SHAMROCK FAILS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 371, 15 September 1930, Page 7

SHAMROCK FAILS

FOR THE AMERICA S CUP FIRST RACE DECIDED HONOURS TO ENTERPRISE VICTOR’S SPORTING GESTURE

Sir Thomas Lipton’s longcherished ambition to lift the premier yachting prize of the world, seems no nearer fulfilment. Shamrock V. failed against the American boat En terprise in the first contest on Saturday.

[By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright] Received Sept 14, 7.42 p.m. NEW YORK, Sept. 13 Heavy fog and light wind at Newport delayed the start until 11.55 a.m. Heavily loaded excursion steamers and an array of pleasure craft were held clear of the course by a cordon of destroyers and coast patrol vessels along the course of fifteen miles windward and leeward. Enterprise crossed the first mile under ma' ’sail, balloon and jib-top-sail. Shamrock, the first to break the spinnaker, began a foot faster tian Enterprise, which broke out the spinnaker a minute later. Both bore away rapidly on the light wind with Enterprise maintaining a slight lead despite trouble with spinnaker, which ripped and wrinkled, the foot dipping into tho sea occasionally. Shamrock, taking advantage of a favourable slant wind, pulled up equal near the end of the first hour.

Approximately eight miles were covered in the first hour on the starboard tack, then Enterprise, regaining the slight doused the spinnaker and went over on the port tack. Immediately resetting the spinnaker, Captain Head held the Shamrock on the starboard tack, but a shifted in-wind forced him to drop the spinnaker and follow the Enterprise which, under a freshening breeze, footed along rounding the halfway mark at three minutes past two. The Shamrock followed two minutes later.

With a freshening wind veering eastward both dropped the balloon, breaking out tho baby jib-top-sail and staystails. Nearing the turn when Enterprise had an actual advantage of 127 seconds Enterprise was leading by 950 yards with approximately seven miles uncompleted. Captain Vanderbilt held his strategic position as the Enterprise was far enough ahead to cross the Shamrock’s bows if another hitch was necessary to fetch the finishing line.

The head sails of the Shamrock were fluttering, indicating an attempt to sail too close on the wind. With a constantly freshening breeze Enterprise continued to improve her position. Estimated to be making ten knots Shamrock held the W'eather position near the finish, but was outfooted. The breeze failed rapidly, Enterprise finishing in almost lifeless air. Captain Vanderbilt cruised up and down the finishing line before finally putting his bow across, evidently as a sporting gesture to make the defeat seem less harsh. Shamrock slipped across before the welcome to the Enterprise died away and, if anything, Shamrock received a greater reception. Enterprise completed the course in 242 minutes 50 seconds and won with Shamrock 160 seconds behind.

Saturday’s was the first of seven races in the one contest. This marks the fifth occasion on which Sir Thomas Lipton has tried to lift the cup, and his ambition, though he is an old man, is as full of vigour as «. r er it was. The “America’s Cup” became socalled after the schooner America, which went to England in 1851, and raced a fleet of 15 British yachts round the Isle of Wight and took the trophy over the Atlantic. In those day’s it was known as the “Queen’s Cup,” but in its new sphere, and in recognition of the boat which had lifted it, it became designated as it is known to-day. In all a total of seven races can take place in one contest r or the trophy, and the boat which wins the majority takes it. ENTERPRISE FAVOURITE. SENTIMENT CLINGS TO SHAMROCK. Received Sept. 14, 5.5 p.m. NEW YORK, Se r t. 12. There was almost universal expression of sentimental support for Sir Thomas Lipton’s Shamrock, and popular hopes were with the challenger. Conviction, however, favoured the defender, Enterprise being a two to one favourite in the betting. '