The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-10
YACHTING.
Tho Challenge Of the English Yacht Cambria
Accepted.

the challenge OF Mr.. James Ashbury, OF the English
yacht Cambria, to the New York Yacht Club, pro-
posing race for the p0ssessorship OF the Queens
Cup, won by the America In 1851, VIII lead to an in
teresting epoch In the history of yachting The
test Will be an International one between England
and tile United States, az the Cambria comes to
wrest from our yachtmen the prize which they have
SO long retained without dispute 1t win be, In fact
the return match OF a great game at yachting be-
tween the two countries. Looking to the contiu-
gency OF victory on the part OF tho Cambria, her
success would leave them at quits so that the
question OF superiority and tho possession or
the cup would have 70 be settled by a grand
nomeand-home match race, rivalling In in
terest anything that hs rs yet transpired In
yachting ana arrestng the attention OF the
whole maritime world. The Sappho Is naturally
anxious again to spread sails with her English al
versary, especially her failure In the Royal Re-
gatta was the result of an accident The Phantom
has also entered the lists and doubtless their ex-
ample will be extensively Initiated throughout the
squadron. The Queens Cup, under the terms Of its
donation to the New York Yacht Club is open to be
won by any regular club OF any nation. The race
might, therefore, be made wholly International by
inviting the yachtmen OF France and all who choose
to come to compete for II. This would afford fine
opportunity OF testing the yachting powers OF the
Dauntless In leaving the challenge OF Mr.. Ashbury to
be accepted by his fellow members of the New York
Yacht Club, proposes subsequent race between his
vessel and the Cambria on ocean course OF not
less than 5000 miles. The following correspondence
has TRANSFERRED on the subject Of both challenges
NEW YORK, Dec. 7, 1858.
DEAR STR-You have undoubtedly before this date
received communication from the Secretary OF the
New York Yacht Club acknowledging the receipt
Of your letter OF the I'd OF October and informing
won by the schooner yacht America In August, 1851
was placed by Its owners In charge OF this assocla
ton Letter from MT. James 9: Bennett, Jr., OF
gallant proposition, has probably also reached you
In congratulatlng you most heartily on tho
success OF the Cambria IN your race with the
Sappho, take the opportunity OF assuring you
mat should you visit our shores IN the fall
OF 1869 All the privileges Of the New York Yacht
Club will be cordially placed at your disposal, as
well as every hospitality by its members calcu-
lated TO render YOU. stay agreeable ] shall be
prepared to test the sailing qualities OF my ves
sci, the Phantom, against the Cambria for any
that may be arranged after your arrival, and ven
OF yachts which have won celebrity, will be found
anxious 70 participate In any contest that may be
inaugurated on that occasion.
Assuring YOU the pleasure II viii give me TO do
all IN my power to make visit interesting and en-
Joyable have the honor TO be your very obedient
servant. HENRY g. STEBBINS
Commodore New York Yacht Club.
TO Mr.. JAMES AsHBURY, schooner yacht Cambria,
Brighton.
NEW YORK. Dec. 0. 1885,
My DEAR SiR-The Commodore OF the New York
Yacht Club, OF which am member has informed
Of the challenge you have calamity extended to
our American yachts IN your colnmendabe desire to
carry back TO England the Queens Cup, which has
by the America, seventeen years ago. You are good
| enough TO make several propositions. should the
not feel assured there are other members or club
who will not suffer you to 10 disappointed in any OF
contests in inland waters, but accept your challenge
for an ocean race. contemplate visiting Europe
with my yacht the Dauntless, next May, and shall
spend three or four months on your side OF the At
iantic u WIN give me great pleasure, therefore to
you specify, sailing on the LIST OF September, for
amount you may elect. II this should not he agree
bic will race you on the same terms and Tor like
amount from Cowes 10 the Azores and back, or To
any other place you may Select not less than three
thousand miles at sea.
Allow Ine TO congratulate you on the recent victory
OF the Cambria over the Sappho. The defeat of the
latter will not be regretted by any OF people n
IL IL 10 prove Instrumental in Inducing English
yachtnen 10 visit American waters aud TO enter The
lists against our tried ami fast vessels
the New York Yacht Club, whether you come as
Victor or yanquished' believe me- my dear SIR very
To JAMES AsaBuaY, Esq. yacht Cambria. Brighton.
The terms under which the Queens Cup, won by
the America Is held open To International compe-
iiton. snccinctly contained in the following let.
teri
NFw YORK, July &, 1851.
The undersigned, members OF the New York
Yacht Club, and late owners Of the schooner yacht
America, beg leave through you TO present to The
club the cup won by the America AZ the regatta OF
the Royal Yacht Squadron at cowes, England, August
~, 1851.
THIS cup was offered IA prize 30 be- sailed for by
yachts OF all nations without regard TO difference OF
tonnage, going round the Isle of Wight (the usual
course for the annual regatta OF the Royal Yacht
Squadronl, and was won by the America, beating
eight cutters and seven schooner yachts which
Tne cup Is offered to tie New York Yacht Club
subject TO the following conditions
Any organized yacht club OF any foreign country
shall always be entitled through any or moro OF
It's members, TO claim the right OF sailing match
for this cup with any yacht or other vessel or not
less than thirty nor more than tops measured by
the custom House rule OF the country 10 which the
The parties desiring 10 sail for the cup may make
any match with the yacht club In possession OF the
same that may be determined upon By mutual con-
sent; but in case OF disagreement a. TO terms the
match shall be sailed over the usual for tho
annual regatta OF the yacht club In possession OF tho
cup and subject TO It's rules and sailing regulations
the challenging party being bound 20 give ak
months notice In writing, 1xing the day they
wish to start. This notice TO embrace the length,
Custom House measurement rig md name Of the
vessel.
1t Is to be distinctly understood that the cup "a o.
be the property Of the club and not OF the members
thereof or owners OF the vessel winning It IN .
match and that the condition OF keeping IL open to
e or s down aae
70 IT, thus making 1t perpetually challenge cup for
friendly competition between foreign countries.
ON motion OF Mr.. GRISNELL it was
Resolved, That the York Yacht Club accept cup
the America and presented 10 them by the psopre
tors, upon the terms aud conditions appointed by them.
Resolved That the 81 Mr. Schuyler with the snco-
be entered the muuiss, and the Secretary be
questcd furnish foreign yacht clubs copy the
conditions upon which this club holds the cp, which
%. STEVENS,
EDWIN A. STEVENS,
HAMILTON WILKES,
J. BEEKMAN FINLEY.
GEORGE L. SCHUYLER
~ BLooDoooD. Secretary.