New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-11-28
CHANGE In YACHTING
DeLau Could Be AUOided Under
Plan for Measurement.

That important change may be made IN the
measurement rules for racing yachts at the next
meeting Of the Atlantic Coast Conference be held
on Wednesday evening az the New York Yacht Club,
was indicated yesterday when circular sent 20
William Butler Duncan, r., chairman OF the con
ference signed by Clinton H. Crane. Louis N Clark.
r ". Emmons, I'd H de B Parsons and Charles
Lane Poor. the committee that appointed al
the last meeting Of the conference on October 70
investigate the various methods Of time allowance
the connection between its tables the rating for
u1ula and factors. and make full report at the
coming meeting
A week after the meeting OF October nine dele
gates who had attended it. representing the New
York and Larchrnont Yacht clubs and the Yacht
Racing Association Of Long Island Sound. sent a
communication 20 the chairman Of the conference
IN which they regretted the preciptate action IN
rejecting the proposed amendments 70 length
They declared that the load water line. which Is
the actual sailing length OF normal type boat
should be used with proper safeguards n The rating
formula
Following the receipt Of this communication. the
committee consulted Nathaniel 6 Herreshor. VIII
fam Gardner. Cary Smith & Ferris. Clinton H
Crane. George Owen and c. Sherman Hoyt yacht
designers. who expressed decided opinions in favor
Of using the load water line IN the racing rating
formula The following well known yachtsmen also
agree this point: P ". Ernmons. ID H A
Morss. L NJ Clark, Henry Taggard. William Gard
ner. c. P. Tower. F. NJ Hoyt. V. L Cunnock. s
Wainwright. H. F. Parnelee. Clinton H Crane. c
z. Adams ID George Owen, William Hallocz- ".
C Kerr. II. L. Maxwell, H de B Parsons. c Lane
Poor. c. Sherman Hoyt, and James D Sparaman-
The committee, in its report upon the question
Specifically referred 70. finds under the pres
ent method of measuring length the quarter beam
length is used the controlling factor with load
water line element OF restriction only The
committee feels that with proper safeguards the
load water line should be used IN the rating
formula, the quarter beam being retained as the
element OF restriction. The change 20 load water
line from quarter beam as the measure OF length
Is not radical. they say. because It would retain
the best characteristics OF the rating formula
would simplify the application and restrict the
present tendency toward hollow lines
Some amendments and additions 10 the racing
rules that conflict with the recommendations
named are also recommended for adoption at the
coming meeting
William Hallock. the measurer OF the New York
Yacht Club. speaking yesterday OF the proposed
amendments and the change IN the measurement
rule, declared that there has always been much
unnecessary delay. under the present rule n -b-
measuring Of yachts There are three f1lnda-
mental factors" said he. '1n a yachts measure
ment for rating; they are the load wafer line
length the sail area and the Displacement Under
the present rule. after We have obtained the first
two we have TO send 70 the designer to ascertain
the displacement. While designers as 2 rule are
prompt IN replying, there many times when
week or more may elapse before We are able 20
secure the data All this will be avoided when
the load water line length is included in the
formula, and where yacht owner now NAV have
20 wait a week or longer for hts certificate. he
will then be able 70 get It in few hours OF less
Another well known member Of the club said re-
gardtng the rule American clubs on account
Of the peculiar conditions here have run so much
into the exaggerated type that there is a desire
70 stop that tendency and try another line OF
development 1t IS like handicapping in any sport
which is always arbitrary basis. and
It is only experience that shows which is the
best ALI rule
Just how the nev rule will affect for the
Americas Cup remains 70 be seen Some think
that the English designersF1fe and Mylne-vtu
De willing when the change Is made. 10 design
new challenger for Sir Thomas Upton. provided,
Of course. that the New York Yacht Club agrees
10 accept a challenge under the new rule.