New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-16
YACHTING.
DOUBTS EXPRESSED AS TO THE COLUM
BIAS SPEED.
YAcHTsMEN SAT- THE FASTEST CRAFT SHOULD
DEFEND THE CUP-ARRANGEMENTS FOR
ENTERTAINING SIR THOMAS
Upton.

Upton
Those who have criticised the Columbia may be
premature as so little about her construction is
known with certainty. but 1t must be admitted that
in certain quarters feeling of disgust exists
owing to reports that purport to give the exact
measurements OF materials used in the construc-
ton which were evidently obtained from the Her
reshoff workmen. The reported fact that the Bris-
toll builders have discharged several employees gives
color TO the belief that much OF the secretly given
information is correct, and that the Herreshohs
resent It's publication At any rate. no mat
ter what proportion of this information may be
true many yachtsmen think that sufficient has
been shown to indicate that the Columbia Is or
much heavier construction than the old Defender
and by no means so promising a craft for the
keeping OF the cup They believe the printed state
ments that the boat Is more than two feet
wider than the Defender, and consequently is
much bigger boat The news that the sail plan IS
10 contain only $40 square feet more than that OF
the Defender has given rise to the idea that this
is not a sufficient increase TO drive the larger
craft. They believe that the plating Of Tobln
bronze instead OF aluminium adds TO the dead
weight Of the boat that the large casting for the
stem (which the Defender did not possess. having
only an angle iron for a stem also adds 10 the
weight. and that the greatly increased number Of
Internal sirengtheners acts In the same way. Be
cause the wholesome boat is known 10 hold but
little chance against the fra machine constructed
for one series OF races. they doubt the new boats
comparative speed In fact 1t may be said that the
belief is gaining ground that the new craft may
not be able to beat the old Defender, If the former
victor Is allowed TO be sailed by one competent
to handle her to the best advantage. The state
ment that Herman B. Duryea would have full
charge seemed to give general satisfaction, and
there are some who think that II the older boat
is ntrusted less competent hands It will simply
mean that she is not intended to win and will he
prevented from dong
practical man. who Is enrolled In several lead
ing clubs said yesterday: II far from thinking
that Mr. Morgan ought to have ordered what
call fake boat in order win and personally |
would not wish TO see the cup won again by an
other vessel that could not safely the ocean.
but I do say that not fact has yet been pub
lished 10 indicate that the new boat will beat the
Defender. On the contrary the Columbia appears
10 be a fine able vessel. about the same beam as
the Valkyrle III, and certainly with some Of her
disadvantages.
THE, DEFENDER SHOULD HAVE CHANCE.
DO you think that in the trial races the Defender
will be allowed 10 win. IL she CAM"
THE real intention will be disclosed by the final
choosing OF the amateur who will handle her. Sew
eral have been mentioned but the public will never
be satisfied that the United States is being repre-
sented by It's fastest boat unless It is certain that
the Defenders captain is of the first rank in the
racing field. and has full permission to win II he
There
ors who lack the true racing genius We know the
men who race a boat for what she is worth and
the really @ sn Wh %o aTe hot no 9e use 20
say that the Defender is intended 10 be allowed TO
put in charge. Those OF the latter class he
easily counted on the fingers of one hand"
Grafton by the builders OF the Columbia and with
them and Mr.. Morgans manager there has been
spar. 4 steel mast for a racer Of this kind is still
problem that has to be worked out by practical
most competent experts do not feel that they can
proposal still hangs fire. and nothing has yet been
done toward the construction OF mast OF this
built IT IS said to Be doubtful whether it would ever
be used in cup race well-known yachting skip
exactly where we are, and don't know any sailor
who would want to defend the cup with mast
was too great it would not snap off and leave you
a chance for jury rig The thing would simply
Inuthin, away with axes nor heave out the stump.
in but derrtcks would do you any good"
SIR THOMAS LIPToN's ACCEPTANCE.
The Invitation sent to SIR Thomas Upton by the
Atlantic Yacht Club to make his headquarters at
Sea Gate has been accepted by him. and the ocean
side home Of this club will be gay September
and October. Sir Thomas will be in NewYork
for some time before the final contests. during
which time he will be board the Shamrock in
her series OF daily trials of Sandy Hook. 1t is
thought that some and perhaps all. OF his guests
will also stay at Sea Gate with HIM or these
Lord Chief Justice Russell has expressed desire to
be board the Shamrock in OF the trials over
the cup course and II the waters Of Gravesend Bay
found suitable the challenger will be towed In
every day after the trials finished. When
thus anchored close TO the clubhouse. among the
feet Of the Atlantic Yacht Club. she will be In
excellent company. and the first thing the English
party will see they wake in the morning will
Be the towering spar OF their countrys representa-
tive craft. The twin-screw steamer Plymouth will
the Shamrock between Sea Gate and Sandy
Hook this vessel having been chartered by agents
here TO act general utility boat and tender for
the challenger. The Plymouth Is only year old /
She is l42 feet long. 30 feet wide and 10 feet deep
and she has ample accommodations for the Eng
lish racing crew, who will sleep and take their /
meals aboard her
The Atlantic Yacht Club officials have made
rangements 10 keep the house at Sea Gate open !
until November !. A competent superintendent has !
been engaged and improvd facilities for prompt and Z
efficient service have been provided. The steamer
Defender which acted ferryboat last year be- 1
tween the Battery and Sea Gate has been secured
for the coming season. On May she will begin
her regular trips scheduled last summer. The .
treasurer requests the announcement that there are
few life memberships still untaken. and those who /
have paid their sem-annual dues may have them, II