The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-14

/
/ sen.
Already the note Of preparation for the
rapidly approaching yachting season is being
sounded. Many of our beautiful pleasure
vessels are in commission aud are off on short
experimental cruises to test their readiness
to take part in the races that are soon to come
of. Every deficient point is being looked
AFTER every addition made that is necessary
In fact more than usual attention is being
paid this spring to have all as it should be,
for the season promises to be the most ex-
citing we have yet had. Numbers of new
yachts make their appearance for the first
time, and the old hands do not want their
glory to be eclipsed by the new corners.
Many are tho valuable prizes to be
sailed for. and every yacht owner is DESTROYS
of becoming possessor of at least one of them.
! The spirit of rivalry among our yachtmen
was never greater than at present., and the
sport bids fair to take the lead in this country
and become as popular as it is in England
Naturally all is expectation with our yachting
people to see how tine new yachts win per-
form. The advocates of the centreboard sys-
tenn will have close eye to the doings of the
Wanderer, while those who believe in the keel
will look to the Enchantress, the Dreadnaught
and others to make good the advantages
claimed. Should either Of the new vessels
carry Off the palm, then next winter will see
other vessels constructed for the purpose of
beating the winner of this season and so it
will so on until in time the perfect model will
be reached, and the vessel will be constructed
that will be deserving of tae honorable title
of Nonpareil.
Who can wonder that yachts and yachting
have become 80 popular? What more charm
ing, exciting and heathful amusement can be
found? Many of our vessels have reached
proportions that fit them to buffet the winds
and waves anywhere; they ''rde the waters
like thing of life" and dash through sea
throwing the spray far away to leeward, us
If caring nothing for all the force that Neptune
might bring to bear against them. Going by
the wind or going large, with reefing down
breeze, or with everything SET there is no en-
joyment like yachting to the true yachtman,
and even to the landsman when over the
ITOuulCS duu tTlhl5 VI ScdSlCkuoSS. Iue CdEcS
and annoyances of business and shore life
generally are thrown aside when one steps over
the gangway of yacht bound on a cruise. The
oppressive heat and binding dust are left be-
hind when treading the snow white deck of
one Of ''the squadron" and as the shrill pipe
Of the boatswain Calls, "All hands up anchor
the question arises, who wouldn't be sailor?
Then look at the delightful cruising grounds
thas are selected the waters of the Sound and
the numerous beautiful bays and inlets ada
cent thereto; the more distant waters of
Boston Bay, and the of-shOre cruising as far
south as the capes of the Chesapeake, and as
far east as Portland. The opportunity is thus
afforded of enjoying the pleasures of our most
fashionable watering places. Newport, the
great rendezvous Of yachts and yachtmen,
carries off the palm, Of course, by reason of
its fine barbor, and the presence of our pleasure
fleet adds much to the delights Of that famous
locality.
So enthusiastic have our yachtmen become.
on the subject of ocean races and cruises in
foreign waters that we expect to see at the
close Of the present season large number of
our ssa going vessels of to the continual sum-
mer of the tropics in order to avoid the laying
up period. The yacht Josephine, owned by
Mr.. Durfee, has just returned from an ex-
tended cruise in the West Indies, where she
had delightful time, visiting the most impor-
tant points and receiving everywhere the most
marked attention from the authorities and
residents. Mr.. Durfee has set very good
example, which we think will be followed very
extensively. A squadron of American yachts
would be very attractive feature in the West
Indies next winter and we cannot but hope that
one will be found there. Their owners and their
guests will be sure Of having delightful visit,
nc. matter at what port they may enter. Fine
weather will be experienced, and yet all the
wind will be found that is necessary to make
Yachting pleasure. The waters OF the Ca
ribbean are destined, we think, to become
very popular cruising ground for the yachts of
America in the winter season. 1t possesses
far greater advantages than the Mediterranean
during the same months. The latter is famous
for it's terrific gales and consequent heavy seas
during the winter, while the climate of the
West Indies at that period of the year is every
thing that can be desired-warm without
being unpleasantly hot, with wind enough to
carry whole. sail without danger Of q hurri-
cane. Indeed, it is just the place for yachting,
and must In time be the great foreign resort of
| American .yachtmen.
| Sue ession Of Railroad Disaster.
| Railroad collisions and slaughters seem to
| have periodical recurrence" in our country.
Often one follows another in rapid and fearful
succession. Yesterday we published tcle-
graphic report Ola collision on the Erie Rail