SANDERS CUP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 18, 22 January 1931, Page 18

SANDERS CUP.

THE DEFENDING YACHT

DISSENSION IN OTAGO

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

DUNEDIN, this day

Judging by reports current at present,, disharmony has arisen among the crew selected by the Otago Association to represent the province in defending the Sanders Cup for 14-footers next month. Opposition in some quarters of the association and among the competing interests in the trials against tlie selectiou of one man, a most experienced yachtsman now available to assist the province in its defence, is being carried on, it is reported, despite the fact that the crew, in accepting their appointments, agreed to abide by any decisions

made. .0. Pettit was appointed by the association to be controlling skipper to tlie Eileen up to the time of the'contest, but disaffection is being- caused by a member of the crew who, apparently, has some objection to being deprived ot authority. Again reports are circulating, having emanated from the opposition, that steps to eject one member from the crew are still being pursued. As his defection is outside the bounds of possibilities, the member being willing to abide -by any decision of the sailing committee, it is reported that counter-action is proposed which will have the effect of reducing Otago s chances of holding the Sandeis Cup. "The selection of Eileen as a cup defender, when the association as a whole knew of 'wire-pulling' and an undercurrent of feeling, is responsible for the existing lack of harmony," said a leading yachtsman. "It is the duty of'.the association to ask the member responsible to cease his pin-pricking tactics. If he refuses to do so, the association should drop Eileen as defender and race Winifred."