AQUATICS

Evening Star, Issue 20586, 11 September 1930, Page 8

AQUATICS

ANNUAL REPORTS YACHT AND MOTOR BOAT ASSOCIATION Tho report of the Otago Yacht ami Motor lioat Association states that the year’s work was conducted without a hitch of any description, and the relationship between the association and tho affiliated clubs was in every respect satisfactory. The usual regattas were held during the year, and in the main were successful, though in some cases there was an indication of less public interest than usual, b'or the most part they were well conducted, and the direct representation of the association proved to bo a step in the right direction. The association took part in the interprovincial contests for the Sanders Memorial Cup and the Cornwell Cup. Trials were held to choose the Otago crews, and care was taken to select those whom, in the opinion of the association, would most worthily uphold the honour of the province. The Sanders Cup contest was held in Auckland, and in a keen contest the Otago crew and boat were victorious. The contest was a successful one, and it was gratifying that the victory of Otago was wholly due to the merit of the crew fn tho Cornwell Cup contest, which was sailed in Otago Harbour, Auckland was successful in retaining the trophy. The association thanks those yachtsmen and supporters of the sport who rendered assistance during tho conduct of this contest and entertainments. The association successfully organised a reunion oj yachtsmen at an evening Social function. Appropriate presentations were made to Mr G. Kelictt (Skipper) and the members- of his crew_ in commemoration of Otago’s victory in the Sanders Memorial Cup contest. Seven clubs were affiliated to tho association, and tho prospects for the . coining season were good. Tho clubs had doubtless felt tho results of the present depression, but ns it was hoped that ’that was merely a passing phase renewed activity was confidently anticipated. The association records its appreciation of the assistance rendered by members and staff of the Harbour Hoard in connection with the Sanders Cup trials and the races for the Cornwell Cup. Thanks were also tendered to flag officers and members of clubs lor co-operation, and also to those who had assisted tho association financially in connection with the interprovincial contests. The next contest for the Sanders Cup would bo held on Otago Harbour, and the retiring association urges clubs and sympathisers to give the fullest possible measure of financial assistance to the incoming association. It was clear that without the fullest eo-operation and donations from cveiy affiliated club it would bo impossible to finance the two internrovincial contests. The proposal to form a Dominion Association to control interprovincial yachting and speed-boat contests was now being considered. While this

mutter was important, the association was of the opinion that the greatest care must lie exercised in order that the constitution should in all respects comply with the conditions of fairness to all competing ports, and be framed in order to promote the best interests of the sport. The association acknowledges the gift of a cup from Messrs C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd. The cup was competed for at the regattas held under the auspices of the association, and was won by Mr Hugh Speight’s Argo. Congratulations are offered to an ex-president, Mr A. C. Hanlon, on the attainment of the honour of King’s Counsel. It was with the deepest regret that the deatli recorded during the year of Mr J. Kelrish. a valued member of the association. Mr Kowisb .was a practical yachtsman, ; and his experience and judgment were highly valued. OTAGO YACHT CLUB The report of the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Club states that the season was a successful one, and, despite the purging of the register and tho writing off of had and doubtful arrears, the membership was maintained, and a keen interest was being displayed by members. Entries for the club races were fairly satisfactory, but more general interest would nave been manifested if more owners had entered. The club records its hearty appreciation of tho prize ddnors. Tho results of the club races were; l —First series; Yachts General handicap: First, Dawn; second, Trex; third, Starlight. Motor boats—general handicap: First, Stella; second, Ugie; third, Marewa. Noes Memorial Cup, cruising race -to Broad Bay, yachts. Starlight. Moffat Cup race, cruising race' to Broad Bay, launches—First, Islay; second, Dulcet; third. Marewa. Second Series. —Yachts; General handicap—First, Dawn. Motor boats _(7J miles per hour and under) —First, Honamore; second, Wee Mac; third, Islay. Motor boats (74 miles per hour and over) —First, Mist; second. Miss Bruce. Paterson Cup (outboard motor boats), Hawk. Tho B. S, Irwin Cup, vnehts, Dawn. The club’s official opening took place at Port Chalmers in conjunction with the Port Chalmers and, Broad Bay Clubs. The arrangements wore carried out in a capable manner. There was a large attendance of members and visitors. After the opening ceremony a pleasant cruise was made to the builders’ yards to take part m the launching of Mr 11. Necs’s new yacht In spite of tho many wishes of members that the club’s annual picnic should bo revived this year, lack of interest decided the committee to abandon tho idea. Two wore held, and both were a success. The committee had maintained its policy ot carrying out improvements at tho boat harbour where possible. The boat harbour had been dredged during the term, the committee was very much cxcicised over the inconvenience to boat owners through the silting up of this haven, and negotiations extending over a lengtliv period were successful. and the matter is now adjusted, two special meetings of boat owners were convened by tho "committee, when they were kept posted with the work done and in hand and of the new arrangements made with tho Otago Harbour Board. The losses sustained to the club and the sport generally by tho death of Messrs fe. S Mvcrs (life member). Dr T. Harrison t. C. Gouch, G. Johnston, and J. H. ’Kowisb were recorded with regret Sympathy was extended to Mr C. W. Sunastnun, Dr Moody, and Mr Alex Beg", who had suffered family bereavements during the year. The handicapping of motor boats under the master chart system was successful, the handicappers in both the sailing and motor boat events were to he congratulated on their work. To the Harbour Board and its officers the committee was again indebted for many favours during the vear Tho balance-sheet showed n bant balance of £45 12s Gd. The income and expenditure account showed a small loss; but were it not for the heavy writing off of outstanding snbscn dim • there would have been a very creditable profit on workings for the year.