The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-05-29
THE RELIANCE WON
TOOK FOURTH RACE FROM
 OTHER DEFENDERS.
Constitution Lost Topmast and All But Spoiled the Three-cornered Race-New Boat Led
 All Way.

New York, May 8-Constitution today almost spoiled the race of the trio of cup defenders in Long Island Sound. Alter sailing nine miles of the first leg of the race the Constitutions topmast was car ried away in little puff of wind and the yacht was cut of 1t for the day. When the accident occurred the Constitution was half a mile beSnd the Reliance and was leading the Columbia by an equal distance. Reliance and Columbia finish ed the race. but 1t had become a process sion for Columbia was never formidable after the first five miles had been sailed Reliance crossed the finish line winner by eight minutes and twenty-seven sec onds.
 Constitution had sailed a game race until the accident. The boat was ham dled sidllfully but had been unable to hold the fast Reliance.
 It was dull and lowering when the crews of the cup yachts Reliance, Con- stitution and Columbia came on deck this morning to prepare for the fourth race over the Glen Cove course. but half a gale was blowing out of the south southwest and there was every indication of some grand sport in the sound with free sheets, smooth sails and winds that blow fast. In fact, it looked early in the morning as if the yachts would have an- other contest over the same course as was sailed on Tuesday. It was hoped, however, that the breeze today would change to the westward, so that the yachts might have a longer trial in the wind as the narrow confines of the sound prevented much windward work in south eriy or northerly breeEes.
 Before the crews of the yacht had nn- ished their breakfasts. the clouds had seemingly shut in closer and 1t looked at that time as if a rainstorm was about to get up the big mainsails. The skip pers scenting live work and plenty or wind, ordered on deck the small club top sails and the crews made prepara- tions to set these sails as soon as the mainsails were up. After the fierce con test on Tuesday, it was generally ex- pected that there would be a great crowd of amateur sailors at the race today.
 The three cup yachts, Reliance. Consti- tuition and Columbia, started today in the fourth preliminary trial over the Glen Cove course. Tbe wind at the start was from the south-southwest and blow ing about ten or twelve knots an hour. The race had not proceeded far before an accident befell the Constitution.
 At l2:55 o'clock schooner came be- tween the yachts and the observers on shore saw when she moved away the Constitution had brought down her club sails and was heading for Huntington harhor.
 She appeared to have met with an acci- dent but its exact nature could not be determined from shore because of a thick haze. but 1t appeared certain that at least her topmast had been carried away. She made no attempt to continue in the race. The course for today's race was triangular one of two miles.
 At the start there was sharp contest for position between Reliance and Consti- tuition. Columbia keeping away and cross ing the line.
 The first official time:
 Columbia, 12:15:2l.
 Reliance, 12:16:4S.
 Constitution, 12:1T:OO
 A half mile from the start Reliance and Constitution passed Columbia to the windward and Constitution had drawn upon Reliance until she was on nearly