Evening journal., 1901-09-26


New York. Sept. 26-QO a. m)-
Weather sharps and yachting experts
unite in predicting that breeze will
blow today that will give the Sham
rock and Columbia a race which will
be memorable in the long series of cup
events Indeed indications at this
hour are favorable for a magnificent
spectacle in yachting annals when the
two flyers go over the line.
Neither Sir Thomas Upton nor Mr..
Duncan cared to risk a trial run un-
der the conditions of wind and water
that prevailed in the first half Of yes
terday, but at o'clock. when the wind
had fallen, the Columbias mainsail
was hoisted, and a few minutes later
she filled away under mainsail, club
topsail. steysail and iib. At 2.17, while
16 men, sitting on deck tug-of-war fash
ion, trimmed down the main sheet,
others set a number two jib topsail.
The mainsail and club topsail set nice
ly, but the head sails showed a few
minor faults in the leach and foot.
Tacking to port at 2.22, when she
had reached the north side of the main
ship channel, the cup defender stood
out to sea. In this narrow channel
however, she was forced to tack again
in six minutes. The wind was very
light and there was quite an ugly
swell rolling In from the eastward,
which knocked the wind out of her
calls. From here out to the black buoy,
at the entrance to Gedney's channel,
where she turned around for the home
run at 315, the Columbia was forced
to make 13 tacks to cover a scalit
three miles, so that it may be easily
seen she was not able to show any
speed during the spin, especially as the
wind was very light and battling.
Sir Thomas Upton Hopeful.
After a consultation with Manager
Jameson and Designer Watson, Sir
Thomas Upton decided that it was not
necessary to take the Shamrock out
for a final spin. So she lay moored at
her buoy all day, her shining bronze
body being the object Of much Gu
riosity. During the afternoon the tug
Lawrence passed a line to the chal-
lenger, and she was swung for the ad-
justment Of her compasses.
When Sir Thomas was told that as
result of the official measurement OF
the yachts the Shamrock would have
to allow the Columbia only .43 seconds
in a 30-mlle course, he was much
pleased.
Don't you think we have a splendid
chance to win now?" he remarked.
I'VE fully expected to have allowed
more time, but Of course we are very
well satisfied with the result. And
again l say may the best boat win. II
the Shamrock should lose, I can GER
tainly say that have done everything
a man could do to put the yacht in
perfect condition for the races, and
I think every one admits that she is
as nearly perfect as can be-"
This morning the two yachts lie
within hailing distance of each other,
swinging at their moorings to a good
days race. All has been done that
skill and experience can suggest, and
none of the principals will make a
prophecy as to the outcime. Only the
betting shows the trend Of opinion,
and the prevailing odds are 10 to s on
the American boat In some instances
It was reported that late last evening
these odds had been increased to 10
to 7, but so far as can be learned no
large wagers have been laid A firm OF
brokers was Offering $4,000 or any
part thereof at 10 to 8, but had been
unable to place more than a small
part of this amount.
The final arrangements for the races
are complete and the regatta commit
tee having the matter in charge feels
assured that everything possible has
been done to give each yacht fair
show. AS in the case Of two years
ago. the course will be patrolled by a
fleet OF revenue cutters, in command
Of Captain Walker. OF the revenue ma
rine service, and the yachts will have
an unobstructed course Of at least
mile wide
As is usual in all Americas cup con-
tests each club will be represented on
the opposing yacht w. Butler Duncan,
who during the past season managed
New York Yacht club will be on the
Shamrock H. On board the Columbia
viii be Mr.. II. NJ. McGildowney, a
member Of the challenge committee of
the Royal Ulster Yacht club. a gentle
man of wide yachting experience.