The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-03-11

hands.
PROGRESS OF AMERICAN YAcHTING-Nothing
indicates the progress of yachting in this coun-
try more than the Improvement which has of
late taken place both in the building of larger
and more substantial boats than formerly, and
in the spirit which actuates their owners. Here
tofore there has been an Indifference, if not
timidity, among yachtsmen, which, so to speak,
has been clog upon the noble pastime, and
prevented it from assuming anything like the
position which it holds among the gentlemen
of England. The yachts feet, until within q few
years past, has been composed almost entirely
of small craft, unfit for anything but to sail in
our bays and harbors. To 60 to sea in one
would be equivalent to certain shipwreck.
Of late, however, a healthy spirit of innova-
ton has manifested itself. The example of
English yachtsmen, who have dropped quietly
into our presence, visited the most distant
climes, and even made tour of the world, has
not been without its effect Their rugged faces,
thorough seamanship and staunch craft have in.
fused spirit of emulation into American yachts
men that is beginning to show itself. Inanother
column we give description of no less than
three new yachts, all Of which are intended to
be seagoing craft, and all of which are built
by gentlemen who are already owners of
smaller boats, and consequently have expert
enced the desire and necessity of treading
decks upon which they can enjoy greater
sense of comfort and security.
This is as it should be; and we shall proba-
bly, hereafter have those ocean races for
which we have been SO long contending, as the
true field Of the genuine yachtsman. Our pres
ent racing ground is thirty miles in length, be-
ing from Hoboken to the Southwest Spit and
return; that Of the English yachtsmen is around
the Isle of Wight-a distance of fifty miles.
But the difference is in something more than
miles. Here one scarcely encounters more
than gentle succession Of ruffles, so to speak,
which any sailboat might safely override.
There the competing yachts contend for hours
against the rough chopping sea Of the English
Channel, and put to the severest test both their
own and the qualities Of the master and crew.
The consequence is that every yacht in
England worthy of the name is adapted to
all weathers and all conditions in which
pleasure boat is likely to be placed.
Their owners are sailors in every sense of the
word, and, unlike those of America, are never
more at home than when eHveloped in their
stout pea-jackets, with helms in hand, breast
ing the wind and spray of the ocean.
We are glad that similar state of things
promises to exist in this country. Certainly,
with such an array Of matfriel as we possess,
there is no reason why, in the course of time,
we may not successfully dispute with Great
Britain her wonted boast, which, however false
in other respects, is at present true of yacht
ipg-that britannia rules the waves"
The yachting season is not yet at hand,
but II is not too early to express the
hope that on the occasion of the annual
regatta in June next "new order of
things may be inaugurated, by which an
opportunity will be afforded to the squadron
TO test the several craft according to their re-
spective qualities. Let there be two routes
and two regattas. In one let the small boats
sail. In the other let there be an ocean race
Of hundred miles or more at sea--a race that
will occupy two or three days, and bring out
the powers Of the larger yachts. We shall
then see some genuine sport, and an interest
will be infused into It that will not die out
with the occasion.
We make still another suggestion. There
will be In the squadron next summer q small
feet Of splendid schooncrs, unsurpassed by any
In the world, Of which the Maria, Favorita,
Gipsy, Bessie, sylvie, Maigie, Nettie, Hope,
Henrietta and Zings arespecimens. Some three
OF -four Of the owners OF the above. we believe,
contemplate voyages TO the West Indies and to
Europe. Such being the case, II the present
political and financial difficulties OF the coun.
Try should fortunately be settled, what II 70
prevent an organized movement among these
gentlemen for a cruise 10 England The adj
vantagcs hi favor Of such an undertaking are
numerous First, II would be a novelty--as
the artists say, Original In design and execu
,ion.r Second, The tnp would afford an almost
unlimited amount ~ pleasure. Thsd, u would
l.st The qualities of The different yachts
Fourth, Il would promote good feeling between
he yachismen Of tho two oountriee; and 9Th, 4
would give an Impetus 70 shs sport on both