"Monday the silver cup given by Lord Viscount Courtenay was sailed for on the river Exe, in front of Powderham Castle; 16 boats were entered, but the prize was warmly contested by two boats from Plymouth; one belonging to Mr. Dyer, master of la Nymphe frigate, was however the successful candidate, and received the elegant silver cup value 25 guineas, from the fair hands of the Hon. Miss Courtenay.- The second prize of 5 guineas, and the third prize of 3 guineas, were won by Plymouth boats; the fourth prize of 2 guineas was won by a Lympstone boat. - The day being remarkably fine, a large assemblage of company attended, all of whom were much delighted with so picturesque a scene.- The boats started by signal gun at about eleven o'clock,and returned to the Goal about one.- His Lordship's yachts were dressed in their colours, and the number of pleasure boats which crouded the river, added to those who contended for the prizes, formed a most pleasing prospect highly gratifying to every spectator."
I don't think Mr Dyer would have been at Powderham to enjoy the picturesque scene or to receive the silver cup from the fair hands of the Hon. Miss Courtenay. England was at war and the famous frigate La Nymphe, of which he was the Master, was at sea on Channel duty.
The same copy of The Flying Post, 20th Augusr 1801, bore news of Nelson's abortive attack on Boulogne. (15th August 1801) It reported, "Our loss in killed and wounded is estimated at about 200 men". It was in this action that Captain Edward Parker of the Medusa, Nelson's aide-de-camp, had his leg ripped off at the thigh He died from his wounds a few weeks later.
I'm glad that the day of the race was remarkably fine and that a Lympstone boat took one of the prizes.
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