YACHTING

Evening Star, Issue 20592, 18 September 1930, Page 4

YACHTING

OTAGO CLUB’S ACTIVITIES PROSPECTS BRIGHT FOR FUTURE The near approach of the coming yachting and boating season was heralded by the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Club members holding their annual meeting last night. In the absence of Commodore C. W. Sumlstrum, who for the first time in twentytwo years was not present at the club’s annual meeting, Past-commodore J. T. Rani presided. Members passed motions of sympathy with the relatives in the loss ol Messrs S. S. Myers (life.member), L C. Gooch, G. Johnston, and J. H. Kewish. Motions of sympathy with Commodore C. W. Sundstrnm, Dr Moody, and Mr* Alex. Bcgg in their family bereavements were also carried. Tho secretary was also instructed_ to write to Mr H. E. Moller expressing regret at tho ill-health of Mrs Moilcr, and to Mr E. Andrews expressing pleasure at his recovery from illness. Moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet, Mr Paul said the year had been successful. For not only industrial concerns but sporting bodies, a difficult time was experienced. He "bad no doubt that other clubs bad suffered in respect to their membership, and had had dilficulty in collecting the lees Irom sonic of tho members. For some years, he had considered that the outstanding subscriptions reached too high a sum; when possible, members should pay their dues. The difficulty was that, he was not addressing the delinquents, and he appealed to members to use their collective influence with the laggards in pointing out that a part oi enjoying sport was to pay the annual subscription. In tho past the boat harbour had presented difficulties to owners but, owing to the dredging carried out by the Harbour Board, the haven was now in better order, and boats could' now moor there under much improved conditions. Whore possible, the committee bad carried on the policy of improving the club’s property. Certain work would have to be earned out shortly. Ho was safe in saying that for the subscription charged the appointments at the l-eat harbour compared more than favourably with those placed before members of any other club _in New Zealand. There was room for improvement in the state of the yard at the harbour. The financial position of the club was satisfactory. The credit balance would have been bigger if the committee bad not purged the rolls of long outstanding subscriptions. The outlook for the coming season was bright, but it depended on the enthusiasm of the mem bers. A spirit of enthusiasm had been shown by competition in the club races in the past season. However, he had heard of promises of better fields. The social side of the club’s activities had not been fully developed, but tho club captain proposed to reorganise the annual picnic fixture. A member suggested that the Mark Foy system of starting should be adopted for yacht races held by the club. Most of the yacht skippers were in favour of a trial. “ No system could be worse than the present method,” said Mr B. H. Nees. The races were made uninteresting both to the public and the crews, as the results were not known till most people interested read the papers _on Monday The ” first across the finisti mg line as the winner ” method would provide interest, and he considered that the sense of honour among yachts men would outweigh any objections bv critics of the Mark Foy system that full sporting exhibitions would not brgiven. Mr Paul asked why motor boat own ers did not enter for the races. The committee was anxious to know whether or not tho owners had any grievances. A reply was made by one owner that half the'boats on Otago Harbour were cruisers, like the boat owned by the past commodore. Mr Paul said the Mark Foy' system had proved very successful, and be could see no reason why the system could not be adopted with the same degree of success tor yacht racing. The allegations that competitors raced irregularly under an open handicap was fictitious. Replying to a question, the Chairman said the entrance to the boat binhour had been deepened by the dredging within the walls. After several other questions of club interest had been discussed tho motion was carried A recommendation was made to the committee to consider the advisability, of starting yacht races under the Mark Foy system. The committee was further recommended to go into the question of holding a regatta during Sanders Memorial Cup contest week, which will be held on Otago Harbour early in the new year. The necessity for a social hall at tho boat harbour was brought up by Mr G. Geddcs. who argued that the club would not be strong socially until a clubhouse was erected. On his motion, the committee was instructed to bring down proposals for the erection of a hall. The following office-bearers were elected:—Commodore, Mr C. W. Sundstrum; vice-commodore, Mr A. W. Hazelwood; rear-commodore, Mr Peter Drummond; past-commodoie, Mr J. T. Paul; hon. treasurer. Mr F. Goodwin; club captain. Mr L. Lynn; committee —Messrs W. Henderson, J. Angel, C. Cahill. A. E. Dawson, H. A. Robinson, R. Andrews. A Knewstubb, J Smail, G. Geddes. and D. Bishop; secretary, Mr J. H. A. M'Koefry; auditors. Messrs B. H Nees and N. Oliphant: delegates to Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association. Messrs J. T. Paul and F. Goodwin. The Chairman complimented the club on re-electing Mr M'Koefry to the position of. secretary, as the club had improved during his occupancy of the position. After tho meeting the prizes won during the season were presented, and a-social hour was spent. Sister clubs represented were North-east Horbo.ir and Bnrkes-Sfc. Leonards; and Mr J. H. Duncan, a member of the Harbour Board, was also present.