YACHTING.

Mataura Ensign, 26 January 1912, Page 5

YACHTING.

SAYONARA SOLD. BI KLECTKIC TELEGRAPH. —COPTKIGHT. PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. Received January 26, 9.20 a.m. MELBOURNE, Jan. 20. The yacht Sayonara has been sold to Mr Ross, of Sydney. With the sale of the Sayonara to a New South Wales purchaser Victoria apparently abandons in the meantime all attempts on the Sayonara Cup. Summed up, in brief, the position stands thus. In October last year the R.Y.C. of Victoria corresponded with the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, asking for an extension of time for one month in which to make a challenge, and this letter was replied to, stating that both the Sydney yachting bodies. Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Prince Albert Yacht Club (who are joint trustees of the Cup), were agreeable, and asking the Victorians to] nominate a challenger. This was answered by the southerners nominating the Sayonara as the challenging yacht, but at the same time stipulating that the race be sailed off the mark, no time allowance to be made. This condition, liowever, would not receive any countenance from the Sydney clubs, and the challenge, as it stood, was promptly turned down. However, a further challenge was received from Victoria, stating that this race would be sailed under the time allowance clause, but was not to form a precedent as to future races for the Cup. This challenge was on the fact of it paradoxical, as it was an unconditional challenge with a condition, and as such was not entertained by Sydney yachtsmen, who hold the ■ view that the deed of gift expressly provides for time allowance, and this was borne out by the decision of the Yacht Racing Association in the last races for the trophy. Now Victoria- has parted with Sayonara it is hard to say what Avill be done with regard to the Cup.