New-York tribune., 1899-07-22
MISHAP TO THE DEFENDER.
RACE WITH THE COLUMBIA AT NEW
PORT SUDDENLY ENDED.
ACCIDENT HAPPENED THIRTY MINUTES
FROM xsTART-coLU,fBIA HAD GAINED
PAIRS EXPECTED.

between the Colurnb!a and the Defender unoer
the auspices OF the Newport Yacht Racing AZ
rccfation. But unfortunately. within tAlf''
minutes after the two big sloops had crossed the
starting line a. Brenton's Reef hgntship 'hs
Defender ne: with an acciden; which made her
rnsfnsan unuanaReable for racing purposes
and she was compelled 10 abandon the hshr
A nne nreen-knot racing breeze was blowing
as the Defender and the Columbia left the mar
Dor for the contest They got away promp'ly,
the course being triangular-to stakeDoa' Oh
Poin, Judith. thence 10 a mark OF West Islano.
and back 70 the starting line at Brentons he@'
Hghtship and repeat the total distance oeins
about forty-six miles.
In half an hours sailing before the ACCIDENT
TO the Defender occurred It was demonstrated
that the result would pe q ARe victory 'o' 'n-
Columbia A. the start Captain Barr on the
Columbia. had much the better OF the 10cHe!
ing. Although the Defender was apparently
A4,v Yards ahead OF her rival when the starting
signal was blown. the new boat slipped across
tyeuty-six seconds ahead and TO the Windward
She went over the line only four seconds after
the echoes OF the Sultana's whistle had DIED
away. Both boats took long tack out 20 ga
the Columbia slowly eating her way 10 weather
and when they came about 10 port tack she had
Kained about fifteen seconds. and had left the
Defender over an eighth OF mile astern
ACCIDENT ENDS The DAYS SPORT.
Then came the accident that ended the days
sport. with the boats tearing through the water
a. oyer ten miles an hour The Defender set
her working topsail. and probably this increase
OF canvas was too much for her gear, for the
steel link 10 which the blocks ot the main sheet
were fastened gave way thus rendering her
a-T
sheet block to give way also. and she immedi-
stely abandoned the race. Under foresaiis, the
Defender soon after stood in FOR her moorings.
while the Columbia continued 20 mark Of Point
Judith, and rounded It at 1215:51. covering the
seven miles OF windward work In one hour and
forty-seven seconds In view OF the accident
Nj Iselin proceeded no further in the race. and
followed the Defender UP the Bay.
when the racers reached their anchorages IN
The harbor a consultation was held and the
committee Of the Newport Yacht Racing Asso-
ciation announced that there would be no con-
test tomorrow under the auspices ot the asso-
citation
The 3O-rooters are scheduled 20 60 70 Pot
ter's Cove tomorrow morning 70 compete for
prizes in the regatta OF the Rhode Island Yacht
Club. They will be accompanied by many yacht
ing enthusiasts whose boats are now in the har-
bor Consequently majority OF them preferred
that further trial between the big single stckers
should be deferred.
INFORMAL RACE EXPECTED TO-DAY.
Mr.. Duryea and Mr Ellis. OF the Yacht Rae
sng Committee. are both interested in the 80
footers. Mr.. Duncan. Of the Defender. how
ever was ready and willing to take the De-
fender out for a brush with the Columbia
whenever an opportunity was offered, and. af-
Ter communicating with the Herreshoffs. and
learning that q new steel link could be forged
FOR the main boom tackle Immediately, and
would probably be ready IN the morning. he
said that II the link reached Newport early
enough tomorrow, he wo7ld De ready 20 90 out
again az once. II is understood that this ar
rangeruent is satisfactory 70 M Iselin. and
THAI II the Defender is IN shape the boats will
go down the bay and Try conclusions over the
course they started on to-day. The race will
not be under the management Of the Newport
Yacht Racing Association, as they gave notice
positively that further contests for their prizes
are deferred until Saturday. July %.
Al a late hour tonight It is foggy and hazy in
Narragansett Bay. but the hot sun is depended
upon 10 burn away the mist early tomorrow
1norning and the conditions which prevailed to-
day are duly hoped for. Any contest tomorrow
will probably be Informal, but IL will be
much test as II the racers we're battling for
che prizes Of the association. Mr.. Duncan seems
confident that the new link for the Defender
Be able 10 go outside for the trial OF speed.
COLUM5IA-DEFEND RACES AT NEWPORT
The following statement Of the regulations 20
govern the umba-Defender races of Newport
r. l., was received yesterday from Ralph -. Ellis.
who has been one OF the prime movers IN getting
tp these races at Newport The dates originally
fixed FOR the racing July q = and q and
tincs the breakdown OF yesterdays race no date
has yet been settled which to hold the first
race.
The first warning signal will be given az y
o'clock a m. and will be blast from the steam
whistle OF FIVE seconds duration.
The preparatory signal Will be given az TO a m.
when the committee steamers whistle will be blown
and the blue peter hoisted
The starting signal will De given a, Ills O'Clock
when the whistle VII! be blown and red flag
hosted
Postponements, II necessary. will be made on even
quarter hours. In case It be deemed advisable to
nnish the race in round. the signal code letter
B will be hoisted and a whistle OF ten seconds
duration Will be blown as the yachts approach the
finish line.
The following courses have been laid out TO be
sailed:
Course A-start from an imaginary line between
10 and around the Whlstling Buoy of Point Judith;
tasnce 70 and around marx & 6os; ancnorea ,Eo
tying a. red and white. flag: thence 70 and around
Breuton's Reef Lghtship, twice around, finishing
starting line from east 10 west AL marks TO
be left 20 port.
Course B-Reverse OF Course A
Course c-Start as IN Course A. 20 and around
the Sow and Pigs Lightshp; thence 20 and
around Hen and Chickens Lightship. and finish
ing the starting line from east 70 west All
marks To be left 20 port.
Course D-Reyerse Of Course G.
THE sHAMRoCKs REQUEST TO BE TowED.
w. s. Oddie. secretary OF the New-York Yach,
Club. and q member OF the Challenge Committee.
said yesterday that he knew nothing OF the sppli-
cation supposed - have been received by the COM
rnittee 10 allow the Shamrock 10 be taken In tow
while on her way across the Atlantic. IN case she
should Be becalrnsd. He did not care TO discuss
the probable action OF the committee II such an
application should be received
If Is argued in yachting circles that II such a
Concession were granted. Il would be easy thing
10 bring the Shamrock over by route where
~ krentlerf nccnrrence thus nractica LIZ