Original illustration from Illustrated London News, titled: Banquet given to the American Yachtsmen at Cowes, from wood engraving with fine detail and clear impression, nice hand coloring, approx. size is 26.5 x 20 cm, text in English on the back. From issue of Illustrated London News, English 19th century illustrated magazine, dated Jan. 5, 1867.

Here is full text of associated article:

THE GREAT ATLANTIC YACHT-RACE.

THE arrival of the American yacht Henrietta at Cowes, on the evening of Christmas Day, followed before daybreak next morning by the Fleetwing and the Vesta, her competitors in the grand race across the Atlantic, was mentioned in our paper of last week. The hearty praises and congratulations with which all classes of English¬men have welcomed this bold and dashing performance of the New York amateurs of aquatic sport induce us to present a few illustra¬tions of the subject with a fuller account than was given in our last.

The prize contended for in this race was a sweepstakes of 90,000 dollars, or about L18,000. The three yachts, schooner-rigged, were, as named above, the Henrietta, belonging to Mr. James Gordon Bennett, jun., son of the well-known proprietor and editor of the New York Herald; the Fleetwing, belonging to Mr. George A. Osgood; and the Vesta, belonging to Mr. Pierre Lorillard, both also of New York. They are of nearly the same burden — the Henrietta registering 205 tons; the Vesta, 201; and the Fleetwing, 212, American measurement. The Henrietta and Fleetwing are keel-boats ; the Vesta has what is termed a " centre-board," or false keel, like the celebrated yacht America. Of course the three yachts had been very carefully equipped, carrying spare sails and spars, wire rigging, and extra tillers. In the Henrietta sailed Mr. Bennett, the owner; Messrs. Jerome, Knapp, and Fisk, judges and guests; Captain Samuels, sailing-master Lyons; and a crew of twenty-four men, including Mr. Jones, first officer; Mr. Coles, second mate; a carpenter, sailmaker, and two stewards. The Fleetwing was commanded by Captain Thomas, with a crew of twenty-two men; and Messrs. Centre and Staples, of the New York Yacht Club, went in her as judges. The Vesta carried Messrs. George Lorillard and Taylor, as judges; Captain Dayton, and a crew of twenty-three petty officers and seamen. Each of the yachts had previously won several closely-contested matches, and only the popular prejudice against " centre-board " vessels in rough water gave the other two boats an advantage over the Vesta in the heavy wagers staked upon the race. It may be observed that Mr. Bennett was the only one of the three owners who sailed on board his yacht.

The start took place on Tuesday, the 11th ult., from off the island of Sandy Hook, which lies opposite the mouth of New York Harbour. Much interest was felt in the matter by the citizens of New York. All the vessels in the harbour and boats upon the river were gaily decked with flags. Numerous excursion steamers were char¬tered to convey spectators. At the docks, where lay the tugs which were to take the yachtsmen on board their craft, great crowds had collected, who cheered heartily as the tugs steamed off. The day was clear, cool, and bright, and the fresh westerly wind was just what the voyagers most desired. The yachts were anchored off Staten Island. The United States revenue cutter fired a salute. The hills of Staten Island were covered with spectators, and flags flew from every villa. A fleet of pilot-boats clustered off West Bank to accompany the yachts to sea. The forts which line the entrance to the harbour dipped their colours. As the New York Yacht Club steamer passed the Henrietta the gentlemen on board gave three cheers for " the only man who goes in his own boat." The good wishes, loudly expressed by every lip, were hearty and sincere. The yachts were taken in tow by the tugs for the starting-point off Sandy Hook. Accompanied by innumerable steamers, yachts, and pilot-boats, they were hauled down through the Narrows and placed in their respective stations. Precisely at one o'clock, Mr. Fearing, the starter, gave the signal for the race to begin. In a moment the tug lines were cast off and sails hoisted. The Fleetwing, occupying the most northerly position, first felt the breeze and danced away over the waves, the Vesta following closely. The Henrietta, lying nearer the shore, had decidedly the worst of the start, but regained her position as she dropped away from the land. The tugs and steamers sailed in line after the yachts, and the strains of " Auld Lang Syne" from the steamers recalled to the adventurers the friends they were leaving. " Then," says the reporter, " a cloud obscured the sun, the wind gradually rose, the yachts increased their speed, the good-by cheers were faintly heard, the lightship off Sandy Hook was passed; the open sea was before us, and the voyage had commenced in earnest. At 2.45 p.m. the 'Neversink Highlands' sunk out of sight. The yachts were then abeam of each other, the Henrietta having caught the ten-knot breeze. All canvas was set, and the Vesta sailed wing-and-wing. Daylight now rapidly faded, and the sun disappeared in a glory of crimson and gold. The tug Philip, which had been chartered by Mr. Lorillard to accompany the Vesta until nightfall, turned homeward with a farewell hurrah, and the crews of the yachts bade good-by to the United States with answering cheers. Each captain now chose his own course, the Fleetwing keeping to the northward, the Henrietta holding the European-steamer track, and the Vesta evidently making for the northern passage. At six p.m., the wind blowing steadily from W.N.W., we lost sight of the Fleetwing in the darkness ; but the Vesta was still abreast, looking like a phantom ship in the dim star¬light. The Henrietta now increased her speed, rocking over the waves as gently as a cradle, and at eight o'clock the Vesta had disappeared. We saw neither of our rivals again until they came into Cowes. Songs and stories in the cabin, and heavy snowsqualls on deck, marked our first night at sea."

From the next morning, Wednesday, Dec. 12, we copy the log of the Henrietta :—

At four o'clock in the morning very heavy squalls, with sleet and snow ; all canvas set; day breaks dark and lowering, with appearances of northerly wind. Wind freshing, and in the squalls blowing hard. At noon ship running under mainsail, foresail, jib, and flying-jib, light as a bottle, and buoyant as a cork. Dark clouds on horizon from N. to W., with every prospect of a gale. Distance run, 225 miles by observation, 237 miles by log.

Thursday, Dec. 13.—Strong breezes and squally weather. At 4.15 passed steamer bound west; supposed to be the Cuba. Hoisted racing flag, and steamer showed her colours. This steamer will probably carry first news of the yachts to New York. At 9.30 p.m. passed another steamer bound west; showed our rockets and blue-lights, to which she replied. At 10 p.m., wind increasing; took in topsail and flying-jib. At 12, double-reefed mainsail. Four a.m., set flying-jib; heavy snow squalls. At 6 a.m., weather more settled. Let reefs out of mainsail yards, and stowed it to windward. Noon, set gaff-topsails ; wind hauling to eastward ; barometer steady, at 30. Expe¬rienced a current to W.S.W. of twenty-two miles. Everything easy and comfortable. Distance run, 210 miles by observation, 232 by log.

Friday, Dec. 14.—Moderate breeze from N. and E. At 2 p.m. set topsails and main topmast-stay sail; at 8 p.m. hauled them again—squally. From 8 to 4 took in and set light sails several times. Midnight, strong breeze and squally, with snow. At 3 a.m., blowing hard, furled flying-jib. At 5 a.m., moderating, set flying-jib. At 6 a.m. set all light sails ; weather dark and heavy in S.W. Noon, cloudy weather, moderate. Lat., by an indifferent obs., 42.56 ; long., 60.32. Distance run, 200. Barometer, 29*50.

Saturday, Dec. 15.—First part of the day moderate breeze and cloudy weather. A 7 p.m., wind freshening, took in foretopsail and maintopmast-staysail. During the night very squally—up and down with topsails and staysails as weather required. At 6 a.m., blowing hard, handed all light sails. Day breaks dark and cloudy, with heavy hail and snow squalls. Ship fairly dancing over the water, often at the rate of 13 knots. At 12 a.m. weather moderate, fine clear sky ; passing clouds, wind N.N.W., as usual; sea pretty smooth ; everything as trim and comfortable as on shore.

Sunday, Dec. 16.—These twenty-four hours we have had strong northerly winds, with violent squalls and spits of snow. At 4 p.m. took in topsails, staysails, and flying-jib. At 8 p.m., blowing heavy, double-reefed foresail and mainsail, and took bonnet off the jib. Ship running across the seas and behaving well. At 6 a.m. passed close under stern of a brig steering to southward under double-reefed topsails and reefed foresail. Noon—sky overcast ; no observation; very high sea from northward ; weather a little more moderate ; let reef out of foresail; barometer, 29-70. The ship is now passing the gravel banks ; we see numbers of divers. Everybody on board well and hearty. Distance run, 246 miles—over one third of the distance across in fifth day out.

Monday, Dec. 17.—Strong northerly breezes with heavy squalls. At 2 p.m. (Sunday)—Divine service in the cabin, reading of prayers, and Lessons for the day, and one of Jay's sermons. Midnight—blowing hard, ship running in the trough of the sea, and fairly burying herself. This is yachting in earnest. Double-reefed foresails; passing snow squalls throughout the night. 4 a.m., let reefs out of foresail. Noon, let reef out of mainsail; weather more moderate ; set the flying-jib; barometer, 30-10. Distance run, by observation, 280, the best run yet; off the grand banks, and off soundings ; everything trim and snug.

Tuesday, Dec. 18.—One week out. At six o'clock a.m. we were half way to Cowes. This is at the rate of a thirteen days' four hours' trip across, being six days fourteen hours mean time. Day began with strong breeze and heavy cross sea. At 4 p.m., wind moderating, let reef out of foresail. At midnight, wind increasing, set square-sail with bonnet off. High seas and heavy wind. Weather very dark and cloudy. At five o'clock wind lulled and hauled to southward and westward. Gybed ship, and set whole squaresail, and let out all reefs. Noon dark, with very threatening appearances to S.W. Reefed mainsail, and furled squaresail and flying-jib. No observation. Distance by log 250 miles. Ship in perfect order, and all hands in best of spirits and condition.

"Wednesday, Dec, 19.—First part of day fresh gales. At 3 p.m. double-sails and took bonnet off jib. Six p.m., gale increasing, close-reefed sails and furled mainsail. Second part, blowing very heavily, with high toppling seas. At 8.40 boarded by very heavy sea, completely burying us, filling the foresail and staving the boat; the little craft fairly staggered and strained. Heaved to under storm-main-trysail. How hard to lay to in such a race; but few ships in my thirty years' experience could run in the trough of the sea so long as this little plaything did. Well may her owner feel proud of her. At 11 p.m. the sky cleared. The moon shone out beautifully for the rest of the night. Third part—moderating. At 5 a.m. nearly calm; sky became overcast from S.W., with dull lightning from S. to W. At 6 a.m. set single-reef fore¬sail and jibs. At 9 a.m., freshening wind, ship beginning to step off again, set squaresail. Sea still running very high. During the blow barometer fell from 30.10 to 29.30, at which it stands at noon. Wind is hauling westward, with fair prospect of second edition of last night's performances, but from the westward.

Thursday, Dec. 20.—Throughout these twenty-four hours strong westerly winds and squally weather. At 2 p.m. put bonnet on squaresail; 4 p.m. let reef out of foresail. From 6 to 8 very squally ; ship going as fast as fourteen knots during the squalls. At 1 a.m. wind canted to N. and WT. Gybed ship. Day ends with alternate showers and sunshine ; wind and sea moderating ; barometer rising—30.05. Distance by log, 267 miles ; by observation, 260.

Friday, Dec. 21, commences with a stiff breeze and heavy swell from N.W. At 8 p.m. set mainsail; at 8.30 signalled steam-ship Louisiana, bound west. At 9.0 set maintopsail, and maintopmast-staysail from 4 to 5 a.m. At 6 took a light breeze from southward ; weather clear, warm, and pleasant. Noon—Day ends with fine summer weather ; passed immense shoals of porpoises. Distance run, 163 by log, 157 by observation ; barometer 30-45. Everybody on deck, like turtles in the sun.

Saturday, Dec. 22.—Throughout these twenty-four hours northerly wind, dark and cloudy weather, with sharp flaws, warm and pleasant. At 7 a.m. signalled Bremen steamer, bound westward ; all light sails set, and every¬thing working beautifully. As we near the end of the race the excitement becomes more and more intense ; but the wind and weather are all that could be desired. Distance run, 252 miles ; no good observation; barometer 30.40.

Sunday, Dec. 23.—Began with steady wind and smooth sea, light southerly wind, followed with occasionally passing fog bank. At 3 p.m. spoke the Philadelphia, from Liverpool, bound west; reported light westerly winds; pleasant sunshiny Sunday ; everybody on deck with camp-stools. Barometer, 30-40.

Monday, Dec. 24,—First part of day clear and pleasant; service at one o'clock in the cabin, reading of sermon, prayers, and Lesson for the day. Middle part, beautifully moonlight night. Latter part, dark, cloudy, and squally weather. Hauled the yacht southward of her course to forstay this wind. 9 a.m., took in topsails and flying-jib; yacht pitching heavily in high head sea. Noon, sun observed; weather threatening ; barometer at 30.35 ; distance run, 172 miles; on soundings; passed three s. ips, bound west.

Tuesday, Dec. 25.—Throughout these twenty-four hours brisk S.W. wind ; dark and hazy weather. At 8 p.m. sighted the Scillys ; 10 p.m., Scillys N. 12 miles. At 2.30 a.m., Lizard N. 8 miles. 8.30 a.m.. Start N. 6 miles. At noon Bill of Portland N. 5 miles. Ends with fresh S.W. winds, everything set, and yacht going her best. This closes the sea day. 1 p.m., took pilot off Portland Bill. At 3.45 passed the Needles, and at 5.32 anchored in Cowes Roads.

The Fleetwing, as we stated last week, encountered a terrible mis¬fortune when eight days out, six men being washed overboard and drowned by a heavy sea which swept her deck. Two of them were quartermasters ; and the loss of these hands may have prevented her winning the race. The Vesta met with no accident, and ran as much as 277 miles in one day. The following is the time of their arrival in Cowes Roads :—The Henrietta, Dec. 25, 5.40 p.m. : the Fleetwing, Dec. 26, 2 a.m.; the Vesta, Dec. 26, 4 a.m. Each of the yachts bore distinguishing colours, in flags, by day - and lights and rockets by night.

The American yachtsmen, with Mr. M'Vicar, commodore of the New York Yacht Club, were entertained by the gentlemen of the Royal Yacht Squadron, in their house, at Cowes, on Thursday week; and on Saturday there was a public banquet in their honour, at the Gloucester Hotel — the arrangements having been made by a town committee, of which Mr. J. Binfield Bird was chairman. The tables were laid in the verandah, the side facing the sea having been inclosed for the occasion, forming a large dining-hall. Two large rooms open on to the inclosed verandah, and one of these was used as a reception-room, 'where Sir John Simeon, Bart., M.P. for the Isle of Wight, and Captain Luard, U.K., of the Hector, received the guests of the evening, who were mostly attired in the uniform of the New York Yacht Club. The officers of her Majesty's ship Hector, who were also invited, appeared in full uniform. The decorations of the improvised dining-hall were effective and appropriate. The walls were draped with American and English flags, and the ceiling was painted with stars and stripes. Laurels and artificial roses hung round the room. Several mottoes were placed in conspicuous positions; the Royal arms, surmounted by English and American flags, were behind the chairman, and opposite the entrance was a large oil-painting of West Cowes, with her Majesty's steamer Alberta lying at anchor. This painting was lent by Messrs. Brown and Wheeler, who also supplied several transparencies on glass. Above the vice-chair was a portrait of the Earl of Yarborough, the first commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron. The band of H.M.S. Hector, and a band from Winchester, played outside the hall during dinner and after the toasts. Sir John Simeon was chairman, and Mr. Binfield Bird vice-chairman. The loyal toasts, with the health of the President of the United States, having been duly honoured, the chairman proposed " The Armies and Navies of the United States and Great Britain." This toast was responded to by Colonel Taylor, of the United States army; General Seymour, Equerry to the Queen ; and Captain Luard. The next toast, " Peace and Prosperity to the United States and to Old England," was acknowledged by Mr. Jerome. The toast of " Commodore M'Vicar and the New York Yacht Club " was then given, and drunk with cordial enthusiasm. Mr. M'Vicar having replied, the health of Mr. James Gordon Bennett, jun., winner of the ocean yacht-race, was proposed and received in the most gratifying style. That gentleman returned thanks; and the healths of Captain Samuels and of the captains of the Vesta and Fleetwing followed in due course, and that of Mr. Lorillard and Mr. Osgood, the owners of those yachts. Mr. Fisk, of the New York Herald, returned thanks for the Press. The health of the chairman and the toast of " Prosperity to the Town of Cowes " brought the festivities to an end.

On Saturday, by special invitation from her Majesty, the gentlemen connected with the American yachts went to visit Osborne House. In the afternoon of the same day, the Queen having expressed, through General Seymour, a wish to see the yachts, the Henrietta, Vesta, and Fleetwing sailed up Osborne Bay. Her Majesty came down to the beach to inspect the yachts, and waved her handkerchief to the Henrietta, the winner of the race.

Mr. Bennett having announced that he held himself in readiness to accept any challenge from English yachtsmen, the Duke of Edinburgh has agreed to sail him round the Isle of Wight, in August next, for L100, the Duke to sail in his own yacht.

from article on Bluewater Sailing website:

The Great Race

The Transatlantic Race is one of the most storied ocean races of all time and this latest event that recently finished off England’s southwest coast was no different. From the mighty Comanche, Jim Clark’s massive carbon monohull, to Dorade, a wooden classic that won the race in 1931, and a whole bunch of boats in-between, it was an impressive showing for the 30th running of the event.

The first Transatlantic Race took place in 1866, the result of a wager between a number of sailors who had been debating the merits of a centerboard design compared to a full keel design. They were at a dinner at the New York Yacht Club, the debate got heated, as these things tend to do, and before the meal was over there was a wager on the table. George and Frank Osgood owned Fleetwing which sported a full keel. At 107-feet long it was three feet shorter than Pierre Lorillard’s Vesta, a centerboarder with a draft of 15-feet when the board was down. Size and handicap were of no issue. The wager was $30,000 each, winner taking all. They would start off the Sandy Hook Lightship at the entrance to New York harbor and race to England. They were joined by a third entry, Henrietta, also a full keel design owned by James Gordon Bennett Jr. They named the event the Great Race and set December 11, 1866 as the start date.

The three boats left New York with a strong westerly push which carried them all the way across the Atlantic in a nail-bitingly close race with all three boats finishing within hours of each other on Christmas Day. Henrietta won the race with Fleetwing beating Vesta by a mere 40 minutes, but their victory over Vesta came at a great cost; a few days earlier gale force winds had rolled Fleetwing and they lost six crew members overboard.

from U.S. Coast Guard website:

Henrietta, 1861

Cutter History:
Henrietta was a yacht that was owned by James Gordon Bennett, who also commanded her while she was in the Revenue Service. She was a 170-ton schooner and belonged to the New York Yacht Club. She was in Revenue service from June 1861 to May 1862 and participated in the capture of Fernandina, Florida, on 4 March 1862. She was armed with three guns. In 1866 she won the Great Ocean Transatlantic Race.