The Butte inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1901-1912, 1901-09-28
(By Associated Press.)

EW YORK, Sept. 2S.-Columbia to-
~ day won the first race in the series
for the American cup. detea ting
Shamrock H., Sir Thomas Lipton's boat,
by a narrow margin in one of the pref
test races ever seen in this country. The
day was perfect one for racing even if
the wind was a trihe light, and the per-
formance of the two yachts was excel
lent.
A tremendous crowd was present when
the starting gun was fired, and cheer af-
ter cheer rent the air as the two boats
got away. The official time of the start
was: Shamrock, 11:0O:O4; Columbia,
11:OO:06. Bulletin after bulletin regard
Ing the race was received on shore by
wireless telegraphy. and was greeted
with great applause.
Start For the Grounds.
Just before 9 o'clock Mr.. Jameson, Mr..
Watson and w. Butler Duncan went on
board. Shamrock was first taken in tow
and five minutes later she was off the
point of the hook, passing out, Columbia
following close behind her.
On board the Columbia were f. d.
Morgan, H. c. McGildowney and Her.
bert Leeds. Wind at the hook was then
blowing steadily from the northeast at
10 knots an hour, and with indications
that 1t would freshen.
Sir Thomas Upton did not go aboard
the Shamrock today, but stayed on
board the Erin until his guests arrived.
The Erin did not leave for the start
ing point until $3.50 o'clock. 1t was still
later than that when the excursion
fleet passed the hook.
At 1918 the committee boat had set
signal for a 15-mile race windward and
RETURN The wind was little south Of
east, and almost II knots. Both yachts
were near the starting line.
Fifteen Miles to Windward.
Soon after 10 o'clock both Of the flyers
discarded their tug boats, and as they
tackled back and forth across the line
the committee boat signaled that the
course would be Is miles to windward
and return. and compass course would
be east by southeast.
Meantime the great fleet of excursion
vessels had pulled out toward the light
ship and spread out behind the starting
line In two great wings.
AS the contesting yachts tackled back
and forth about the line with the main
sells, club topsails, staysails and jibs
out it was noticeable how much higher
the Columbia's bows came out of the
water as she moves under sail than does
the Shamrock.
She did not dip in the bigger seas
nearly as much as the challenger. Both
boats were running to the north tack
and ran south. Columbia beating her riv-
al In getting about.
A period of jockeying then ensued. as
the yachts waited for the preparatory
signals. This was fired at 10:45.
Over the Line.
Then came the warning signal 10 min
utes later, and promptly at II o'clock
the yachts went over the line, with
Shamrock a trifie ahead and apparently
to the windward. They We're both OF
the starboard tack as they crossed.
The fight for position was fine one.
Shamrock went over the line at 11:O0:14,
and Columbia at 11:0o:16. Within a
quarter of an hour Columbia swung
around on the starboard tack: but
Shamrock held on until she was we'll
to the weather of Columbia's wake be-
fore tacking after her.
Both boats were now swinging along
on the starboard tack, heading almost
due northeast At HIS the Columbia
was distinctly ahead. Both boats were
responding to the increasing wind. but
Columbia seemed to be increasing
her lead.
For q moment the Columbia went on
starboard tack. followed a moment later
by Shamrock. Columbia was evidently
unable to cross the Shamrock's bow and
was forced to come around.
Columbia was trying to backwind
Shamrock again, but the maneuver was
not effective.