THE AMERICA’S CUP

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 29 April 1937, Page 9

THE AMERICA’S CUP

NEXT CONTEST IN JULY NOMINATION DATE CHANGED Great interest is being evinced by yachtsmen in the forthcoming contest between America and Great Britain for the America’s Cup in July. It promises to be the keenest since the schooner Cambria crossed the Atlantic in quest of the trophy in 1870

As the result of a conference between the Royal Yacht Club of Great Britain and the New York Yacht Club, the holder, America, will name its representative seven days before the first race, which is to take place on 3ist July. The challenging yacht must be nominated 30 days before that date. Now, neither side will be tied down to a particular yacht until the dates indicated.

In the old days a challenger had to name his vessel at the time of the challenge at least 10 months before racing commenced, giving her Customs House measurements. That meant he was tied to a particular vessel that existed only on paper. Whether she proved a success or a failure he was not allowed to substitute any other yacht to represent him. ,

The holder, on the other hand, had the privilege of naming the defender at any time before the first race. Tt was consequently in a position to build several yachts and choose the best of them as its champion after searching preliminary trials. It was a one-sided arrangement that did not enhance the sporting spirit of the event. Under the new conditions the challenging parly can build several yachts and select the best. Both sides are thus almost, but not quite, on terms of equality in that respect. (