; A.B. On pay; 11/5/24. Wages per week’ £3. Fortnightly amount; £1. Discharged; 30/6/24 at Southampton. Balance of Wages paid; £3.4/7.
CONTINUATION
5. Harvey J. WIX 303461, age 42, born Bury St. Edmunds, of Anglesea Rd, Wivenhoe. Last served in; KAREN. Joined this Vessel; 21/5/24 at Southampton. Capacity; Chef. On pay; 19/5/24. Wages per week; £5.5/-. Fortnightly amount; £6. Discharged; 20/9/24 at Southampton. Balance of Wages paid; £22.14/11.
16. E. STEWARD 125186, age 58, born Maldon, of Clifton Terrace, Wivenhoe. Last served in; LIBERTY. Joined this Vessel; 3/9/24 at Southampton. Capacity; Quartermaster. On pay; At once. Wages per week; £3.2/6. Fortnightly amount; £3.10/-. Discharged; 10/9/24 at Southampton. Balance of Wages paid; £4.1/1.
17. W.T. SIMONS 563450, age 48, born Wivenhoe, of Alma St, Wivenhoe. Last served in; SHAMROCK. Joined this Vessel; 13/10/24 at Southampton. Capacity; 2nd Cook. On pay; 12/10/24. Wages per week; £3.2/6. Fortnightly amount; £4. Discharged; 8/5/25 at Southampton. Balance of Wages paid; £22. 17/-
21. Charles Robert J. CROSS, age 20, born London, of 21 Manor Rd, Wivenhoe. Last served in; MAURETANIA. Joined this Vessel; 13/10/24 at Southampton. Capacity; Sailor. Wages per week; £3. Fortnightly amount; £4. Discharged; 8/5/25 at Southampton. Balance of Wages paid; £14.2/4.
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Account of a cruise on the Sapphire... for private circulation.
Desultory Notes at Sea – Urban Hanlon Broughton (1857-1929).
Printed for Private Circulation 1925
Scarce, but a few copies are to be found for sale online.
ACCOUNT OF CREW OF A YACHT
G.R. & R.O. of S. & S. Received June 1926
Name of Yacht; SAPPHIRE
Official Number; 133065
Port of Registry; Glasgow
Port No. And Date of Register; 79. 1912
Registered Tonnage - Gross; 1207 Net; 545
Nominal Horse Power of Engines (if any); 214
Registered Managing Owner; U.H. Broughton Esq.
Address of Owner; Bank Buildings, St. James Street, London S.W.1
On a yachting cruise to any ports or places to which the owner or master may wish to go.
Term of any agreement not to exceed twelve months and to end in the United Kingdom.
Date of Commencement of Voyage; 26th July 1925
Port at which Voyage commenced; Southampton
Date of Termination of Voyage; 22nd May 1926
Port at which Voyage terminated; Southampton
Date of Delivery of Lists to Superintendent; 21.5.26
I hereby declare to the truth of the Entries in this Agreement and Account of Crew, &c. A. Reavley Master.
LOCAL CREWMEN
All men joined SAPPHIRE 24th July 1925 at Southampton and were discharged 21/5/26 at Southampton, except where noted. All received “V.G.” for ability and for general conduct, and signed their names upon engagement and discharge. All men to be on board by 1 a.m. 26/7/25.
H.V. CRANFIELD 884135, age 38, born Rowhedge. Of; Florence Cottage, Rowhedge. Last served in; ALBION. Capacity; Chief Officer. Royal Naval Reserve No.; 1M s.s. 0012355. Wages per Week; £6.10/-. Amount of fortnightly allotment; £9. Balance of Wages paid on Discharge; £12. 12/8.
G.H. CRANFIELD 1042561, age 32, born Rowhedge. Of; Rowhedge, Essex. Last served in; Same Ship [ie. Sapphire]. Wages per Week; £3.5/6. Amount of fortnightly allotment; £1.10/-. Balance of Wages paid on Discharge; £22. 2/10.
A. CRANFIELD 223580, age 50, born Rowhedge, Essex. Of; Castlemaine, Rowhedge, Essex. Last served in; NAHMA. Joined this Ship; 3/11/25 at So’ton. Capacity; Bosun. On pay 2/11/25. Wages per Week; £3.8/6. Amount of fortnightly allotment; £4. Balance of Wages paid on Discharge; £19. 6/-. [This is Alf “Dutchy” Cranfield of the Mersea/Aldham family]
W.J. COOK 198784, age 47, born Wivenhoe. Of; 4 Park Rd, Wivenhoe. Capacity; A.B.
W. MOSS 407344, age 42, born Essex. Of; Rowhedge, Essex. Capacity; Seaman.
W.J. ALLEN 1068198, age 25, born Rowhedge. Of; Spring Villas, Rowhedge. Capacity; 3rd Cook
G.W. TRAYLER 457744, age 47, born Wivenhoe. Of; Wivenhoe Cross, Colchester. Capacity; Engineer.
George's father George was a crew member of Valkyrie II for the America's Cup challenge of 1893. His grandfather, also named George, was one of the six well-known yacht skipper Cranfield brothers.
Alf Cranfield had sailed on the Prince of Wales's Britannia at the end of the 1890s. He was Bosun on the s.y. Nahma, and also Bosun of the Sapphire. One of his exploits involved saving the life of Edward Pitt who was swept overboard from the Sapphire in the Bay of Biscay.
George's family came to Rowhedge from Colchester whereas Alf's family came from West Mersea (briefly) and before that from Aldham.
George Henry Cranfield
Alf "Dutchy" Cranfield
Cara Broughton, wife of Sapphire's owner, was persuaded to write up her journals from two cruises and have them privately printed for friends and family. Below are brief details of the second cruise.
'Second cruise of S.Y. SAPPHIRE R.Y.S.'
December 11, 1925 - May 15, 1926
Privately printed 1926
By Cara L. Broughton
The Party-
The Hon. Audrey Pauncefote - Audrey
Miss. Elizabeth Enos - Elizabeth
Mr. William R. Coe - Will
Mr. William R. Farquhar - Billy
Urban [Broughton]
Huttleston [Broughton]
C.L.B. - The Admiral [Cara]
December 11th, 1925 - “I cannot realise that it is over a year since we started for our six months’ cruise to India. This afternoon we left for another long cruise - this time to the West Indies. [P. & O. steamer Ranchi from Tilbury to Gibraltar.]
December 15th, 1925 - “At eight o’clock we anchored in the harbour of Gibraltar. At ten the launches were alongside, and we all embarked. Sapphire looked very smart and trim. The new furnishings have settled down a bit, and are most satisfactory. It is easy to make a mistake when one selects colours in London, with the yacht at Southampton...”
December 24th, 1925 - Gibraltar to Casablanca, Morocco.
December 25th, 1925 - “We did not reach Casablanca harbour until nearly eleven, but time enough for the crew and all to have the dinner which we had provided; the paper caps, etc., and the half-pound box of sweets appealed to them. About 4 o’clock Urban, Huttleston, Audrey, Mr. Farquhar, and I went to the lower deck to arrange the presents for the officers and crew. When all was ready the fifty-eight passed and we shook hands, wished each a “Merry Christmas. Each officer received either sleeve-links or a cigar lighter; and each of the crew a tobacco pouch, a quarter-of-a-pound of tobacco, and a Christmas card. We all remarked what a sturdy, clean-looking lot of men they were.... Captain Reavley and Dr. Green joined us for dinner. I suddenly conceived an idea; there were left over two large Christmas stockings filled with silly toys, and I decided to have each of these wrapped in paper, and put in a large tub, and allow the crew to draw for them. About 9 o’clock we heard shouts of laughter coming from the forward deck which was lighted with huge electric lights; later Audrey and I looked out of the window. Each man as he drew the present had to open it at once, hence the shouts of laughter. I must admit it was amusing to see a fat sailor walking around with a doll’s parasol over his head, or others holding dolls. Certainly it caused much amusement, and when they saw me at the window they gave me three cheers. I did miss the old bo’sun, who did not come this year and who we first met on the Liberty in 1922, and then on the Sapphire when we chartered her in 1923. When we bought the Sapphire in March, 1924, the bo’sun came with her.
December 27th, 1925 - Casablanca to Las Palmas.
December 29th, 1925 - Arrived Las Palmas.
December 31st, 1925 - “We had every intention of leaving for Tenerife this morning; but we heard there was plague there, and as we do not want to be put in quarantine for three weeks we abandoned the idea.... The Captain told me there was one of the crew who played the bagpipes, and at dinner to-night we had him in the dining-room to play. He was dressed in highland costume, kilts, and had several medals. Later he went forward, and, walking back and forth in the bow, with his kilts swinging, he made an attractive sight in the heavenly moonlight night...”
January 1st, 1926 - Las Palmas to St. Vincent, Cape Verde Islands. Arrived January 4th.
January 6th, 1926 - St. Vincent to Barbadoes (sic), British West Indies. 2,032 miles.
January 7th, 1926 - To noon, a run of 314 miles. January 8th, 1926 - To noon, a run of 341 miles.
January 9th, 1926 - To noon, a run of 340 miles. January 10th, 1926 - To noon, a run of 332 miles.
January 11th, 1926 - “We had fire drill this afternoon, and I was surprised how quickly we were all assembled, the stewards with huge baskets of provisions, the hose out and playing, and all the men at their post, each with his duties assigned to him... Run 335 miles.”
January 12th, 1926 - Arrived Barbadoes. 2,032 miles in six days, four hours, and fifty-four minutes consuming twenty-six tons of oil a day.
January 19th, 1926 - Left for Tobago at 7 a.m., arrived about 3 p.m.
January 20th, 1926 - “Early this morning, about 6 o’clock, I heard many times the splashing of oars, so I got up to look about. The yacht was surrounded by boats, and the people in them were selling fruit. An engineer bought a dozen grapefruit for sixpence; another bought a large stick of bananas for a shilling...”
January 25th, 1926 - Back to “Barbadoes”. Arrived 10.30 a.m. January 26th.
January 27th, 1926 - Back to Tobago.
February 2nd, 1926 - Arrived Grenada. February 4th - “It was such a lovely day that some of the men went bathing from a perfect beach.”
February 5th, 1926 - Left at 10 a.m., arrived St. Vincent about 5 o’clock.
February 7th, 1926 - Left about 11 a.m. for St. Lucia, sixty miles away, dropped anchor at 4.30 p.m.
February 9th, 1926 - 11 a.m. to Martinique, arrived 2.30 p.m.
February 11th, 1926 - Roseau (Dominica)
February 13th, 1926 - To Antigua
February 15th, 1926 - To Charlestown, Nevis, to see Mrs. Lucretia Forsythe, Cara Broughton’s brother’s nurse forty-six years ago...
February 16th, 1926 - “I must describe Lucretia’s arrival on board at 11 o’clock. Lucretia weighs 230lbs., a trifle heavy to get out of a launch, but she managed very well. She was followed by a procession of Sapphire sailors carrying her offerings to me, which consisted of a live turkey, seven live chickens, a large bouquet of flowers, a huge paper bag containing fans, another bag containing “yams,” and little baskets made of fibre. Lucretia was dressed in white, with a white hat trimmed with bright blue ribbon, and carried a blue bag. She wore gold spectacles, had gold bangles, a gold watch pinned on her chest, two gold pins, and gold teeth. We took her on deck, and she did the talking....”
February 17th, 1926 - St. Kitts
February 18th, 1926 - Left St. Kitts at 5 a.m., arrived St. Thomas about 5 p.m.
February 20th, 1926 - To San Juan, Porto Rico.
February 21st, 1926 - At San Juan the Captain had to fill in a Customs form for each crewman.
February 25th, 1926 - To Kingston, Jamaica.
March 2nd, 1926 - Port Antonio, Jamaica.
March 4th, 1926 - Montego Bay, Jamaica.
March 5th, 1926 - To Santiago, Cuba. Arrived 10 a.m. March 6th.
March 7th, 1926 - Left Santiago for Neuvitas Bay, arriving 3 p.m.
March 9th, 1926 - “We left early this morning (6 o’clock): the “Admiral” was up to see Sapphire out of harbour... We are bound for Matanzas..”
March 10th, 1926 - At Matanzas harbour no pilot could be found. On to Havana. Arrived 2.30. p.m.
March 17th, 1926 - “To-day we “dressed ship,” and Sapphire looked very handsome. The President sent word he would like to visit the yacht, and at 3 o’clock the President, General Gerardo Machado, and his entire cabinet arrived.
March 18th, 1926 - Left at 3 o’clock for Miami, arrived following day.
March 28th, 1926 - Leaving Miami - “We started to move about 9.45. We had to go out stern first, and then turn in an exceedingly narrow channel... The Santa Isabel [a large steamer] left her berth shortly after we did, and instead of waiting to come out, or sending us a signal to stay back, she tried to cut in front, hit our bowsprit, smashed it to smithereens, took away some of our figure head, and bent or did something to one of the anchors, making it useless. We consider ourselves fortunate, if it had to happen, that so little damage was done, as against what might have been done. Mr. Cranfield, the first officer, and about ten of the crew were in the bow, and when they saw the steamer bearing down upon them they ran back. If she had hit the yacht a little farther aft surely there would have been loss of life, as some of the crew were in their bunks.... The carpenter and the crew began at once to get the smashed bowsprit down, and when they carried the big pieces aft and threw them over, I felt as if part of the Sapphire was being buried at sea.”
March 29th, 1926 - Arrived Charleston, South Carolina, about 6.45... “having made the run of 426 miles in thirty hours, averaging 15.34 knots an hour. Sapphire did everything to show, even with her beauty marred, how she can or could travel.”
March 30th, 1926 - “The day was spent by the crew in trying to repair, as well as they could, the damage done by that steamer, the Santa Isabel.”
March 31st, 1926 - ...”All night the lightning was incessant... at the same time as the storm we had torrential rain that lasted several hours, and added to that, a wind that blew with a roar and with such force that it seemed as if the windows must be blown in... The yacht listed on account of the wind, and our awnings were blown to ribbons. We had steam up in case we got into trouble by dragging our anchors, and all the crew were on deck and busy all night.”
April 2nd, 1926 - “We left early, and should be at Norfolk to-morrow afternoon... Although I bought blankets to cover the macaws’ cages it is still too cold, and Mr. Legerton, the chief engineer, has had them put on a balcony arrangement that runs around the top of the engine room. They like it none too well, as there is always an electric plant or an ice machine working, and they cannot understand all the noise.”
April 5th, 1926 - Leaving Norfolk. “It was nearly lunch-time before we got out in the Atlantic, and headed for New York.”
April 6th, 1926 - New York. Anchored off the New York Yacht Club landing at the foot of East 26th Street.
April 9th, 1926 - Left New York. “We had hoped to reach Fairhaven at sunset, but on account of a kink in our anchor chain, which took us a long time to untangle, it was nearly 7 o’clock before we left.
April 14th, 1926 - Left Fairhaven, to Newport.
April 15th, 1926 - Oyster Bay. Anchored at the Seawanaka Yacht Club. Party drove to Planting Fields, the home of Cara Broughton’s sister Mai who had died a year earlier.
April 18th, 1926 - “Will very kindly sent cars six miles for the officers of Sapphire to come and see the grounds. I am sure they enjoyed it, as they have been on shore very little.”
April 19th, 1926 - “This morning we boarded the yacht, all feeling sad, for when we reach New York we leave Sapphire, having been on her since December 15th... About 3 o’clock we were off the Yacht Club landing in New York. I went and shook hands with as many officers and men as I could see, to wish them bon voyage on the trip home. Sapphire has run 9,867 miles from Southampton, her average speed being 12.086 knots an hour... One incident I neglected to write about: when we passed under 59th Street Bridge seven paving blocks dropped on the yacht’s deck; one nearly hit Audrey, having dropped directly in front of her; another crashed through the skylight; others forward among the crew; and others made deep dents in the deck. I wonder!!!”
April 21st, 1926 - “... during the afternoon I sent someone down to see Sapphire to find out if all packages were on board. The thirty-four pairs of pigeons I had bought were safely stowed away on the yacht, but some were fighting already. The macaws were quiet, but then they are such old sea-dogs, nothing matters.”
May 15th, 1926 - Returned via steamer Olympic which only went as far as Cherbourg due to a strike. “At 6.30 we started for Southampton...When we reached the dock we found the baggage being handled by Oxford students; Captain Reavley was there with twelve sailors from Sapphire. The luggage was soon passed and taken to lorry and cars, and we got in the launches and went on board Sapphire for lunch. How nice it was to be on board again; all the crew seemed delighted to see us, and we were told they had a very smooth crossing, first going to Bermuda, then the Azores. Of course she had all been dismantled, but everything had been put in place, and Captain Reavley told us, after lunch, that the Sapphire had never been put in commission for such a short time, an hour-and-a-half.... What a wonderful time, and how much one has seen - thanks to beloved Sapphire.
Always affectionately, Cara.
The end.
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Account of a cruise on the Sapphire... for private circulation.
More Desultory Notes at Sea – Urban Hanlon Broughton (1857-1929).
Publisher: T. and A. Constable at the Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh 1926.
Covering dates December 11, 1925 - May 15, 1926
Scarce, but a few copies are to be found for sale online.
