The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-09-26
Sir Thomas Is Hopeful for His Boat
and VIII Have a Distinguished
Company the Erin.
LITTLE BETTING IS POSTED
SHAMROCK MONEY Is NOT PLENTI-
FUL IN GOTHAM
Columbia Takes n short Spin Under
Adverse Conditions-Cost OF De-
Tending the Cup.

E
NEW YORK, Sept. 25.-Weather sharps
and yachting experts unite in predicting
that a breeze will blow tomorrow that
will give the Shamrock and the Columbia
a race which will be memorable i'm the long
series Of cup events. If weather condi-
tions of to-day presage anything this
prophecy will be fulfilled. After four days
of almost calm weather a rattling breeze
blew in from the northeast early this
morning, and at sunrise il had reached
half gale. When the sailors Of the cup
yachts and their attendant vessels turned
out for their last work of preparation a
thirty-mile wind was kicking up the white
caps in Sandy Hook bay and outside a
heavy sea was running, and sailing ves-
sells were pounding along under close
reefed sails. While the wind died with the
sunset the weatherwise say IL will come
again with the morning. and that all in
dications are favorable for one OF the most
magnificent spectacles in yachting annals
when the two racers go over the line to-
morrow.
Neither Sir Thomas Upton nor Mr. Dun
can cared to risk a trial under the condi-
tions of wind and water that prevailed in
the first half of to-day, but at 2 o'clock,
when the wind had fallen. the Columbia's
mainsail was hoisted and a few minutes
later she filled away under mainsail, club
topsail, staysail and jib.
At 217, while sixteen men. sitting on
deck, tug-of-war fashion. trimmed down
the main sheet, others sat at NN Z~Jr6'
topsail. The mainsail and club topsaiI set
nicely, but the headsails showed few
minor faults in the leach and foot.
Tacking TO port at 2:22, when she had
reached the north side OF the main shin
channel the cup defender stood out TO
sea. In this narrow channel. however. she
was forced to tack again i'm six minutes.
The wind was very light, and there was
quite an ugly swell rolling i'm from the
eastward, which knocked the wind out OF
her sails. From here out to the black
buoy, at the entrance 10 Gedney channel.
where she turned around for the home run
at 3:l5 the Columbia was forced 10 make
thirteen tacks TO cover a scant three miles.
so it may be easily seen she was not able
to show any good speed during the spin.
especially as the wind was very light and
battling. i.
THE RUN BACK.
When sheets were eased for the run back
TO the Hook the yacht showed some OF her
taken in. sixteen men then manned the
balloon jib topsail halyards. and in three
minutes that sail was set and drawing
well. In hauling aft the sheet it caught
in the end of one of the battens of the tib
and tore the batten pocket about a foot.
1t easily be repaired however.
Gybing at 3:22. the yacht made her way
slowly to the point OF Sandy Hook Round
,lr1.-
and made fast for the night the whole run
lasting less than two hours.
After a consultation with Manager Jame-
son and Designer Watson, Sir Thomas Lip
ton decided that IL was not necessary TO
take the Shamrock out for final spin.
So she lay moored at her buoy all day
her shining bronze body being the object OF
much curiosity. During the afternoon the
tug Lawrence passed line TO the chal-
lenger, and she was swung for the adjust
ment of her cOmDasses.
When Sir Thomas was told to-day that.
as a result of the official measurement OF
the yachts. the Shamrock would have to
allow the Columbia only forty-three sec
onds I'm a thirty-mile course, he was mucn
pleased.
Don't you think we have a splendid
chance TO win nOw2' he remarked We
fully expected TO have 10 allow more time,
and, of course, are very we'll satisfied
with the result And again 1 say, May
the best boat win If the shamrock should
lose 1 can certainly say that 1 have done
everything a man could do 10 put the
yacht I'm perfect condition for the races
and 1 think every one admits that she ia /
nearly perfect as can be"
Men were put 10 work to-day polishing
the shear strake Of the Shamrock. Others
creased the big mast 10 make the gan
slide easily tomorrow. Finishing touches
wtre put on the paint work, and ali the
standing and running gear received hnal
Overhauling. The COlumba's men rubbed
down the white paint on her hull until il |
was smooth as glass.
ALL IN READINESS
Tonight the two yachts lie within haninx
distance of each other. swinging al their
moorings 10 a good breeze, i'm which lies
the hopes of to-morrows race All has
been done that skill and experience can
suggest, and none OF the principals VIII
make "A prophecy 10 the outcome Only
the betting shows the trend OF opinion aud
the prevailing odds are 10 q on the Amerl-
can boat In some instances. Il is reported
these odds have been increased 10 10 to 4.
but so far as can be learned no large wa
gers have been laid. 4 nrm of brokers was
to-day Offering S25ooo any part thereof
al 10 TO \, but had been unabl. 10 plaoa
more than a small part OF this amount
The final arrangements for the races are
complete and the regatta committee having
the matter in charge feels assured hal
everyt hing possible has been done 10 vfv.
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 Marins
Service, and the yachts will have an un-
obstructed course OF AT least mile wide.
- H. usual In all America s cup contests
each club viii be represented on the oppcs-
ing Yacht. ". Butler Duncan. who dursnx
the past season managed the Constitution.
will represent the New y ork Yacht club on
board the Shamrock IT. ON board the Co.
lumbia viii be Mr.. H. NJ. McGlldowney. a
member of the challenge committee of the
Roval Ulster Yacht club. a gentleman OF
wide yachting experience.
AZ will not he known until to-morr0w
what course the COMMITTEES vfli order. The
nrst race IL q hfteen-rile run % vindward