The New York herald., 1871-02-12
THE YlcET CAMBRIA IN AMERICAN WATERS

BRIGHTON. Jan. 81, 1871.
To THE EDITOR or TIE HERALD:-
SiR-i have Just received the HERALD OF the 11th
January with leader on the above in connection
with the remarks made at Il banquet given me in
Manchester the day | arrived at Liverpool from
New York. AT such complimentary sporting din
ner was, OF course, expected to say something on
the relative merits OF American and English yachts.
The pith OF my statement was that admitted your
yachts OF about equal tonnage to the Cambria (such
as the Palmer, Phantom. Tidal Wave, Ider &c.,
would generally. in light wlnds-up to a seven or
eight knot breeze-beat the Cambria; but that out
side Sandy Hook in stiff breeze, considered my
yacht would beat any schooner in America OF about
her tonnage: and 1t is duly recorded In your far
famed journal that l offered to race one or more
such matches ana the invitation was not accepted.
My remarks were not OF disparagng character on
the Justly celebrated Ocean Race or '66 but quite
the reverse. II the reporters had given iny words
i'll detail you would have found did ample JUSTICE
only TO the seagoing qualities Of the vessels but
TO the energy and unprecedented pluck on the part
Of all concerned. The eight races correctly stated do
include the scrub races. AS THINK when we ind the
leading New York papers tclegraphlng the results
IN erteIlso they may fairly be looked upon races
as, although no prizes were given, each vessel did
| It's best to arrive first.
AS regards The '5i Cup, my challenge for it was
vessel against vessel or about equal tonnage, but
the New YORK Yacht Club ruled by, think eighteen
to one that II should be an open race. entered
not as approving or endorsing their opinions. but
for sport and with the slightest possibility OF win
nlng. have again carefully read the deed
Of trust under which the Cup Is held,
and am confirmed III my opinion that or any duly
certifcated yachttnan can compete for that Cup
against vessel, and not fleet; and II VIII be for
those owning fast vessels such as those now build.
ing. the Sappho, Dauntless America, Fleetwing,
Tidal wave, Phantom, Palmer, ider &c.. to organ
lie series OF races 10 demonstrate which should
have the honor OF alone representing the club, and
10 prevent, II possible, the Cup returning to Eng
land
NV semi-public and other duties prevent my going
into this question at present. but In a lew weeks
shall have The pleasure OF sending to the club for
tice and club certificate OF representation. The
yacht In question Will be the Lvonia $50 ton
builders measurement) schooner. now building
under my instruction and supervision
DO not anticipate the slightest difficulty In prov.
ing my claim to sail against selected or champion
vessel; but IT. unfortunately, the cluo should again
rule as before, the Llvonla would sail over the
course alone and take or claim the prize: II any
doubt should be thrown upon the equity or such
claims It would then be for the New York judges
determine upon the legal construction OF the deed
reerred to-a very simple matter, as we have not
to deal with the question as to how the America
the Cup, but purely the deed letter itself as to
the conditions under which IL was given and now
held
Although declining to sail against the New York
Yacht club fleet for the 51 Cup | shall be quite
prepared to enter for all most and to race
simply against some OF your fastest vessels. / am
In hopes that during the forthcoming season we
may see American yachts and owners IN this coun-
try for racing purposes, IN which case and others
would only be TOO happy to do what we coula TO
lnaAS '"e'f V'''' - '''"''' .s JAMES AsHBURY.