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In August of 1905, twelve strong sailors from the USS Kearsarge, the champion cutter racing crew of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Squadron, challenged the team from the recently established Hibernia Racing Club of Newport to a four-mile rowing race in Newport Harbor. Beginning in 1895, cutter races on the harbor attracted thousands of Newport's citizens, Navy sailors, tourists, workers, and gamblers to watch these 12-man boats compete for money and prizes. The August 1905 challenge race promised to be the biggest of them all.
Come and hear the oft-told tale of the Great Cutter Race of 1905!
Note: “Cutters” of the late 19th and early 20th century were not regular row boats nor Irish currachs. Cutters were common accessory vessels to Navy ships of the era and were used to move personnel from place to place. These wooden boats could accommodate twelve rowers and a coxswain. Racing cutters became a popular activity in Newport Harbor during the Gilded Age.
STEVE MARINO taught history in Connecticut for 35 years and retired to Newport. He has given tours at Fort Adams since 2008. A local historian and researcher, and member of the Board of the Museum of Newport Irish History, Steve oversees operations at the Museum’s Interpretive Center on Lower Thames Street. He gives tours at the Center and Newport’s historic Irish cemeteries. Steve holds degrees from Williams College, Brown University, and Hartford International University (formerly Hartford Seminary). This is Steve’s fifth presentation to our membership.
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