The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-07-10
LIKE The SHAMROCK.
Thought She Will Beat the
Britannia BY Half
an Hour.

Southampton, July 9. - Yachting
circles in the Solent were never more
excited than now over the prospects in
the forthcoming race for the Americas
cup, between the Shamrock and Column
bia. Yesterday yachtsmen could be
seen in all directions, and in South
ampton, HYthe, Calshot and Cowes the
keenest lookout was kept for the chal-
| lenger, which, it was known, would
stretch her sails. Every movement was
yelled with the profoundest secrecy,
and, owing to--the rumors in circula-
ton that her sails were unsatisfactory,
| the interest was intensified. Newspa-
per men and photographers gathered
in large numbers and would have given
anything to know the program, but
nothing was given out.
Sir Thomas Upton, delighted with
his new treasure, and his brother and
Mr.. Jameson were on board the Iverna
John Jameson's cutter, and Will Fife,
the designer of the Shamrock, was
much in evidence. In Southampton
water the Shamrock presented a mag
nificent sight. The slight breeze was
Just enough to fill her sails but she
glided speedily and as gracefully as a
Iswan. 1t should be understood that
yesterdays trip was in ne sense a trial
Satlna accompanied her 1t was solely
for the purpose Of sail stretching. Very
soon it became apparent that there
was not a shadow of foundation for
the unfavorable reports. No doubt a
FEW minor alterations will be found
necessary, but the sails were pro-
nounced generally excellent.
After passing Calshot Castle she was
directed toward Cowes, where she was
NV H. - L..
already arrived for the season. A dis
tinguished expert and yachting au-
thority said that the Shamrock was
the finest yacht ever seen in the
Solent." Starting again, she went
along like shot out of a gun, heav-
ing for the west channel and Var
mouth. Then she returned toward
Southampton. AS she beat up South
ampton water with gaff topsail, main
sail and foresail, she developed won
derful speed, although nothing definite
regarding speed, finally anchoring off
Hythe, where she remains until tomor-
row, when she will take another spin.
accompanied by the Iverna.
member OF the crew said: "The
shamrock will do what she is built
for, and will beat the Yankee. She
sailed admirably without hitch and
answered her helm to perfection, which
is one of the greatest considerations.
We are going to win; but it is impos-
sible. yet to judge of the yachts full
capabilities"
Sir Thomas Upton expressed
as satisfied with the spin"
Interest is now conferred in the spins
with the Britannia. which will be
ready on Wednesday for at least four
encounters. In yachting circles the
opinion is general that the Shamrock
must beat the Britannia at least half
an hour, considering the speed the
Columbia developed in the races with
| the Defender.
The Times describing and comment
ing upon the spin of Shamrock on Sat
| urday, says:
When she was running back through
the Cowes roads the breeze freshened
considerably, there was plenty of power
IN the wind and s41ne idea OF
the yachts speed could be oh
tanned. 1t is generally conced-
ed that she is the fastest light
weather craft ever seen in the Solent
She went very steadily and seemed very
easy on the helm, coming quite IN tC
expectations. Her canvas fitted well and
the trial was extremely satisfactory If
every way.