No financial relief for yachtsmen

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33917, 9 August 1975, Page 48

No financial relief for yachtsmen

(By

JOHN COFFEY)

No prospect of relief is in sight in the near future for yachtsmen who have to pay all, or most, of their expenses to represent this country at overseas events, the executive secretary of the New Zealand Yachting Federation (Mr J. M. Foster, of Auckland) said in Christchurch yesterday.

“The federation, like all national sporting bodies, was I asked to submit claims for [financial assistance to the Council for Recreation and I Sport. But the council does [not look too kindly on making grants for tours,” Mr [Foster said. Yachting’s application was based on the contention that [ the level of performance 'would be advanced most if i the best skippers in various [classes were able to sail in major contests and return to • pass on the knowledge acI cumulated. This argument I “did not go down” with the [council. “Consequently, it looks as I though trips to overseas (Championships will have to be self-financed. Yachting: does not have a ’gate' from; • which to draw money, and it| is difficult to relate its needs ito other sports,” Mr Foster I said. There were suspicions that j council members were not [ aware of the size of yacht- , ing in New Zealand when it | first considered the merits ,!of claims for grant. Mr Foster said that this attitude •;had softened to some extent [when the figures of 43,000 [participants and 11,000 boats [were made known by yachting administrators. Because of New Zealand's isolation, and the com- ■ paratively few top events al- ‘ located to this part of the ' world, finance is an ever ’ present problem in remain‘iing competitive with Euro‘ipean, Scandinavian, and • American helmsmen. To send 1 a full team to the pre-Olym- [ pic regatta in Canada last ■ month had cost $35,000.

Mr Foster said that it was j important to attend such contests, as evidenced by the

emergence of the Flying Dutchman crew, Jock Bilger and Murray Ross, as distinct medal winners at the 1976 Olympic Games. In addition to their third in Canada and second in the world championship, New Zealand in recent weeks had won the world Quarter Ton Cup and finished second (Peter Lester) and third (Jonty Farmer) in world O.K. and Finn titles. "Coaching is very difficult to organise in yachting. Our thoughts were to improve by means of overseas experience, and it is possible that the Government’s reluctance to help stems from a wish to keep money in this country,” Mr Foster said. YOUTH TEAM Some assistance has been given towards the sending of the New Zealand youth team to its world series in Scotland this month, and Mr Foster is hoping that the results will be as favourable as the second (monotypes) and fifth (two-man division) placings of 12 months ago. “It is obviously in accord with Government thinking to ask for money for youth. It is highly desirable that youth be involved in the sport — there lies our future. for the youngsters go on to Olympic status.” Mr Foster said that young helmsmen in New Zealand were "quite advanced” when compared with their overseas rivals, benefiting from the long season, and the out-door-living and sportsminded attitude of New Zealanders. “New Zealand is well regarded on the yachting map. We have the potential and ability, but the cost factor is always one of •the biggest obstacles.”