The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1868-06-22
Scones and Incidents.

| ~@''S
become moro quickly naturalized and nation
allied than that Of yachting. Fifty years ago
| the art-for such it is-was, in America, com
paratively unknown. Indeed, not until within
the last two decades have our people seemed
to learn and appreciate the rare enjoyment
! which, in England especially, it has boon made
TO contribute 10 that large class OF gentlemen
whose wealth and leisure permit them to in
dulge, to the full, their taste in this exciting
pastime. We have not been slow, however, to
avail ourseIs of the example, and, to-day, there
are few lakes or streams, or harbors in the
United States, on the borders OF which men OF
culture and travel reside, that on summers
day may not be seen dotted with its squadron
Of graceful yachts.
The history of yachting may be traced back
two or three hundred years, to period when
only kings End queens, and the money lords
of the world, could afford the luxury of white.
winged vehicle for transit from place to
place, across the water. Later, we can read
of the excursions of intrepid Englishmea, like
Lord Dufferin and others, around the world
among the icebergs of the Arctic regions,
and along the coast OF Africa. The old records
tell us too of "long, low, black craft, which
after serving the purposes of pleasure, have
hnisted to the peak the deaths-head and cross-
bones of some bold buocaneer, and become
the " terror of the main and many in our
own day and generation remember how these
same messengers Of the wind have defied
the cruisers Of the world, as they fitted here
aud there loaded down with cargoes of slaves
bound for q market.
The first pleasure yacht par excellence in
America was built in either Stonington or New
London, Connecticut. Others quickly followed,
and, before The lapse Of many years, yacht
club was organized in the City Of New York,
the commodore Of which, for long period,
was the Hon. John C. Stevens, Of Hoboken.
Under his administration the interest, inspired
by early yachting exploits, assumed the shape
Of system. Large sums Of money were e1-
pended in experiments for tho purpose Of se-
curing the best models. Shipbullders like
Donald Kay, Of Boston, Webb, OF New York,
and others began to participate in the
increasing competition among The yachts
men, and finally two among a multi
tude OF boats we're produced whose
exploits placed them in the van Of the yacht
feet OF the world. These were the Maria and
America. The latter, accepting challenge
from the Yacht Club Of England, crossed the
Atlantic and, in race around the Isle OF Wight,
carried off the prize. To that event, more
than any other cause, is due the extraordinary
interest now manifested throughout the United
States in the art aquatic; and from that time
until the present the marine architect has had
his ingenuity taxed to the utmost to supply
the craving for fast boat. The influence of
this ambitious go-ahead.itiveness 80 peculiar
to the American people, has been observable
for years. Our row-boats are the fastest in
the world; onrS clipper ships make trips
around Che globe at an average speed faster
than our river steamboats, can sail; our
steamships sresthe perfection Of floating
palaces, and Il, they do not bridge the Atlantic
IN ten days, they are deemed slow and of no
account. On land as well as sea, this spirit OF
competition largely enters into the national
character, and whether it be in the matter Of
9 fat baby or a race horse, somebody is sure to
f'bet his pile" on owning the biggest. and the
best.
The racing interest provoked in the annals Vt
American yachting has contributed not little
to create this species Of individuality; and
hence when an event occurs like that which
took place Saturday in Charleston harbor, it
is sign of the times indicative OF the progress
ne are making, and worthy Of the most gene
rous encouragement. But to the race.
I .5ss. - THE DAY
Must have been borrowed from the yaohtman's
paradise. II could not have been more auspi-
cious, The sun was obscured by what senti-
mental miss would call "aeecy cloudlets," often
enough to make the contrast agreeable and
prevent the roasting process; while the wind
that for which sil prayers had been offered
asas favorable as if i'll had been chartered from.
the gods expressly for this occasion. 1t blew
freshly from the southwest. Before one o'clock
the people were converging from all portions
OF the city towards the battery and wharves,
where they could command a view of the start.
Withits ususi regard Tor the public accommo-
dation, the City Railroad Companyhad changed
its days schedule t0 suit the event and locali
ty, and thousands congregated upon the water-
front of the city TO look upon the interesting
spectacle. On the water the scene was most
snimating. Everything that foated appeared
to- be on its keel Aafshermen's dugouts with
patched and ragged canvas that has done SER
vice for quarter Of century; fancy little boats
With sails not much larger than pocket hand
schooners aud pilot boats
row boats, and pleasure boats of every de-
scription-tugs and steamers-all filed with
spectators,.s q goodly share OF whom we're Ia
dies. Many OF the vessels were chartered by
private parties. The Fmilie and Fannie were
both thrown opon to the public, and, for tho
moderate sum Of one dollar, carried all who dc
sired to accompany the race. Tho Post Band
generously rendered their services free OF
charge, snd, by permission Of General Candy,
accompanied the e4cursionists on the Emile.
Much of the shipping in port was handsomely
decorated with signal flags, and altogether the
harbor and it's surroundings wore gala-day
aspect, such as has not been seen in Charles
ton for many year.
= THE YACHTS.
Five minutes to O'clock! Every eye is
turned to the revenue cutter, where are Gene.
raj Candy, his military family and number of
ladies'. Tie captain has generously promised
to sound the signal for the start, and punctu-
~: A.. 4ho eacond tho aharn crack of n rl1n