The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-15
Yachting-Advanta0es OF CentrebOard Yes
sells Recognized In England.


sells Recognized in England.
If John Bull be notorious for his charac-
teristic stubbornness in matter of opinion,
however illogical, few will deny him the credit
of unfolding q correct idea when once It
becomes well settled in mind; and although it
convince him of the propriety of certain prin-
ciples, he nevertheless frankly admits his
error when the light Of reason fairly dawns
before his vision. To how many important
topics this may apply it is needless to inquire,
since we are disposed to congratulate English
yachtsmen particularly upon their recognition,
however late, of the we'll established merits
of centreboard vessels. In recent note
to the Rear Commodore of the New
York Yacht Club an English yachtsmaa Of
London candidly sets forth that ''there is
every disposition here to allow centreboard
yachts to enter In our regattas but do not
think it likely that there would be any altera-
ton in our rule Of measurement or time allow
ance." Here, then after years Of obstinate
contention, partly fostered by prejudice, envy
and ignorance comes the acknowledge
ment that centreboard vessels are not
the ''racing machines" that John Bull
condescended to characterize them. Now,
the we'll known weatherly qualities of centre
boards have been so frequently demonstrated
that it seems almost superfuous to enter upon
the subject. There are many who contend,
and not without reason that they are in every
respect the equals of keel boats, not only for
yachting purposes, but for the mercantile ma
rine; and the time is approaching when their
manifold advantages will receive universal re-
cognition. English yachtsmen have not jumped
at their conclusion in thus admitting the sue
cess of centreboards. The theory has doubt
less been carefully weighed and discussed on
the other side, and nothing but stern expert
ence and incontrovertible proofs has brought
this revolution Of feeling in favor of centre
board vessels. There is, to be sure, some
excuse for their long and pertinacious adher-
ence to the fogy idea that only keel boats were
that the value of centreboards was not first
appreciated in old England; but the force of
circumstances has compelled Englishmen. to
acknowledge that the centreboard vessels
have decided advantages which keel boats do
not possess. We shall, then, hear no m ore
ability, centreboard yachts will not only be
permitted to enter in the regattas, but
may be in the majority, so far as the number
of contestants is concerned. The building Of
centreboards In England will doubtless form
an interesting epoch in the yachting history of
that country, and it would not be surprising
to find that the next English champion for the
much-coveted 'Queen's Cup" will be vessel
modelled after the famous Columbia. In such
case the New York Yacht Club must look to
its wel-earned laurels.
The visit Of Mr.. Ashbury has not been with
out Its fruitful effect upon his brethren across
the Atlantic. 1t demonstrated beyond
bubble the fallacies so strongly entertained
and supported by even some well-intentioned
yachtsmen. The English yachtsmans letter to
Mr. Osgood goes on to state that s'the Livonia
will be altered by doubling during the spring,
and she will then be four feet longer on the
water line, but no longer per tonnage and QUE
measurement takes the length on deck from
outside of stern to outside of stern post then
deduct the beam from that length; then null
tiply the remainder by the beam; then by
half the beam, and divide by ninety four"
The Livonia is to have doubling plank put
on. which will extend from abaft the foremost
to the quarters, but will not increase
the beam, as the Sapphos hipping
did. This will have the effect of lifting her
lengthening ont Of the bow from just forward
of the foremost, she will have a much easier
entrance The people Of the Livonia
were by no means unobservant of the
characteristic features of American pleasure
vessels, and whatever improvements they con-
template our yachtsmen will only be happy to
ascertain that they carry them out faithfully
from the models that surrounded the Lvonia
during her limited stay In these waters. From
all appearances 1t is plain that Englishmen are
determined no longer to be deluded by their
quaint ideas on yachting architecture and,
although they have been somewhat tardy Ia
recognizing the Importance and manifest adj
vantages of centreboard vessels, It is, never
theless, some satisfaction, even at the eleventh
hour, to find them honestly admitting that
which has been long since so incontestably
proved. The absurd and futile argument that
centreboard yachts were unseaworthy in q
rale of wind, for instance, has received such
uuouestionabe refutation that prejudice, des-
ttution of knowledge and unreasonable inaexi-
bility cannot longer avail the enemies to prog
ress. Take the great ocean race Of 1866,
and what do we aud9 Both the Fleetwing
and the Henrietta, keel boats, were frequently
toorJad nv heavy seas, resulting in serious