The San Francisco call., 1905-03-21
EUROPE To SEE
YACHTING v Ar
British Sportsmen Will Try
to Outdo Kiel Regatta in
Waters of Own Country
RIVAL RACES PLANNED
Hope to Keep Their Vessels
From Furthering Schemes
of the German Emperor
RACES PLANNED
Special Dispatch to The Call

Special Dispatch to The Call.
LONDON, March 20.-Just as the
growth of Germany's naval power has
been met by redistribution and re-
organization of Britain's fleets. so has
the rapid development of yachting in
Germany, under the stimulating in
fiuence of the strenuous Kaiser, led to
the adoption of defensive measures
by British yacht clubs. Their object
is chiefly to induce British yachtsmen
to refrain from participating in the
Kiel regatta, the greatest event OF the
yachting season in the Fatherland. by
offering them extra inducements to
race in home waters at that time.
The matter is of interest to Ameri-
can yachtsmen because in the past
their boats have contributed materi-
ally to the success of the Kiel regatta,
notably last year, when the Ingomar
covered herself with glory Now it
is hoped by the promoters of British
rival schemes that they may find more
attractive sport in these waters.
The kiel week in June conflicts
with the Clyde races, which take
place about the same time. Partici-
patton in both is impossible. At
tempts were made to secure such
Encouragement of dates as would pre-
vent this clashing. But William II
declined to listen TO such suggestions.
He preferred to play his own game in
his own way. So this year it is to be
a yachting war between the two coun-
tries.
BIG REGATTAS PLANNED.
The word has gone forth that Eng
land expects British yachtsmen to do
their duty by patronizing the Clyde
races and boycotting the Kiel regatta.
That this may entail no sacrifice of
sport on their part the Royal London,
Clyde Yacht clubs, in combination
have just completed arrangements for
ocean races from the Solent to the
Clyde just prior to the opening of the
races there, and back to Cowes in time
for the CoweS week. 1t is expected
that these ocean races will secure the
entrance of such yachts as would
otherwise participate in the interna-
tional race from Dover to Heligoland
for cups offered by the German En-
peror, which precede the Kiel week.
The "Yachtsman." the chief organ
of the sport here, has been largely in
strumental in getting clubs to unite in
support of the new programme.
1T is very laudable ambition on
the part of the German Emperor to
wish to build up yachting in his own
country" said the editor to your COR
respondent He has accomplished
wonders in that direction, for which
he is entitled to great credit Every
body knows, of course, that it is not
for the sake of yachting alone that he
devoted himself to it so zealously. 1t
fosters a national spirit which yields
ready support to his far-reaching ma
val schemes. 1t is too much, however.
to expect that Englishmen should
complacently continue to help him
play his shrewd game at the expense
of the sport in their own waters. But
all racing yachtsmen devoutly wish
that some members of our own royal
family would emulate his example
and take up yacht racing. It would
help the sport here amazingly. Since
the King gave up racing British roy
atty has dropped out of the game en-
tirely.''
ROYAL SUPPORT LACKING.
That latter is sore point with
British yachtsmen. While the Ger
man royal family does everything pos
sible to encourage the sport, English
royalty does nothing beyond bestow-
ing few cups. The German Emper-
or owns more racing yachts than any
other man in the world. Not content
with that, he insists that every mem
Der of his family, including the En-
press, should own and race at least
one yacht. His relatives as far as he
can influence them are required to do
likewise. Rich men find yacht racing
the surest passport to his favor. Until
he purchased the Thistle, the British
cup challenger which was defeated
by the Volunteer back in the sos,
German yachts were insignificant in
number and quality. Now there ex-
lists a big and imposing fleet enrolled
in the Imperial Yacht Club. The Kali
ser aims at yachting supremacy.
No one understands better the art
of making royal patronage count. At
the Kiel regatta he personally dis
tributes the chief prizes himself;
wines and dimes the yachtsmen on his
own little warship which passes mus
ter as the imperial yacht, and chats
with them in free and easy style. The
prizes for the Dover to Heligoland
race are designed by himself and with
his own hand he bestows them on the
winners. And winners and losers
alike are invited to a sumptuous
spread on the Hohenzollern. That
sort of thing counts for a good deal
IN these days. 1t is putting British
patriotism to a severe test to ask 1t
to forego such brilliant opportunities
Of hobnobbing with royalty and con-
tent itself with yacht racing for the
mere sport of the thing with a prob
lematical chance of winning a few
prize mugs.
If King Edward should throw his
influence into the scale and play at
the Clyde regatta the same role that
his august nephew does at Kiel the
matter would be settled decisively
But there is small likelihood that he
will. Last year he attended the Kiel
regattc and big fuss was made over
him. He and the Emperor exchanged
kisses and compliments and the King
expressed great qualification at the
growth of German yachting and
hoped he might be able to repeat his
visit next year and all that sort of
thing. If he should go to Kiel this
year British yachtsmen would feel Of
Tended. If he should openly patron
ize the races which have been ar
ranged to diminish the glory of the
German event the Kaiser will feel