Evening star., 1901-10-03
SAILED GRAND RACE
Columbia 10utclassed the Shamrock
at Every Point.
THEY HAD A RhffLING BREEZE
Just What Sir Thomas Had A.
ways Hoped For.
co n I E ST IN DETAIL
HEY had A RAffLING BREEZE
co NTE ST IN DETAIL

NEW YORK, October st looked early
this morning as If Sir Thomas Lipton's
wish for a strong ofshore breeze and a
smooth sea had been granted for at s
O'Clock grand 24-knot breeze was blowing
straight out of the northwest and the sea
had decreased so that there was scarcely
any surf along the Jersey shore. Coasters
from the harbor ran rapidly down the Jer-
sey shore, and some fast steamers going
southerly had the smoke from their stacks
blown far out ahead of them. One or two
pilot boats on their stations inside Sandy
Hook lightship were well reefed down. and
even then seemed TO have considerable heel,
But the sea was beautifully smooth there
being scarcely more than ripple breaking
on the shore, while the vessels out to sea
stood steadily along with very little roll.
The conditions of wind and water IN
short, were ideal, and promised a rare
days race between the two big yachts.
Sir Thomas Upton was out early and
rubbed his hands with glee when he came
on deck of the Erin.
Weather Pleased Sir Thomas.
This is what we want" he said. IF 1t
holds we will have a good race. The Sham
rock should do well today. True, Mr.. Nor
gan says the Columbia wants wind. but so
do we. If the breeze keeps up we will have
a IdlT test OF lnS Two DOdlS. Anu dl lpE-
hour 1t looked as If his desire for six
inches of water on the Shamrocks lee rail-
was to be fulfilled.
The captains and crews of both yachts
breakfasted early, and soon after o clock
they were on board their respective boats.
The Columbfa's staysail and jib were sent
up in stops. Fifteen minutes later the
Shamrock's were sent up. Then sail covers
were taken off the mainsails. and sfter
Captains Barr and Sycamore had gauged
the strength of the wind, the crews of
both yachts got out some number two club
topsails.
1--WE shall have a good breeze all day."
said Captain Sycamore. "and this will be
more like Shamrock weather"
When asked what he thought of the
wether Captain Barr said: This is good.
l think we will sail a fast race today"
The Columbia took line from her tug
at ten minutes to o'clock and started out
of the Horseshoe the Shamrock following
her five minutes later. The Columbia
rounded the Hook under tow and started
for the line, not attempting to put up her
mainsail. although it was an easy run
down before the wind. The Shamrock also
went around under tow.
When the tugs Luckenbach and Navi-
gator, two of the committee boats, passed
the Hook at 9:25, the wind was still hold
ing fresh and steady, the official gauge at
Sandy Hook giving the velocity -
knots an hour. Should it hold there was
every prospect that the race would be
sailed in less than three and one-half
hours.
The Excursion Fleet Starts.
The racers were well out to the lightship
before the vanguard of the great excursion
fleet started down through the Narrows,
closely followed by picturesque swarm Of
white yachts and miscellaneous craft.
When the steamer Victor arrived at the
Hook with the guests of Sir Thomas LIP
ton they had an exciting time in being
transferred in small launches from the
transport to the yacht Erin The sea was
choppy and the small boats tossed about
in threatening manner.
Soon after 10 o'clock both The Columbia
and the Shamrock hoisted their mainsails
and the Columbia set her club topsail.
By this time the wind had hauled little
more to the north-northwest, and while
still blowing steady had apparently de-
creased in velocity, though not enough to
cause any apprehension.
On both boats every sail seemed to set to
perfection, and as the wind sackened
little both captains sent up their largest
club topsails. The Shamrock was first to
drop her tow. At half past 10 she broke
out her jib and, swinging away on the port
tack, wore around with grand heel on.
The Columbia soon followed suit and both
yachts behaved magnificently in the splen-
did breeze. The excursion fleet had reach
ed the line by this time and the guard
boats began to line them up in order to
give the yachts plenty Of room for the
start.
The Shamrock was standing off and ON
around the lightship, while the Columbia
was nearly a mile away heading toward
the starting line.
She came rapidly up, however and by
1915 o'clock. when the preparatory gun
was fired was maneuvering back of the
line. On the committee boat signals had
been set for a triangular course, first leg
east half south, second leg southwest hat
south third leg north-northwest When
the warning gun was fired at 10:55 both
yachts were headed into the wind a little
to the eastward of the judges boat, killing
time.
The Wind and the Course.
The course indicated by the committee
made the first leg a rather close reach on
the port tack, the second a broader reach
and the third leg dead beat to the finish.
The starting gun was fired ON the stroke