N.Z. Olympic Yachts In Sydney

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29803, 21 April 1962, Page 9

N.Z. Olympic Yachts In Sydney

NEW ZEALANDERS are expected to dominate the inter-Dominion Olympic Finn yachting contest which will begin on Sydney Harbour today. Although the New Zealand team of nine skippers should fill many of the top platings, the champion of the 31-boat fleet is not so easy to pick. The three principal contenders for a handsome new trophy will be L. Jennings (Queensland), R. H. Roberts (Auckland), and P. G. Mander (Christchurch). Jennings narrowly missed gaining a bronze medal at Naples during the 1960 Olympic Games in the Finn class. In the same event, Roberts (who had beaten Mander for New Zealand representation

at the Auckland trials) finished sixth. Mander, however, had only just come into the Finn class and was at a disadvantage; he won the New Zealand title last year and was run-ner-up to Roberts this year when the contest was cut short. He won an Olympic gold medal in the 12 square metre Sharpie class in 1956. Six men comprise the official New Zealand team, which has been financed by a tobacco company’s grant. They were the top men in the national Finn contest at Wellington in January. They are: R. H. Roberts, C. Roberts, R. J. Watson (Auckland), Mander, D. Bryson (Christchurch) and M. E. Pope (Nelson).

Watson was skipper of the New Zealand Flying Dutchman entry at the 1960 Olympic Games, finishing eighth on the points table. He and Bryson are in the “upset” class of skipper—always near the top and often in a position to embarrass others by skilful helmsmanship which breeds surprise wins.

Three other men are competing privately. They are A. Ballintine, of Christchurch, a former Canterbury Finn champion; P. Pritchett, of Charteris Bay, who sailed in Australia two years ago; and T. J. Speed, of Auckland.

The series will be decided over five races, tlie worst performance to be dropped from consideration in the final points. The first of the title races will be on Monday and other heats will be held daily until Friday, April 27. Today’s event is an invitation, giving visitors an opportunity to feel the harbour and sense the opposition.

New Zealanders in yachting generally regard Australian Finn skippers as an inferior breed, for although the Commonwealth has more of the Olympic monotypes the standard of sailing is considered to be somewhat lower than in the Dominion.

In particular, the Australians are not recognised as having developed their rig and the cut and setting of their sails to the fine degree attained in the Dominion. Formal and informal talks between Australian and New Zealand skippers about future international contests between the two countries will be held during the contest.

Mander has been appointed manager and spokesman for the New Zealand team and will press tor an Australian team to participate in the national Finn championship to be held next summer. The venue of the contest has not yet been decided, but it will be either New Plymouth or Nelson.