1899: The Boat Question

Letter from James G. Averell to Emily Sibley Watson, January 16, 1899

1899-01-16

J.G. writes: "By the papers I see that the family has taken the boat question in hand," referring to the Rochester Yacht Club's participation in the trial races in Chicago to select a challenger for the Canada's Cup race in Toronto. The race was envisioned in 1896 as a way to encourage Great Lakes yachting, with the Royal Canadian Yacht Club challenging American teams. James Sibley Watson and Hiram W. Sibley each subscribed $1000 toward the cost of building a boat to participate in the trials.