New Britain herald., 1930-04-23

we have sighted is almost beyond
 bCief.'"
 At Haryc ;he America was laid up for refitting with racing rig. Commodore Stevens joined he" there. and for three weeks consid- erable secrecy surrounded prcpara- tions for the activities in England. Confident that their craft was l winner, the crew had no intention of revealing her design, or spelling their chances for wagers which they had been led to expect would De waiting for them at Cowes.
 But while proceeding to Cowcs, the sporting instinct of the conI- modore spoiled whatever chances the Americans had of betting their money against English competition, The schooner Laverock, a speedster of the foreign fleet, had been scLt out to escort the America into port. She invited a race, and Stevens Was they went. The America worked to Wlndward surprisingly fast and breezed into Cowes well ahead Of the Laverock. Soon it was widely known that no English yacht was her equal.
 Criticized By British
 Despite her performance, the long sharp bow, heavy, slantins masts, and flat sails of the America were criticized by British yachts men. The S0yearold Marquis Of Anglesey, who was the Thomas Upton of his day, was one of those who watched her come in. His memory went back to the days of strange, foreign craft that called herself 8 racer he said, If she is all right, by God, we surely have been all Wrong."
 ? A few days later, while watching the America in a trial sprint, be became openly skeptical of her ability to attain such a speed by sail alone. Determnedly he board eu her, stalked aft and leaned far over the side, looking for a pro- peller! Commodore Stevens, all though far from being amused by the conduct of the old Marquis, was obliged to hold his legs 10 keep his guest from falling overheard.
 Nobody would bet against the Yankee visitor. Day after day the commodore issued new challenges and posted wagers, only to have them politely ignored. Finally, in disgust. he posted in the club house Of the Royal Yacht Squadron an Of fer to sail against any British | yacht, schooner or cutter for any amount from one to ten thousand guineas.'
 Even his willingness to meet any | class of vessel brought no response. | It remained for the London Times | to probe it's sportsmen into action | with a biting editorial which spoke of the disgrace of permitting the stranger to return to the . new world with the proud boast . that she had flung down the gaunt- let to England. Ireland and Scot land, but that no one had dared to take it up"
 A Robert Stephenson then came forward with an offer to race his schooner Titanla against the Ameri- ca for a wager of 100 pounds. The comlAodorc, it is said, strongly suspected that the Titania was no worthy opponent and that WIS making q deliberate sacrifice for the honor of his club. He accepted the challenge, however, but before the race could be sailed | h. decided to enter contest for the 'All Nations 100 Guincas Cup"
 Started From Anchor
 This was to be q race of about 5 nautical miles around the Isle o. Wight, open to vessels of any class, and without any time handi- raps. for a trophy offered by the Royal Yacht Squadron. Seventeen British cutters and schooncrs, rang ing in tonnage from 4 to 592, were entered against the America.
 In those days races were stsrta1 from anchor, instead Of the sailing starts approved today. The fleet