The San Francisco call., 1899-09-22

SHAMROCK'S
OWNER WAS
NERVOUS
Because of a Rain the Yacht
Did Not Go Out
for a Spin.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

NEW YORK, Sept 21.-Sir Thomas
Upton is not availing himself of every
chance to test the Shamrock. She has
not been here since August II. and dur
ing that time has had bat nine trials at
sea, and even of this small number, only
four can be considered as fair tests.
There was an opportunity to-day when,
if she had sought the open. she could
have searched out any latent weakness
of spar or rigging. An eighteen knot
breeze was smothering the sea with
white caps, and while not too heavy, the
wind was strong enough to have offered
an excellent test Of strength.
That the Shamrock is not without her
little weaknesses was shown a few days
moderate wind. A wind such as was
blowing yesterday might have carried
something else away. and just that sort
OF wind may be about when the races
Tor the cup are on. Some Of these things
were pointed out TO Sir Thomas on board
his yacht Erin. He listened with deep
attention, and showed a bit of nervous
ness when it was recalled TO him that
the Columbia had been given upward of
forty trials in all sorts of weather, and
that those who are to sail the cup de-
fender have been made by this practice
thoroughly familiar with the craft. Evil
Qently realizing that good time was being
lost, Sir Thomas sent a message to Mr..
Fife, who was on board the anchored
Shamrock.
The Shamrock will not go out to-day"
was the reply that came back. 1t was
understood that the reason for not going
out was because of the rain. which
would have wet the sails and might have
stretched them out of fit. But the Sham
rock has several suits.
BRISTOL, r. l., Sept: 21.-The Columbia
left for sail down the bay this after
noon, going out under main sail. jib and
club topsails. She sailed down toward
Newport and on her way met the De
yachts started in for brush, racing up
the coast for a distance of five and three
quarters miles. Although pushed hard,
the Defender was over a half mile behind
at the end of the run. The sailing was
an to the windward. Rain caused a sud
den termination Of the race.
Inc columbia took off her head sails
ana slowed them, taking in her mainsaiI
quickly to prepare for the tow in by the
steamer St Michael.
Inc mainsail used to-day was not the
same sail used yesterday or the day be
tore, but another of the many big pieces
OF canvas which We're on for a test OF
ntness. There are thirty-siX mainsails to
choose from and the Columbia's man
ager wishes to pick out the best for The the
Dig race. All these sails, 1t is estimated
are worth about $50 900. The mainsail in
use to-day was lighter than yesterdays,
which has been taken apart at the Her
reshon sail loft. There has been some
Misunderstanding about the Columbia S
mast. She did not put in here to-day, so
tAAett Il4S new Sleel mast COulQ not De
stepped. She will continue to sail with
the old steel mast which was broken and
repaired, until it is proved that a new
spar is needed. The Columbia put In
here rather to get the benefit Of Nat
Herreshof's experience in tuning up. She
will remain. here until Monday and will
go out every, day, except tomorrow,
when Mr.. Iselin will run to Providence
on the steamer St. Michael On Monday
the boats viii proceed to New Rochelle
where the last work before the big race
Will be carried on.
NEW YORK, Sept. 21.-The British
steam yachts the first. of the fleet of
pleasure craft that the international
Yachts are expected to bring, here, ar
and the Erl King. On the latter are
A. j. Markham, her present owner, and
his family Of eight persons. The yacht
has been cruising in southern waters and
came here especially for the yacht races
At their conclusion Mr.. Markham expects
to leave for cruise around Cape Horn
The White Ladye's owner, J. Lawrence
Johnson, is not here at present, but is
coming over on the Teutonic later The
White Ladye, which was once owned by
Mrs. Langtry, was here in 1853, in which
year she was leased by the late Ogden
Goelet.