SANDERS CUP

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 144, 15 December 1922, Page 5

SANDERS CUP

WELLINGTON'S REPRESENTATIVE

EYNIN THE SELECTED BOAT

!As a result of a decision*' arrived at a special meeting of the Wellington Yacht and Motor-Boat Association last evening, the boat Eynin has been selected as Wellington's challenger, for the Sanders Memorial Cup_, to be competed for at Auckland in January and February next. The secretary (Mr. J. M'Donald) reported the result of the three tests already sailed for the selection of the local challenger for the Cup, and stated that the Eynin had so far shown herself the best boat. As one of the judges, he expressed the opinion that neither of the other contestants had done a 6 well as they might have done. Claire appeared to have far more in her than her crew got out of her, and was sluggish from start to finish. The handling of Poneke was bad, and the crew did not work in unison. The crew of Eynin, on the other hand, worked, like clock work. He was perfectly satisfied she was the best boat, and had the best crew. They had not only combination, but understood one another's methods. It would be a mistake, he thought, to break such a crew. The chairman (Mr. 'W. Duncan) thought they should continue the trials, if only to give the crew of Eynin more training. < ■ ! Mr. A. Johnston, another selector, thought the only matter for consideration was the weight of the crew. It was stated that Eynin, ifvselected, would require to be repainted, and certain renewals would he necessary to her rigging. Importance was attached to sufficient time being allowed for the new gear to be well tested. 1 The meeting adjourned for a few minutes during a conference of the Selection Committee. It was subsequently recommended that Eynin be the 1 challenger, and that her crew be sent to Auckland with the addition, if funds permit, 'of Messrs. L. M'Gregor and A. Bailey. The members of the present crew of the boat are Messrs. E. Bailey, E. Segai, A. Aidred, and A. G. Crawford. . The' recommendations were adopted.

Several othei matters relating to the Sanders Cup were also discussed. The secretary (Mr. J. ■ M'Donald) read a letter that was! forwarded to the relatives of Mr. Wilson, of the crew of the yacht Petrel, who was drowned off Lowry Bay recently. The action was confirmed. The Otagp Association forwarded a protest against Auckland's proposal for an amendment of the rules of the Sanders Cup contests providing for the nomination of a substitute boat in the event of a mishap. The letter was received,', the meeting taking the view that O}>ago had misunderstood the proposal. It was also resolved to communicate with the Auckland Association, pointing out that the Wellington Association had read the proposal as meaning that no further nomination. could be entertained within three weeks of the contest. "I don't think for one moment," remarked one member, "that Auckland intends to work anything dirty. It seems to me , that Otago has been, quibbling and splitting straws." Another delegate pointed out that the Auckland Association's letter containing the proposal could- have been easily misconstrued. . A letter from the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Cjlub. suggesting, certain amendments to the rules for the Sanders Cup trials, dealing especially with the sonnel and constitution of crews, was received.

The secretary announced that as a result of about 100 appeals to prominent citizens for financial support towards the Sanders Cup expenses, he had so far received a total of £118s. Mr. M'Donald explained that- the financial position was" the main reason for the calling of the meeting. He considered that a total of not less than £100 was required to meet the expenses of sending the Wellington representative boat and her crew to Auckland. Disappointment was expressed at the poor response to the association's request, and it was decided to make a further appeal. / .