Ali, I have details of a vessel called Sappho in 1871. During that year the owners, master and crew of the lugger "Sappho", and others, filed a salvage petition in the High Court of Admiralty against the ship "Joseph Fish". I have a copy of the case Pleadings but no personal names are given. It describes the Sappho as belonging to Deal valued at £440 manned by 7 crew. Briefly, on 6 Jan 1871 the "Joseph Fish" ran aground on the Goodwin Sands in The Channel while making for London. The Sappho came to her aid, as did the Port of London steam tugs "Middlesex" and "Lord Warden", the Port of Ramsgate steam tug "Vulcan", and the Ramsgate lifeboat "Bradford". A dangerous but ultimately successful struggle proceeded over many hours to bring her off. All the vessels suffered considerable damage, the Sappho's stern was thrown against the Joseph Fish, but "the Joseph Fish was saved from certain destruction". Despite damage to her cargo of corn, clover, seed, flour and oil cake, the ship and contents were valued at £30,000. The Pleadings passed down from my grandfather. His father, Frank Baxter (1832-1877) was a Thames Waterman & master mariner, sometime master of the steam tug "Nelson". I assume he was somehow involved in the rescue, perhaps on one of the Port of London vessels. If so the salvage money may be the reason why he was able to promote the other Baxter family calling, in addition to maritime work, of being hoteliers, publicans and wine merchants His life was in turmoil in 1871; he had left his wife, his children were dispersed, and he had taken up with a girl from Chale called Mary Ann Cheverton who assumed the name Baxter. When he died of cirrhosis of the liver in 1877, Mary Ann was obliged to leave London and bring her two young sons by Frank, one being my grandfather, (and the Pleadings) to live in Ventnor with her mother. Perhaps this Sappho will turn out to be your Sappho. If you wish, I can provide you with the detailed account of the rescue contained in the Pleadings or a photocopy of the document. Steve Baxter -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Ali Hargreaves Sent: 27 May 2008 20:23 To: [email protected] Subject: [IoW] IOW Jacobs Family and Vessel "Sappho". Good evening all I've subscribed to the list in the hope that someone with some nautical knowledge might be able to help. I'm seeking information about a vessel called "Sappho". My distant relative William JACOBS and his son Ernest were aboard the Sappho in 1871 as follows: 1871 Census: Vessel "Sappho" on the River Brent, New Brentford, Middlesex (RG10; Piece: 1319; Folio: 151; Page: 20) William JACOBS Head Marr 33 Captain b: Bembridge, Hants Ernest JACOBS Mate 12 Mate b: St Helens, Hants I am interested to know if this vessel was the yacht/schooner which raced in the America's Cup in 1871. There are various sites dotted around the internet which show that she sailed to and from the US quite a few times. She was built in New York in 1867, came to Cowes in 1868. She took part in a race around the IOW, and returned to the US having been unable to find a buyer. At the end of 1869, Sappho returned to the UK in record time (a record which would stand until 1905). In May 1870, she won all her races against "Cambria" in England. Saphho took part in the America's Cup in October 1871 beating "Livonia" twice. In 1872 she returned to the UK for another race in the English Channel. In 1876 she was sold to Prince Sciarra de Colonia of Naples, and was used in regattas on the French Riviera. She changed hands once more, and she was scrapped in Cowes in 1887. Where can I find out if the "Sappho" which Captain Jacobs was aboard in 1871 was the same as the "Sappho" which took part in the America's Cup? Any pointers greatly appreciated. Many Thanks Alison Hargreaves, Swindon, UK ************************************** You can contact the Isle of Wight List Administrator by emailing: [email protected] ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Just in case I missed anyone out from my personal replies, I'd just like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who responded by my query about my Jacobs family members and the vessel "Sappho", and it's possible connection with the America's Cup. I've been given lots of pointers and have some lines of enquiry to follow up over the next weeks. Thanks and Regards Alison Hargreaves, Swindon, UK