The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-10-05
AMERICA THE WINNER.

ANS
The signal gun for sailing was fired at
precisely 10 o'clock. Before the smoke had
well cleared away the whole of the fleet,
sheeted from deck to topmast with clouds
Of canvas, WAS moving steadily with the
tide and a gentle westerly breeze. The only
laggard in the splendid start was the
America, but the delay was for only two or
three seconds. Meanwhile the sprightly
Gypsy Queen had secured the lead, followed
by the Beatrice, Constance, Volante and a
flock of others. 1t should be stated that
seven of the yachts were schooners and
eight cutters. The America went easily for
some time under mainsail, gaf topsail, fore
sail, forestaysail and jib, while her COM
petitors had every cloth set that the club
regulations allowed. But she soon began
to steal Upon them, and in a quarter of an
hour had left all behind except the Con-
stance, Beatrice and Gypsy Queen. Tenn
porarily a puff Of wind gave the Volante an
advantage, and she ven Swimming by to
take her place at the head of the squadron.
While the jibs and mninsails of her an
tagonists were 'bellied" out, it was OBJ
served that the canvas of the America was
as fiat as a sheet of paper. While the cut
ters were thrashing through the water,
sending the spray over their bows, and the
schooners were wet up to the foot of the
foremost, the "Yankee pilotboat" was as
dry as a bone, the seas flashing off from
her sides every time she met them. In two
hours and a half after starting the nearest
yacht was two miles to leeward Or astern
Of her. At $40 p. m. the nearest yacht
was nearly eight miles astern, and 10 min
utes later the America had rounded the
Needles and was flying for home. Passing
the immense pillars Of chalk and limestone
which bear the name, the Victoria and
Albert, with the royal standard at the
main, and the queen, Prince Albert and the
royal family on board, Steamed up to wit
ness the closing scenes Of the victory. Al
though it is not usual to recognize the pres
ence of majesty on such occasions rs a rae
ing match, the America instantly lowered
her ensign, blue with white stars, the COM
modore took off his hat, and the crew. fol-
lowing his example, remained with uncov-
cred heads while they shot by the royal
yacht.
On arriving at Cowes the greeting to the
winner was something to be remembered.
On every side the cry was heard, rs the
America firstf" Yes" Whats secondP"
Nothing" In the evening a reunion took
place at the clubhouse amid u splendid dis
play of fireworks by LANE and water. Thu
American minister, being complimented on
the success of his countrymen, humor-
ously replied that he could not but be proud
of his fellow citizens, but he still felt it was
but the children giving IA lesson to the ia
ther, and if the America should be pur-
chased by English friends tho Yankees
would build something better in New York,
80 as to beat even herl
Subsequently the America was visited by
the queen and her suit, all Of whom cx-
pressed great admiration of the famous
schooner, her beautiful model and remark
able sailing qualities. Thus the America
made good all her pledges. and to Commo-
dore Stevens was presented by the Royal
Yacht squadron the we'll won cup.
BASIL BLAKE.