The races for the Astor Cups off Newport were in the main unsatisfactory as real tests of speed and desirable qualities, but in all it was more and more assured that 'Vigilant' was the best, and also that 'Pilgrim' was far from fulfilling the expectations of those responsible for her. The August races ended without affording any definite information as to the comparative value of the 'Defenders,' but there was a growing opinion that 'Vigilant' was best, with 'Colonia' and 'Jubilee' about even, and 'Pilgrim' well astern; this classification, however, was from inference rather than any absolute test. 'Jubilee' and 'Pilgrim' went to Boston to prepare for the final trial, to take place off New York in a series of races beginning September 7. It was decided by the owners of 'Pilgrim' to give her more power; lead was added to her bulb, spars lengthened, and sail-spread increased. 'Jubilee' underwent only minor alterations, whilst 'Colonia' and 'Vigilant' tried to improve the set of their sails (a hopeless task) and otherwise prepared for the all-important final race. In the first of the trial series 'Colonia' and 'Vigilant' were about even, the Boston boats being disabled by damage to their gear. The second and third races were victories for 'Vigilant,' the last race being sailed in a fine wind and fairly rough sea. Those who wanted to see an actual test of qualities were again bitterly disappointed, for the Boston boats did not show as they might have done had their rigging and spars remained intact; but in the case of 'Pilgrim' it was clear that her increased sail-spread and consequent augmentation of weights below and aloft imposed too severe strains on her hull and rigging, so that structural weakness became alarmingly evident before the close of the race, when she was at once put out of commission, since which she has been sold, and will appear next as a harbour steamer for passengers. The choice of 'Vigilant' to defend the cup was a wise one--in fact, the committee could decide nothing else, for it was clear that 'Colonia' could not do good work to windward, through lack of lateral resistance; and 'Jubilee,' although unquestionably a very fast yacht--in some instances the equal of 'Vigilant'--was rigged with such untrustworthy material that she could not be depended upon to enter so important a struggle as the defence of the America Cup. After the trial races and consequent choice of 'Vigilant' as defender, public attention was centred on the coming of 'Valkyrie.' Day after day passed and yet no news of her; at last anxiety was felt for her safety, seeing that she had not been positively reported since her sailing. But, after a thirty days' voyage, she appeared at sunrise off Sandy Hook, none the worse for her stormy passage.