AMERICA CUP

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10651, 26 July 1920, Page 5

AMERICA CUP

A GLBSE CONTEST HOW THE RESOLUTE WON FRIDAY'S RACE. - ONE MORE RACE TO DECIDE. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. NEW YORJi, July 23. The fourth race fioir the America Cup was held to-day, and was won by tho Resolute. Yachting experts have, pointed out that tho bnamrocK. which was 1 expected to be a, good sailer in a heavy wind, and tho Resolute, which was supposed to bo a better boat in light winds, have demonstrated their ability to sail in both kinds ol weather. Tho Shamrock sailed to victory (?) in tho 6econd race on the lightest breezes, while tho Resolute won in a twelve-Knot wind, showing remarkable speed even against tho Shamrock's greater spread of canvas. .

Sir Thomas Lip-ton, pritor to the fourth race, said:. "The Resolute's victory means that w r o will 'have a. good fight on our hands, wlhioh is just what t want. Three straight victories are something which never appealed to me." THE RACE. DESCRIBED. AN EXCITING FINISH. (Received July 25, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 23. Fog delayed the etart. The oourso was beat to windward from the Ambrose Channel lib'htslhip, south-south-west down tho .New Jersey shore, a reach east by north out to sea, anil another reach back to the lightship A light variable five-knot wind w-ia blowing. Tho Resolute crossed at 1.1.31 o'clock and the Shamrock at 1.1.56 o'clock. At 1.11 o'clock the Resolute led by a quarter of a mile.

The Shamrock crossed four seconds before tho expiration of the- two minutes allowed after -the signal. Tho Hesolute steadily draw ahead in the first hour, heading inaihor© at I.IQ. The itcsolute's sharp bow lifted better through the rolling sea. The first turn was made by tho Resolute at 2.34.17 and the Shamrock at 2.86.58. At 1.20 the Resolute was penciling out to weather. Ilhe Shamrock, forereaching tho wind, hauled south, putting the Resolute a quarter of a mile to windward, where it was almost able to lay for the first mark. At 1.30 the wind, was .eight knots south-south-west. The Resolute was half a mile to windward, going faster, the Shamrock seemiing soggy. Both, were gtajiding inshore to gain the advantage of the tide. The Shamrock tried to pinch out along the edge of the wind, doing better. At 1.50 tho small baby jib topsail was helping the Shamrock. The wind was six'knots. At 2.5 tho Shamrock came Mahout the heads, offshore. At 2.7 tlie Resolute crossed tho Shamrock's bow and came about on the starboard taok, which she planted squarely.in the Shamrock's quarter. At 2.20 tho yachts ■wore three miles -from tho mark, and the. Resolute wns leading by a quarter of a mile- At .2.40 tihoy were throe miles out'on the-sec-ond leg, the Resolute leading by half a mile. The wind was twelve knots. At 3.10, two-thirds on the second leg, the Resolute was leading. The Resolute turned the second mark at 8.25.49 and.the Shamrock at 3.27.16.

At 3.50 there was a 6quall, the yachts being four miles from the lightship'. The Shamrook passed the Resolute throe miles froni tile finish. The Reso. lute again led half a mile from the finish.. On the second leg the wind was fifteen knots and drove the'" boats 1 through a shower of spray. Shamrock very slowly gained, the speed of thfl boats being remarkable, averaging: close on twelve knots.

On the third leg the wind was eighteen knots, and the yachts tore along. The Shamrock was unable to carry her big reaching jib topsail, which was- not replaced. At 3.41 tho black squall made the Shamrock haul down her topsail, while tho Resolute ihauled down her jib topsail. " ' „ "

The Resolute finished at 4hr- 39min 25sec, and tho Shamrock at 4hr 43mm 6scc. At 3.51 the squall passed, and tho wind was north-west. • The Resolute was leading by a quarter of a mile four miles from the finish. The Resolute tacked, forcing the Shamrock. At about 4, both were becalm > ed, and tho relative positions were unchanged. At 4.15 the Shamrock oaatght the south-west breeze first, and set her working- topsail and big jib, and began to draw close. At 4.16 the yachts were three miles out, both reaching for the finish on the port tack. At 4.20 both were holding a fair speed. The topsails set tho Shamrock to tho weather slightly ahead. Tho Resolute closed up within a mile of the finish, taking tho lead. The elapsed time was: Resolute 3hr 37min 52sec, Sifarnrock 3hr 41min lOsec. BURTON ON THE'THIRD RACE. (Received July 25, 5.5 .p.m.) NEW YORK; July 22. The "New York Times" Highlands (Now Jersey) correspondent interviewed Mr Burton, captain of the Shamrock, who said that tho aftor-deok of tho Shamrock was torn from its fastening during tho third race, but that it had nothing to do with tho result. It was due to tho strain of the mainsai' on tho blocks at the stern. Tho mainsail was too closely hauled. Tho deck had boon repaired. POSITION AFTER FIFTH RACE. Eetter'a Telegram. (Received Julv 25, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 23. Tho position with regard to the yacht race is that the beet three of five heate decides. Each has won two so far. Tho final is on Saturday. The first heat was wen by the Shamrook, the second abandoned, the third won by tho Sliamrc/jk, and the fourth and fifth by tho Resolute. CHANGES IN RULES URGED. TO ENHANCE SPORTING VALUE OF CONTEST. (Received July 25, 5.5 0.m.) NEW YORK, July 23. Yachting circles in Now York rtre agitating for new rules for future races, under which there will bo no timo allowance, no matter ivhat sisse the vessels are, provided both are built

within certain limits. It is pointed out that tho sporting value thr races would thus bo enhanced. NEW CLASS OF RACE DISCUSSED (Received July 25, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. July 23. . It is understood that in tho event of tho Shamrock winning the cup, tho New York Yacht Club is prepared to challenge the Roval Ulster Yacht Club for a series of races with 115 ft schooners. TREMENDOUS, EXCITEMENT. THE DECIDE CONTEST. (Received July liiS, 12.15 a.m.) NEW YORK, Friday Night. Interest in tho America Cup races readied the highest point here tonight. Experts agree that both vessels mado a goad showing, and they do not wish to prophesy the result or tho final race. Sir Thomas Lipton stated: If we don't win this all-important race tomorrow, it won't be because we did not bring the best talent from Britain. My orow did its very bast. I want to sco tho neet boat win. and I am y«ry hopeful.'*