Yves GARY Hits: 4371
Category: CAMBRIA
THE CAMBRIA WINS
July 28, 1870 - These celebrated yachts started for their ocean match on Monday, July 4th. from Daunt Rock, about a mile from Cork Head, instead of Old Head, at Kinsale, the alteration being made to enable the public ...
... to witness the start with less inconvenience, Admiral Smyth-Barry, and the sailing committee of the Royal Cork Yacht Club carried out the arrangements for the start, at the request of the owners. 
At 2:37, the starting gun was fired, head sails smartly hoisted, and they proceeded on their voyage, heartily cheered by the crews of the numerous craft assembled to witness their departure. By telegram we learn that the Cambria arrived at Sandy Hook Lightship at 3:07 on the afternoon of July 27th. and the Dauntless an hour-and-three-quarters after her. The Cambria it appears kept a more northerly course than her antagonist and met with heavy weather. The Dauntless also met with rough treatment from the elements, and on the 7th of July she unfortunately had two men swept overboard, and lost time in endeavoring to save them. On their arrival they were met by the yachts of the New York, Atlantic, and Brooklyn Yacht Clubs.
After certainly the longest and probably the most exciting race on record, the Cambria has defeated the Dauntless in the great Atlantic match, and as Mr. Ashbury suffered such reverses in his contest with the Sappho and was unfortunate enough to have been disabled while endeavoring to regain the Queen's Cup, he will no doubt look upon this triumph as doubly welcome, and while we congratulate him on his success we feel sure from all that has come to our knowledge that our American yachting friends by no means begrudge him the honors his vessel has so gallantly won.
CAMBRIA |
DAUNTLESS |
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JULY 4 |
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JULY 4 — All hands preparing ship for race. 1h. p.m. weighed anchor; towed round H. M. B. Mersey in company with Dauntless as a token of respect; both yachts were loudly cheered by thousands of spectators; single reefed mainsail and set it whole, lower sail. 2h. 20m. signal to start, off Daunt's Rock, standing to the southward, Cambria to windward, with a fresh westerly wind. 3h. p.m. weather became very thick, with rain. The yacht stood in for the land, the Dauntless weathering the Cambria by about a-quarter-of-a-mile. Off the Old Kinsale Head at 5h. p.m. The weather remained thick and the yachts lost sight of each other in a thick fog until 8 o'clock, when the Cambria made out the Dauntless two miles on her lee bow. |
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JULY 5 |
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JULY 5 — At 1h. 30m. a.m., tacking ship. laying the course N. W.by N. on the port tack. 2h. p.m. sighted the Fastnet light, distance 14 miles. At 4h. Fastnet light was abeam. bearing N.E.by E., distance two miles. At 8h Calflight was abeam. heading N.W.by W., distance three to four miles. At 9h. 30m. Skelleck's light abeam. bearing N.E.b.N.; distance four miles; strong breeze and squally; ship pitching heavily and shipping large quantities of water, owing to the heavy cross sea. Hauled the main jib-headed topsail down and housed the topmast. At 8h. single reefed the mainsail. At noon the distance sailed by account was 56 miles N.W. of Cape Clear. The lat. by observation were 51° 56'. At3h. p.m. a fresh breeze blew, and strong at times, with clear weather and heavy cross sea; ship behaving wall, At 8h. p.m. fresh gale; single reefed the mainsail ; a very heavy sea running and the ship behaving nobly. |
JULY 5 — Course S.W.½W. Distance run 103 miles. Lat. 50° 22', lon. 9° 45' W. 12h. 30m. p.m. the Dauntless got under way and was towed out to Daunt's Rock, a distance of about eight miles, by the tugboat United States. A second tugboat, with the yacht Cambria, and a number of steamers and small craft accompanied her. Passed Daunt’s Rock at 2h.30m, and took position about two cables’ length to leeward of the Cambria. 2h. 38m., H.M.S. Mayflower hoisted the blue peter as the first signal; five minutes afterwards the first gun was fired, and again, two minutes later, in obedience to the second and final gun, the Dauntless east off the tug and stood away on the starboard tack. 3h. p.m. found ourselves drawing ahead and weathering on the Cambria, The Cambria tacked in shore to avoid us. We immediately tacked also, and stood in, closing with the land, 3h. 30m. p.m. the Cambria tacked to the southward, passing under our lee, we weathering her finally, 5h. 35m. p.m. saw the Cambria standing in, as we tacked off, the Old Head of Kinsale bearing E.S.E.; weathered the Cambria about three miles. Fresh, steady, westerly wind and hazy. |
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JULY 6 |
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JULY 6 — 1h. a.m., weather moderating; fine breeze and cloudy, 5h. a.m., set the main-topsail and shook reefs out of foresail and mainsail, 8h. a.m., hard squall; got topmasts on deck and single reefed mainsail, Noon, weather moderated; shook a reef out of mainsail ; and at 12h 30m. set the fore and maintopsails; light winds, accompanied by small rain. Noon, by observation, the distance run was 179 miles, lat, 53° 50', 3h. p.m. stiff steady breeze and smooth water; all sail set; raining continuously, 6h. p.m. wind falling light; lots of rain, 9h. p.m. heavy rain and a squall blowing; single reefed mainsail; rain. 11h. p.m. raining hard. |
JULY 6 — Course S.W.by W. ½ W. Distance 90 miles, Lat. 49° 23', Ion. 10° 56' W. This day begins calm, with thick rainy weather., 2h, p.m. a strong breeze sprung up from the north. Took in gaff-topsails. 3h. p.m. the wind gradually dying out, set them again. 5h. p.m, set main-topmast staysail. Middle of the day light, variable winds and heavy head swells; weather cloudy. Ends in a dead calm. Found current setting to the S. at the rate of one knot per hour. |
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JULY 7 |
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JULY 7 — At 3h. a.m. shook a reef out of the mainsail. Weather gloomy. At 8h. a.m. sent the main-topmast up and set the gaff-topsail. Weather fine. 9h. a.m. sent the fore-topmast up and set the topsail. Noon, the distance sailed in 24 hours was 142 miles, by observation lat.. 54° 59', lon., 17° 56', At 4h. p.m. moderate breeze and fine weather. 2h. p.m. set the jib-topsail. At 6h. p.m. set the square-headed topsails, At 8h. set the jib-topsail. At 9h. 30m took in jib-topsail. Light winds and variable. 11h. p.m. set second jib. Weather overcast. |
JULY 7 — Course W.N.W. Distance 140 miles. Lat. 49° 23', lon. 14° 23'. This day begins calm, with a heavy bank of clouds to the southward. Middle part, fresh breezes from S.S.W., with rain. 2h. a.m. took in gaff-topsails, 6h. 30m. housed topmasts. 7h. 30m. a.m. wind and sea increasing, took in flying jib. In furling it two men, Charles Scott and Albert Demar, were washed off the boom. Hove to the yacht for two hours, lowered foresail and got out boat, but failed to see anything of the missing men. 9h. 30. a.m., the wind having increased to a gale, we reluctantly gave them up, took the boat on board and kept on our course. Double reefed mainsail and took bonnet out of foresail. Ends in a fresh gale, thick, rainy weather, and short, high sea. |
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JULY 8 |
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JULY 8 — 6h. a.m. was visited by four bottle nosed whales and parted company in good terms. 8 h. a.m. set the jib-topsail. Noon, the distance sailed by observation 77 miles lat,, by account 54° 45’, long. by observation 21° 20'. 1h. p.m. a fresh breeze blowing and clear; all sail set, 3:30 p.m. the fore-topsail backstays gave way, causing the fore-topmast and getting the sails aboard, 9h. p.m. reefed the mainsail. A fresh breeze blowing and cloudy. |
JULY 8 — Course W.½N. Distance 210 miles. Lat. 48° 30', lon. 19° 28'. This day begins with fresh gales and high, rough sea. Weather dark and gloomy, with fine rain. 3h. p.m., the wind and sea having moderated, turned out one reef of the mainsail and flying jib and put bonnet in foresail. 4h. 20m. p.m. tacked ship and set whale mainsail. 9h. p.m. passed a brig steering to the eastward; sent up three rockets and burned two blue lights. 10h. p.m. sent up main-topmast and set gaff-topsail. Middle of the day, fresh breezes and cloudy. Latter part moderate breezes from N. to N.N.W.; seas smooth. 7h. a.m. sent up fore-topmast, exchanged colors with a North German bark. 9h. a.m. set fore-gaff-topsail and main-topmast staysail. |
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JULY 9 |
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JULY 9 — At 1h. a.m. reefed the bowsprit and set second jib. 4h. a.m. strong breeze and rain, 6h. a.m. sent the fore-topmast up. 7h. a.m. moderate weather and rain ; set the jib-topsail and fore and main-topsail, 8h. a.m. light wind and rain, 10h. 30m. a.m., set the square-sail. Noon made out a steamer, which proved to be one of the Anchor line; signaled, but no communication passed. Noon, the distance sailed was 220 miles; lat. 54° 30', long., 27° 16’. 2h. p.m. a variable light breeze, with a drizzling rain and a heavy swell from all quarters. 7h. p.m. set square-topsail and big working jib; light and variable air. 9h. p.m. light air from the S.E. and the ship making good progress. |
JULY 9 — Course W. by .N.½N. Distance 120 miles. Lat. 48° 12', Ion. 22° 29’. This day begins with light breezes; clear and pleasant weather. Exchanged signals with the North German ship Palmerston. Middle part fresh breezes and squally. 11h. 30m. p.m. took in flying jib and gaff-topsails. 3h. a.m. set them again. 4h. a.m. took them in. 9h. a.m. housed fore-topmast and put a single reef in the mainsail. Latter part of the day more moderate ; turned reef out of the mainsail and set flying jib. |
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JULY 10 |
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JULY 10 — At 1h. a.m. light air and cloudy, with a swell from the N.W., all sail set. 4h. a.m., light air and drizzling rain, light and variable winds, with a heavy swell, all sail set. Noon the distance sailed by observation was 97 miles, lat. 54° 25', long, 29° 39'. 1h. p.m. calm. 2h. p.m. a light breeze sprung up. At 7h. 30m. p.m. a strong breeze blew, and weather squally. 9h. p.m. double-reefed the mainsail and foresail, set the third jib and reefed the boom; barometer falling, and every appearance of strong winds; housed the fore-topmast. Midnight a strong breeze and cloudy. |
JULY 10 — Course W. by N. Distance 122 miles, Lat. 47° 34', lon. 25° 20'. These twenty-four hours began with light, variable airs; the weather clear and pleasant. 1h. p.m. exchanged colors with an American ship steering to the eastward. 6h. 30m. a.m. exchanged colors with an American whaler. Night squally; strong breeze from the northward, with heavy head sea. 12h. (midnight) took in gaff-topsail and flying jib. 8h. p.m. double reefed mainsail and took bonnet out of foresail. 6h. 30m. p.m. close reefed foresail and took in fore staysail, it having been split by a heavy sea. 7h. a.m. took in mainsail; while lowering it the jib-boom broke short off in the sheave hole; took in the jib and hove to in order to clear away the wreck. 8h. 15m. a.m. kept away again upon our course. Ends strong breezes from N., very heavy sea. |
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JULY 11 |
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JULY 11 — 1h. a.m. commencing with strong winds and heavy head sea, shipping great quantities of water at times; mainsail and foresail double reefed, also single reef in the fore-staysail and the third jib set, boom reefed inboard. 8h. a.m., tacked ship; moderate gales and heavy sea. 9h. 30m. housed the main-topmast; hands employed in making everything snug. Noon, still continuing to blow and rain; ship behaving nobly and making very good weather of it. The distance sailed in the last 24 hours was 133 miles by account; lat. by account 53° 35, lon. 32° 30'. 1h. p.m. the weather still the same, the wind blowing strong and a very heavy sea on. The yacht behaved nobly, pleasing everybody on board by her buoyancy and good sea qualities. The passengers were all below quite snug in their berths, scarcely knowing that they were at sea. 12h. p.m. weather unchanged, the wind blowing hard and a heavy sea on. |
JULY 11 — Course W.¾S. Distance 155 miles. Lat. 46° 24', lon, 28° 38'. This day begins with fresh breezes and heavy head sea. 1h. p.m. set main-topsail. 6h. p.m. took in trysail and set double reefed mainsail. Got jib-boom ready for going out, and bent the old jib for a fore-staysail. 8h. p.m. put bonnet in for foresail, and set whole mainsail. Middle part moderate; set main-gaff-topsail. End moderate breezes; cloudy weather. Got out jib-boom, bent and set flying jib. |
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JULY 12 |
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JULY 12 — 1h. a.m. the weather unchanged, with rain and heavy sea squalls running; ship doing well again; tacked ship. A change of wind and weather; sent the main-topmast up and shook one reef out of the mainsail, two out of the foresail and one out of the fore-staysail. Weather moderating and the sea going down. At noon the distance sailed was 140 miles. Lat. by account 52° 05', long. 34° 33'. 1h. p.m. light and variable winds. |
JULY 12 — Course N.W. by W.½W. Distance 91 miles. Lat. 46° 23', Ion. 30° 11’. This day begins with fresh breezes and heavy head sea. 5h. 30m. p.m. spoke North German brig Bluementhal. Single reeled the mainsail. 7h. p.m. tacked to the westward. Middle and latter part moderate wind and sea, but thick and foggy. All sails set. 7h. a.m. tacked to the northward, 10h. a.m., tacked to the westward. |
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JULY 13 |
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JULY 13 — At 12h. 30m. a.m. a light breeze and drizzling rain; 2h. 30 a.m. tacked ship ; a sudden change from west to north. accompanied with a strong breeze and rain. 8h. 30m. set the second jib, hauled the main jib-topsail down and sent the square topsail up; weather moderating. Noon, the distance sailed was 141 miles. Lat. by account 42° 26', lon. 38° 15'. 1h. p.m. the breeze increased, with the swell going down. 3h. p.m. hauled fore and main-topsails down. 5h. 30m. housed the fore and main topmasts; a heavy head and beam sea rising; heavy squalls, accompanied at times by passing showers, and shipping great quantities of water; single reefed the mainsail. 7h. p.m. double reefed the foresail, reefed the bowsprit and set the third jib. 9h. a.m. the wind increased. Midnight the weather moderated, the sea going down. |
JULY 13 — Course N.W.½ W. Distance 130 miles. Lat. 46° 33’, lon. 33° 50’. This day begins with moderate breezes and thick foggy weather. 1h. 30m. p.m. tacked to the northward. 7h. 30m. the wind freshening, took in gaff-topsails and housed fore-topmast. Middle part fresh breezes, with thick fog and rain. 12h. (midnight) took in the flying jib and single reefed the mainsail. Ends moderate breezes; cloudy weather; all sails set. 9h. 30m. a.m. tacked to the westward. |
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JULY 14 |
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JULY 14 — At 1h. a.m. the weather moderated, with passing showers. Turned the reefs out of the foresail. 6h. a.m. sent the main-topmast aloft. Turned a reef out of the mainsail and set the gaff-topsail. 9h. a.m., sent the fore-topmast aloft and set the fore-topsails. Noon tacked ship with a fine breeze and smooth water. The distance sailed by observation was 174 miles, Lat. by account, 50° 52'; lon. 42° 26'. 4h. p.m. hauled the fore and main-topsails down. Wind increasing. Single reefed the mainsail. 6h. p.m. double reefed the mainsail, foresail and staysail. Wind and sea increasing. 8h. p.m. a moderate gale blew, with heavy head sea. 9h. 30m. the sea went down, the wind still blowing, accompanied with rain. 12h. the wind moderated, the sea smooth. |
JULY 14 — Course W.¼S. Distance 165 miles. Lat. 44° 55', lon. 36° 32'. This day begins with fresh breezes and dark gloomy weather. 4h. p.m. single reefed the mainsail, took bonnet out of foresail and housed the main-topmast. 8h p.m. double reefed the mainsail and took in the fore-topsail. Middle part, strong breezes, with heavy squalls and high rough sea. Ends with light breezes and clear, pleasant weather; all sails set. |
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JULY 15 |
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JULY 15 — 1h. a.m. a fresh breeze sprang up, and a heavy swell of rain, shipping great quantities of water. 3b. a.m. shook one reef out of mainsail, two out of foresail and two out of staysail, and sent the main-topmast aloft and set mainsail; weather moderating. 6h. a.m. sent fore-topmast aloft and set the fore-topsail. 9h. 30m. a.m. noticed one of the headboards passing astern; weather very thick; small rain. Noon, the weather continued thick, with drizzling rain and sun obscured. The distance sailed, by observation, was 214 miles. Lat., by account, 50° 51’, lon. 48° 06’. 1h. a.m. fresh breezes, cloudy and rainy. 2h. p.m. wind was light and variable, shifting to variable quarters and raining continually. 10h. p.m. a light breeze sprang up, smooth water, lightning from various points; every appearance of a sudden change. 10h. 30m. p.m., hauled fore and main-topsails down. 12h., weather looking very threatening; wind at various points. |
JULY 15 — Course N.W.½W. Distance 148 miles. Lat. 44° 58', lon. 40° 01'. This day begins with light variable airs and clear pleasant, but cool weather. 3h. p.m. tacked to the northward., Middle part, fresh breezes, with heavy rain. Ends with moderate breezes and thick, foggy weather. All sails set. |
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JULY 16 |
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JULY 16 — 1h. a.m., light air, accompanied by thunder and lightning. 4h. 30m. breeze increasing, heavy squalls and rain, 5h. a.m., hauled the fore and main-topsails down; blowing a fresh gale from south-west; ship behaving well. 10h. 30m. a.m. wind moderating, set the fore and main topsails. Distance sailed 92 miles. Lat. by account 49° 30'; lon. by account, 49° 38’. 1h. p.m. light and variable wind; all sail set. 9h. p.m., wind very light, nearly a calm. |
JULY 16 — Course N.W. Distance 150 miles. Lat. 45° 26', lon, 43° 27'. All these twenty-four hours fresh breezes. The weather dark and gloomy, accompanied with fog and thin rain. 3h. 30m. p.m. took in gaff-topsails. 10h. p.m. took in flying jib 2h. a.m. single reefed the mainsail. 5h. a.m. took bonnet out of foresail. 8h. a.m. the wind having moderated, put the bonnet in the foresail and turned the reef out of the mainsail. 11h. a.m. single reefed the mainsail again. Saw two ships standing to the eastward. |
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JULY 17 |
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JULY 17 — 1h. a.m., weather extremely cold; wind very light, and several icebergs to the northward, and set the balloon jib and jib-topsail. 4h. a.m. a large iceberg abeam, distance about four miles. 9h. a.m., found a current setting to the southward, 18 miles in 24 hours. 11h. a.m. sounded in 118 fathoms, dark gravel. Noon, distance sailed 61 miles; lat. by account 48° 40’, Ion. 50° 29’, 1h. p.m., light air and heavy swells from the northward; took in balloon jib and set second jib; wind increasing; weather fine, but very cold, 9h. p.m., sighted an iceberg, two miles on the weather quarter. |
JULY 17 — Course W.N.W. ¾ W. Distance 70 miles. Lat. 45°, lon. 46'. This day begins with fresh breezes, dark cloudy weather and heavy head sea. 1h, a.m. took bonnet out of foresail and housed fore-topmast, 3h. a.m. tacked to the northward. 7h. p.m. put bonnet in foresail, turned reef out of mainsail, and set flying jib. Middle part, calm, with heavy rain. 8h., 30m. a.m. spoke ship Glendower, from Quebec for Liverpool. Ends with moderate breezes cloudy and overcast. Heavy swell from the westward. |
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JULY 18 |
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JULY 18 — 1h. a.m., weather extremely cold; wind very light, and several icebergs to the northward, and set the balloon jib and jib-topsail. 4h. a.m. a large iceberg abeam, distance about four miles. 9h. a.m., found a current setting to the southward, 18 miles in 24 hours. 11h. a.m. sounded in 118 fathoms, dark gravel. Noon, distance sailed 61 miles; lat. by account 48° 40’, Ion. 50° 29’, 1h. p.m., light air and heavy swells from the northward; took in balloon jib and set second jib; wind increasing; weather fine, but very cold, 9h. p.m., sighted an iceberg, two miles on the weather quarter. |
JULY 18 — Course W.N.W. Distance 68 miles. Lat. 44° 08’, lon. 47° 02'. This day begins with light airs from the S.W. Weather cloudy and overcast. Middle part a dead calm. 8h. a.m. a fresh breeze sprung up from the southward, which gradually increased to a moderate gale. At 12 meridian took in both gaff-topsails and main-topmast staysail. Heavy rain and high, rough sea. |
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JULY 19 |
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JULY 19 — 1h. a.m. fresh breezes and clear. 6h. a.m. sent balloon main-topsail and main-topmast staysail down and set square topsail; stiff breeze and thick fog; distance sailed 104 miles. Lat. by account 45° 31’, lon. by account, 54° 22’. At noon, fresh breeze and clear. Set jib-topsail and main staysail. 3h. p.m. signaled a Norwegian bark bound east. 4h. p.m. fore-topmast over the side, carrying away fore-topsail and jib-topsail, all hands employed in clearing wreck and preparing another topmast to be sent up. Sent up fore-topmast aloft and sent fore-topsail. Midnight hauled the square main-topsail down and set balloon topsail. |
JULY 19 — Course W.N.W. Distance 145 miles. Lat. 44° 08', lon. 50° 13'. This day begins with moderate gales from the southward, heavy rain squalls and high following sea. 12h. 30m. p.m. double reefed the mainsail, took bonnet out of foresail and housed both topmasts. 2h. 30m. took in flying jib. 3h. 30m. the wind shifted to S.W. and commenced to moderate. Turned one reef out of the mainsail, and set flying jib. 10h. p.m. tacked to the westward, put bonnet in the foresail, 5h. a.m. turned reef out of mainsail, sent up both topmasts and set gaff-topsails., 8h. a.m. boarded fishing schooner Lizzie R. Knight, off Marblehead. Ends with light breezes from S.W. Weather thick and foggy. |
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JULY 20 |
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JULY 20 — a.m. fine breeze and clear. At 1h. set the balloon jib and fore staysail. At 4h. calm. 5h. light air and clear. 6h. a.m. carpenter employed in scraping the remains of two topmasts ready to be prepared for another break. Distance 144 miles. Lat. by account, 44° 4', lon. by account, 57° 2’. 1h. p.m., light and variable air, with clear sky. 6h. p.m. nearly calm. 9h. p.m. breeze rising. 12h. a fresh breeze. |
JULY 20 — Course W.by N. Distance 225 miles, Lat. 42° 53', lon. . These twenty-four hours begin with light, variable breezes and thick, foggy weather. Saw several fishing vessels. Middle part, fresh breezes from N. to N.E. Clear, pleasant weather. Ends moderate, smooth sea. Set square-sail, square-topsail, square fore-topsail, studding-sails, &c. Current S.S.W., 40m. |
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JULY 21 |
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JULY 21 — 3h. 30m. a.m. set jib-topsail and balloon fore-topsail. 6h. p.m. set balloon main-topsail and staysail. 6h. sent the square-sail yard up and set the square-sail and topsail, set watersails fore and aft. 10h. the weather looked very squally, with rain. Hauled square-sail down, square-topsail and jib-topsail and balloon topmast staysail and balloon main-topsail and watersails, and sent the second maintopsail aloft. The distance sailed was 169 miles; lat., by account, 42° 37', lon., by account, 60° 20', 1h. p.m. fine breeze and smooth sea; took square-mainsail yard down. 10h. p.m. breeze increasing, accompanied by lightning. Hauled jib-topsail down. 12h. a fresh breeze, cloudy and a smooth sea. |
JULY 21 — Course N.N.W. ¾W. Distance 110 miles, Lat. 42° 25', lon. 57° 25'. First and middle part these twenty-four hours, light airs from N. to N.E., with clear, pleasant weather and smooth sea. All sails set. Latter part, fresh breezes from S.E. 11h. a.m. took in square-sail. |
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JULY 22 |
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JULY 22 — 1h. a.m. fresh breeze and cloudy. About 3h. breeze falling light, thick fog and rain. Made several tacks between four and seven. 9h.30m. a.m., sudden change to N.N.W., thick fog and rain continuing, set jib-topsail. 7h. p.m. sea very smooth. 8h. p.m., the working main-topsail, set the balloon topsail. 9h. p.m. set the main-topmast. 11h. p.m. square-sail yard up, and set the water sails. Distance sailed 158 miles. Lat., by account 42° 20’, lon. 63° 57'. Afternoon, fair and clear weather. 9h. p.m., light air, sky overcast, smooth sea. all sail set. Midnight, light and variable winds. |
JULY 22 — Course W.½S. Distance 191 miles. Lat. 42° 12', Ion. 61° 43'. This day begins with fresh breezes from the southward and squally weather. 3h. a.m. took in both gaff-topsails and flying jib and took one reef in the mainsail. 3h. turned reef out of the mainsail and set flying jib. 5h. a.m. set gaff-topsails. Passed an English brig steering to the eastward. Middle part, fine steady breeze and smooth sea. All sail out. 8h. a.m. tacked to the westward. Ends calm, thick and foggy. |
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JULY 23 |
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JULY 23 — 1h. a.m. fresh breeze and cloudy. About 3h. breeze falling light, thick fog and rain. Made several tacks between four and seven. 9h.30m. a.m., sudden change to N.N.W., thick fog and rain continuing, set jib-topsail. 7h. p.m. sea very smooth. 8h. p.m., the working main-topsail, set the balloon topsail. 9h. p.m. set the main-topmast. 11h. p.m. square-sail yard up, and set the water sails. Distance sailed 158 miles. Lat., by account 42° 20’, lon. 63° 57'. Afternoon, fair and clear weather. 9h. p.m., light air, sky overcast, smooth sea. all sail set. Midnight, light and variable winds. |
JULY 23 — Course W. by S. Distance 52 miles. Lat. 41° 41', lon. 68° 25'. This day begins with a moderate breeze from the N. Middle and latter part calm. Weather thick and foggy. All sail set. 11h. 45m. a.m. spoke ship Plymouth Rock, from London for New York. |
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JULY 24 |
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JULY 24 — At 8h. a.m. tacked ship: light breeze and clear; distance sailed 158 miles; lat. by account 41° 35', lon. by account 67° 58’. Noon a.m. strong wind, heavy head sea; fog, hauled down fore and main-topsail; single reeled mainsail; lowered fore-topmast. 6h. p.m. set second jib; reefed bowsprit. 9h. p.m. wind increasing ; heavy head sea ; double reefed foresail. 10h. p.m. strong westerly gale. |
JULY 24 — Course W.N.W. ¾W. Distance 120 miles, Lat. 41° 24', lon. 66° 08'. This day begins with moderate breezes from the southward. Thick foggy weather. 3h. p.m. tacked to the northward. 7h. p.m. spoke an English bark from St. John's for Liverpool. Middle part clear and pleasant, latter part fresh breezes, with heavy head sea and thick, foggy weather. 7h. a.m. took in flying jib and housed fore-topmast, 8h, a,m, single reefed the mainsail. 11h, a.m. tacked to the northward. |
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JULY 25 |
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JULY 25 — a.m. weather moderating; very heavy head sea wiith thick fog and rain. 5h. a.m. shook two reefs out of foresail. 10h. a.m. set the jib-headed main-topsail; sent fore-topmast aloft and set fore-topsail; distance sailed 85 miles; lat. by account 40° 31', lon. 69° 15'. Afternoon, wind, thick fog and high head sea. Breeze increased, fog clearing, sighted several fishing boats; also a New York pilot boat. 7h. 30m. p.m. Cummisker, pilot came on board and took charge at 8h. p.m. Tacked ship and hauled fore and main-topsails down; set the working and main-topsails; sighted Nantucket lightship about 25 miles N.W.b.N. at 10h. 30m. pm. Midnight, steady and hazy. |
JULY 25 — Course W. ½S, Distance 93 miles, Lat. 40° 45', lon. 67° 49'. This day begins with fresh breezes from the westward. Thick foggy weather; heavy head sea. 2h. p.m. turned reef out of the mainsail. 3h. p.m. sounded in 40 fathoms. 4h. p.m. tacked to the southward and sounded in 43 fathoms. 6h. p.m. sounded in 50 fathoms. 8h. p.m. sounded in 45 fathoms. 10h. p.m. sounded in 40 fathoms. Middle and latter part clear and pleasant. 3h. a.m. tacked to the northward. Set main-gaff-topsail and flying jib. |
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JULY 26 |
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JULY 26 — ln the morning light air and hazy, with swell from the N.W. 6h, a.m. tacked ship; thick fog sometimes and variable winds ; set the jib-topsail, hauled working and main-topsails down and set balloon main-topsails. 8h 30m. set the large working jib. Distance sailed by account 82 miles; lat. by account, 39° 54’; lon. by account, 70° 50’. Afternoon breeze fell light; swell from the S.W. 5h. p.m. tacked ship, swell going down. 7h. p.m., fresh breeze from S.W, 9h, p.m., fine weather looking threatening; hauled fore and main-topsails down. Midnight, the weather clearing up and moderating. |
JULY 26 — Course W. ½S, Distance 93 miles, Lat. 40° 45', lon. 67° 49'. This day begins with fresh breezes from the westward. Thick foggy weather; heavy head sea. 2h. p.m. turned reef out of the mainsail. 3h. p.m. sounded in 40 fathoms. 4h. p.m. tacked to the southward and sounded in 43 fathoms. 6h. p.m. sounded in 50 fathoms. 8h. p.m. sounded in 45 fathoms. 10h. p.m. sounded in 40 fathoms. Middle and latter part clear and pleasant. 3h. a.m. tacked to the northward. Set main-gaff-topsail and flying jib. |
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JULY 27 |
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JULY 27 — Courses, N.W., S.W. by W., W.N.W. Remarks :—a.m. light air and clear. Jib-topsail would not stand; hauled it down. 4h. a.m. hauled our jib-topsails down. Set balloon main-topsail and working fore-topsails, About 11h. a.m. had a stiff N.E. breeze, which brought us to Sandy Hook, 36 miles at 3h 30m. p.m. |
JULY 27 — Course W. Distance 180 miles. First and middle part of these twenty-four hours light baffling winds and calms. 2h. p.m. exchanged signals with ship American Congress. 3h. 40m. a.m. made Montauk, light bearings N.N.W. 4h. a.m. tacked to the southward. 9h. a.m. set square-sail and square-topsail. Passed Sandy Hook Lightship at 4h. 47m. p.m. |
July 29, 1870 - The result of the ocean yacht-race was the all-absorbing topic of conversation yesterday. A feeling of disappointment pervaded the City on account of the defeat or the Dauntless, which was partially softened by the belief that, although beaten, she had proven herself to be possessed of sea-going qualities equal, it not superior, to those of the Cambria.
Old mariners and persons versed in nautical knowledge were of the opinion that the contest was not calculated to show the superiority of either vessel, from the fact that they did not sail in the some course together, and were not subject to similar winds. An impression prevailed among some that the Dauntless was not as well constructed for fast sailing as her competitor. Although there are many points or difference between the two vessels, they are not altogether unlike each other in the build of their hulls, which somewhat resemble those or New-York pilot-boats. The latter are unsurpassed among schooners for speed and strength.
It was reported, yesterday, that the real cause of the ill-luck of the Dauntless was probably the large number of officers that she carried, and that she stood more chance of being victorious with only one navigator and one sailing-master, instead or several. Capt. SAMUELS, the veteran navigator, was in chief command, but there were four other officers on board holding positions nearly equal to the one which he filled. Had he been successful, it is said, his pay would have been increased by $20,000, the amount which, according to rumor, Mr. BENNETT promised him in case he brought the Dauntless in ahead.
July 30, 1870 - One of the passengers by the Dauntless furnishes a weekly sporting paper with an account of the famous voyage just ended, from which we quote the following:
On the third morning out the saddest incident of the whole voyage transpired. The wind had constantly risen during the night and we took in the gaff-topsails and housed the foremast. At 7½, the wind having new increased to almost a gale, with a high head sea, we took in the flying jib. In furling it, two men, CHARLES SCOTT and ALBERT DEMAR, were swept off the boom. They were the furthest out on the spar, and after a very heavy head sea had broken over them, they had probably for a moment relaxed their hold, when the yacht plunged into a second sea, and they were washed away.
As soon as their shipmates cried out, “man overboard,” the yacht was hove to, and as the men passed by it couple of life buoys were thrown to them, and fell within ten feet of where they were floating. The dingy was lowered with all possible dispatch, but her search after the missing men, though protracted to a couple or hours, was fruitless. Twice the yacht were round, and by great good luck came hack each time exactly to the spot where the accident had taken place. The buoys were still floating, and we saw one of the men's hats, but nothing more.
From such hasty observations as we were able to make, as the men were swept along, CHARLEY appeared to be hurt, as he floated away face downward. Probably he was stunned by striking against the side et the ship. It he had not been, he would most likely have gained one or the buoys, as he was a splendid swimmer. The other man unfortunately could not swim. While the dingy was being get out, one of our sailing-masters clambered up the main-mast, and for it moment saw one of the men, apparently half out or the water, but a huge wave rose immediately afterward and hid him-forever.
CHARLEY was one of the best men on the yacht, and came from Cowes, where he leaves a wife, but, happily, no children. .DEMAR, as we found out from some letters in his chest, was a genuine German Baron, abandoned by his family. His sister is the wife of a Colonel in the army of the Grand Duke of BADEN-BADEN.
At last the wind having now fairly increased to a gale, while the sea was fearfully high, we reluctantly gave up our quest for the missing men, an held on our course. It is worth noting that the hours we were compelled to lose in this melancholy duty led, in all human probability, to our coming past the light-ship in the second place. And more than this, it is pretty clear that the depression created among the men by the disaster had a great influence upon us during the next few days, though after a while, with the gallantry of true tars, they recovered their natural hardihood.
