Kootenai County Republican. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1899-1903, 1901-05-24

the start on BramDleS buoy.
Ryde, Isle Of Wight, May 23-The
yachts were to be sent today racing
over triangular course similar to one
of the America cup courses. The en-.
trance into the race of the yawl Sy.
barita (about SO feet over alb added
to the interest taken in the contest.
especially as the fresh weather and
racing course were both in favor OF
the yawl, placing the captains of the
two Shamrocks under the necessity .
OF driving the other boats at full
speed in order to make a creditable
showing against the outsiders, and
promising King Edward, who was on
board the Shamrock H.. an opportu.
nifty Of witnessing what promised to
be the smartest race OF the series.
| King Edward, desiring to take a
more active part in the proceedings
than was possible from the deck OF
the Erin, was taken on board the chal.
lenger. accompanied by Sir Thomas
Upton and two ladies'. The prelimin.
airy starting signal was given from the
Erin.
While the yachts were maneuvering
for the start squall came up with.
out the slightest warning and the
bowsprit of the challenger was car
ried away short. The extra strain
thus thrown on the tompast proved too
much for the spar. 1t whipped, broke
and doubled off to leeward, carrying
the whole weight of the backyard and
gear over the side in terrible tangle.
Almost as the topmast fell the great
steel mainmast, weighing more than
two tons and carrying spars and gear
weighing an additional three or four
tons. swayed for moment. and then
almost by a miracle, plunged over
the side and into the water with
the sound Of breaking wire and tear
ing gear in the air. The members
of the royal party were seated on
deck close to the companionway.
The king was showing keen pleas
ure. watching the fight which Cap
+. tain Sycamore was making for the ad-
vantage at the start. The yacht was
racing along at formidable angle
and the sloping deck with a mere
fringe of rail seemed rather peril
Gus place for the accommodation OF
the visitors. AS the wrecking swept
the deck it was most astonishing that
no one was injured. For a moment
. or two the situation appeared to be
= very :. grave. The king maintained
. his conposure. Most of the head
men went overheard.
Within five seconds of the disaster
> the Shamrock l. bore around to rem
: der assistance, when she in turn was
: caught by the squall and her gaff ant
topsail spars collapsed, leaving hel
= helplessly crippled.
: The press tug following the racers
n ranged alongside the helpless yacht!
> and torpedo boat which was in the
= vicinity and the Sybarita sent boat!
. to the scene. But in answer to a hail
Captain Sycamore sent the reassurin,
message that all on board had es
:, capped without injury.
:. AS quickly as possible the king ant
: the royal party were transferred t.
= the Erin. and later the king, accom-
panied by Sir Thomas Upton, LANDED
= at Southampton. from which plac,
:, his majesty will proceed to London.
The yachts were then lowed bacl
;, to Ryde. there to await a decision a
y to what should be done toward re
- pairing them.
;. Sir Thomas Upton fears 1t will b.
:, impossible to repair the Shamrock II
;, in time for the cup races. 1t look
as IL the contest was off for thi
:, year. Sir Thomas Upton will cabl
to the New York Yacht club.