THE FIRST RACE.

Southland Times, Issue 19133, 25 August 1903, Page 2

THE FIRST RACE.

Per United Press -Association. By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. NEW YORK, Aug. 23. In the first .race of the contest for the America Cup both- yachts started with baby jibs and topsails, but soon took them in, the wind freshening to between twelve and seventeen knots. The Reliance Had the windward berth and early blanketed * Shamrock IU.; which held her own on the second tack, but in the next - . tack the Reliance, p-ojinting*; higher, ' obtained a ' substantial lead, and' turned the mark three minutes ahead. The Americans were smart in setting the sails "for tho run home ; the' Shamrock -having trouble with her jibflogt: several seconds. The Reliance steadiiy increased her lead, and it was apparent the Shamrock was no match for her in running. The ■ yachts travelled so fast that they left [ many excursion boats and tugs hope-. , lessly behind. The Reliance crossed the line amidst a perfect furore of sirens and whistles. The winner took 3 hours 32 minutes v to complete the. course ; the Shamrock finished nine minutes later. Sir Thomas Lipton, interviewed, declared' that his confidence was unshaken, and that more wind would bring out the Shamrock's strong points. He added that the Handling of the Reliance was simply perfect. \ Aug. 24. Received 24th, 11.5 p.m. Horreshoff, her designer, says the Reliance will be put to the crucial test to-morrow in the reachi to windward. * LONDON, Aug. 24.. Reuter states that 100,000 dollars havo been promised in Canada towards the construction of a yacht with a view to challenging the Cup winner, through the Halifax Club. „ Per United Press - Association.