New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-10
DELIGHTED WITH THE SHAMROCK.
YACHTING CIRCLES AT SOUTHAMPTON
GREATLY INTERESTED IN HER
SPIN IN THE SOIENT.

SPIN IN me cullen
Southampton. July 9-Yachtlng 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 the
Columbia. Yesterday yachtsmen could be seen
in all directions. and In SOUTHAMPTON. Hythe
Calshot and Cowes the keenest lookout was kept
for the challenger which it was known would
stretch her sails.
Every movement was yelled with the pro-
foundest secrecy. and owing to the rumors In
circulation that her sails were unsatisfactory
the interest was intensified. Newspaper men
and photographers gathered in large numbers
and would have given anything 10 know the
programme. but nothing was given out
Sir Thomas Upton, delighted with his new
treasure and the brothers Jameson. were on
board the Iverna John Jameson's cutter and
VIII Fife the designer Of the Shamrock, was
much In evidence.
In Southampton water the shamrock presented
a magnificent sight. The slight breeze was just
enough to fill her sails. but she gded speedily
and as gracefully as swan.
r. should be understood that yesterdays trip
was IN no sense a test OF speed, although the
Iverna and the Satanita accompanied her. II
was solely for the purpose Of sail stretching
Very soon IT became apparent that there was
not a shadow Of foundation for the unfavoraole
reports No doubt a few minor alterations VIII
be found necessary. but the sails were pro-
nounced generally excellent
The helm trials were even more Satisfactory
n possible as she answered all demands oeaut-
fully and without the least trouble.
After passing Cashot Castle she was directed
toward Cowes. where she was eagerly scanned
-, crowds OF experts already arrived for the
season distinguished expert and yachting
authority said that the Shamrock was the
finest Yacht ever seen In the Solent'
Starting again she went along Ike a shot out
NJ q gun. heaving for the West Channel ana
Yarmouth. Then she returned toward South
aunton As she beat no Southampton water
with gaff topsall. mainsail and foresaiI' she de-
veloned wonderful speed. although not ar'er
ANYTHING definite regarding pace. finally ahcnor-
ing Of Eythe. where she remains until to-nor-
row WHEN she will take another spin accom-
panied by the Iverna
A member Of the crew said to the correspond
ent Of The Associated Press
"--he Shamrock will do what she is built for.
and will beat the Yankee. She sailed admirably
without hitch and answered her helm 70 per
,ec,,on which ia one Of the greatest considera-
,,o,s We are going 10 win, but II Is Impossible
vet 10 Judge Of the yachts full capabilities
Sir Thomas Upton expressed himself as sat
isfed with the spin.
Interest is now centred in the spins with the
britannia which Will be ready on Wednesday
,or az least four encounters. In Yachting circles
tho oninior is general that the Shamrock must
heat the britannia at least half an hour, consid-
ering the speed the Columbia developed in the
races with the Defender
FASTEST EVER SEEN on THE SOLENT.
London. July 1O-"The Times" describing and
commenting upon the spin Of the shamrock on
Saturday says:
when she was running back through the
Covves Roads To Hythe the breeze freshened
considerably: there was plenty Of power IN the
wind and some idea Of the yachts speed could
he obtained II is generally conceded that she
8. the fastest light weather craft ever seen on
tho Salient she went very steadily. and seemed
ees,, on the helm. coming quite up to expecta-
tions Her canvas fitted well, and the trial
yres extremely satisfactory IN every way"
A,otbar correspondent writes TO The Times:
..r,Ao General IMPRESSION is a vessel % great
,o,yar with considerable freeboard, in that re-
su4ct somewhat dwarfing the Meteor and the
satanita. Saturdays breeze although light. was
sor,auhst unsteady both in force and In direc-
ton. but the stronger puffs seemed to nave httIe
b.eiinp eject on the vessel. despite her enormous
..IIer gear is all OF the finest wire. and looks
,,ar,.alIouslv like spiders web when viewed IN
~ conDanv OF the crowd OF cruising vessels
here II il to be hoped that Fife fas not unduly
reduced the scantling OF the gear Win the intent
OF saving weight; but the accident Isst IhuIs
a.. ,rben the bow spirit irOnwork proved made
ouately strong gives ground for some nervous
ness on this point.