The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-11-19
YACHTING.

fACH llNG.
PROPOSITION TO ABOLISH THE ANNUAL REGATTA
OF THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUB AND ADD
ADDITIONAL ATTRACTION TO THE ANNUAL
CRUISE
The marked success of the past cruise of the Few
York Yacht Club when compared with the limited
number of competitors in the annual regatta hasat
tracted the attention of yachtsmen to the fact ths
owners do not take much interest in yacht racing
as they used TO do. The visit of the Cambria ana
Livona to these waters stirred up feeling OF
rivalry among yacht owners. as all were anxious to
have their yachts selected as the representatives
OF the United States to meet the Englishmen;
but since then the entries in the regattas and
the match have steadily decreased year
by year. This year the annual regatta so un-
interesting that everybody came to the conclusion
that yachting dead. and 1t was not until nng-
nidcent fleet of thirty yachts took part in the
annual cruise that it became apparent that there
quite much interest in the sport in former
years. only yacht owners preferred cruising to
racing 1t is not because there is not the same
spirit of rivalry to the respective speed OF the
boats among their owners but they prefer to race in
cruising trim instead or having the expense and an
noyance Of placing their boats ON the ways to DO
overhauled and potcaded.
During the cruise the matter was talked over to
some extent. and the HERALD correspondent. after
sounding the feelings OF a number OF the yacht
owners. published their views in the HERALD Of
Sunday, August II. The idea promulgated was
to do away with the annual regatta to for the
prizes during the cruise and invest the spent
passenger accommodations that could accompany
the fleet in the cruise and carry those members OF
the club that could take fortnight's excursion.
YEARS REGATTA.
The annual regatta OF 1873 attracted the following
list Of entries:-3 keel schooners first class centre
board schooners. second class centreboard
schooners, first class centreboard soop and
ond class centreboard sloops. That was then con-
hs New
but the regatta OF last juno was even worse. In
that event there were only keel schooners. frst
class ccntreboard schooner, second class centre
board schooners, first class centreboard sloop,
second class centreboard sloops and keel sloops Il
will be by the above that there In reality
race between the first class centreboard schooners
and sloops II those prizes were given during the
cruise and sailed for in cruising trim the case
would, 1t Is believed, have been very different.
The annual cruise of 1878 started from Glen Cove.
under the command of Commodore Nicholson Kane,
with feet of nine schooners and four sloops. This
year, owing the absence of Commodore Kane in
Europe the command devolved upon Vice Commo-
dore Thomas. ana that gentleman had the honor Of
commanding one of the finest fleets that sailed
under the flag of the New York Yacht Club. They
started from Glen Cove with a fleet Of fourteen
that was augmented to seventeen schooners and
thirteen sloops Any that took part in the
among the yacht owners. and that they raced from
port to port with as much interest as il they
sailing for $1,000 cup. In fact they were SO
some of them forgot all about sailing orders and
started half an hour before the signal. and then
saluted each yacht they arrived rs il they had
fairly beaten them on the sail.
At the last meeting of the New York Yacht Club
the talk over this matter began to take definite
shape, q paper was read before the meeting advo-
eating the abolition OF the annual regatta, as fol-
lows
nual June regatta has for some years past ceased
to induce the cordial participation of yacht owners.
members Of the club at all commensurate with their
outlay for annual dues it has been suggested that
the regatta of next be suspended and that the
appropriation to be made for that event be applied
to the carrying out OF scheme which it is believed
will materially add to the interest of yacht owners.
besides greatly increasing the enjoyment OF tho
THE PROPOSED PLAN.
Tho proposed plan in q general way is as fol-
'Frst-To appropriate the customary sum for
prizes the said prizes to be sailed for during the
manner rs the yacht owners participating In the
cruise may direct.
"Second-To charter steamboat to accompany the
squadron which shall afford passage and such sleep
ing accommodations may be possible to members
OF the club free Of charge.
''Third-To employ the services of responsible
caterer to furnish meals and refreshments board
the steamboat at his own risk and at prices to be
regulated by the committee who may be placed in
charge Of the excursion.
''E6urth-To engage band of music to accompany
the feet If the appropriation will permit OF the nec-
eSSdry expenditures
at is assumed that the presence OF Q steamboat
the cruise and under the control Of the club will be
recognized a desirable addition to the feet. the
necessity for such vessel to act as o committees
boat In taking time at the start and finish OF race,
in towing vessels into position and in affording
lief III OF accident being unquestionsbe. It il
estimated that the cost of suitable boat for ten
twelve days will not exceed 81 900 200.
thing less than the joint cost of the two steamboats,
and two launches now furnished at the annual
regatta. This would leave the usual sum to be sp-
proprated for prizes and $500 $500 for music
and contingent expenses"
In view Of the above the following resolution
was adopted
Resolved, That committee Of five be appointed by the
Chair consider the feasibility Of the above scheme and
the propriety Of adopting the said committee
at the next general meeting special meeting called
for the