ColumbiaPNG.png

1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

The first challenge from Sir Thomas Lipton will relax
the atmosphere between American and English yachtsmen.

It was feared by many that the Dunraven affair would result in a permanent cessation of contests for the America's cup, and such might have been the case had not Sir Thomas J. Lipton, an enterprising tradesman, profiting by an era of good feeling between the United States and Great Britain, issued a challenge through an Irish yacht club of which he was a valued member.

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

As more than a year was to intervene between the conclusion of the negotiations and the sailing of the races, the American public held great expectations as to the character of the yachts that should be built to compete.

Since the introduction of bronze and other expensive metals in the building of cup defenders, only the richest could afford to order them.

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

© 1899 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, INC : AUGUST 12, 1899

Now that Shamrock, the sixth British cutter to cross the Atlantic in quest of the America cup since 1885, is well on her way over the Western Ocean , it will be of interest to compare her sailing qualities with those of the boat which is certain to be chosen for the defense.

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

SLOOP TO CUTTER-SLOOP - © 1899 SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, INC : OCTOBER 14, 1899

In the first, or schooner period of the cup contests, extending from 1851 to 1881, there was no such clearly defined struggle of type against type as was witnessed in the later races of the second period, when the English yachtsmen received some consolation for their successive defeats in knowing that their American competitors, in the struggle to retain the "America" cup, have been forced to abandon the time-honored centerboard and adopt the lead-ballasted keel.

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

On her arrival at New York, Shamrock was rigged promptly for racing, and was given several trials off Sandy Hook, in which she appeared to be a veritable witch in light airs. On September 13th she met with an accident, her steel gaff buckling until it collapsed. It may be mentioned here that her spars and gear were too light for her sails, which defect caused a loss of speed. She was finely handled by Capt. Archie Hogarth, assisted by Capt. Robert Wringe.

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

00556VNo series of races in the cup's history was ever sailed under such adverse and trying conditions as that between Columbia and Shamrock. An unprecedented period of foggy weather and light airs made it impossible to secure a race until thirteen days from the first day set, October 3d. The yachts started on October 3d, 5th, 7th and 19th, but could not finish within the time limit for want of wind, while none of these meetings afforded a conclusive test of their merits.

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

00255VCOLUMBIA LEAVES SHAMROCK BEHIND

British Yacht Loses by More Than Ten Minutes.

LogoNYT Oct. 17, 1899 - After seven failures to accomplish the feat, the first of the series of races for the America's Cup was sailed yesterday. The result was that the American yacht crossed the finish line ...

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

05062VSHAMROCK DISABLED LOSES SECOND RACE

Her Stout Topmast Snaps Short Off Soon After the Start.

LogoNYT Oct. 18, 1899 - The second of the races for the America's Cup was won yesterday by the Columbia owing to an accident to Shamrock. The course was over an equilateral triangle of ten miles to each side, ...

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

03612VTHE AMERICA'S CUP WILL REMAIN HERE; COLUMBIA WON BY OVER SIX MINUTES

Sir Thomas Lipton Says He Was Fairly Beaten and May Send Another Challenge

LogoNYT Oct. 21, 1899 - The cup is safe, and Columbia is the gem of the ocean. ...

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10

The sources

It's the last Cup for the faithful John S. Johnston, who died several weeks later of a heart attack near Niagara Falls. John thank you for all your work ...

The yacht photography of John S. Johnston
The Library of Congress (Detroit Publishing Co)

Read more ...

Category: 1899 : CHALLENGE N°10