The San Francisco call., 1899-07-10
SATISFACTORY
HELM TRIALS OF
THE SHAMROCK
English Yachtsmen
Pleased.
ARE CONFIDENT OF VICTORY
BELIEVE THE COLUMBIA WILL
BE BEATEN.
Interest Centers IN This Weeks Series
of Races Between the ChaI-
lenger and the Brit
annia.
IRE CONFIDENT OF VICTORY
THE COLUMBIA WILL
BE BEATEN.
Special Dispatch TO The Call.

SOUTHAMPTON. July 9.-Yachting cir
cles in the Solent were never more excited
than now over the prospects in the forth
coming race for tie America 5 cup be
tween the Shamrock and Columbia
YaChtsmen could be seen in all directions
and in Southampton, Hythe, Calshot and
Cowes the keenest lookout was kept Tor
1he challenger, which II was known would
stretch her sails.
Every movement was yelled with the
profoundest secrecy, and owing to the
11imOrS in circulation that her sails We're
unsatisfactory the interest was lntenSl-
fed. Newspaper men and photographers
gathered in large numbers ana WOulu
have given anything to KNOW the pro-
gr2mme, but nothing was given our.
Sin. Thomas liptOn. delighted with his
new treasure. and the Brothers Jameson
were on board the Iverna, John jameson
cutter. and VIII Fife, the designer OF tins
Shamrock, was much in evidence.
In Southampton water the SnanroGk
presented a magnificent sight ! ne SlShl
breeze was just enough TO MI her SAllS,
but she glided speedily and as gracefully
II should be understood that yesterdays
trip was in no sense test OF speed, al
though the IveFna and Satanita accom-
panied her. 1t was solely for the purpose
of sail stretching. Very soon 1t became
apparent that there was not 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.
The helm trials to-day were even more
satisfactory, If possible, as she answered
all demands beautifully and without the
least trouble.
After passing Calshot Castle, she was
directed toward CoWes. where she was
eagerly scanned by crowds Of experts al
ready arrived for the season. a distin-
guished expert and yachting authority
said that the Shamrock was the finest
Yacht ever seen in the SOlent"
Starting again she went along like
shot out of a gun, heaving for the west
channel and Yarmouth. Then she re-
turned toward Southampton. AS she beat
up Southampton water with gam tOpsatl,
mainsail and fOTesail. she developed Won
derful speed although not after anything
regarding pace. finally anchOring of
Hythe where she remains until to-mOr-
row when she will take another spin ac-
companied by the Iverna. A member OF
the crew said:
The Shamrock will do what she is built
for ana will beat the Columbia. She
sailed admirably, without hitch, and
answered her helm to perfection. which
is one Of the greatest considerations. We
are going 10 win, but it is impossible yet
TO Judge of the yachts full capacity.
Sir Thomas Upton expressed himself as
satisfied with the spin.
Interest is now Centered in the spins
with the Britannia which will be ready
on Monday for at least four encounters.
In yachting circles the opinion is general
that the Shamrock must beat the Britain
MA a least a half hour considering the
speed the Columbia developed in the races
with the Defender.