New-York tribune., 1901-05-23
OWNERS ACCOUNT OF DISASTER.

OWNERS ACCOUNT OF DISASTER.
The Shamrock now lies off Hythe. The story
of the catastrophe is best told by Sir Thomas
Upton himself After seeing his royal guest
off to London, Sir Thomas said:
We had just begun 10 make for the starting
line when fierce breeze sprang up King Ed
ward, Lady Londonderry, Mrs. Jameson. MI
Watson, Mr. Jameson and myself were on deck
hanging best might. for the challenger
was almost at angle OF 40 degrees 80
The King started to go below; just as he dld
so everything collapsed. A heavy block IeIL peo pc
tween the two ladies' and a wire rope struck me
on the head. and momentariy stunned me -
sudden squall unexpected strain ana eve! eve y!
thing had given way. hlng bdMaap aatsaa m WI what
and half out of the companion hatch"ay' Nna'
happened, how all the falling spars ana sweep
ing sails did not kill sweep some one over
beard. is more than know. When came 10,
saw the King clambering over the wreckage
trying TO discover the extent Of the damage and
asking: is any one hurtE
It was learned that Sir Thomas's first utter
ance on coming to was this remark to Mr.. Wat
son:
Telegraph for more spars. We have got TO sail
on August u. and this boat has got to do it.
KING SHOWS NO FEAR.
When the King had been safely transferred 10
the Erin, his first remark was
when shall we sail again. Lipton?" and be-
fore his majesty started for London. his last
words TO sir InOTaS were: EWnen you next sail
1 going with you"
The ruler of the empire seemed keenly to enjoy
the unusual spice Of danger into which his love
of sport had led him.
Mr. Watson and Mr.. Jameson, especially the
former, downcast, and refuse to say any
thing. Mr.. Watson indeed, is so chagrined that
he could scarcely talk to even his most intimate
friends. and until after dinner board the
Erin Sir Thomas believed IL would be impossi-
bic 70 contest for the Cup this year. Thanks to
his indomitab BILE perseverance, backed up by King
Edwards optimistic and enthusiastic support II
was decided TO go ahead, provided the New
York Yacht Club would grant extension.
NEW BOAT TO COME HERE.
The question whether the New-York Yacht
Club should be asked TO permit the substi-
tuition Of Shamrock 1 for Shamrock II was
quickly relegated because Sir Thomas and Mr.
Jameson. in spite of everything that has hap
pened, maintained that the new boat was well
worth the trouble she had caused.
II may be stated with little authority that
played with too much vigor. and that there is
more IN her, according to the views Of those
most interested than meets the eye.
Sir Thomas calculates that a delay of three
weeks or month in the date of the contest in
American waters will enable him TO come to the
scratch He says that he is greatly handicapped
by the fact that he has duplicate masts for
Shamrock II, but by unlimited expenditure
OF money and energy he believes the defects can
be remedied in time TO provide for an internaN
ional race this year.
I.
ct was" he said terribly cast down when I
saw what terrible wreck that beautiful boat
was, but now think things can be remedied
have cabled to Mr.. Ledyard personally to-day
and tomorrow expect To cable the New-York
Yacht Club officially. BY then I shall know
more than I do now"
Heartfelt expressions Of gratitude that the
King escaped are heard upon all sides Many
people say he was foolish to go aboard the
challenger, but Sir Thomas says
IF did not think everything was perfectly
safe. you may be I would never have in
vited his majesty"
conference between Sir Thomas Upton and
Mr. Watson will be held on board the Erin to-
morrow to decide upon future measures Mean
while the engagements TO race in the exhibition
contests on the Clyde have been abandoned
II appears that the masthead man had provi-
dentally been ordered down just before the ac-
cident A few Of the got a wetting but
otherwise nobody was hurt. King Edward
calmly lit another cigar and continued smoking
after assuring himself that everybody was safe
Later he steamed around the wrecked vessel
and carefully inspected the broken bobstay.