Waterfront Spectacle: Sailors Race Cutters in the Tacoma Harbor
Thousands gathered at the Tacoma docks to watch the U.S. Navy sailors of the cruiser *Tacoma* compete in a spirited boat race.
The story, cleaned up
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Thousands of people were at the waterfront this morning to see the boat race between the cutters of the first, second, third, and engineer's divisions of the cruiser Tacoma. It was children's day on the cruiser, and many hundreds of the little ones, accompanied by their parents, viewed the race from the cruiser, while many other people gathered along the Northern Pacific and Commercial docks. It was about 10 o'clock when the four cutters, each manned by eight brawny sailors and a coxswain, lined themselves beside the tug Fearless, stationed in front of the Commercial dock. The course was about two miles in length, extending from the Fearless to a vessel stationed in front of the coal bunkers and back again. The race was close and exciting. The first division boat covered the course in 14 minutes and 25 seconds, and came back to the starting point just five boat lengths ahead of the second division boat. The winning crew was given a loving cup as a trophy.
“The sailors used a fast stroke, making 28 to the minute. The oars moved back and forth with an accurate and steady motion and showed that their skill had been gained through practice.”
The waterfront remains a place of civic spectacle in Tacoma, though the era of cruiser rowing races and children's days on warships has long passed. It highlights the city's deep historical connection to the naval presence in the Puget Sound.
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