The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-09-24
THE MAUD AND THE DAVIDS.
A Spirited Contest for 2,000-Exciting strug-
gle Between Two Open Boats-Ten Miles
to Windward and Back-The
Davids Victorious.

A prettier race than that between the Maud and
Davids, which came or yesterday, has probably
never been witnessed on the Sound. In point of
man9uvering 1t has certainly never been sur
passed, while the weather during the greater por-
ton Of the struggle was nearly all that could be
desired. 1t WILL OF course be remembered that
this was the third occasion on which the Maud
and Davds sailed In race ten miles to
windward and return. Twice has the Maud carried
OF the PALM although the fairness Of the first
decision In favor of the former was earnestly dis
puted The starting point was Echo Bay, secluded
and romantic spot about mile and half below
New Rochelle.
1t was a delightful day. and the surroundings
were both animated and picturesque. Three
steamers were chaTered-the Andrew Fletcher,
with Grafulla's Band under F. X Diller; the p.
q. Schultz and Catln-all OF which were
crowded to their utmost capacity. The
stakes were $1,000 a side, and the course was
from stakeboat anchored In Echo Bay to a stake
boat anchored or the buoy the southwest corner
OF Captains Island and return. Shortly after one
O'Clock the contestants came up alongside the
Fletcher, each showing a determined group Of
etrapping looking fellows, who evidently meant to
do their duty. The Maud it may be mentioned, was
sailed at the instance OF r. ]. Smith and the Davds
was handled by Captain Starkim. Owing to the
difference in length the Davids was allowed forty
I'VE seconds. AT liza =. M. the word to start
was given and the Davids cleared for her honors.
The Maud followed twenty seconds later having to
defeat her adversary twenty-five seconds. AT this
time the tide about half food with a nice
whole sail breeze from the north-northeast. Aud
now the interest In the contest commenced,
Amid ringing cheers the little boats settled down
20 their work right in the teeth OF the wind. The
Davids was the nrst 10 20 about on the port tack,
which she did at "a, the Maud still holding
steadily on the starboard tack by which she gained
some advantage. Now and then little advantage
was gained by either boat and perhaps lost again,
and the contest continued to retain Its excit-
ing features
Approaching the stake boat, which was anchored
on Captains Island, the Davids was well to wind
ward and held her ground until within about three
hundred yards from the turning point, when the
Maud commenced 10 draw up IN good shape-a 1act
which added considerably to the excitement OF the
lookers-on TO all appearance it was thought that
the Davids would be enabled TO take the lead In
up thirty yards astern OF her opponent, made
very rapid and expert turn and was the first TO
point for home with free sheet. The time as
taken by the judges, was as UNDER
IA. M H. NJ g.
Maud. 8 ~ 40 Davids, ....... ~ As
The run before the wind was, II anything more
exciting than the exhibition that had preceded 1t.
the Maud something in the wake, and not at
all strengthening the wind Of the Davds.
The same relative positions were main
tanned almost to the finish Amid lusty
cheers the racers approached the stakeb0at
IN Echo Bay which by this time was crowded by all
sorts of sail, and scudded through the water In
lively style. But the hope OF the Maud's victory
was now dlspclled, she having by allowance 10 de-
ieat The Davids by TWENTY-FIVE seconds AT, how.