The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-19
AHARD4ASK BEFORE HIN
Sir Thomas Upton Discusses the
e Cup Challenge.
Watson to Design Shamrock Ito
De the Best Boat Ever Built In
Ensland-The Herreshoffs Not Easy
to Surpass, HOyvevcr-New York
Yacht Clubs Terms Satisfactory.

LONDON, Oct. 1S.-In an interview to-
day with correspondent regarding the
cup challenge Sir Thomas Upton said that
he had challenged for the best three out
of five races. There was no need for fur
ther negotiations. The conditions were
exactly the same as those Of the last
races with the exception Of those men
toned.
Regarding the New York Yacht Clubs
mention Of accidents Sir Thomas said he
would consider that tonight. He thought
1t would be satisfactory. He believed it
meant that IL there was an accident to
either boat the other must go over the
course In the specified time before it
would be declared winner.
With reference to the request of the
New York Yacht Club that the time of
starting the races should be extended to
O'Clock in the afternoon, Sir Thomas
said it was wholly question of the state
of the wind. II the wind was light the
race could not be finished in the time
limit, though at Sandy Hook a breeze
sometimes arose quickly, allowing a race
to be finished.
Sir Thomas said he would like to know
II there would be plenty of light to finish
the races II the time was extended. Alto
reasonable one and he thought he would
accept it.
Sir Thomas added that G. L. Watson
would design his new yacht. The build
ing contract has not yet been allotted.
Continuing. he said
I'VE will build this time up to the
limit Of ninety feet. though the Sham
rock was a few inches less. / believe
this will increase the speed very slightly,
but We mean to take every opportunity
we can. The Shamrock was improperly
trimmed and never got into proper tune.
as it were. After her arrival she was
baliasted, but her designer was lying
sick Anyhow, the Shamrock was never as
good as the Columbia, however you take
her
II have stuck to the name Shamrock.
Win or lose, want no better. The chal-
lenger will be the best boat ever built
in this country. She will cost probably
proportionately more than the Shamrock.
One of my chief difficulties will be time.
as crossing the Atlantic necessitates
changing the rig twice. We have got to
build boat strong enough to stand a
heavy sea, which would be all right if
we had plenty of time, but as the races
will take place next August, you see we
have ot5much time to lose"
Referring to the statement made by the
New York Herald that he was willing
to become a poor man again if he could
lift" the cup, Sir Thomas said he could
not see why such statement was at
tributed to him. He was willing to sac
rifice lot for the cup, but there we're
other sacrifices besides mere money. 1t
required much time, care, and thought.
1t was a serious business because the
Herreshoffs were people who made It
no light task to compete with them. He
was sure no one was better than they rs
designers. They we're the brainiest and
cleyerest people. 1t would only be a
waste of money to build against them I'M
less the best possible assistance was had.
Sir Thomas believes tailt the Herreshoffs
will build boat that will be better than
the Columbia, but says they are not SO
foolish as to tell how much better she
will be-. He added:
However, I expect to build boat that
will beat the Herreshoffs' best effort.
There is one thing OF which / can assure
the public. am delighted to think Of the
pleasure / will have in again meeting the
members of the New York Yacht Club.
l know everything will be done to assist
me and put me in a position which will
make it impossible for me to complain
and / also feel that everything done will
be in my favor"