The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1895-09-25

The conditions Of wind and water at the
start OF the race were all in favor OF the
valkyrie I'LL, especially designed as she was
for gentle airs and zephyrs. The sea was
practically dead fiat, and the wind that
came drifting up from the south as sweet as
a maiden's breath was covering but four
miles an hour between II O'Clock and noon,
according to the Government official at
Sandy Hook.
While maneuvering for position at the
start the Valkyie was brought too near to
the Defender, and rounding to the Valkyrie's
boom caught Defenders starboard topmast
backstay (or shroud-she has but one rope
there), and in atrice the strain on the shroud
broke off the horn Of the starboard spreader
or crosstree.
The force of the wind threw the upper
end of the Defenders topmast clear of be-
yond the plane Of the lee rail, wrenching 1t
above the cap In a remarkable fashion, but.
curiously enough, without breaking 1t of
entirely. The Defenders iib topsail was at
once hauled down, and, after running free
for minute, she came up in the wind, cross.
ing the line and going away on the port
tack. OF course. the Valkyrie had already
crossed ahead OF her, and In fine fettle was
beating toward the outer mark.
The damage to the Defender was as quick.
ly and effectually repaired as possible, but
after trying to set the itb topsail. once more
the sail had to be hauled down, while the
jib was seen carry only a tiny jb topsail,
such as is used in beating to windward In a
fresh breeze. And yet, incredible as It must
seem to all who appreciate the vast differ
ence in the sail area Of the two boats on this
leg, the Defender actually gained on her
rival There never was such an exhibit as
this in any of the races for the Americas
Cup, and more satisfactory proof OF the gu
periority Of the Yankee model would be Diff
fcult to imagine.
The third leg OF the course was sailed rs
close reach. the yachts having the wind just
forward Of the beam. They were at this
time on the port tack, and the wind had
freshened to fifteen miles an bour. Though
her mast was cracked, the Defender
carried jib topsail. and was
valkyrie In the sails she spread. It was,
therefore, matter OF course that she should
gain on this leg OF the course. The Valkyrie
had led at the first turn by two minutes and
fifty seconds. She crossed the home line
just forty-seven seconds, corrected time,
ahead Of her rival.
A large feet OF sailing vessels and steam
boats crowded with spectators followed the
contestants over the course, and much en-
thusiasm WAS aroused at the splendid show
ing of the American yacht In spite OF her
crippled condition.
After along session, in the course Of which
a number of witnesses, including Lord Dun
raven and Mr.. Iselin, were examined, the
Regatta Committee Of the New York Yacht
Club decided to sustain the protest entered
by Mr.. Iselin on behalf Of the Defender, on
account of the foul claimed to have been
made by the Valkyrie. This decision gave
the race to the Defender.
After announcing its verdict, the Regatta
Committee made public statement that every
effort had been made to induce the yachtsto
resail the record race, but without avail. Both
Lord Dunraven and Mr.. Iselin preferred that
Judgment should be passed on the protest.
Each principal assured the committee that its
conclusions would be accepted in sports
manlike manner. Lord Dunraven made a
vigorous protest against the crowding by
steamboats,, and as an ultimatum declared
that he would not race again unless the
course was kept clear. This WAS promised
by the Regatta Committee.