MADGE AND OBSERVER.

Auckland Star, Volume XII, Issue 3332, 31 March 1881, Page 3

MADGE AND OBSERVER.

ANOTHER SAILING BACE

FOR the last week or two rumours of another race between the open sailing boats Obf ervcr and Madge, have been circulated, It was stated that Mr Wayiuoutb, senior, who is now the sole owner of the Observer, had issued a challenge to the other boat, but this was discredited. Its truth, however, is apparent from tho fact that the following letter was forwarded to Mr Bigelow la«t week :—lnsurance Buildings, March 26th, Mr John Bigelow, Sir,—When you and I first spoke of matches between the Madge and Observer, you remarked that such ararrangements should be madeas would ensure a decisive settlement ot which style of build was the better one-Madge's or Observer's. Now, as 1 consider the Madge's success in the last three-match trial was the result of fortuitous circumstances, 1 still bold that the Observer is the better boat. Since these matches, I have had the Observer put into good order, and now propose tbat we should have another best-two-out-of-three trial, for same stakes, as before. As you won the money last time, I consider you should have no objection to sail again. With me, it is not a question of money. lam desirous of proving that the Madge is not designed on such good principles as the Observer is. 1 wish the money element were out of it. but it seems that it is necessary to ensure each boat doing its best. If possible, let us make the match to begin next week. Trusting that you will oblige me,-I am, &c, J. Waymouth." The Observer has been hauled up since her lostrace, and the old paint has been scraped off, the outside carefully stopped, and the boat re-painted and varnished, and her name p.inted on in gold letters. She has also been supplied with a new suit of sails, which are considered to be better adopted to her, and which will increase her speed. Mr Bigelow has not written in reply to the challenge, but prior to its being..ent, he informed Mr Waymouth's son thaftime would not permit, of his accepting it, at least until after the approaching regatta. Hi 3 time is so fully occupied that ho can not devote any to getting his boat ready, and he would be simply neglecting his ordinary business were he to do so at the present" time. The Madge will compete against the Observe at the Ponsonby Regatta, and should the owner of the latter boat not be satisfied then, a race will probably be arranged subsequently.