The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-27

opinions, one way and another, have been
expressed. Lawyers have been consulted and
editors called upon and several letters have
yachtsmen think one way and some the other,
and argument runs high. In fact, the
subject has caused great excitement, and it is
about time the matter should be settled. We
do not believe in having all the delights Of the
coming yachting season marred by reason Of
an existing controversy regarding the point
raised by Mr.. Ashbury. We do not wish it to
be possible for any unpleasant feeling to result
from mere difference of opinion. Yacht
ing is pleasure pastime-and it would be
poor policy to destroy the enjoyment Of this
years season fer mere technicality or by
determination to hold on to one Interpretation
Of question and make no allowance for the
opinions of others. We all know that the cup
was won by the America against the entire
English yacht squadron, and it is natural to
suppose that it should be sailed for by a
challenging yacht in the same manners but
many think differently, and assert that Mr..
Ashbury has the right to challenge our cham
pion vessel, and not the whole of our feet.
Herein is the point at issue.
The sole survivor of the four donors who
placed the cup in the custody of the New York
Yacht Club has expressed the opinion that
foreign yacht can challenge our champion
vessel, and not be compelled to sail the leet,
and that Mr.. Ashbury is right in his under
standing of the deed of trust under which the
cup is held. Although many do not concur in
his decision, and retain the opinion that it
should be sailed for as originally won, against
the squadron, still they think it would be
best to yield the point and agree
that Mr.. Ashburys challenge shall be accepted,
and that champion vessel be named to sail
the race that will afford him the opportunity
to gain possession of the much coveted prize.
Good feeling should always exist between the
yachtsmen of England and the United States
there should be no serious difference between
them. Friendly controversies may be carried
on. and intense rivalry be maintained; these
can do no harm on the contrary they will in
crease the excitement in and fondness for
yachting and gain the point aimed at. We
naturally wish to make our waters an attrac-
tive resort for foreign yachtsmen; we desire
that the number Of their vessels among US will
increase with every future season; and this
result can only be obtained by cultivating the
most kindly feeling and avoiding everything
that may possibly lead to dissension. 1t will
be remembered that when the Sappho visited
English waters last year her owner, Mr..
Douglas, conceded everything demanded by
Mr.. Ashbury in the races with the Cambria
and English yachtsmen will find that the con-
duct of the New York Yacht Club will not
be different from that of its gallant member,
the owner of the Sappho.
Of course, if this point is conceded, it will
prevent a repetition of the magnificent spec
tacle of last year. The great race will fall to
the insignificant affair of trial of speed and
weathery qualities between two vessels in
stead of a score or more; but it is perhaps
better that it should be SO in this particular
case. We would suggest, however, that, in
order to be compensated for the loss of the
regatta for the Queens Cup, the citizens of
New York should offer grand prize for race
that will be open to the yachts Of all nations.
Let the prize be of the first class, worthy in
all respects of the wealth Of our great city.
Let it be made Of such character as will
induce the owners of foreign yachts to
consider 1t worth competing for, and
then the season will prove most bril-
liant and attractve-worthy of our coun-
try and our people. We still claim
superiority in respect to our yachts, and
believe that nothing yet has been con-
structed that can surpass them; but we may
be in error-England may, at last, have pro-
duced something superior to our best efforts.
The Livonia may be all her owner claims-the
champion yacht of the woodland this should
be determined. The inducement should be
offered for more than one foreign yacht to
visit our waters. 1t can be done in the
manner we venture to suggest, by Offering a
prize that will be worth coming for, and one
that can be carried back with pride. We trust
that our future intercourse with foreign yachts
men will be as in the past, of the most agree
able character, and that interchanging visits
will become hereafter common occurrence
We have now one representative yacht
in European waters-the Enchantress owned
by Mr.. Lorilard. She has visited Madeira
and Gibraltar, and after cruise in the
Mediterranean will proceed to Cowes, where
she may be expected in about o month or
six weeks more. On her arrival there her
owner may feel disposed to offer chal-
lenge to Mr.. Ashbury to race the Livonia
to Sandy Hook, or he may throw down the
gauntlet to some other English yachtsmen,
and, if this should be the case, the ocean races
will be inaugurated before we expect. There
can be no doubt that the presence Of the En-
chantress among the English yachts will have
beneficial effect, and, whether race is
agreed upon or not, she may be the means Of
4 L. Al Il. q Al.