New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-10-12
ALL HANDS DISAPPOINTED.
The RACE DECLARED OFF.
vIGILANT WAS FAR AHEAD WHEN THE END
CAME
vALKYRrE BEATEN ~ her OWN WEATHER


TER HAD TIE BETTER OF THE
START, BUT THE BRoNzE-Bor-
TONED sLoop oUTsAILED
HER TO THE oUTEI
MARK-TO TRY AGAIN
TOMORROW
All those who went out beyond Sandy Hook
yesterday to a race between the champion
yachts OF England and America for the pos
session of the Americas Cup were disappointed.
At no time in the course of the day was there a
prospect that the race could be made within
the time limit of six hours, and the yachts
moved over scarcely rufIled sea in light airs
which blew them slowly the shining,
rounded shield OF the ocean in hopeless race
against time. Day faded away beyond the
Highlands Of the Navesnk. and lights fared
out from all the fading headands the fleet OF
excursion steamers and tugs went home and
left tho dspirited competitors alone the
night-covered waters. Though the race no
and cannot count in the contests for the
great international trophy, yet 1t proved one
thing, and that was that in exceedingly light
airs and under conditions which II was said
would show the Vakyrie at her best she was
no match for the Vgant. The great white
sloop seems to have all weather and winds for
her own. What she did yesterday I'm no
way surprising to those who saw her last sum-
mer in the run from New-London TO Newport
move with scarcely breath Of air majesti.
cally through the fleet. But to every one 1t was
a chance OF contrasting her powers Of sailing
In light airs over smooth seas with those OF the
Valkyrie. If there was any linAering doubt In
the minds of yachtsmen as 10 the relative
merits Of the two boats. even the gentle zephyrs
Of yesterday should have been sufficient to
blow them away. Some water sprte seemed to
be beneath the keel Of the Vgant and TO
move her along at a rate for which the gentle
wind was not accountable. The Valkyrie, quick
in stays. seeming to spin around on the heel
whenever she came about. moved forward over
the shining expanse of the water with truly
remarkable speed; but what was her speed COM
pared to that of the vigilant? The White
soop from Bristol slowly and surely went ahead
Of her. and drew out beyond her till twilight
saw her far in the lead. and night closed down
upon an unfinished race.
FAIR TEST IL LIGHT BREEzEs.
The wind what there was Of 1t. was not
fukey 1t hauled a trfe TO the westward,
but not much and there was nothing to pre-
vent a fair test of the boat In light breezeA
and that test made
terday morning and passed out to the light.
ship a heavy mist hung over the waters. ana
the wind blew lightly from the northwest The
mist was only that of the morning. however.
and when the flagship May and the fleet Of
excursion steamers came out II had rolled
away and all the broad sea lay sparkling In
tranquility.
Then began long and weary walt. The
wind was blowing at the rate If three and
half miles an hour but increasing little.
The two yachts hovered about above tho
starting line the vigilant in tow and the VAL
kyrie moving under canvas. Time passed
slowly and the hoIr set for starting the race.
o'clock. came and went. and yet there
was no sign Of wind such as would warrant
hope that the race could be made within tho
six x-hour limit. Noon came and still no wind.
Then another hour dragged slowly along.
bringing in it's course no better prospect. The
fleet of excursion steamers lay motioness. as
did the big steam yachts. and waited. All the
time the Valkyrie and Vigant were moving
slowly about.
.oRD DUNRAvEN WANTED TO TRY FOR RACE.
Shortly after / o'clock. there being no pros
pect Of a wind the May hoisted signal to the
Yachts which meant "Do you consent to
postponement of the race for to-day The
yigilant at once hosted an answering sig.
lal which meant. Yes
The Vakyrie did not respond. and. after wait.
ng short time, the May ran down to her 10
ind out what her answer was
Lord Dunraven said that he desired that
IN attempt be made to sail the race. After
his there was, of course, nothing to do but TO
make an attempt to sail it.
The May returned to her position. and all
he Regatta Committee whistled for breeze.
At l:3O the wind increased to nearly nine
niles an hour. and at l:35 the preparatory gun
vas fired and the boats began to manoeuvre
or position
A signal flag had been hoisted on the
lay. signifying that the course would be iif-
cen miles south by west ana return. The
achts were close together sailing around each
ther, and watching each other wary.
vALKYRE FIRST OVER THE LINE.
At las the signal to start was given The
'alkyrio had the best OF the Vigilaut in the
)ckeying before the start. because OF her
thickness in stays, and went over the line
rst.
The wind had dropped now TO about six and
half miles an hour. but the British champion
howed that she was indeed fast boat in light
nds. and sailing close to the wind increased
er lead on the Vigilant besides improving her
position.
CONTEST IN TACKING.
Both yachts hll up fore-staysails. jibs and
b-topsails. and their biggest cub-topsails.
he Vigilant, for some reason. had up baby
b-topsail, while the Valkyrie had up an In.
rmedate iib-topsail.
They crossed on the port tack. but hardly had
ley got over when almost simultaneously they
lme about on the starboard tack.
The Vgant seemed extremely sluggish in
ays compared with the Valkyrie.
After standing a short time on the starboard
ck, they came on the port tack and stood in
r the shore. The Vakyrie pointed much higher
ian the Nigilant. the latter boat not appearing
care to point high try to. She kept
good full. and began to rapidly outfoot the
alkyrie. though getting further and further to
..-I all tl,..t