New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-10-04
SIR THOMAS DEPRESSED.
HE DECLARES THE SHAMROCK IS NOT
THE EQUAL OF THE COLUMBIA.

The of to-day has shown that Mr.. Wat
son has not designed boat which is the equal
of the Columbia. Mr.. Watson did his best but
he did not do well Mr. Herreshof."
Sir Thomas Upton made this statement on
board the Erin after the two racers had been
stripped Of their sails and in tow for their
anchorages at Sandy Hook The defeat of the
Shamrock had been such a bitter disappoint-
ment to its owner that he frankly and for the
first time since his arrival, acknowledged the
superiority of the American boat Although by
no means admitting that he had given up hope
Sir Thomas appeared much cast down by the
defeat and strongly apprehensive that the next
would result il another victory for the rival
boat.
What do you think of the Shamrock's be-
havior to-day" was asked.
AS absolutely disappointing" was the quiet
answer. Il expected that last leg the Sham
rock would prove her superiority in windward
work. Instead the Columbia left her behind"
How do you explain the Shamrock's slowness
to windward?"
The shape of the boat" was the prompt re-
ply. The waves and the choppy seas appeared
to beat against her fiat prov and pound her
back"
Was not this the kind of weather you want
ed?"
1T ! wanted good stiff wind, but the
it kicked up was too much for the chal-
lenger. L frank to confess that to-day the
American boat has shown herself the superior.
Captain Sycamore and the crew did admirably.
No crew could have done better. Captain Syca-
more showed great skill the start and
throughout the to the finish. But cap
tain and crew can't make boat go if it isn't in
the boat"
IF you lose this series will you challenge
again?'
Don't ask me that now. 1 won't give up until
the last is and my flag comes down.
Not till then can talk about future challenges
But if you should challenge, would you have
Mr.. Watson design the boat?
NO would not for the reason that sham
rock ii is the last boat that Mr.. Watson has
designed. He won't go to work on another He
spent two years on Shamrock II. and used up, In
fact five years of his life, and his health would
not permit, l know, another attempt Mr. Wat
son did his best in Shamrock III. but he did not
turn out the equal of the Columbia.
Here the Irish yachtsman stopped moment,
and then. with a Frightening smile, he added:
II know how l can lift the Cup.
''How's that?" asked half dozen in unison.
Become an American citizen and get Nat
Herreshoff to design my boat
When Sir Thomas was shown a dispatch from
Glasgow, to the effect that syndicate of Scotch
yachtsmen will Immediately challenge for the
Cup should he fail to lift it. he said:
That's of too many cooks spelling the
broth. I've no use for syndicates. NO one is
responsible. There are plenty of men who singly
can build challenger. That isn't the question
What is wanted is a designer. Five thousand
men can raise $50OvO0 apiece. and all for moth
ing if they can't get man to design the boat
IF as you say, Mr.. Watson will not design
another. is there not Mr. Fife or some one else
who has sufficient skll?'
Yes. there is Mr.. Fife; but here Sir
Thomas ended the sentence by remarking,
we're going to sail the rest of these races first"
There is great pleasure for me In to-day's
race" he ended. and that is the fairness and
squareness with which the New-York Yacht
Club has treated me. 1t was magnificent race.
and the best boat won.
Among the guests on the Erin yesterday
Butler Aspinwall. John D. Crimmins. James
son. Mrs. Henry Siege Mr.. and Mrs. John Flag
Ter. the Duke OF Alba and Mrs. W. G. Jameson.