New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-07-17
Many Changes Made on
Resolute and Entire Rig
Strengthened; AT Noon
Yachts Go to the Line
Race Nearly Cost
Winner a Bowsprit
Investigation Shows Chal-
lenger Also Was on
the Verge of Disaster
By Jack Lawrence

With all repairs completed and
every detail of gear inspected and
reported snug and tight, the chal-
longing Shamrock ~ and the de-
Tending Resolute are ready this
morning for the second act of their
100000 marine spectacle, entitled
"The Americas Cup"
The prestige of both yachts suf-
fered somewhat by their showing in
the first cup race on Thursday, when
Resolute was forced to withdraw
because of useless mainsail and
Shamrock went on alone to win a
victory that never would have been
hers but for the defenders mis-
fortune. When the American boat
ceased to be factor in the race the
challenger was approximately three
quarters of a mile in her wake, prac-
tically out of the running.
The second race, to be sailed this
afternoon, will be a triangular af-
fair of thirty miles, with the start
and finish at Ambrose Lightship.
The course will give the sloops three
legs of ten miles each, and if the
wind holds true will see them en-
gagged in a reaching duel that should
provide plenty of exciting competi-
ton.
Many Changes on Resolute
Resolute will go to the line to-day
with a new and stronger throat hal
yard to replace the one that snapped
on Thursday and left her in a crippled
condition. Under the direction of
Charles Francis Adams, amateur skip
per of the defender, and Robert W.
Emmons, her managing owner, the crew
made thorough inspection of all gear
yesterday No detail was overlooked
from deck to truck, and when many
changes had been made and number
of new halyards bent. Nat Herreshof
designer and builder of the craft, went
over her from stem to stern and e.
pressed himself as satisfied.
While the American yacht was being
reconditioned, there was plenty Of
activity on board the challenger. When
she reached her anchorage in Sandy
Hook Bay on Thursday night, after
giving the Red Hand of Ulster pre-
liminary grip on the Americas Cup. it
was found that she had also had her
troubles in navigating the fiukey winds
that swept the windward and leeward
course of the first contest.
The stays on the challenger's heavy
bowsprit had weakened, probably as a
result of the unusual strain placed
upon them by the puffy wind and her
wet headsails. This caused the bow
spirit to lift and the irons holding it
to the deck began to work inboard. 1t
is doubtful whether the spar could
have stood the added weight of
balloon jib or spinnaker, which GER
tainly would have been used in the
run down the wind if it had been
necessary to pursue the flying Reso-
lutte. The bowsprit was probably saved
when Resolute withdrew and Captain
Burton found that he could reduce his
headsails and still finish within the
prescribed time limit of six hours.
New Bowsprit for Shamrock
In addition to new bowsprit. the
British sloop had number of halyards
replaced and other minor changes made
in her rig. When this work was com
pleted Charles Z. Nicholson, her Cos
port designer, gave the racer q search
ing inspection and, like Herreshoff or
Reso)ute. said that he was satisfied
that she was ready to go out to-day
and put second flashing on the famous
yachting trophy.
Both Captain Burton and Mr.. Mich
olson attributed Shamrock's poor
showing on Thursday to battling winds
that came with the series of squalls.
Captain Burton admitted that it was
during the second squall that Resolute
gained her greatest advantage. During
this atmospheric disturbance, he said.
the wind about the challenger shifted
almost momentarily, and at ore time
seemed to be coming from ali direc-
tions at once. He admitted, however
as did Mr.. Nicholson, that against the
head swells and head winds of Thurs
day Resolute had proved herself the
faster boat.
1t was plain last night that the after
guards of both sloops did not look upon
Thursdays race as a real test, as the
fiuky wind developed too much of an
element of luck. The result of the CON
test, while it has admittedly given the
challenger a heavy advantage, has
provided them with little real salts
faction.
Captain Burton said he had seen
enough of Resolute to convince him
that she was shot stuff" and would
be difficult boat to head off in the
struggle for the cup.
Upton in Conference
Sir Thomas Upton reached Sandy
Hook Bay yesterday afternoon in tho
steam yacht Victoria, and held a con-
ference with Burton, Nicholson. Ciaua
Hickman. 'Shamrock's navigator, and
Colonel Duncan r. D. Neill. his Yacht
ing manager. Every detail of Thurs
days performance was gone over and
strategic plans laid for the second race
to-day.
Sir Thomas reiterated that he would
nave preferred to have the first race
ne did. II was evident that tho chat
lenger's showing in the ancairg1 h.tst.