The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-05-06
THE CUP DEFENDER READY.
Launch of the Constitution Likely to
Tnke Place Tonight.


BRISTOL r. l., May 4.-The cup de-
fender Constitutions win probably be
launched about II o'clock tomorrow night
This is the belief of the most conservative
workmen employed in the Herreshoff boat
shops. They say the tide will not serve
until that time and that Capt Nat Here's
hoff. the yachts designer, does not pro-
pose to take any chances as the depth OF
water. even after the recent dredging
operations. Is not more than sufficient
for his purposes at high tide.
When the Herreshoff workmen finished
their labors last night there remained only
a few hours work on the Constitution be-
fore she will be ready for launching.
The first coating of paint was applied
to the topside of the yacht Friday. and
yesterday morning. the vanishing having
been finished in short order by the MIN
ble-fingered Deer Islanders and Long
Islanders brought here by Captain Rhodes.
Another coat of paint above the water
line will be given to the Constitution after
she is launched and her big steel mast
has been stepped and bowsprit shipped
The mast has been made ready with its
understanding rigging, and the bowsprit
was gotten out yesterday and taken into
the north shop to be scraped and pre-
pared for setting up.
VIII be far less work unfinished on her
than was required for the Columbia. be-
cause the work has been further adj
vanced in the south shop The exit at
the west front of the south shop was
enlarged yesterday in order to permit the
free passage of the yacht when the order
is given to lower the launching ways.
Yesterday much of the staging about
the boat was taken away, and some of the
supports by which the yacht has been
shored up were also removed that there
may be little delay as possible when
the launching hour arrives. The paint
on the tcpsides appears to be very thin,
and the highly polished bronze showing
through gives 1t rather dull appears
ance, as seen through the south windows
of the boat shop.
Nearly half OF the deck covering has
been laid Instead of the tarpaulin and
linoleum reported 10 have been selected.
it is stated on excellent authority that
the covering is preparation of ground
cork and rubber. which Is far lighter than
any deck covering used In a cup defender
or challenger ever seen on this side of
the ocean.
The saving in weight in this item alone
is considerable At the present rate or
progress it is believed to be improbable
that the deck will be covered before the
yacht is launched. Work on her is to be
continued up to few minutes before the
word is given TO put her into the water.
The Boston rigger, Billman, arrived
yesterday with force OF five men. and
Immediately began the work of looping
the steel wire rigging prepared in the
rigging loft to the masthead. The spruce
bowsprit. just finished, was also attended
to. The mast will be stepped Tuesday
morning with the wooden telescoping top
mast in its place, according to present
plans. All of the bookings are now in
hand.
The steel gaf was practically finished !
when the worknen quit last night ard
there remains less than week s work to !
be done on the boom. which Is somewhat |
longer than the mast. The first suit of |
working sails is ready to be bent, though /
they may be tinkered before the yacht {
starts on her initial spin down the bay.
The event will not take place for at least (
two weeks after the launching, according (
to wel-informed Herreshon workman.
He thinks the trial spin has been fixed /
contingently for the last week in the (
month.
Workmen have read with interest re-
ports of phenomenal speed shown by /
Shamrock u. in her trial yesterday. par |
ticularly the statement that the steam /
yacht Erin found it difficult to keep up !
with her. Said one of them: That's |
nothing; it will require torpedo boat de- |
stroyer to catch the Constitution when |
she is on a broad reach in a strong
breeze
A special train is expected to come from |
New York for the launching.