Enchantress (yacht)

The Enchantress was a 19th-century racing yacht, winner of several national and international Cups including the Royal Yacht Squadron's regatta around the Le Havre to Southampton, and the New York Yacht Club's regatta from Owl's Head Point to Sandy Hook Lightship. She was designed by Robert Fish for George L. Lorillard.
"Enchantress's" origins.
In 1871, the "Enchantress" was modeled, in New York, by Captain Robert Fish (1812-1883) for George L. Lorillard. She has had several owners (see subsequent owners below). The "Enchantress" was built by shipbuilder Samuel H. Pine of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. She was berthed at the New York Yacht Club and sailed by Captain Reuben King. Fish designed hundreds of vessels of all sizes, including the "Truant", "Challenge", "Eva", and the "Meteor". Her model resides at the New York Yacht Club.
Captain.
The "Enchantress" was captained by Reuben King, the first mate, William Dand, and the Sandy Hook Pilot, Peter W. Roff. There were 18 crew members. Joseph F. Loubat, of the New York Yacht Club, wrote about the "Enchantress" and Robert Fish in a yachting memoir, "A Yachtsman’s Scrap Book, or the Ups and Downs of Yacht Racing".
Cape May challenge cup ocean race.
On October 9, 1873, the "Enchantress" was one of the boats that participated in the New York Yacht Club ocean regatta, which was a yacht race from Owl's Head Point around to Cape May Lighthouse in New Jersey, and back to the Sandy hook Lightship. Both yachts and pilot boats were entered in the race. The "Enchantress" was the winnng yacht for the Bennett Cup, valued at $1,000. The pilot-boat "Thomas S. Negus" won second place and "James W. Elwell" which came in third place.
The name "Bennett Cup" came from James Gordon Bennett who was the commodore of the New York Yacht Club. At this time, Joseph F. Loubat was the owner, Captain Robert Fish (designer), Reuben King (master), and Sandy Hook Pilot Peter W. Roff were on board the "Enchantress" in the race.
International English yacht race.
Anchored off Stapleton, Staten Island, the "Enchantress" was overhauled with new rigging, spars and sails to prepare her for the trip across the Atlantic to England. On December 1, 1873, the "Enchantress" arrived at Cowes, England from New York. On February 15, 1874, Fish left on the steamer "Herman" to Cowes where he took command of the "Enchantress". On July 25, 1874, the "Enchantress" won the Royal Yacht Squadron's regatta around the Le Havre to Southampton and brought home the Cape May Cup. The Enchantress was commanded by Captain Poland.
Prince of Wales's challenge cup yacht race.
On August 8, 1874, the "Enchantress" entered the Prince of Wales cup race from Cowes around the Shambles Lightship, and back around the Nab, passing the Isle of Wight to Cowes. The race was for American and English schooners and yawls of 100 tons or more. The Enchantress was listed as 320 tons and the owner was Joseph F. Loubat. After a series of mishaps, the "Enchantress" returned to Cowes.
Out of service.
On February 22, 1922, the yacht "Enchantress" was not commissioned during the financial year 1922-23 and was decommissioned in Portsmouth Harbour.