The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-07-22

FINISHES
ALONE
0utsalIs Constitution and Col.
umbld.. Tho latter and Re-
lance Strike Sand Bottom.

Vineyard Haven. Mass. July 22.-The
three cup Observation-Disclosures. constitu-
ton and Columbia-three schooners and
three small sloops were the only mem
bers OF the racing contingent OF the New
York Yacht club feet In evidence thl'
morning. when orders were given for the
start on the last run of the cruise-fron
this port TO Newport.
The remainder of the feet. which left
Newport yesterday. was unable TO reach
here during the night. owing TO very light
winds. head tides and fog, and It was
thought this morning that most OF the
boats had anchored somewhere down
Vineyard Sound.
At a; m. when the big boats made
preparations to get under way the fog
had lifted considerably. but the sky had
not cleared. and only the slightest breeze
was stirring. IL seemed probable that
though 1t was anticipated that the yachts
would have fair tide until well after
noon.
A large number OF steam yachts reach
ed the harbor during the night and wait
ed at the entrance OF the Haven this
morning for the start OF the cup racers.
The Constitution did not reach here
until daybreak and then she came in
under tow.
The schooner yacht Palmer. chartyed
by James b. Garland. lso was towed In.
having struck on the middle ground in
the night. She was hoated by the tug
Maylu. She was leading slightly.
The signal to get under way was given
yachts were nearing the starting line of
the run-off West Chop.
The official starting time was:
Reliance-l0:3l:24
Constitution--l0:3l :46.
Columbia-l0: 300
Within two minutes after the start the
Columbia had pulled upon the weather
of the Constitution and had blanketed her.
Then the Columbia began TO pick up on
the Reliance with the Constitution closely
following. and all three yachts passed
West Chop light almost together.
The direction of the wind gave a run
out into the sound and then broad reach
of nearly % miles with a strong favorable
tide TO Vineyard Sound lightship.
With the cruising feet away the course
was clear for the so-footers and the play
for place at once began. All the skippers
seemed reluctant 10 cross ahead, so they
held we'll away until the time had almost
expired. The Reliance was the first to
turn back and head for the committee
boat with the Constitution a short dis
tance astern and the Columbia last The
Reliance and Constitution crossed almost
together. tho former leading by two
lengths The Constitution was right
astern while the Columbia held we'll
across, and although handicapped, was in
the best position.
GO AGROUND.
In a mffng match shortly after the
start both the Reliance and the Columbia
struck on the middle ground The Reli-
ance remained fast about two minutes,
when she slipped into deep water and pro-
ceeded The Columbia, which was fur
ther fnshore. was less fortunate, and as
she remained aground her tender started
to go to her assistance. The tender
also struck bottom. The tug Storm King.
which accompanied the yachts and which
was nearby. promptly gave assistance 10
the Columbia, when II was seen that the
tender was helpless. After some time
she succeeded In floating the yacht and
at noon the old cup defender filled away
again on a long chase after her two
rivals.
The Constitution on the run from Vine
yard Haven broke her topmast or Gay
Head and the Reliance finished alone at
2:o3 0s.