naval scandals, even in an age pregnant with every variety of scandal, was the giving away to Court favorites of many Dutch vessels, fly-boats, and doggers, captured by the navy. Some of these vessels may probably have been transformed into yachts, courtiers in those days not being concerned in trade or commerce. On the other hand, Pepys, under date of August 16, 1683, refers again to Colonel Wyndham in his "own yacht," and remarks that "he is the only gentleman of state who was ever known to addict himself to the sea for pleasure"; so that it is difficult to form any accurate opinion on this point.
The London Mercury of October 28, 1682, in a notice of the Duke of Grafton and two other noblemen being capsized in a wherry on the Thames, mentions Lord Dunblane's "pleasure-boat," off Greenwich, where the whole party dined.
The sailing-match recorded as having taken place on the Thames, is the only one in which King Charles participated, and he does not appear to have cared much for racing. Cruising was his greatest pleasure, and Lord Arlington records that he would steal away from Windsor upon any pretence and board his fleet at Sheerness for a cruise to Plymouth or other ports on the south coast.
The short cruises in his yachts were no doubt jolly affairs; for Charles enjoyed lively, witty conversation and company. He was fond of raillery and bantering with his friends, and yet this kindhearted, affable monarch could administer the rebuke of a wit and a gentleman. Upon one occasion,
