New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-08-26
THE CUP CHdNPION

The conclusion OF the New-fOrk \ acnt
Clubs Committee, who have charge OF the de-
fence of the Americas Cup, that the three
trial races already sailed are enough to enable
them to make selection between the contest
ing yachts is naturally received as decision,
to all intents and purposes, in favor of the Bos-
ton sloop Puritan. In the first race the condi-
tiops of water and wind favored her model and
rig "a against those of the Priscilla, and her
victory was decisive. In the second race the
general situation was strikingiy in favor Of the
New York boat, but she won only slight and
inglorious triumph. In the third there was
ordinary weather. but more 10 the Prlscilla's
liking than to that of her rival. yet the Puri-
tau came in ahead by fair stretch. IL must
always be remembered that these races were
not for the usual purposes of match, in which
a little nautical jugglery or more intimate
acquaintance with tidal peculiarities may en-
able skipper to give his boat an advantage
They were sailed simply to show the commit
tee which yacht it would be safest to choose
"A the Cups defender. taking into considera-
tion the character of tho challenger and the
special rules governing the great contest.
There is no reason TO find fault with the
committee for feeling satisfied that they are as
well prepared now to decide SIS they can be.
The Puritan demonstrated beyon all cayil that
che could outsail the Priscilla except in light
breeze and quiet sea, and that even then the
difference in her rivals favor is slight. But
she proved what is of far more Importance
that she is an excellent and trustworthy boat
in lust those respects that are needed Tor bat
Ting with the Genesta. Sound and ready as an
all weather boat she is especially strong under
those conditions of weather which make the
cutter most dangerous. Ii was undoubtedly
this fact that moved the committee to conclude
that no more races were desirable.
These two American sloops that have fought
for the honor Of defending the cup 40 pluckily
have proven in their splendid performances
good deaf that Is Of consequence to yachtsmen
They have shown that the art of nautical de-
sign, despite the discouragements that have
hampered it here, has improved greatly since
tho time when the American ore-aDd-aft
rugged vessels defed the world. Those were
palmy days for craft of moderate size, and it is
no wonder we regarded with comparative in
difference the marked strides English designers
were making under the stimulus Of rivalry and
pride. II was only few years ago when the
victories of the Madgo gave us a stir that
American yachtsmen realized the imminent
peril which hung over their historic cup. The
Genesta is the issue Of that pride and rivalry
and the two characteristic American sloOps
about which National interest has centred for
several weeks are the result OF our lately dis
covered insecurity. We have seen reason
enough to feel gratifed with the work they
represent. Either vessel will force the cutter
to exhibit her utmost resources, and in the
Puritan especially the Cup will have a cham
pion worthy Of its notable history and of its
priceless value as q trophy.