The America Cup.

Manawatu Herald, 25 August 1903, Page 2

The America Cup.

RELIANCE WINS THE FIRST HEAT. Early on Saturday morning a twelve-knot south-westerly breeze was blowing and likely to continue. j The course was the same as Thursday’s, with a 10-knot wind. At the start the Shamrock crossed the line with a lead of four seconds. The Reliance overhauled her after two hours and ten minutes. The American vessel easily maintained the lead and won minutes 22 seconds, after deducting the time allowance. DESCRIPTION OF THE RACE Both yachts 'started with baby jib topsails, but soon took them in, the wind freshening to between twelve and seventeen knots. The Reliance had the windward berth and easy blanketed the Shamrock, which held her own on the second tack, but in the next tack the Reliance, pointing higher, obtained a substantial lead, and turned thi mark three minutes ahead. The Americans were smarter in setting sails for the run, home, the Shamrock having trouble with the jib and wasted several seconds. The yacht Reliance steadily increased her lead, and it was apparent the Shamrock was no, match for her in the running. The yachts travelled so fast that they left many excursion boats and tugs hopelessly behind. The Reliance crossed the line amid a perfect furore of syrens and whistles. The winner took 3 hours 32 minutes to complete the courw. The Shamrock finished nine minutes later. Sir T. Lipton, in an interview, declared his confidence in the Shamrock unshaken, said that more wind would bring out the Sharorock 8 strong points. He added that th® handling of the Reliance Was simply perfect.