SANDERS CUP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 27, 1 February 1930, Page 13

SANDERS CUP.

PRESENTED TO OTAGO. REWARD OF PERSISTENCE. HAPPY YACHTSMEN'S GATHERING. The Sanders Cup and miniature, which the Otago boat Eileen won for this year by winning three out of four races held this week, was presented to the Hon. J. T. Paul, representing the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association, this morning at the Royal New J Zealand Yacht Squadron's Club rooms by his Worship the Mayor, Mr. Geo. Baildon. ' Mr. C. 11. Palmer, chairman of the Auckland Association, said the winning of the Sanders Cup was a man's job. The present boats were all as much alike as possible, and the best skipper and crew had won. Mr. Baildon said he was proud of the privilege of presenting the Sanders Cup to the Otago crew. When welcoming the Southern men on Monday he had expressed the opinion that, all things being equal, he "hoped the cup would go to one of the visitors. The contest had been carried through without hitch or trouble of any kind. Such contests did a lot to create a good sporting feeling between yachtsmen in the different centres, and helped to develop boat sailing, which was one of the very best sports for the young men, especially ill a maritime country like ours. In handing the cup to the Hon. J. T. Baildon said he felt sure Auckland would send a boat to Dunedin next year to try and get it back again. Mr. Paul said that they were naturally pleased at regaining the cup, which tliey had now won three times with Heather, lona and Eileen. Mr. Paul paid a fine tribute to Geo. Kellet, the Otago skipper, and the crew of Eileen, and agreed that !it was only by persevering that they had won again. The contest deserved every encouragement, not only in Auckland but in the other centres. Some might think that a bigger boat might create more interest. The present boats had done more to cement the yachtsmen of the Dominion than anything else could' have done, and ho felt sure the present good feeling would continue. Mr. F. C. Holmes (Wellington) also congratulated Otago. He said, while unlucky, they would be found trying again every year. Mr. F. Collins voiced Canterbury's good wishes to Otago. Mr. George Kellet thanked tiie speakers for their kind reference to the crew and to himself. They had made many friends, and he hoped to see them in Dunedin next year. On the call of his Worship, three hearty cheers were given for the winners. Mr. Holmes called for cheers for Auckland, which was responded to in true yachting style. The visitors will be taken round the harbour and inner gulf to-morrow, leaving the man-o'-war steps at 10 a.m. Several private motor boats, including Adelaide, Ruamano and Viveen, will accommodate the visitors., They will make a call during the afternoon at Motuilii, where the Tamaki Yacht Club's picnic is to be held.