Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-07-10
THE SHAMROCK
Is Causing Joy in the Heart Of
Every Britisher.
Trial Spin Satisfactory and She Is Said
to Be a Wonder.
Columbia Again 0utsaiis The Defender. Over
ao.AiIe Course.

Southampton, July 9.-Yachting cir
cles in the Solent was never more eX-
cited 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 Sc
crecy: and, owing to the rumor in cir
culation that her sails We're unSatiS-
factory the interest was intensified.
Newspaper men and photographers
gathered in large numbers and would
have given anything to know the pro-
gramme. but nothing was given out.
Sir Thomas Upton, delighted with
his new treasure. and the brothers
Jameson were on board the Iverna,
Mr.. John Jameson's cutter. and with
Mr.. Will Fife. the designer of the
Shamrock, were much in evidence.
In Southampton waters the Sham
rock presented a magnificent sight.
The slight breeze was just enough, to
fill her sails. but she glided speedily
and as gracefully as swan.
1t should be understood that yester-
days trip was in no sense test OF
speed, although the Iverna and Satin
eta 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
few minor alterations will be found
necessary, but the sails We're pro-
nounced excellent.
The helm trials We're even more sat
isfactory, if possible. as she answered
all demands beautifully and without
the least trouble. After Calshot, she
was directed toward Cowes, where she
was eagerly scanned by crowds of ex-
perts already arrived for the season.
A distinguished expert and yachting
authority said to the correspondent of
The Associated Press that the Sham
rock was 1.-The finest yacht ever seen
in the Solent."
Starting again she went along like
a shot out of a gun. heaving for the
west channel and Yarmouth. Then
she returned toward Southampton. AS
she beat up Southampton water with
gait topsail and foresail she developed
wonderful speed. although not after
definite regarding speed, fin
ally anchoring off Hythe, where she
will remain until tomorrow, when she
will take another spin, accompanied by
the Iverna.
A member of the crew said to the
correspondent of The Associated Press:
1.-The Shamrock will do what she is
built for and will beat the Yankee.
She sailed admirably. without a hitch
and answered her helm to perfection,
which is one of the greatest considera-
tions. We are going to win: but it is
impossible yet to judge of the yachts
full capabilities"
Sir Thomas Upton expressed himself
as satisfied with the spin.''
Interest is now centered in the spins
with the Britannia, which will be
ready. Wednesday. for at least four en-
counters. In yachting circles the opin-
ion is general that the Shamrock must
beat the Britannia at least half an
hour. considering the speed the CO.
lumbia developed in the races with the
Defender.