The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-02-18
YACHTING.

The Proposed Race Between the English
Yacht Cambria and the American Yacht
Sappho.
From the late files OF English papers we ascertain
that the cable kilograms OF the 4th instant gave
very erroneous statement in reference to the pro-
posed race between the English yacht Cambria
and the American yacht Sappho
In the HERALD OF the 4th instant cable despatch
from the Associated Press dated London, February
g. announced that Mr.. Ashbury, owner of the English
yacht Cambria, was in receipt OF a communication
from Mr. William Douglas, owner Of the American
yacht Sappho, proposing an ocean race. The de-
spatch alluded to concludes
Mr.. Ashbury accepts the challenge and suggests
the following as the route best adapted to fairly test
the sea-going qualities OF the yachts:-From C0wes
eastwardly through splthead, around the Isle OF
stone Lighthouse; thence southeasterly TO Cher
bourg France; thence northeriy 10 Cowes the place
or beginning, through the Solent
From the reading Of the foregoing paragraph
the reader would be led undoubtedly believe that
there only one route suggested by MIR. Ashbury.
This belief would be most erroneous, as instead Of
one route there three. In order, therefore, 10
correct any impressions that may be occa-
stoned by the errors in the cable telegram the letters
Of both Messrs. Douglas and Ashbury in reference
to the proposed race are given. They are as fol-
lows
UNION CLUB, NEw yogg, Jan. 10 1869.
DEAR SlR-0n the return OF the Sappho in Novem-
Der LAST became her owner. From the day of her
defeat have been anxious that she should again
enter the lists friendly contest with your world-re-
nowned yacht the Cambria Having determined 10
The Atlantic on or about the LIST Of June next
trust that race may be arranged between
spectve yachts. That this will be equally gratifying
10 you as to me feel assured from the courteous
alusion you make to the Sapph0 In your letter
18th December addressed to Commodore stebbins.
The conditions can be settled on my arrival IN
Cowes. Permit me, however to remark tnat an
open course, free from the influence Of light land
breezes, currents, &c, would place the yachts on
more equal footing, the Sappho being rugged for
ocean and winter cruising am SIR, your obeaient
servant, WILLIAM DOUGLAS.
JAMES AsHBURy, Esq.
EASTERN TERRACE CREIGHTON, Feb. /, 1861
dated the 10th utimo. announcing your having be-
come the owner OF the Sapph0 and your intention
TO visit England next summer. In the first in
stance let me congratulate you on the possession
you OF my readiness to meet you with the Cambria as
you courteously remark In '.friendy CONTEST The
conditions, a. you observe can be arranged your
arrival in this country. Referring TO the last para
graph OF your letter. IN order 10 fully meet the pecu
liar rig aud qualities OF your vessel ! propose the
following courses as being likely TO afford her the
means OF showing her sailing ana sea-going quail
Ties: and though the Cambria Is only 1888 tons as
against the sappho's 3sl, Thames measurement and
II Will place my vessel at disadvantage, am WILL
ing TO meet your views therein. The courses sug-
gest are:-Firsf, round the Isle Of Wight: second
from the Isle or Wight round The E1dvstone Light
house and back; third, from The Isle or Wight round
ne Che1b0uV b-edk,rdter ana back. These courses,
IN addition TO the various club matches. Will afford
ample opportunity for displaying the qualities OF our
respective vessels. remain, dear SIR yours truly
JAMES ASHBURY.
WILLIAM DOUGLAS, ESQ.,. Union Club, New York.