THE AMERICA’S CUP.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 249, 2 August 1937, Page 5

THE AMERICA’S CUP.

RANCER WINS FIRST RACE, .V V BIGGEST MARGIN FOR 50 YEARS. (United Press Association—Copyright.) NEW YORK, July 31. A message from Newport (Rhode Island) states that screaming sirens from boats bearing 50,000 watchers saluted Mr H. Vanderbilt’s yacht Ranger as she crossed thp finishing line 17 minutes 5 seconds ahead of the British challenger, Mr T. O. M. Sopwith’s Endeavour 11., in the first race for the America’s Cup. It was the biggest margin in an America’s. Cup race for 50 years. Critics" acknowledge that Mr Sopwith sailed courageously, but he was no match against Mr Vanderbilt’s magnificent seamanship. However, they reserve judgment of the Endeavour’s capabilities which, it is agreed, are as yet not truly tested by the conditions, The absence of wind necessitated two 15-minute postponements of the start. 1 Eventually there was a light breeze which eliminated the possibility of spectacular sailing, and even raised a doubt whether the yachts would finish within the time limit. The Ranger took the windward berth from the start and led after the first few minutes. The Endeavour, in spite of desperate tacking, slipped steadily back and the Ranger was a mile ahead at the half-way mark, where the Endeavour turned badly. From then on the Ranger could have been defeated only by a miracle. .. The race finished in a dense tog in 'which the Endeavour was invisible, thus eliminating the last possibility of thrill. . . ....... -. Slowest Time Since 1920. The Ranger’s elapsed time was 4 horn’s 39, minutes 30 seconds, the slowest since; 1920. _ _ Before the race Mr Sopwith', in a statement, said: “I anticipate good racing.. , I think it will be fine. I want to be left quietly alone, and to get through with the job as soon as possible.” Each race is to be over 30 miles, first to windward and then to leeward, each leg being 15 miles. The second race will/he oVcr an equilateral triangle, and the other races will be alter-nate-windward and leeward races. They must be completed in 5 hours 30 minutes, and . the triangular course in five hours.

Mrs Sopwitli and Mrs Yanderbilt accompany their husbands, the former as .timekeeper and the latter; as keeper of the log. ‘ •< It is reported among the British con- ' tingent of yachting enthusiasts that Mr Sopwith will probably be knighted if he wins the cup. It is an open secret that considerable coldness exists between Mr Vanderbilt and Mr Sopwith as a result of last year’s disputes over technical details, and it is expected that both will be keyed up to the limit., ,