New-York tribune., 1901-05-10
FOR THE AMERICAS CUP.

Though the three big cutters for the America s
Cup racing have now been disclosed TO view, no
body on either side of the Atlantic seems anx-
ious to predict the result. In fact it may be re-
marked as something unique in the history OF
the Cup racing that at this stage of the game
the usually confident prophets remain apso-
lutely silent. This reticence does not extend
merely TO the challenger and defender. but also
10 the competition which is to be made for Sc
lection on this side. Some supposed proofs OBJ
tanned in the smaller classes have been applied
TO the 90-foot class in order TO get line on
what Mr.. Crowninshield's craft. which is the
largest of the products. will do with the vessel
which has just been launched at Bristol, and
some we'll known faults Of the scow floor nave
been referred TO in order to suggest that the
independence may not in light airs and sloppy
wave motion do we'll as the more f1ne-drawn
Constitution. But here a second thought has
obtruded itself as to whether the Independence,
in being two feet narrower than the Bristol
craft. may not come out about even under such
conditions. in spite of the model that is shaped
for great power rather than sensitiveness.
This is point that gives pause TO many
student of the situation. and II Herreshoff had
not gone two feet wider in his new craft than in
his Columbia. opinion would be much more
clear that he would have the better Of the scow
floor in light windward work AS it is there is
a doubt whether the Bristol designer did not
take on some of the possible faults OF the Bos-
ton boat when he widened the welnigh perfect
Columbia model TO secure greater sail carrying
power The Columbia was delightful mean
between the slim shape that is readily moved
by the lghtest airs and the structural develop
ment that proves supreme when heavy winds
call out every ounce of power, and the fact
that Watson and Crowninshied have both
adopted her beam, twenty-four feet, In their
new boats is q sufficient indication OF their
opinion. These designers and most other
yachtsmen not yet prepared TO believe
that the increase OF width 10 twenty-six feet
means an all round improvements but HERES
hoff has thought otherwise" on n number OF
occasions and with such undenlably good re-
suits that the majority are fully prepared 10
acknowledge themselves wrong
The tenderest and most sensitive craft Of the
three is undoubtedly the Upton challenger.
From about her mast aft she is cut away in a
remarkable shaping that is intended. like that
of the yachts of fifty years ago TO let the water
go clear without disturbance, and she trails aft
so finely that there IS a width OF only six or
seven feet at her tailboard. In sailing she lies
over exactly as the eye promised she would.
Carrying small topsail she lies over more than
the first Shamrock with her biggest But Wat
son has judged that n boat expecting TO win the
Cup should be extremely susceptible to the
lightest airs and have refinement OF body that
is Immediately responsive TO the whisper of a
catspaw besides making a speciality of wind
ward work. The boat is found TO perform
pretty much as he expected, and private cable
message from an expert who has seen her sail
ing says that on a conservative estimate the
new boat can give the old Shamrock thirty
seconds in each mile of windward work when
the breeZes are light. This means seven and
One-half minutes ahead at the end OF a fifteen
mile Cup course beat, and il is just about seven
and One-half minutes better than the Columbia
could do with the old Shamrock in some Of the
uncOmpleted races Of 1899, which were sailed In
light weather. VIII the Constitution or the In
dependence beat the Columbia seven and one
half minutes to the fifteen mile windward
mark? If not, then the new Shamrock may for
the present be considered dangerous boat