Evening star., 1907-11-05
NUMERICALLY NAMED YACHTS
Objections to the System illustrated
by Shamrock I, II and III

From the Providence Journal
Some little while ago the Journal took
occasion to express It's discomfort with
the growing habit of yachtsmen of giving
to their successfully owned boats one and
the same name. to which Roman numer-
ais were added to distinguish the new
craft as they came along. That there is
dearth of suitable names for such craft
seems doubtful explanation for the prac-
t1ce: the yachtsmen are hardly SO sorely
pressed for titles as the turfmen, for ex-
ample. though the practice of these latter.
OF distinguishing their speeders with
abominable combinations of syalables.
seems about equally unwarranted. The
remarks that the Journal was moved to
make on the subject had immediate refer
ence to the little boats of the sender klassa
that have lust concluded second inter-
national regatta with German and Span
1sh contenders. The owners Of these
boats are gross offenders. if it be admit
ted that the practice Is evil, as It surely
Is confusing to accurate reporting and the
Keeping OF yachting records Extreme in
stances are Illustrated by the Che wink
VIII. and Sally Of the same numeral.
while there are also found in this sender
kiasse Tilly and an Angela w. The
names Spokane and Wittelsbach have
reached the second degree and probably
will show up as HIS next season The
practice was greatly encouraged If not
established by the America cup chalIeng-
ers. Lord Dunraven and Sir Thomas, with
their Vaikyries respectively I, II and III
and as many Shamrocks
By sundry friendly communications the
attention of the Journal Is called to the
fact that it has been caught in the trap
that the mischievous practice lays for
the unwary in making complimentary
n nrYy1a ~ fbn ,t,k
Little Rhody. in the jamestown exposi-
ton free e-for-all. The Little Rhody of the
jamestown victory. in a word, is not the
same Little Rhody of the nerve-racking
Montauk race earlier in the summer: she
Is Little Rhody II. newer boat that has
been raced during the season in Massa-
chusetts waters. The Journal Is much
Obliged for the correction and will try
to keep a sharper lookout In the future
though II Little Rhody III or w is launch
ed. later on. 1t cannot guarantee accuracy
every time in the reporting-especially If
the severally numbered craft ara all rae
ing in the same season. To the Associat-
ed Press correspondent at jamestown. for
instance the boat was at various points
on the coast simply the Little Rhody."
1t Is natural that yachtsman who has
winning boat. or who has selected a
good name for boat that some day he
hopes to see win trophy. should wish to
perpetuate the name originally decided
upon. often after much thought. The
Journal hopes to see the Little Rhady
continue her triumphant career through
succeeding generations. and will try to
keep track of the distinguishing numerals
But, in paying to posterity the obligation
of handing down a continuously reliable
record of the yachting season. from year
to year. this awkward practice threatens
embarrassment, Just the same Apart
from considerations of sentiment. the
abandonment of the practice would seem
to offer advantages to all parties in in
tereSt.