The New York herald., 1869-03-07
YACHTING NOTES.

Great ACTIVITY prevails at present In yachting
circles, and indications point to the ensuing season
as one OF unprecedented rivalry and livelness In the
annals OF American yachting. Our yachtmen are
all agog just now over proposed ocean races and
contemplated pleasure trips and regattas. Altera-
ti0ns ana improvements are the order Of the day,
ana Judging from present appearances we are led to
expect exceedingly lively times. Many Of the yachts
are now undergoing repairs preparatory to the
spring campaign, while many others are being
altered with view to improving their sailing quail
ties.
The yacht Sappho, now owned by Mr. William
Douglass, the late owner OF the yacht Restless, Is
still lying at the shipyard OF the Messrs Pollon foot
OF Bridge street, Brooklyn where she s undergoing
thorough overhauling. Her mainmast has been
placed about six feet further forward for the pqr.
pose OF making her easier to handle, and with q
view OF improving her speed by giving her extra
spread OF canvas. Both malnmast and foremast are
TO be given little more rake, and other slight al.
terations and improvements are to be made in her
rigging and appointments. The Sappho Will be
ready Tor sea about the st Of May and Ii one OF the
New York yachts that are booked for Europe.
AT the same shtpyard the keel OF new yacht IL
now being laid for Mr.. George Lorard, the former
owner OF the yacht Eva, and wh0 1t will be remem-
bered crossed over to England In the yacht Vesta in
the memorable ocean race OF December 1853. No ex-
pense to be spared the construction this vessel
and when completed 1t is expected that she will be
OF the strongest and fastest yachts aoat. She il
to be built OF white oak locust and hackmatack, and
her nttngsup are to be OF q decidedly luxurious
about 500, ,O00
The Palmer is at Greenport where she is to be over
hauled and put IN readiness for the approaching
season. She Is to have new suit of sails and ex.
tensve alterations and improvements are to be made
In her cabin.
The Rambler is laying at New London and has just
been "hipped" and put In repair. BY this alteration
she gains about two extra feet OF beam Her cabin
has been altered somewhat and her masts which
pendcular, and in other respects her SAILING quail
lilies have been decidedly improved. She has al
ready made two trial trips from New London to
Montauk and gave entire satisfaction to her owner,
manded her for several years. She Is now very sti
and works well
The Magic is on the ways at City Island, under.
going extensive alterations and repairs, not the
least OF which Will be a new bow. II is expected
that the Magic next season. will surpass her former
brilliant achievements in the way OF speed
The Josephene Is ut present lying at Newport
but VIII soon be brought out and placed in readiness
for participation in the promised sport.
The Phantom and Calypso are still snugly moored
at New London.
The Restless is now at Poillon's shipyard where
she is to be oyerhauled and put in repair.
The Ider Is at Port JEFFERSON and will soon be get
ting ready Tor the summers sport
The Alice and the Widgeon are lying at the Penny
bridge, Gowanus The Alice Is to have a new suit
OF sails, and Is likewise to undergo thorough
hauling and 1t is expected that She Will even beat
her performances OF last season.
Mr.. William VOORHEES, Commodore OF the Atlantic
Yacht Club. Is having new sO0p yacht built for
him at Rye on the model OF the Oracle.
The trim little Oracle, too, Is to have new bow
and be otherwise altered. Upon the whole 1t looks
and the general impression s that they, and all,
mean business.