The Wilmingtonian., 1886-10-16
The Vanderbilt Yacht.

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amid a large and representative gathering o
Wilmington's citizens magnificent steam
York for which the contract with the build
ers was signed on February 25th last.
As the vessel glded gracefully from th.
launching ways into the Cbristana the timt
honored custom OF christening was perform
ed. The usual bottle of wine suspended by
pal aiti-colored silk ribbon being broken nvel
the bows and the name "Alva" duly pro.
nounced by Mrs. F. A Yznaga. The name "a
va recalls associations of Holland to the
writer. Visions of red tiled houses, winding
canals and green country follow each Other
rapidly through the mind with memories OF
the Duke of Alva the celebrated Spanish
General.
We understand that Mr.. Vanderbilt traces
his family back to their old home there.
As soon as the vessel entered the water
| "SA h'oio Pi"Poioiohs were lOrcloly ofOughi
home to the spectators Few vessels that
have ever been designed have had such a
display of naval talent employed in theit
plans and construction.
Her designer, Mr.. S.. Glare j. Byrne Of
Liverpool, England, who has just arrived
here as we write is probably the highest
authority in Europe in this particular line
of marine architecture and has had probably
the largest share of any one individual of
yacht designing and construction.
Among his productions are Sir Thomas
Bra sey's, Sunbeam, nmodore Benefits
''Namnuna, Sir A. B. Walkers "Cnhona"
a 700 ton steam yacht built a few
months ago which cost in the neeLborhood
ef $50, 900 (ssOOOOO) and is the most lux
nrious palace ahoat.
MIR. Byrne has had an able staff of assist
ants superintendug the construction of III,
"Alva."
They are: Mr.. Samuel jack on late fnie-
man 20 Laird Bios, B rktnhrad, Liverpool.
who las had charge OF the hull and boilers.
Mr. r Wright, late chief assistant to 4 prom
cent consulting engineer and surveyor IL
LlVerpon and Mr.. W. Ii. Wtllnan WHO has
the liner and Carpenter work in charge.
| Tnpsa ppptla,,a, a, j, ii
aud their peculiar calling has brought then.
iuto almostevery shipbuildlng yard in Britain
Of note. 1t is therefore very gratifying 4,
learn that they pronounce the Workmanship
N Harlan y Hollingsworth yard as first rate
sl..insyevv rarecular
The "Alys" is the largest steam yacht
ahoat owned by any private individual.
Her dimensions are
Length over over all es4 feet
on load line 252
Extreme breath 20
Moulded depth 81 "
Her tonnage will be 1910 tons old measure
ment, she is constructed Of steel throughout
and will be classed 100 A at Loyd's being
built under special survey by their inspec-
tors.
The model Of the Alva is thoroughly yacht
ike and tapers to wedge-shaped ends, the
sheer forward being very gradual. The sem
post is the beautifully curved clipper bow
and terminates in the bowsprit which ex-
tends nearly 30 feet forward. The design
forward being fully equal TO the best produc
tions of Steele of Green ck's famous Clyd
clipper ships. The clipper bow in our opin-
ion has never been equalled for beauty by
anything that has been produced of late
years, although it has given place to the
straight business-like stem of the merchant
steamer
Aft the stem is semi-elliptical and the
overhang beautifully proportional. Although
the "Alya" may. look little fuller forward
than the ordinary American built vessel
since the English designers do not believe
in the hollow water lines claiming for theiI
rather more rounded lines gradual entrauc,
and drIer ship yet the run aft here INNS,
assst them wonderfully in making up any
lost power at the entrance of the bow, The
observer is lost in wonder at the fine clear
un fr'm amidship to the propeller and heI
lean luttocks remind one of a greyhound til,
very emblem of speei.
The design is 10 rig the "Alvan as a thre,
masted schooner or rather as it is temut
hare 'baIquentine' with square sails on III,
foremast consisting Of foresail, single for,
topsall and fore-topgallant sail. 1t is IN
doubtedy the handiest as well as safest ri.
! which has ever been produc d.
Q She will be painted deep black aboyu th
water line, gold ibbon RAINING the entir
length Of the hull into the carved work a
the bows. The side lights bridge fitting
and all bright work on deck and about tn,
Q ship are all Of newly patened white meta
fully equal to nickel plate in looks and will
: have remarkably tiue effect.
The smoke stack viii be painted cream
color which will give an additional air O
cleanness to the long graceful hull an
tapering spars and nothing that the eye ca