SHAMROCK’S ACCIDENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1080, 18 September 1930, Page 1

SHAMROCK’S ACCIDENT

Mainsail Falls In Third Race

leading when halyard broke

Sir Thos. Lipton Gives Up Hope

SCUDDING along with a slight lead in a fresh 12-knot breeze, Shamrock V., Sir Thomas Lipton’s challenger for the America’s Cup, met disaster in the third race with the. American defender, Enterprise, at Newport, Rhode Island, yesterday. The halyard block on Shamrock V. carried away, and the mainsail collapsed, allowing Enterprise a clear field and an easy victory simply by completing the course. Sir Thomas Lipton has almost abandoned hope of England regaining the Cup.

I'mtccl PA. —By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 9.50 a.m. NEW YORK, Wed.

The third race for the America’s Cup at Newport, over' the 15-mile windward and return course, started in ideal conditions in a 12-knot breeze. Kicking up the sea, both boats trussed the line together, Shamrock V., holding the weather berth. I'nder mainsail jib and staysail. Shamrock seemed to be dipping her bow into the waves. Captain Heard sent Shamrock across the line with liis best handling in the series. Enterprise port tacked two minutes alter the start in an apparent effort to shake oil' Shamrock, which followed (luickly, holding the weather position and leading by a slight margin. Both were footing it along in good style under jib topsails, jibs and staysails. At 10.52 a.m.. Shamrock, for a reason that was not evident, port-tacked. Enterprise following. At 11.25 a.m. Shamrock's mainsail billowed down on the deck, partly enveloping the crew and dragging in the water, apparently the halyard block carrying away. The crew quickly hauled the big sail inboard and Shamrock turned homeward under her heads^ils. Before the accident Enterprise had worked up to the weather position and was almost on even terms. Enterprise started to come around when Shamrock had her accident, but returned to the course, apparently to complete the course and claim the race. Shamrock had given her best performance in the series, and was showing every indication of making a real tattle, clinging to her early advantage until the main halyard parted. After a conference with Sir Thos. Lipton on the deck of the Erin, vrhieh wu close by. Captain Heard turned after the Enterprise under headsails, but soon gave up and was taken in tow. Enterprise took in one lieadsail as

she continued to foam abong the spray flying from stem to stern and drenching her skipper, Mr. Harold Vanderbilt, at the wheel. She completed the windward beat in 2 hours 14 minutes 15 seconds. Immediately on rounding the mark Enterprise broke out her spinnaker and big ballooner, but the breeze lightened, and the first four miles occupied half an hour. Enterprise continued and completed the course at 2.34 p.m. SIR THOMAS LOSES HOPE ONE MAN CANNOT BUILD MILLION-DOLLAR BOATS Reed. 10.20 a.m. NEW YORK, Wed. Sir Thomas Lipton gave up hope of victory today as he witnessed the accident to Shamrock V. At the same time he reiterated the statement that this is his last attempt. “It seems that Shamrock V. cannot win.” he said. “No single man in England can build a million-dollar yacht alone, and without that none can hope to lift the Cup. “After this it will have to be syndicate against syndicate.”

FOURTH RACE TODAY

SHAMROCK V. READY

Reed. 11.5 a.m. NEW YORK, Wed. It is announced that Shamrock V. will be ready to sail the fourth race for the Cup tomorrow. Enterprise has been officially credited with victory in the third race. The Race Committee did not consider any question of throwing out the race.