The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-07-09
Old Defender Is Beaten by the New
Herreschoff Yacht Three Miles
Over Thirty Mile
Course.
TIME OF THE WINNER, 4:54:2o.

Newport, r. l.. July S.-If tho victory Of
the Constitution over the Columbia and the
Independence in the first Of the three-cor-
n.red races on Saturday was significant
and definite. her winning TODAY may well
be characterized as overwhelming, and the
defeat of the Independence as positive and
almost hopeless.
The approach Of evening again found tho
committee boat anchored far out in Nara
gansett Bay, along with the catboat which
marked the other end of the finish line, tedi-
olsly waiting for the Boston boat to cross,
while her rivals were well up the harbor
On the way to their moorings.
Sailed Away from the Columbia.
The new Eerreshotf boat had beaten the
Columbia by nearly half an hour over the
thirty mile course, while the record against
the Independence was almost full hour.
She came near travelling around the tri-
ongle while the Crowninshield creation was
covering two legs of it.
To-days race establishes tho new Bristol
sloop as record-breaker In light airs. She
has accomplished what yachts!nen consid-
cred impossible IN thus beating the Column
bia, while her performance has put the In
dependence entirely out Of the running in
conditions like those Of to-day. What her
showing may be In heavy weather Is stu a
matter Of conjecture, as it Is with the In
dependence, but the experts are now al
most ready to accept any achievement OF
the Constitution without surprise.
Breaks All Records.
OF all the conquests in the history of the
renowned races for the Americas Cup, that
Of to-day is the most remarkable. Not only
Of the races proper. but also Of those Incl
dent to the selection Of a cup challenger or
a cup defender. Constitution has proved her
self the best lieht-weather craft of this gen
Grafton. Volunteer. Vigilant. Defender and
Columbia have in the past achieved wonder-
full and glorious thugs in the cause Of de-
Tending the cup, but Cousutntlon To-Day
caps the climax.
The wind was light from the southwest
at the start, and there was. a long and
greasy ground swell from the southwest
when the start was made from a point five
miles east southeast of Brenton's Reef
lightship The first leg of the triangular
course of thirty nautical miles was dead
beat to windward of ten miles. the course
being southwest. The start Of the Consti-
tuition was notable. She did not seem to
want to take the windward position, but
being In hurry to cross, started from pref.
~ nearly the leeward end OF the line, dno
lufred ND to cross, just as the gun sounded.
This would nave been the cause OF berth
further to leeward. But little while after
Columbia and Independence had crossed the
Constitution showed her naughty disregard
OF the pair OF them by proceeding On the
starboard tack with little lib topsail de-
family shaking its luff at everything adoat,
then going about anc crossing the bows OF
her opponents, and when satisfied with the
lead She had obtained. tacking and occupy
ing a commanding berth to the windward,
and a lead which she maintained to the end
OF the race.
Overcame All Obstacles.
There was haze and dampness and an
unprepossessing outlook generally. but the
Constitution overcan,e every ob3tacle that
offered in the way OF dukes and doldrums
and sailed with tact and skill, won out the
first mark by 10 minutes 81 seconds over
the Columbia. That great yacht never be.
fore had such q humiliating experience
On the second leg. a reach OF ten miles.
she rounded the leeward mark minutes
and a seconds ahead OF. Columbia, and
then. scurrying faster than the wind,
which never during the racing to-day ex-
ceeded the force Of a six-knot air. she made
the crowuing record Of her history by SAIL
ing over the ten knots In - minutes and Is
seconds.
Then came the cheering and notes Of
acclaim from whistles and sirens In honor
of the greatest boat that ever sailed a
fast light.weather race. What she may do
with .topmast housed Is quite another mar
rattve. She 70 up to this time superb In
light airs, but 4 stronger breath may con.
Quer her. y
ln6epenaenee clearly 0uxsiassea,
Tbs 1ndependencs was not handicapped