THE AMERICA CUP RACE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 463, 3 July 1937, Page 5

THE AMERICA CUP RACE

MR SOPWITH’S CHALLENGE ENDEAVOUR II SELECTED Fixture End Of July Press Association—Copyright. New York, July 2. Mr T. O. M. Sopwith announces that the yacht Endeavour 11. will be the challenger for the America’s Cup. The races will be sailed, off Newport, Rhode Island, commencing on July 31. The attempt of the Endeavour 11. will be the 17th by Great Britain to recapture the trophy which was won by the schooner America in 1851, and which has remained in American keeping ever since. It has been estimated that more than £3,000,000 has been spent by yachtsmen on both sides of the Atlantic in challenging for and defending the America’s Cup. When the trophy was first presented, it was stated to be worth £lOO, but if it was put into the melting pot to-day itc, silver, at current prices, might possibly bring about £2O. It has been described as “the most valueless., but most greatly valued trophy in the world.” The new Endeavour, which was designed by Mr C. E. Nicholson, is built of steel plating .for Eides and deck, with steel frames and 'deck beams. Her extreme length from bow to counter is 132 ft., and she is 87ft. on the waterline, the maximum permitted under the rules of J class yachts. She has a beam of 21ft. 6in. and <a- displacement of 164 tons. She is slightly longer and narrower than Endeavour I. Her mast is 155 ft .from deck to truck and is built of steel, reinforced by internal framing and supported by standing rigging made of high-tensile solid steel bars. The two both carry the same sail area, 7550 square feet. When the latest British yacht left for Rhode Island it was stated that she carried a new type Of sail, details of which were known oly o Mr Sopwith, Mr Nicholson and a few trusted of the sailmakers. It was also stated that Mr Sopwith intended to k-e-ep these sails a secret until the start of the races.