Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-09-04
The Four-Oared Race at Halif;x.

The following interesting account of the
four race is taken from the special of
the Boston Advertiser
After the first fifty yards the Renforth
crew spurted up to forty and dashed to the
'front.' gaining in the first two hundred yards
lead Of a half length. The American and
Taylor crews were first, and the Prior was
about two lengths behind the Roche, and
Rarton being still further in the rear. So
the first quarter-mile was rowed very fast
the American pulling forty-two and the Tyne
doing its best at thirty eight. The Renforth
kept right on until it had to make bend the
Royal Alfred lying across the course. The
Tyne then spurted ahead. The American
crew was behind, the Prior was close astern,
and the Roche crew already hopelessly in
| the rear. The Renforth and Tyne rowed a
mile alternately leading, never more than by
few feet, and gradually nearing each other
as they threaded together among the yachts
and sailing vessels lying directly in their
way. The American crew was drawing
away to the other shore, Prior alone keeping
to straight course. Renforth then spurted
for the lead, and got three quarters of a
length. This distance they kept for two
miles. The race between them and the
Tyne was wonderfully close and exciting.
The American crew was now six lengths in
the rear, having, a mile from the start, struck
a log of wood, splinter of which pierced
her bow about an inch above the water line,
letting the water into the forward comment,
| and stuck to the boat all the way home. The
Prior crew, meanwhile, was rowing steadily
at thirty-two, reaching away forward over
the toes, spreading the knees little apart,
keeping firm seat and making about thirty
two to the minute. The RenfOrth crew had
settled down to about thirty eight, and the
race was warm against Tyne down to the
rough water below Georges Island when
both crews swung toward the Halifax Shore
To those in the boat Renforth seemed eight
or ten lengths ahead, when it was only
length ahead. The tide now began to flow,
| and Tyne and Renforth were driven together
| until it was evident they must foul. The
bow of Tyne touched Chambers oar, and
Tailor claimed foul. Both cleared and
Renforth got a slight lead. 1t was then
seen to be long way abreast of its buoy,
and lost about fifty yards turning. The
American crew was in the same position, the
Prior and Tyne crews alone having kept
straight course. The turn was made as fol-
lows: Tyne % Al; Renforth, % 81 Prior,
% 81 l-2; American, "a 3d. Barton, "a 49,
The Renforth and Tyne crews made mis-
take in taking the westward course, thus
losing all the advantages of the tide. The
OlHtIs CdiuS up tUSetucT, the TTlOr
crew rowing at thirty like clock work, Barton
trfie quicker, and the American crew doing
forty two, evidently and efficiently, and now
and then making tremendous spurts. Both
English crews now carried dead weight
Bright was hanging over the side of the
Queen Victoria and Bagnall was almost
fainting. The Prior and American crews
were now making tremendous efforts against
each other, Prior having lead of length,
until their boat was crossed by the yacht,
Intentionally it seemed, and they lost couple
of lengths. The Tyne was now three lengths
ahead. Renforth and the American being
about even, the Prior crew close between.
The struggle from this point home was ter
ribly hard and exciting. The American
crew was all doubled up and out of shape,
yet time and again coming up with wonder
full squirt, and one time putting their boat
about half length ahead of all, but immedi-
ately giving in to the Prior crew, who, when
200 yards of the finish, looked liked winning.
The Tyne crew, g however, had rowed as
straight an arrow and when within one
hundred yards was even. A tremendou.
squirt brought them up again like shot, and
they crossed the line length and h llf
ahead in As minutes and 45 seconds. The
Prior crew was eight seconds later, and close
together Renforth and the American crossed
the line, Coulter being comp etely exhausted.
Some claimed the third Place for one and
some for the other, no official time being
taken.