The Royal Portsmouth Corinthian Yacht Club was amongst the pioneers of small-class racing on the Solent. It was founded in 1880, and it has for Commodore the Earl of Dudley, whose name will always be associated with the successful Solent rater, Dacia. The Vice-Commodore is Captain J. Orr-Ewing, one of the most familiar names in the yachting world, and a most enthusiastic supporter, for many years, of the Solent classes. This club has always studied the interests of small-class racing, but, unlike some others which have started with that particular object, it also offers prizes at some of its regattas for the big craft. For some years it has made it an almost annual custom to give a race for the 52-footers on the Saturday in the Cowes Week, when there would otherwise be no racing for any of the bigger boats, and on one or two occasions it has also organized races round the Isle of Wight for the big handicap vessels. The headquarters of the club are situated in the town ; but there is also a small house on the beach which is used by members during the summer months.
