Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1901-05-23
CUP CHALLENGER BADLY
DAMAGED IN A SQUALL..
LIPToN's TWO sHAMRoCKs VICTIMS
OF AN UNEXPECTED AND
SEVERE DISASTER.
KING EDWARD WAS ON BOARD.
SIR THOMAS DOES NOT nELIEvE
THE CHALLENGER A M
REPAIRED FOR THE RACES.

SOUTHAMPTON, May 22.-The cup
challenger, with King Edward and a
party on board. was dismasted to-day by
a squall of Cowes. Isle OF Wight.
The King. who was on deck, had a
narrow escape.
The topmast. main mast and bowsprn
were broken short OF.
The disaster occurred while prepare
tons were being made for the start of
the Brambles buoy. The squall struck
the yachts ~hroadside on. The topmast
of the Shamrock IL was carried away
n then her main mast went by the
board, carrying all her sails with 1t and
leaving her practically a wreck. The
topsail of the Shamrock | was also car
ried away.
The King, Sir Thomas Upton and
others on board the challenger returned
TO the Erin after the accident. Later
the King crossed to Portsmouth on
board the erin.
Great preparations had been made for
the days spin. King Edward came
down from London on a special train in
the morning. lie had boarded a tender
a. Southampton, and was carried out to
the challenger. The weather was good.
A fine racing wind prevailed. and 0 o
after the Kings arrival the two sham
rocks began m~aneuvering about for a
start.
With little warning a terrific squall
swept the Solent. 1t struck both yachts
with full force. For a few moments
they withstood its fury. Then the main
mast of the challenger broke below the
gar, bringing everything down to her
decks in a heap. At the same moment
Shamrock first's topsail blew away
King Edward was on deck. near the
stern. With the others he lodged the
falling hamper and escaped injury.
There was great excitement ashore
when news of the accident and the
Kings danger became known. The
docks were soon black with people.
eager for news OF the King. Sir Thomas
Lipton's steam yacht Erin, and several
other steam vessels rushed out TO the
relief OF the wrecked yachts. The boats
were 20 in tow and headed for the
hsrbor.
me news that the King was safe was
soon brought to the shore and was rc-
ceiyed with cheers by the people.
Shamrock III. drifted down the solent
after the accident, looking like a wreck.
Tier sails and spars apparently are ruin
ed, though ner hull is probably min
jured. The gaff Is broken. and the bow.
spirit wrenched. 1t will require several
weeks to make repairs.
shamrock l. behaved much better than
her rival in the blow. Her spars and
stays held, only the topsail blowing in
to ribbons.
The yachts were to be sent to-day
over a triangular course similar to one
Of the American cup series. The en-
trance into the race OF the yawi sybar-
tia (about SO feet over ain added 10 tae
interest taken in the contest, especially
as the fresh weather and reaching
course were both in favor OF the yawi.
placing the captains Of the two sham
rocks under the necessity OF driving
their boats at full speed, in order to
make any creditable show against the
outsider, and promising King Edward
ar opportunity OF witnessing what
promised to be the smartest race OF the
series.
Sir Thomas Upton fears Il will be I'm
possible to repair the Shamrock II. in
time for the cup races n II looks az
II the contest was on for this year. sir
Thomas Upton will cable to the New
York Yacht Club a long account Of the
accident with an expression OF doubt II
he will be able to fulfill his engagement.
Nothing can be finally settled until the
conference which Is to be held between
the builders and Mr.. Watson, the Do
Signer OF the Shamrock II.