Waterbury Democrat., 1901-08-03
yAGHTSLAST RACE
Independence and Columbia
 Were In Fine Fettle.
BOSTON BOATS GOOD START

Independence Got Fl ftter Start Than
 on Thursday-The IBoston Boat in
 the Early Part of the Race Made
 Good Showing-Gave Her Managers
 Much ConEdence-Columbi Took
 the Lead Early in the Race, How
 eyer-And Won After a Spirited
 Race-Had the Race Been Another
 Two Miles it is Thought That the
 Independence Would Have Won.
 Bateman's Point, R. l., Aug 3.-The southwest breeze of yesterday and Thursday still continued this morn ing, with perhaps added strength, when the Columbia and Independence hoisted their mainsaiIs and prepared for the second in the August series of the Newport Yacht Racing associa- ton.
 The sky, however, was overcast and at g o'clock there were some indications of rain. Still the work of preparation went on
 The start of to-day's race was or dered as usual at Brenton's Reef light ship and again triangular course of 30 miles, ten miles to a side, was ar ranged. Before the yachts came out it seemed as if the committee would send the yachts in practically the same direction as on Thursday.
 What the Independence with her chop was a matter of conjecture until at 1O:10 she made her appearance, the first of the racers out of the harbor. She ran out very fast, under three lower sails and her No 3 or smallest clubtopsail. She seemed to take the seas easily, although there was con- siderable foam under her bow as she beat out, and every time she came about she met the seas bluntly.
 The Columbia came out about 10 minutes after the Independence, car rying her smallest clubtopsail. She seemed to ride the seas a little better than the Boston boat
 The start was made at II :26. The Independence was in q much better position than on Thursday. running along the line just before the signal and crossing at the eatern end near the lightship, about 30 seconds after the whistle was sounded. The Co., lumbia was we'll astern and crossed about 30 seconds later near the flag ship Both boats went across the line on the starboard tack and headed off shore. the Independence in the lead. As the yachts were not timed in cross ing the line, the Independence appear ed to have the best of the start
 In the first five minutes of sailing the Independence appeared to be go- ing very fast. although not pointing as high as the Columbia. The lee rail of the Boston boat was well under and she was going very fast.
 The Columbia tackled to port at II :34 and headed for Point Judith, followed immediately by the Independence. The yachts held the starboard tack about eight minutes, during which time the Independence appeared to have outfooted the Columbia considerably. but on the other hand she did not point as high. At this time it is inn possible to tell which of the two boats Is ahead, although the Independence appeared to have a little the better of it. The yawls made a bad mess of their starting. Vigilant and Navahoe crossing the line ahead of the signal and having to come back. Tn the meantime the Aisla crossed and sue ceeded in getting good lead on the other boats
 Going toward Point Judith on the first leg of the race the two boats were geing at fast rate and the Columbia appeared to be about one half mile in the lead The Columbia turned the first mark at 12:41-30 and the Inde- pendence at 12:44-45 Within five miles of the finish the yachts were still making unusual time and the Co Iumbia still held the lead.
 The Columbia crossed the line a winner in one of the most sensational finishes that has ever been witnessed. The crowds who were watching the last 10 miles. which was the only part of the race that could be seen. were wild with excitement. Tn the last five miles the TndeDendence. began to over haul the Columbia and was only beat eu by three minutes. As soon as the Independence crossed the line she put down toward the Columbia. and as she passed her rival her crew cheered the victorious yacht and the men aboard her. Had the race been two miles more the Independence would have been the victor. as her speed at the fin ish was something marvellous.