This day's race was another example of the frequency with which races to windward and leeward and return fail in their object, especially in early October in these waters, when the wind is more fluky and lighter than at any other time of the year. If the S.W. wind had piped up a little, it would have been a reach both ways. On the whole, triangular races are best courses.
On the second day, October 7, after rain in the early morning, it became fine and bright as the New York Club's steamer left No. 8 Pier at 9.15. Not quite so many steamers appeared, although there were probably over 150, many large excursion ones, and yachts. One yacht stood prominently out, and was conspicuous for her taut brig rig and large tonnage, 2,400—a grand vessel, the 'Valiant,' designed by St. Clare Byrne for Mr. Vanderbilt, and built at Liverpool. There was also a large yacht of the 'Chazalie' type; and I may also mention Commodore Morgan's steam yacht 'May,' designed by Mr. G. L. Watson. The wind, W. by S., was still very light, with a gentle swell from the southward. Course, 15 miles to leeward, round mark, and return. The start at 11.25 was admirable. 'Valkyrie,' beautifully handled, out-manœuvred 'Vigilant,' and crossed the line to windward about 10 secs. ahead. Spinnakers were at once hauled out on the starboard side, both setting balloon jib-topsails and lowering foresails. Bowsprit spinnakers are more correctly to be termed balloon jib-topsails, the difference being that the balloon jib-topsail is hanked on the stay. 'Vigilant' drew ahead, and at 12.25 was a quarter of a mile in front. 'Vigilant,' a quarter of a mile to the eastward, got a streak of wind and increased her lead, her balloon jib-topsail drawing well. At 1.30 'Vigilant' was nearly a mile ahead; she tacked round the mark 1 hr. 50 mins. 30 secs., 'Valkyrie' following at 1.59, when she was bothered by a small steamer. The 15 miles took 2½ hrs. to accomplish, but on the return there was no beating to windward, a close haul with jib-topsails set. The windward work was again frustrated by shift of wind. It was a plain sail home, and
| h. | m. | s. | |
| 'Vigilant' crossed the line | 3 | 30 | 16 |
| 'Valkyrie' " " | 3 | 37 | 57 |
After deducting time allowance, the English boat lost by 5 mins. 53 secs. One of the members of the Committee took the velocity of the wind at different periods of the race, as follows:—
| h. | m. | Velocity per hour | |
| 11 | 25 | 10.0 | |
| 1 | 56 | 14.5 | |
| 2 | 3 | 9.0 | |
| 3 | 23 | 9.0 | |
| 3 | 35 | 8.8 |
It will be well to remember that here velocity does not indicate strength as we feel it at home. As Lord Dunraven particularly noticed, the dryness of the wind reduces the pressure, which the moisture of our climate so materially increases.
The result of the race seemed to show that the two yachts were fairly matched, so that if one got a slice of luck the other was not likely to recover without a slice too, or a good streak. The course was better kept; but, although the race was not affected by it, the 'Valkyrie' was favoured by the wash of steamers on the return from the mark-boat.
On the third day, October 9, everything promised well; the weather was all that could be desired to test the relative merits of the two racers; the morning bright, with a good topsail breeze, and the white crests on the wavelets gave hopes of great sport. The Club steamer left the pier at 9 A.M.; but on our arrival at Sandy Hook no breeze was there. The steamers were fewer in number; I had, however, no difficulty after the start in counting fifty, besides yachts under canvas. Going down the river we passed one very striking object, the well-known gigantic and magnificent statue of Liberty, which stands on a small island. I must say I never saw anything finer, either in conception or execution.
The wind was from the S.W., the course triangular, round marks placed by steamers with a large red ball hoisted, the steamers remaining near to indicate their positions, which were so stationed as to make each side of the triangle ten miles. Both yachts carried jackyarders and jib-topsails. The start took place at 11.30, after some pretty manœuvring as usual, 'Valkyrie' getting the weather berth, and a little ahead. About 12.30 the wind increased, with a little jump of sea, and both went round on the port tack; here 'Vigilant's' power began to tell. 'Vigilant' bore round the first mark at 1 hr. 6 mins., and 'Valkyrie' 4 mins. 50 secs. later. A broad reach on starboard followed, 'Vigilant' setting her balloon jib-topsail very smartly. Soon after this 'Vigilant' sprung her bowsprit and took in her jib-topsail. The second mark was rounded by 'Vigilant' at 2 hrs. 1 min., 'Valkyrie' at 2 hrs. 10 mins. 3 secs.
Now came the last ten-mile reach on the port tack to the finish. The wind piped up still stronger; but 'Vigilant,' though carrying only a small jib-topsail, still increased her lead, finishing a winner at 2 hrs. 49 mins. 3 secs., 'Valkyrie' coming in 12 mins. 20 secs. after her. After deducting time allowance she lost the race by 10 mins. 32 secs.