The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-08-07
JOCKEY|NG.
vigiIant Withdraws From Further
Contests With Defender
LETTER FROM MANAGER WILLARD
Deals With the Subject In a
Vigorous Manner.


while every one was discussing the merits
of the Defender and speculating on how
much greater Improvement the new boat
would show when she would again meet
the Vigilant later In the week, Mr.
Willard who Is George Gould's repre-
sentative and manager Of the Vigilant,
gave out letter, which at once shattered
tho well-laid plans .of the yachtsmen and
Others interested In the races.
In the letter Mr.. Willard simply with
drew the Vigilant from all future races
in which the Defender might thke part.
He said very plainly that he felt the De-
fender had treated the Vigilant In rowdy
fashion yesterday, and also on July 22, on
Sandy Hook, and he wanted no more TO
do with her. Tho effect of the letter will
be, unless some sort Of patching OF torn
canvas is done, that the Vigilant will not
enter the trial races arranged yesterday
for tho last of the month. Here Is
Mr.. wiilard's Letter;
on BOARD THE vIoILASr.
NEWPORT HARBoR.
80 the Regatta Committee, New York fachs
Club:
DEAR srRs-I hereby withdraw vigilant's
entries for the races on Thursday and batur.
day. In doing 50, wish TO add afew words OF
explanation.
AS you arc aware, Mr.. Gould and l. rs his
representative, fitted out and repaired Vigi-
liant for racing for no purpose In the world ex-
cept to assist In developing the fastest Ameri-
can yacht and thus aid In the defense OF the
Americas cup. 70 this end MIR. Gould has
cheerfully gone to the greatest expense and
have taken much pains and spent much time.
cannot, however, consent TO continue racing
Vigilant unless the contests are TO be con-
Quoted according to the rules of yachting.
i have now twice given way TO Defender
at the start OF the race when Viglant clearly
had right OF way, because was unwilling
10 risk a collision which might leave Amer
lea without q cup defender. However willing
may have been 20 waive my rights In the
past, am not willing to go on waving them
in difficulty, and even II We're, ~ Is quite
possible that a situation might be created IN
which "a collision would be inevitable.
Mr.. Gould's sole desire, Is well as my own,
Is that the cup may be defended by the fastest
American sloop, which might not be the case
AZ Vigilant and Defender collided.
As you know, / have already protested De
tenders action at the start July ~. In to-
days race Defender again violated the rules
and forced vigilant out OF position 10 which
she was entitled. In both eases there would
have been a collision IL Vigilant had not
given way In each case the responsibility oi
would not be fair either to the yacht OF heI
owner 10 continue racing under those condi
tions. Very respectfully yours,
e. A. WILLIAM.
When Mr.. Willard handed this letter t.
the members of the press last night, III
remarked that the Vigilant was still a
the disposal of the Americas cup com
mttee, to be used for any purpose they se'
At.
Iselin Surprised.
Mr.. Iselin was taken aback by tho new
that the Vigilant had decided TO draw OPT
but he would make no answer To the let
ter. Mr. Kane, chairman Of the regatt;
committee, also refused 10 speak on th
subject, as did Mr.. Grinnell, another mem
Der.
1t Is known, however, that as soon a
the committee received Mr.. Willard's Let
ter all hands of them went over to Sc
the writer of the unique missive and haI
long talk with him. The result of tn,
interview Is not officially known, ant
probably will not be until the clouds o
war settle
Ex-Commodore Smith, chairman Of tn
Americas cup committee, was very mucl
surprised at the action of Mr.. Willard III
read the letter over carefully, and thel
said:
Il regret exceedingly that Mr.. Willar
has seen tit to take this action. do no
believe that the Defender people desir
that anything but the fairest treatmen
should be given to the Vigilant. Tn
Americas cup committee are not actin
In the capacity of a regatta committe,
They arc only to Judge of the relativ
ahility ~ tba two hnats which may cotY
pete, SO that so far as question Of an
unsportsmanlike action is concerned the
have nothing To do with it. Their desir
is to get the very best boat, and they lcay
the conduct Of the trial races in the hand
OF the regatta committee"
A very prominent yachtsman, who's
words may be safely taken as oxprcssn
the opinions OF the New York Yacht clul
said: "Mr. Willard's action was of tn
weakest possible character. II Ned WI
lard felt that he had n grievance he shoul
have made another protest, and waite
for the action of the regatta committe,
His action, however, in withdrawing III
Vigilant from the races is extremely e.
asperating and cannot be too strongl
condemned. 1 am surprised that
should do such thing after the con
mendablc manner with which he h,
raced the Vigilant, and cannot see ho
he has gained anything by pulling out I
this time The letter is a confession
weakness"
Yesterdays Spin.
II any additional test had been needle
to show that the fln-kcel yacht Dcfcnd'
Is better all round boat in light wcath'
than the ccntcrboard Vigilant, it was fu
nishcd yesterday, when those yachts rae,
over 2imilc equilatral trianguli