Waterbury Democrat., 1901-08-22
COL UMBIA IN LEAD
The Big Yachts Got a Start at
 1880 To-Day.
CONSTITUTIONS HARD LUCK.

Coal Barges Crossed Her Path Just
 After the Start, Giving Columbia an
 Advantage Constitution Made
 Slight Gain, But Columbia Was
 Bravely Trying to Hold Her Three
 Minute Lead.
 Oyster Bay, l.. l. Aug 22.-FIying the flag of the Seawanhaka-Corint Yacht club, the Constitution dropped anchor off the club house late yester- day afternoon and this morning her crew was early on deck to prepare the intended cup defender for another race with her rival, the Columbia The race to-day was for cup offered by For mer Commodore Chubb of the club, and the regatta committee planned to send the yachts over a fifteen mile tri- angular course, similar to the one which was sailed at Larchmont last week
 The conditions for good racing were not particularly favorable early today. A dense fog hung over the Sound and there was very little wind. About o'clock, however, the fog began to lift and little breeze came ill from the south. The breeze did not last very long and at , o'clock it was calm again.
 The headsails of the Constitution were up in stops by o'clock, although the start of the race was not ordered until noon. The new boat carried q new mainsail to-day, which had few trials yesterday i'll the Sound, and al- though not yet satisfactory her man. ager expressed some confidence that 1t could be good shape by Saturday.
 The Columbia, as usual remained at her moorings at Glen Cove over night coming over this morning in time for good spin before the start of the race.
 Atl1O:30 the wind came in again from the east and the Constitution hoisted her mainsail and just before Il o'clock her large club top sail was sent aIoft. The sky also cleared and there seem- ed to be good prospects for race. The committee sent the tug out to set the mark about 10 o'clock.
 During the morning word was re- ceived that Sir Thomas Lipton would not be able to see to-day's race, but that he would be down on Saturday IOI tile EdCe Ol lHdC udy. Arrange ments have been made to tender Sir Thomas dinner on Saturday evening and it is expected that Vice President Ropsevelt will also be present as well as the managers of the Constitution and Columbia.
 At 1:2O the starting signal was given and the course was to be triangular, one of fourteen and three-quarter miles. Both crossed the line with their No 2 jibtopsaus set. Captain Barr took his boat to the weather of the Constitution. thus enabling him to slip across the line ahead. At 1 40 the Columbia was leading the Constitution by about 20 yards. The wind was blowing then about four knots an hour. 1:35:50; Constitution, 1:36:O5. Ten minutes after the start some coal barges crossed in front of the Consti- tuition, and the Columbia made further gains. The Constitution crept up on her and at the first mark there was difference of three minutes between them. The i'll luck which fell to the Constitution on the start followed her on the second leg, for the shifting winds aided the Columbia and hurt the Constitution. At the second mark Co., lumbia still retained her lead of three minutes. After rounding she set her baby jibtopsail and set. her spinnaker to port. At this point the wind shift ed to the south and the Constitution gained a little.