Daily Kennebec journal., 1894-03-21
AMERICA THE WINNER.

The signal gun for sailing was fired at
precisely 10 o'clock. Before the smoke had
we'll cleared away the whole of the Geet,
sheeted from deck to topmast with clouds
Of canvas, was moving steadily with the
tide and gentle westerly breeze. The only
laggard in the splendid start was the
America, hut the delay was for only two o.
three seconds. Meanwhile the sprightly
Gypsy Queen had secured the lead, followed
by the Beatrice, Constance, Volante and
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, gaff tOpsail, fore
sail, forestaysail and iib. while her com.
petitors had every cloth set that the club
regulations allowed. But she soon began
to steIl upnn them, and in n quarter of an
hour had left all behind except the Con-
stance, Beatrice and Gypsy Queen. Tem-
porarily apnff of wind gave the Nolante an
advantage, and she went skimming by to
take her plsce mt the head Of the squadron.
While the jibs aud mainsails of her an
tagonists were "bellied'' out, 1t was OBJ
served that the canvas of the America was
as fiat rs 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
foremnst, the yankee pilotboat" was as
dry as n bone, the seas flashing off from
her sides every time she met them In two
hours and n 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 il is not usual to recognize the pres
ence Of majesty On s.sch occasions as 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
vred 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, "Is the
America firsts" Yes" Whats seconds'
"Nothing.a In the evening reunion took
place at the clubhouse amid splendid dis
play of fireworks by land and water The
American minister. being complimented ON
the success Of his countrymen. humor-
ously replied that he could not hut be proud
Of his fellow citizens. but he still felt it was
but the children giving u lesson TO the IA
ther, and il the America should he pur-
chased by English friends the Yankees
would build something better in New York.
SO as to beat even her.
Subsequently the America was visited by
the queen and her suit. all of whom eS-
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-
dors Stevens was presented by the Royal
Yacht squadron the we'll won cup
BASIL BLAKE.