AMERICA’S CUP

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 261, 31 July 1937, Page 11

AMERICA’S CUP

Ranger in Trials WIN AND LOSS Newport, July 29. What is considered to reflect on the Ranger's chances to defend the America's Cup occurred in a trial race in which it defeated a group of class J yachts, including Endeavour I. The time was 9min. 30sec. In a later race Endeavour I defeated the Ranger by a quarter of a mile in a 43-mile trial in preparation for the America’s Cup. Experts are now Inclined to view the prospects of Endeavour II more favourably. The two new J class yachts, Endeavour II and Ranger, embodying the very latest ideas of the best brains of Great Britain and the United States of America, will meet oft Newport, Rhode Island, to-day, in the first race of the seventeenth contest for the America’s Cup. Endeavour 11, owned by Mr. T. O. M. Sopwith, will represent Britain, and will tlv the colours of the Royal Yacht Squadron. The Ranger, owned by Mr. 11. Vanderbilt, is to defend the cup on behalf of the New York Yacht Club. Great interest is being taken in the contest, which promises to be the keenest since the schooner Gambia crossed the Atlantic in quest of the trophy in IS7O. This year’s race will mark the first occasion in the history of the contests in which Britain has had the opportunity of holding trials in American waters between two British boats, Endeavour I and Endeavour 11. prior to the actual contest. The conditions governing the contest provide that the match will be decided by the winning of four out Of seven races. Racing will continue each week day until one of the yachts has won four races—except that after each race the committee will ask each contestant whether he is willing to start next day. Should either reply in the negative, one day will intervene before the starting of the next race. The races will alternate over a windward and leeward course of 35 miles each way, mid a triangular course of approximately 10 miles to each leg. If possible, all starts in the triangular races will be made to windward, and the warning signal—ten minutes before the start —will be given at 10.30 a.m. each day. The time limit for each race is 5| hours. The American yacht Ranger is slightly bigger than Endeavour 11, beiiv' 3ft. longer overall. The principal dimensions of the two craft are as follows: —Endeavour II: Length overall, 132 ft.; waterline, 87ft.; beam, 21ft. Cm.; draught, 15ft.: sail area, 7550 sq. ft.: displacement. 164 tons. Rangerj Length overall, 135 ft.; waterline, 87ft.; beam, 21ft. Bin.; draught. 15ft.sail area, 7ouO sq. ft.; displacement, ICC tons.