New-York tribune., 1901-08-04
THE YACHTING OUTLOOK.

The various yacht races in which the three
possible defenders of the Americas Cup have
competed have been far from satisfactory to
most Of those concerned 1t is frankly admit
ted that the Constitution has disappointed her
managers. though they are by no means ready
to concede that she is incapable of being brought
TO fulfil their expectations She is now under
going alterations which may accomplish just
what is required. and until she has been sub
jected to new tests with a different rig and
found lacking general opinion will be inclined to
back her chances. This prevalent feeling on
the part of yachtsmen and other more or less
intelligent observers is doubtless due in large
measure to the confidence which the HERES
hOffs have inspired in their ability 10 surpass
their previous achievements as often as the de-
mand for another Cup defender might arise.
Yet, of course the fact has been recognized that
there is limit beyond which the refining proc
ess cannot he carried, and it may become neces-
sary to conclude that the limit was reached two
years ago.
The Columbia was undoubtedly a remarkable
boat when she built. and her perform
ances this year Justify the belief not only that
she is faster now than she then under con-
ditions which exactly suit her. but also that she
is better adapted to make the best of conditions
which she would not choose. II must he ad
mtted that the recent trials have left some
questions unsettled but il it were necessary 70
choose boat TO meet Sir Thomas I.pton's new
challenger on the record il stands to-day
the Columbia would have TO he chosen. 1t Is
pleasure to add that If the changes in the Con-
sttution should fail TO improve her materially.
and she should he forced TO yield the honor of
defending the Cup to the winner of 1899 there
would be no occasion for profound anxiety.
IL f1f-
that after a brief but singularly varied career
she is still an unknown quantity in more senses
than one. Under such conditions as were re-
ported to have shown her off 10 great advantage
early in the season she has been amazingly
sluggish. though, after repeated denials. II was
finally proclaimed that leaks accounted for that
humiliating failure. In good sailing breeze
she has since then done much better-in fact,
exceedingly WELL according 10 all but the high
est standards and some persons who are not
partisans of Mr. Lawson are disposed TO believe
that In hard blow she would show her wake
TO anything afloat. But positive proof OF such
capacity would give her owner no valid claim
to the distinction which he eagerly covets. So
far as II is possible TO judge the Independence
Is not and never will be mt company for either
the Constitution or the Columbia an all round
boat Furthermore. ii may he added. there is
al present no sufficient reason 10 assume that
Mr.. Lawson is prepared to accept the only
terms on which his boat can he admitted to the
trial races and become candidate for interna-
tional honors though some intmatlons Of a
change OF attitude on his part have recently
been given.
II remains TO speak with respect and goodwill
OF Shamrock ii. which sailed for Sandy Hooh
a week ago yesterday. and ought now 10 have
accomplished nearly one-half of her Atlantic
voyage. II the Constitution I'm her latest form
has caused her managers much ureasiness it Is
equally true that Sir Thomas Upton had for a
time grave reason for discourngement. But
Mr. Duncan and his associates may find
cheering omen I'm the fact that the second
Shamrock had found herself before her de-
parture and demonstrated her superiority to
the first Of her name. More than that IL may
be scarcely safe To say. but there is yet no
need 10 fear that she is destined to carry home
the famous trophy. Whatever fate is In store
for her. she and her generous minded owner
will receive n hearty welcome from the Ameri-
can public