THE AMERICA’S CUP.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20263, 4 August 1937, Page 7

THE AMERICA’S CUP.

THE ENDEAVOUR WENT DEAD. STATEMENT BY MR SOPWITH. “ TIIE MOST ASTONISHING THING.” United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright NEW YORK, August 2. Mr Sopwith to-day expressed the opinion that the theory that the Endeavour’s keel picked up a lobster-pot may explain the yacht’s failure In today’s race. The keel is to be' examined al daybreak. “I feel pretty sure that the Endeavour would win until the Ranger crept up and the Endeavour went dead,” said Mr Sopwith. “It was the' most astonishing thing I ever saw. We lost 10 minutes in five miles.” MR 80PWITH PUZZLED. MUST BE SOME EXPLANATION. WERE GOING ALONG NICELY. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received August 4, 11.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, August 3. After an examination of the hull of the Endeavour, which was found to be olean, Mr Sopwith said: “ There must be some explanation for what happened. We were going along nicely, holding well Into Into the wind, when suddenly she began to lose way. We eased off, and the Ranger sharpened, pointing close to windward and forcing us back over. We lost the race right there.” CRITICISM OF THE ENDEAVOUR. FAILURE TO HOLD LEAD. INTEREST IN RACES ENDED. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. NEW YOIRK, August 3. The Endeavour’s eclipse has practically ended Interest in the series for ’ the America’s Cup with the exception i of that taken in the distance by which the Ranger will win the remaining i races. Mr Harold Vanderbilt’s reception as l* he crossed the finishing line in the 1 Ranger was hysterically vociferous, i Experts feel that the Endeavour’s failure to hold the lead when In the better position proves that the crew of the yacht lack race-winning, qualities. It is pointed out that the British boat lost her advantage owing to a disastrous tack whereby she was brought almost to a standstill. The yachting correspondent of the New York Times, in mentioning a suggestion that the Endeavour may be altered acidly comments that the installation of an engine might help. There are rumours that Mr Sopwith Is so discouraged that he might retire from the series, but these are denied.