The dimensions of The Royal Sovereign were, length on deck, 96 feet 1 inch; keel, 80 feet 9 inches; breadth, 25 feet 7 inches; depth of hold, 10 feet 3 inches, 280 18/94 tons.
In 1806 an effort was made to revive the Water Club of Cork, and a meeting was called consisting of the Marquis of Thomond, Lord Kinsale, the Fitzgeralds, the Penroses, the Newenhams, the Drurys, and others, who styled themselves "Original members." There is, however, no reason to suppose that the club was reorganized in its ancient splendor, but with a view to the more useful purpose of exciting competition among the fishing and rowing boats in the cove of Cork, to which they gave annual prizes.
A gallant, but somewhat extraordinary entry, appears about this time on the books of the club, viz., "That the wives and daughters of the members of the club, be also considered members of the club, and entitled to wear their uniform."
This resolution is dated July 9, 1807; and was passed in compliment to the great interest in the proceedings of the club exhibited by the ladies in question, who, it is added, fully acknowledged the courtesy, by appearing at the club dinners in nautical costume.
In 1807 Robert Steele & Co., of Greenock, built two "customs," or "excise," yachts, the Princess of Wales, length, 45 feet 8 inches; breadth, 16 feet 10 inches; depth, 8 feet 3 inches; and the Maria built from the same moulds but one foot longer. These yachts were both cutters.
