The New York herald., 1868-11-29
YACHTING.

Aue frcpOseu 1Eteruatbohui Sucns sN"se
The Challenge from, the Owner Of lhe
Cambria-Rcview Of tho Past Yachting
6erson Here and in England.
Emboldened by doubtful triumph over So
called representative yacht OF America the owner OF
the victorious British craft has forwarded chal-
lenge 70 the Commodore OF the New York Yacht Club
the sole object being to wrest the cup which was car
ried away In 1851 and thereby claim the pennant OF
superiority which still belongs TO this country.
Although some objections win probably be taken to
the terms OF the challenge, Is nevertheless couched
with unmistakable frankness and must therefore
arouse that fearless and worthy sentiment OF pride
which brooks no hesitation and evoxes that cOur-
ageous willingness which characterizes every
staunch yachtman, IN whatever cline he boasts
the name That Englishmen should rejoice
in the Sappho's defeat ts natural and not at all
surprising; that this yacht should not under the cir
cuustances, have competed Ia admitted on all
hands, and that she well merited her defeat Is moi
regretted anywhere at all events, the iniudIclous
contest has put courage into the Brtishers and to
some extent has freed them from q nervousness OF
sixteen years. standing The glorious victory Of the
America in 1851 astonished them and they have lain
dormant till last season, when a fortunate chance
strewed flowers in their way, and while it is now
unnecessary refer to the details of the contest or
attempt on any ground TO excuse the defeat it may
not be unnteresting to present brief review Of the
past yachting season for the purpose OF demonstrate
ing that the ostentaious assertions Issuing from the
other side not altogether authorized by the exist
Ing state OF facts.
Immediately on the announcement OF the Cam
bria's recent victory around the Isle of Wight,
simultaneous cry was raised that English yachts
were superior to those OF this country that their
sailing qualities were more perfect their lines better
drawn and the model OF construction more symmet-
rica The Sappho taken as the criterion and the
differences drawn therefore anything but favor
abe for while the capabilities OF that yacht as good
seaworthy boat must be acknowledged there are
other yachts in this country her superior 1t was
contended, ON the other side, with perhaps known
inaccuracy, that the America was the only vessel
that could have borne away the dearest prize Of
English yachtmen. Her praises were vaunted with
loud trumpets and she was admitted to be tho model
yacht Of the world That the art of yacht building
In England received stimulus by the advent Of the
America is frankly admitted In the recent challenge.
I such be the case surely yacht builders in America
have not been asleep all the timo nor have failed
to profit by the additional experience OF sixteen or
seventeen years The fact is that there yachts in
some OF our home clubs to-day that are vastly her
superior in every point the international next
year will satisfactorily prove to all incrcdulous per-
sons who may chance to witness the display. The
comments which followed the defeat OF the Sappho
were partial and unjust but, after all, there Is no
reason to complain, Tor II the circumstance had not
arisen the challenge would perhaps never have been
issued. and we, therefore, must accept them Tor
what they are WORTH
Again let il be understood that the victory of the
gallant America produced q universal tnidity, and
although frequent opportunities have been since Of
iered the English yachtmen to rescue their valued
prize. 1t has never been sought after, fear OF
second defeat deterrins hundred dre aspirants mt
provements have taken place In the construc
ton of English yachts within, say the last ten
edit Is also true that our yachts nave al least
reached equal stage OF perfection so that there Is
little ground for affirming that the America was the
best yacht that ever left this country, although
shall ever recall her triumphs with pride and salts.
faction. But we nevertheless entertain the idea
in American waters. The past season has
TO some extent proved IT; for although no
real opportunity was afforded Of fully demon
strating 1t there nevertheless Sufficient to satisfy
not previously been surpassed either In point OF
speed, seaworthiness or style OF finish.
The yachting campaign In England, with all Its ad
vantagcs and acquisitions has not been more brilliant
than ours we 5ase n.6 %a e M
our regattas and private contests. Tue enough
yachting in America Is young and 80 far "a age goes
cannot at oil compete with England but juvenile as
Its experience has been II has nevertheless taught
the world lesson In science and Daring aud showed
unmistakable signs OF superiority. Under these
premature and may In time be repenied Of.
The past season has been marked by many In.
tcresting events, both here aud IN England, and
their brief recaptuatiol VIII, perhaps, AFFORD
pleasure to those who desire to recall the surround
Ing circumstances OF the numerous contests the
time In which they competed ana the number OF
contestants, drawing therefrom q comparison, how
ever vague, between the yachts here and abroad.
Before entering INTO the details OF tie events or
last season, however. It viii no doubt be gratifying
to review the advent OF the America in British
waters The gallant little vesse departed from these
choice yachts Of Great Britain. The America
measured 9s feet on deck from stem to stern, 80 feet
keel, % feet niidships and was lo0 tons burden,
drawing III feet or water IN sailing trim. She car
ried eight before the mast, and had captain,
first and second maes Arrived at Havre, the America
lost time to reach C0wes where she competed for
the Queens Cup, gwen 20 the Royal acht squadron
open 70 yachts belonging TO all nations The course
was around the Isle OF Wight. Eighteen yachts were
entered. the largest yachts being the Brilliant, 3Jl
tons, anu the Constance 2i3 tons, and the smallest
the Aurora fortyseven tons. Tue start took place ut
ten O'Clock, with hight breeze from wes-s0uthwest
IL s stated that after the FIRST minute or two the
immense superiority OF the America was apparent,
and the homcstretch she was seven or eiVht
miles ahead OF the nearest yacht. Ihe America
arrived at thirty-lve minutes past eight O'Clock
p. N. AMI won the prize, AMID the greatest ex-
mouth dock ana proceeded 10 Ryde where she en-
gagged g. sail against The iron achooner yacht Titania
race Of eighty miles, for fl0O. The boats started
at twenty minutes past eleven O'Clock, aud amer u
splendid contest t1e America came in the winner, az
she did also In race with the swedish yacht sew
the greatest admiration. she was eventually sold,
but Il il alleged that In attempting TO Improve her
shape some aspiring genius completely spoiled her.
The exhibitions Of our home neets this season was
highly cTeditabe aud angurei well for future siren n
anu efficiency thoIgh Ia most instances the clements
were decidedly antayOnistc to yachting.
The first regatta OF the New York Yacht Club was
commenced on tho 18th OF June, wheD twelve yachts,
having total burden Of nearly 1900 tons,
were entered The time In which the race was to be
completed being liniei TO eight hours 1t was aban-
dOncd, owing 10 the calm which prevailed. on the
following day the race was completed, when tie
Magic, l33 tons, carried or the principal prize.
The Atlantic Yacht Club followed suit and pre-
sented q fine array of small craft large numD1 II
of spectators proceeded ia steamer to witness the
race which, owing To the absence oi the slightest
breeze, was postponed Till the 18th OF June, when
splendid day favored tue event. After an exciting
contest the schooner Mystic carried OF the prize in
her class the Cytic being first Of the sloops. In ts
race no less than twenty-one yachts were entered.
After the excellent regatta OF the Jersey acht Club
the Brooklyn Yacht Club gave their eleventh. annual
exhibition aud Arst iAaugl.ated the movement OF
opening the entries 10 all clubs the result was at
tended with success, five diiferent clubs sending
represent atves There were entered three schooners
twelve first class and seven second class sioops. Tne