THE GREAT YACHT RACE IN AMERICA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1641, 1 October 1887, Page 1

THE GREAT YACHT RACE IN AMERICA.

New Yoek, Sept. 27. The first of the races for the American Cup was sailed to-day over the Club’s course, and was won by tbe American yacht Volunteer by eighteen minutes. During the race the wind dropped, and it was feared there was no chance of finishing within the prescribed time,, but the breeze freshened subsequently, and allowed the completion of the course, Sept. 28. The English yacht Thistle during the race with the Volunteer was seriously impeded by an excursion craft on the run both out and home. The owner was dissatisfied with the result of the race, and has expressed his suspicion that the bottom of the yacht had been “ doctored.” Lonpon, bept. 27. The betting at the start was slightly in favor of the Volunteer, The wind was extremely light, and the weather hazy. crowds witnessed the race, which was followed by hundreds of steamers and yachts. When half the distance had been covered the Volunteer had a lead of two miles, eventually winning by four miles. Sept. 28. Within 15min. after the start the Thistle was becalmed, but the Volunteer caught a wind which gave her 6 lead of two miles befors the Thistle felt a breath, and as the Volunteer had a fresher wind, she was enabled to increase her lead, winning by 19£min,

fThe Volunteer is a new American yacht, a steel sloop, built for General Pain, It is stated that in her construction the centreboard has been discarded, and that she is a copy of the Thistle, the famous English yacht, in all essentials, She is, however, more beamy, and of less draught, which means somewhat less comparative displacement, points which may tell in her favor at the higher speeds and amongst regular waves. She is presumed to be I2min. faster than the Mayflower over a fortymile course. The Thistle was designed by Mr G. L. Watson, of Glasgow, for Mr James Bell, representing a syndicate of British yachtsmen. The Thistle completed her series of trial races at the Royal Irish Regatta, and wound op with a brilliant win over the Irex. Her record coni 1 not have been more satisfactory, as she has won no fewer than thirteen prizes out of fifteen starts, and beaten the Irex in the last nine successive races sailed. The Thistle started fifteen times, arrived first thirteen times, won eleven first prizes, one second, and one third. It may be said that the Irex has contested every race with the Thistle, and that her record is two first prizes and one second.—Press.]