The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-09-26
ON THE EVE OF THE
GREAT YACHT RACE
Weather Sharps Predict a
Splendid Breeze.
BETTING ON TIE RACE.
The Prevailing Odds 10 to 8 on the
Columbia.
THE FINAL ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETE
As None Of the Principals Will Make a Pro-
phecy as to the Outcome, Only the
Betting Shows the Trend
Of Opinion.
BETTING ON TIE RACE.
The Prevailing Odds 10 to 8 on the
Columbia.
THE FINAL ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETE
By the Associated Press.)

New York, Sept. 25.-Weather sharps
and yachting experts unite in predicting
that breeze will blow tomorrow that
will give the Shamrock and the Column
bia a race which will be memorable in
the long series of cup events If weather
conditions of today presage anything.
this prophecy will be fulfilled.
After four days on almost calm wealth
er. rafting breeze blew in from the
northeast early this morning and at
sunrise it had reached half gale. When
the sailcrs> of the cup yachts and their
attendant vessels turned out for the last
work of preparation, thirty mile wind
was kicking up the whitecaps in Sandy
Hook Bay and outside a heavy sea was
running and sailing vessels were pound
Ing along under close reefed sails
While the wind died with the sunset
the weather wise say it will come again
with the morning and that all indications
are favorable for one of the most mag
nihcent spectacles in yachting annals
when the two yachts go over the line to-
morrow
Neither Sir Thomas Upton nor Mr..
conditions of wind and water that pre-
vailed in the first half of today. but at
two o'clock when the wind had fallen the
Columbia's mainsail was hoisted and a
few minutes later she filled away
The Columbia was forced to make thir-
teen tacks to cover a scant three miles. so
that 1T may be easily seen she was not
able to show any speed during the spin,
especially as the wind was very light
and battling.
After consultation with Manager
jameson and Designer Watson. Sir
Thomas Upton decided that it was not
necessary to take the Shamrock out for
final spin. So she lay moored at her
buoy all day, her shining bronze body be-
ing the object of muca curiosity During
the afternoon the tug Lawrence passed
a line to the challenger and she was
swung for the adjustment of her com
passes.
Men were put to work today polishing
tne shear strake of the Shamrock
Others creased the big mast to make the
gaf slide easily tomorrow Finishing
touches were put on the paint work and
all the standing and running gear re-
ceiVed final overhauling The Column
on her hull with sandpaper until it was
smooth as glass.
Tonight the two yachts lie within hail
ing distance OF each other. swinging at
their moorings to a good breeze. in which
lies the hope of tomorrows race All has
been done that skill and experience can
suggest, and none of the principals will
make prophecy as to the outcome Only
the betting shows the trend of opinion
and the prevailing odds are 10 TO s on
the American boat. In some instances
1T was reported that late this evening
these odds had been increased to 10 to Z.
put SO lar as can be learned no large
wagers have been laid. firm of brok-
ers was today offering S25, 600 or any part
thereof at 10 to 8, but had been unable
to place more than small part of this
amount.
The final arrangements for the races
are complete and the regatta committee
having the matter in charge feel assured
that everything possible has been done
to give each yacht fair show AS in the
case of two years ago, the course will be
patrolled by a fleet of revenue cutters
in command of Captain Walker, of the
Revenue Marine service and the yachts
will have an unobstructed course of at
least mile wide.
As is usual in all Americas Cup con-
tests each club will be represented on
the opposing yacht. w. Butler Duncan,
who during the past season managed the
Constitution, will represent the New York
Yacht Club on board the Shamrock II. On
beard the Columbia will be H. McGil-
downey, a member of the Challenge Com
mittee of the Royal Ulster Yacht Club,
a gentleman of wide yachting experience
TWO YEARS OR FOUR