Challenger’s clubhouse unlikely to improve

Press, 28 November 1987, Page 10

Challenger’s clubhouse unlikely to improve

PA Wellington Just where is the Mercury Bay Boating Club? The club named as challenger in the audacious Michael Fay bankrolled bid for the America’s Cup is registered as being in Whitianga in the Coromandel ,— its headquarters a 1956 Ford Mark II Zephyr.

And there are no immediate sign of facilities improving even if an elimination series

between challengers is held — or if the Cup is won.

Indeed, when the challenge syndicate head, Mr Michael Fay, was asked at the press conference on Thursday announcing the New York Court’s decision about the prospects of Mercury. Bay holding an elimination series, he smiled wryly before replying, “It is an awesome prospect.” The club has a 12-boat fleet, 26 centre-board dinghies and less than

100 members but fully qualifies in every respect to challenge for the Cup. It even meets the clause stating the challenger must hold its own annual regatta. The club treasurer, Mr Dennis Ganley, said the club could not afford up-market premises.

“All our funds have been sunk into the purchase of a rescue craft, a new motor and safety gear,” he said. Victory for Mr Fay and the club is unlikely to change the situation.

A club newsletter earlier in the year reporting on one of Mr Fay’s visits to keep members informed of progress stated: “Twice during Michael’s talk last Wednesday evening he said, ‘When we win the Americas Cup we’ll have to do something about a clubhouse.’ “Does this mean our mobile clubhouse, Carol Moyes’ Mark II Zephyr, will have showers fitted next to the bar and a new coat of paint?”