THE AMERICA CUP.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 106, 9 May 1904, Page 2

THE AMERICA CUP.

Sir Thomas Upton, with indefatigable perseverance, is thinking about issuing another challenge for the America Cup. though it is 100 late for him to do anything (his yen)-. I le left London early in April for a tour in his yacht in Mediterranean waters, and was not expected buck for live or six weeks ; but before leaving lie expected to receive a reply from the New York Yacht Club answering his latest inquiry with regard to u new challenge. Sir Thomas hud inquired whether I lie .New York Club would accept a challenge under measurement rules similar to those used by British yachting clubs, and the reply is reported to have indicated the willingness of the defending club to consider the matter. In all probability Sir Thomas received the ollicial answer, which his Mediterranean cruise will give liime time to consider. Before he sent his inquiry Sir Thomas hud found it to be the concensus of opinion in British yachting circles that if the conditions of challenging were not altered it would be impossible for a challenger ever to lift the Cup. The conditions of the construction were becoming more and more exaggerated, resulting in freak racing machines of the Reliance type which made the crossing of the Alluulic a very serious handicap. So Sir Thomas inquired whether British measurement rules would be accepted, involving a measurement of the girth of the vessel, instead of tuking no account of certain girth measurements! of the ship's body. A limitation of the enormous sail area is also thought to be desirable, in fact, what is wanted is to have a contest between real yachts, instead of racing exaggerations. Sir Thomas regards Mi' Kenneth Clarke's Kariad us a yacht typical of the class he has in his mind. Though it is not absolutely certain that Sir Thomas will again challenge, it is understood tliat if nobody else takes up the gauntlet, and he can obtain suitable conditions, and find a designer and contractor giving him satisfactory prospects, there is every possibility that the flag of Shamrock IV. will be seen off Sandy 1 look in 1905. ON THE FOURTH TARE. Sporting. Our Letter Box. The Price of Bread.