The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-09-03
YACHT RACE DRCLARD OFF.
Postponed to Allow Changes in the
COnstitutiOn's Rigging.


NEWPORT, R l., Sept 3.-W- Butler
Duncan announced this morning that
there would be no race between the
yachts Constitution and Columbia today.
No explanation was given, but 1t was un-
derstood that the delay was decided upon
so that improvements in the Constitu-
tious rigging and sails might be made.
Mr.. Duncan admits that her sails are
anything but satisfactory III their present
condition.
It also seems extremity likely that the
present series Of races will not decide
which one Of the two yachts will defend
the Americas Cup. In the Constitutions
present form II seems only fair that the
decision should be delayed. The matter is
ia the hands Of the Cup committee. and
no official action has yet been taken. but
it is generally understood that they viii
make provision for further races.
Those who are most deeply interested in
the success Of the new yacht - egin-
ming 20 feel that the situation Is decidedly
embarrassing Most yachtsmen seem to
believe that If Constitution could be made
10 show her best form she woald be the
better boat of the two. and yet they are
forced to witness the Anomalous perform
ance Of a yacht which not only does not
win from the previous defender, but which
actually deteTiorates instead Of improves
in her tuning up. The Situation is some
thing hitherto unknown in the history Of
the races for the Americas Cup
FachtSmen hesitate to admit that the
development or the present style Of racing
sl0ops reached its limit in Columbia.
Yesterdays huke was a curious exam
pie OF the contradictory merits Of the
ing breeze that increased as she tackled
her way into it. Constitution was beaten
( minutes and % seconds in windward
leg OF ten miles. Il looked then as though
she was going 10 be more numerically
defeated than in any Of her previous
races Forthwith. the wind died away
and she began 70 pick up. on the second
leg she actually gained fifteen seconds.
As the two sloops rounded the second
mark. the breeze died out completely and
they drifJed with wrinSllng sheets on an
oily sea Then, with no wind at all be-
hind her. the new toat walked right up
over the haif-mile lead that Columbia had
won from her aEd actually took the lead
The performance was almost weird. But
then just when people We're maryeiing at
her almost magic aptitude for light airs.
real breeze spraug up. II was already
deepening twilight but those following
the race could see the Columbia walk
right up on and pass the Constitution. not
as yacht generally passes another. but
as an express passes a freight train IL
was an impressive showing Of what the
boats I'm their present form can do and
within litt-s over a quarter OK an hour
the old defender was quarter OF a mile
ahead
The Earaor was rs bright as ever this
morning and white with pleasure craft.
tho only change from yesterday that was
rosth-c being the abscrcc OF the Erin.
Sir Thomas Upton, after dining with AIr.
LsLysrI last evening. returned 70 his
Yacht and started for Sandy HOOK. The
dinner was - ~ informal and there was
no apecchmaEing. Besides Sir Thomas
and his party from the Er5n, AIr. Ledyard
entertained the challenge and regatta
committee and The management OF Co
luUb.a and Constitution.
Sir Thomas followed Yesterdays race
with the greatest interest. exas2cratiag
at 1t was TO have wind die away and
then spring up again Just too late 10
bring the yachts across the line in
limit uae- TIL Erin logged along TO lee
ward of the Contitutiou all through the
race. while thc Upton party. Including
Captain Sycamore. Mr.. Watson, the de
sisu-r, @ud Mr.. Ratscy, the sailmakeT,
examined every inch Of her.
Even when it was plain that the race
could no. bs finished and most Of the
pleasure craft wtre hurryiEs back to the
Earior. the Erin politely lay to behind
.He Constitution. and it was not until the
twilight had begun 70 deepen into dark
ness that she finally put on steam and
swept rrarE'v hy. As she did so. a string
of lights flashed out a!0uE her deck on
port and starholTd sides clear from stem
20 stern. Th,se lights following the lines
of her deck brought out even in the dark
ness the beautiful sheer which gives Sir
Thomas yacht such "a look OF springincss
and speed. in spite Of her size and as she
UowIod in past the neck from the light
ship with the CoIonia under fun speed
just behind. no yacht IN the feet was
more admired.