AMERICA CUP

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 252, 19 July 1920, Page 5

AMERICA CUP

BAD START MADE BY SHAMROCK

RESOLUTE PROVED FASTER IN LIGHT AIRS t By Telegraph-Press Assooiation-OopyrlßM New York, July 15. In the first raco for tho America Cup. the Shamrock made a bad start. She crossed the line before the signal, and had to reeross, giving the Resolute a lead of 200 yards, which was quickly increased to 800 yards. The Shamrock ooi.ceded the Resolute 6 minutes 40 seconds. the change being due to remeasurement. The Shamrock's.backers declare that he/ getaway was the worst every made by a Lipton challenger, and were plainly "disoournged. The betting was in favour of the Resolute, but the amount laia was small. At the start of the race, when the courts was south-wost-by-south, a tenknot breeze wns blowing from the southwest. The Resolute started at 40 seconds past noon, and the Shamrock IV at 1 ininuto 38 seconds past; 'fen minutes later a downpour of rain, almost a cloudburst, Accompanied by lightning, killed tho breeze, and a heavy 6quall followed. At 1.15 both yachts were off-shore on the starboard tack, in a six-knot breeze, with the Resolute half a mile in tho lead and slightly to windward. k ; In an hour and a half 6ix miles had been covered. At 1.43 the Resolute was slowly increasing hor lead., Tho Shamrock came about) on tho starboard tack and followed in her wake. At 2 p.m. the Resolute was half a mile ahead, ten miles out. Tho wind veered to tho westward, and the yachts pointed for the turning mark, but in a flat sea and dead air., The Resolute now handled her sails bettor, and was surprisingly better in light air, footing faster, and was 41 minutes ahead. The Shamrock lost half a mile on the in-ehoro tack off Long Branch. Tho yachts heeled over in a rain squall, the American pickingup tho first of every puff. As the wind increased the Resoluto held up better to tho mark.. Sho washing fast On the port tack when tho accident happened. Her gaff came half down, and the Shamrock passed her. The Shamrock covered the course in 4 hours 20 minutes.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SHAMROCK'S LEAD LOST SN FOG LIPTON DOES NOT WANT TO WIN THROUGH ACCIDENT. (Rec. July 18, 5.5 p.m.) Now York, July 16. It is now revealed that wlicn the fog descended the Shamrock was leading the Eesoluto, .tut the captain lost his Bearings and headed inshore, while the Eesoluto luckily headed seawards, gaining the lead. Viewing the race from _ his steamer, Sir Thomas Lipton's emotions fluctuated like a barometer, and when the accident occurred to-the Resolute ho did not know whether to be glad or sorry. He said: "I would rather not accept victory due to an accident or a fluke. If they want it not to count I will agree with them." Sir Thomas Lipton was very disappointed at the weather. and remarked that tho Shamrock needed a steady, strong breez«. It, is recalled that Sir Thofflas Liptons Shamrock I in the 1899 regatta was compelled to withdraw from the second race owing to an accident similar to the Rcso-lute's.—Rns.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SECOND RACE CALLED OFF OWING TO A CALM. , (Rec. July 18, 5,5 p.m.) i Vancouver, July 17. The race was called off, owing to a calm.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. BURTON'S OPINION OF RESOLUTE MISHAP TO SHAMROCK IN FIRST RACEI (Rec. July 19, 0.35 a.m.) > New York, July 17. The second race for the America Cup ml! be held-over a thirty-mile triangular course. This is expected to bring out the best sailing 'qualities of both craft. Captain Burton, • speaking of his rival, said: "I have seen enough of tho Resolute to know she is hot stuff." The time handicap stands. : Tho Shamrock's Nicholson jacket, to prevent back windage from tho mainmast, was not used, the committee threatening a romeaaurement-. Owing to the light easterly airs the 6tart was postponed. It became Known, after many contradictory reports, had been circulated, that the Shamrtick also suffered a mishap during the first race, which, in the opinion of Captain BuTton, might have resulted in the Shamrock's withdrawal lwd Bho beon compelled to crowd on o*tra sail in order to finish the race. The bowsprit iron had moved inward, and the vessel was in" danger of disablement. The bowsprit h'as been repaired. The Resolute nas been supplied with an alumnite gaff to talcc tlw plaoe of the wooden one, and both vessels will be ready for the next race.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.