New-York tribune., 1901-08-27
SHAMROCK IN LIGHT AIRS.
FIRST TRIAL IN THESE WATERS NOT
ALARMING TO TRUSTEES
OF THE CUP
PART OF THE TIME IN A FLAT CALM
SIR THOMAS ON BOARD-NEW MAIN
SAIL EXPECTED TO-DAY.

SAIL EXPECTED TO-DAY.
off Sandy Hook yesterday was by means
alarming to the present trustees of the America
Cup. The wind did not bring out any of the
more valuable qualities of the boat because II
too light, when there was any at all. OF
course the ability of a boat to drift fast in light
airs is Of consequence, but when the breezes are
feeble that thirty-n course cannot posi-
bly, he sailed in the five and half hour limit,
the value of the performance is lessened, just
as it was when the Constitution showed ex-
traordinary speed in less than a time limit
breeze.
The outcome of the trial yesterday was in the
opinion of the majority of those present, that
the Columbia has little to fear when a drift
comes into which may with difficulty be
finished within The allotted time. The Shamrock
WAS not sailing with her club gafftOpsail set
(and II is said to be huge and valuable kite
for light aiTs), but with every endeayor to make
allowances for the difference of sail plan the
English boat did not seem to possess either the
lightness or alacrity of movement which has
always characterized the 1899 defender In light
airs.
But by way OF hedging this point II should
properly be added that when the Columbia is al
ways seen in her full regalia for light airs the
eye and the intuitions become attuned to her
customary performance made with her entire
canvas power, and are not. perhaps to be trust
ed in other conditions
In other words if the Columbia had been
carrying only her small 1ibheaded gantopsan
she might not have improved on the pace set by
the challenger.
Sir Thomas Upton went aboard and the boat
was some short tacking out through the ship
channel
AS the press yacht Wanda was approaching
the Americas Cup course off Sandy Hook at
11:25, the Shamrock was seen moving slowly in
the light breeze with jbheaded gafftopsail set
As the press yacht was over an hour and a half
late, the Shamrock already well out to sea
beyond the channel buoys.
AT 11:15 the baby jibtopsail was lowered and
the No. sent up, the boat was moving
slowly After keeping this sail UP. for eight
minutes II lowered and another baby jib-
topsail was run up in stops II was a good
day for drying damp sails and at 1928 a
reaching jibtopsaii was hoisted for two minutes
and then taken down and replaced by another.
which was sent up apparently upside down.
1t did not go all the way UP and then disap
peared. fun sized reaching jibtopsau went
aloft on the stay at 12:lJ
The yacht was now in a fiat calm. but as
long as there had been a little air moving the
challenger did not seem TO move TO II as we'll
the Columbia. Although she was not car
rying the clubtopsaIl under which the Columbia
is always seen when racing in light airs it
impossible to resist the impression that the
Columbia slipped along better under the same
conditions
Not until after . o'clock did breeze enough
To move the yacht come in. 1t then came lightly
from due south and at 2:20 the large reach
ing jlotopsail was lowered and the balloon jib
sent up the stay. This was broken at
30. and proved To be a beautiful sail Of some
light material that was in marked contrast
with the rest OF the canvas There were TWEEN
ty-three good. wide cloths that were each In
one piece and had no Joins from luff to foot
At o'clock an increased air came in from the
south. and the Shamrock gybed and headed on a
broad reach toward Sandy Hook. about west
northwest and began TO foot bit faster. She
kept along the edge Of the wind with the
calm. unrufIled water in front OF her. and If
the Wind not moving fast she at least
kept in the front line OF all there was In fact
she got clear away from the water that
blued by the light air and started across the
CLASSY mirror in front that stretched away %
Sandy Hook. For good while there was
nothing the water TO tell what was making
the boat go. hut she was making close TO seven
miles hour sliding silently a knife
through soft butter.
The launch OF the Wanda was then sent over
to the Erin TO ask Sir Thomas Upton what he
had 70 say about tho story published in the
morning papers yesterday. which said that
Upton said that he had been betrayed by his
crew as regards the last race OF the coming
series for $l.JOO The denial very pointed
mplete and emphatic. and was coupled with
the request that the denial be published In terms
as forcihle as the occasion called for. The
port not At all liked by Sir Thomas lie
said that n new IL aims all for the Shamrock was
erTeCted to-day on the st. Paul from the Ratsey
lofts and that the tug LaWr enCe had gone up 10
the city To bring II down Ia Sandy Hook. This
rev sail will he set on the challenger to-day
when she leaves at 10 a. to take her next
practice sail She will remain at night time at
her anchorage at Sandy Hook all the time from
now until the Cup races