The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-06-18

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the railways; but, ~ we understand It, the ad-
vance in rates asked for by the latter Is not in
excess Of the advance which has been made in
their general charges since the expired con-
tract was entered into, and to something APP
preaching this they are entitled.
\ The Yachting Interest-Oeesn Races amd
Their InAusnee.
The idea that the interest formerly felt in
| yachting has In any manner fallen or is alb
surd, although assertions to that eject have
been made because but Eve vessels started in
the late regatta out Of all those belonging to
members Of the New York Yacht Club. The
number, class and condition Of the yachts that
then appeared to accompany the contending
vessels and watch their movements during the
race furnished sufficient proof that not only has
the interest not abated, but that ct no time since
the formation Of the Club has the appearance
Of the vessels been more satisfactory than on
that occasion, and more croditable TO their
owners, who appear to keep up the determine
ton Of possessing the largest, swiftest and best
fitted vessels that money and art can procure.
The reason why go few actually entered for
the race was fully explained in former article
on the subject, and we have no doubt that
the Club will arrange to have the difficulty re-
moved, when those disposed to be "croakers"
will learn that at no time has the interest in
yachting been greater than at present-that Is
| II their judgment is founded entirely upon the
number actually entered for the race
Ocean racing for the larger vessels will in
Ia a in Tho inf
and excitement that now last few hours will
then be extended TO days, and although the
vessels may be for time out Of sight they will
| not DO ont 81 mind. If the outside race is
/ around Block Island, or the lightship off
Delaware Bay, the progress Of the regatta will
be noticed at different points along the coast,
and kilograms announcing the positions Of the
yachts will serve to keep up the interest. as
this or that vessel is reported to be ahead or
astern. And even we're the race extended
around Berniada, or TO Abaco, the competitors
would be falling in with hcmeward bound
ships. and as these arrived, repori,cg having
fallen in with the feet Of yachts, and bcins
able to give their respective positions, the
excitement to view the marine columns Of
the daily papers would be nearly a. great
as to have look ct the stock reports This
excitement would not be confined to tho owners
of the vessels or members Of the Yacht Club;
it would extend to ell feeling an interest in the
yachts and those connected with them and
we feel assured that even among the gentler
sex the interest would be 80 great as to cause
more than one pair Of gloves to change owner
ship on the result Of the contest.
Imagine how interesting would be race
around Bermuda If six vessels like the Vesta,
Widgeon, Alarm, Phantom, Fiectwing and
LyHirondelle were entered as competitors.
In the first place, there would be the fitting out
for months craise then the start, at which
all the yachting interest Of the country would
be present; then the anxiety to hear OF their
whereabouts, and dnally the waiting for tie re-
turn. With those on board how carefully
every rsint Of sailing would be attended to,
how nicely the vessels trim woald DO watched,
and how accurately the craft would be navi-
gated. There would not DO an inch lost by
carelessness; for on all those points would de-
pend much the successful issue Of the contest
In race of this character an opportunity Will
be offered Of testing the powers Of the vessels
on every point Of sailing; for there IN little
probability that soldiers windr-that is, free
on both courses-will continue throughout the
voyage. Then . gale may occur, but this ID
not probable, when how tho vessels will behave
in heavy sea can be determined how they
will scud or act when hove to indeed, no bet
ter school Of seamanship can be had than that
offered by the ocean races Of the New York
Yacht Squadron, and this should be great in
ducemcnt for the owners OF vessels 10 try
the experiment. And even should they decline
the voyage proposed, on account Of its length,
let shorter route be tried, for the latter once
determined upon, the former will follow in
time.
II the New York Yacht Club does not desire
10 have the impression go abroad that the in
terest in yachting is abating they must arrange
some plan such as suggested whereby the
number and character OF its vessels, and what
they are capable of, will be again brought pro-
minently before the public; for there are many
persons who, through ignorance, are disposed
to be uncharitable, and who, because they soc
but five or six vessels start on trial Of speed,
fail to notice the others near by, ami who then
give forth to the world that yachts and yacht
ing in the United States are in rapid decline,
and must soon cease to be considered one
Of our national sports. The impression thus
wrongfully created can easily be removed II
the proper steps be taken TO do SO, and the
only method we know Of is the one suggested,
wherein the large vessels will be enabled to
contend with equal chances of success, where
there 10 plenty OF sea room, and where no
favors or allowances are asked or desired
Before this cruising season is over all the cx-
element that yacht race ever created can be
once more had, and II viii keep on incrc asing
with the number and size Of the yachts, until