New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-23
YACHTING.
AN EXPLANATION OF THE SECRECY
MAINTAINED DESIGNERS.

With Yacht designers the desire for secrecy in
regard to their work seems to become almost a
mania There may he more method than usual In
this kind Of madness. A lesson taught by some
members OF the English stage, that the best ad-
vertiser Ia reserve. has been diligently learned
considerable number OF yacht designers are en-
gagged in the curious task of gaining publication
through secrecy. Among the many boats being
produced for the Canada's Cup contests, all are
being built in locked houses. Whether able or not
to plan a fast boat. every one Of these designers
is playing what is called "the Herreshoff act"
though. alas! there are in some cases no prying
eyes
Since the Columbia and the Shamrock have been
under construction the public has continually asked
why so much secrecy sought by their builders
and designers. II is also asked whether rival de-
signers who are preparing boats for the same con-
tests. copy each others work when they get the
chance Such a case has never been reported. To
any ono acquainted with the vast amount or work
necessary in arranging every small detail for largo
modern racing yacht. the idea OF materially altering
the designs that have been ready for months. after
the boats are half constructed Is absurd. The
shape OF the yacht and every particle OF the ma
teral that is to go into her are settled and down
on paper long before her lead keel Is cast.
and the suggestion that Fife might give credence
10 some newspaper story from America and change
the Shamrock at this late hour Is unimaginabe.
Fife knew all about the Defenders lighness OF
build. and about every part of her construction be-
fore he drew a line OF the Shamrock's shape. 1t
may be taken as a certainty that every possible
attenuation TO construction considered and
settled months ago. and that he is not waiting for
reports OF the Columbia IN order to find out what
to plate his boat with
With such builders the Herreshofs and the
Flies. 1t cannot be supposed that either firm Is
looking for help from the other, and after the
frames in place and two-thirds plated any
further continuance OF secrecy in regard TO either
boat may be ascribed to the desire for advertise
ment.
Members OF the New-York Yacht Club have
expressed doubts TO the Columbia and the Do
which Is TO be sailed off New-York on June p
There Is no doubt that both boats could be ready
II the management so desired. but then there are
other things to be considered besides the pleasing
of the greatest number II Is thought they, VIII
New-York Yacht Club. for which the rendezvous
York within days sail OF Newport Unless tho
two Herreshon boats have a brush on the hrst
day OF the cruise they viii not be likely to meet
1t Is earnestly hoped by yachtsmen that the
doubts about these boats sailing here June %
may DO removed by Commodore Morgan. As the
OF one OF these yachts and ls the owner of the
other It is understood that Commodore Morgan
has only to say the word TO bring them both
here This is the regatta that the New-York
Yacht Club gives annually for New-York. and
members of all other local clubs combine in say:
ing that tho best yachts OF the leading club should
attend II possible. .
Some OF the amateurs that sailed the De-
fender in 1895 will be the Columbia in all her
races this season. Among them will be woodbury.
Kane. Herbert C. Leeds and Newberry d. Thorne.
The steamer St. Mlchaels. which is now lying at
staten Island, has been chartered as the tender
OF the Columbia and the Defender.