Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-08-04
oUnCKsTEp VS.. META HI.
A Magnificent Race on the waters
A Close Contest

The match race between the fine yachts
Quickstep and Meta H., for 800 side,
which took place from Montgomery yester-
day, was one Of the most exciting and
closest races that has ever taken place IN
our waters. Great interest was felt in this
race, and especially did feeling run hlgn
among the residents Of Montgomery,
BeaulIeu and Isle of Hope. During the
past few DAYS the race had been topic OF
| conversation among the Yachtmen ana tneR
| friends and in consequence there was con-
| siderable lively betting on the result. Inc
Ouickstep was the faYorite, and there were
odds offered on her-some OF the bets being
| that she would beat by five and ten minutes.
| The Meta had many hackers also, and 1t
was not difficult for the Qnickstep's friends
| to obtain takers Il is estimated that there
were over one thousand dollars wagered on
A special train left the city at 1890 for
Montgomery, and carried out a large crowd.
The weather was delightful, and very
strong breeze prevailed throughout the
entire day. Two tugs had been char
tered to carry the party over the course and
were at Montgomery when the train ar
rived. They were soon boarded and arrange
ments were made for the starting of the
race. The Meta 81. and the Quickstep were
quickly manned by their crews, the former
| being sailed by Mr.. w. FL. Mcintosh, and
the latter by Mr. Hal schley. The stake
was placed at q point opposite the bath
| house OF Mr.. L. 7. Gibbs, and about two
O'Clock the signal blown for the start.
The Ouickstep got under way first and
crossed the line with full sails and in tine
style, and rounded Beaulieu Point hand
somely. The Meta followed two
minutes and fifteen seconds later,
and was splendidly handled, her
| trim appearance and excellent sailing being
/ generally admired. The Quickstep had got
the lead, and kept we'll ahead. The tugs
| then weighed anchor and followed In the
wake, those on board having fine view OF
the contest. The run down to the buoy off
| Warsaw was really beautiful, and the en-
| thusiasm reached a high pitch. Bets
/ on the Quickstep were doubled, and
| at one time it seemed that she would
| win the race with the greatest ease. The
breeze continued very stiff, and the yachts
| fairly skinned over the ripping water,
| The buoy was rounded In superb style, and
| the return home was exciting. The Meta
rapidly gained on the Quickstep, and caused
the heavy betters considerable anxiety, and
/ for a time the issue seemed to be in great
/ doubt sthe yachts neared the terminal the
breeze from the south greatly increased and
the Quickstep, rounding Beaulteu Point
/ under full canvas, nearly capslzed-ln IacI
| It was the narrowest escapefrom complete
turn over we have ever seen, and occasioned
| no little excitement among the spectators.
The mishap was avoided, however,
| and she righted and came across
the line finely. The Meta came on be-
hind her gracefully and swiftly,
being handled with superb skill, and en-
countered at the same point, the danger
that threatened the Quickstep. She ca
reened terribly, but avoided capsize and
detention by quickly lowering her jb, and
crossed the line amidst cheers and the blow
| ing OF the tugs whistle. They then pre-
/ sently came to anchor, and the Quickstep
| came sailing up, and her gallant crew
| springing up gave three hearty cheers Tor
| the Meta, which were warmly returned.
The official report of the race gave the vic
tory to the Quickstep by thirty-fve seconds
"a very close race. The time OF start and
| finish was as follows:
Quickstep-Stsrted 2h. SIM. l5s.; finished
| 5h. som. 30s.
Meta H.-started Oh. 5sm. ass; finished
| 5h. som.
The duration of the race was q little over
| three hours, the distance twenty-odd miles,
and is considered the best time that has
| been made.
So much enthusiasm was aroused by the
race, and 1t was such "close shave" for
the victor, that there was immediate talk OF
arranging for another match between IA
vorite yachts of Isle of Hope and Mont
| gomery.