YACHTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18196, 15 September 1922, Page 4

YACHTING.

ROYAL N.Z. YACHT SQUADRON. THE 51st ANNUAL REPORT. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will hold its 51st annual meeting in the clubrooms on Friday. September 29 The annual report states that the'absence of new "sailers" is to be deplored. Increased interest has been evinced in the 14ft class and races but the year has not brought forth much in the way of other classes of boat. 1 his fact is. largely attributable to the economic conditions existing,' and the coming season will probably be more oppo r tune for developing a keener interest in racing and a desire by members to build boats. To. encourage this, the committee is of opinion that it would be advisable to adopt a class of boat, not too costly, but which would provide good racing. Numerous suggestions for such a class have been made, but up to the present the committee has not been able to finally decide upon a class likely to meet with general approval. r The squadron commenced the year with a membership of 307 town, 104 country, <0 absentee, and 11 honorary and life members. During the year 35 town, 6 country and 16 junior racing members were elected' The squadron will commence the coming season with 475 members, as follows:— 3flo town, 107 coumry, 16 junior racing members 41 absentee, and 11 honorary and life. The committee places on record appreciation of the generous thought of the late Mr. C. E Horton, under whose will £100 is to' be devoted to the squadron for prizes for yachtracing. In connection with the offer by Sir Joseph Ward of a cup, to be calied the Tasman Cup. for competition between intercolonial yachts of an agreed design, the committee has been in communication with the royal clubs of Australia, but cannot report a. definite agreement as to class of boat desirable. One of the most interesting events in the yachting world of New Zealand took place at Danedin in February of this year when the annual competition between the 14ft. one-design class for the championship of New Zealand was won by the Auckland boat Desert Gold. Although the Bquadron is not directly concerned with the management of these competitions, i'; rendered active assistance in connection with this important event. The slipway is now in full working order, and members who are owners of boats are strongly recommended to support the club in this undertaking. • The balance-sheet shows that the total receipts for the year amounted to £2621, and the expenditure tn £2828. leaving to overdraft of £207. The income included £996 from subscriptions, £284 from billiards, £113 from the sale of tobacco, and £92 from entrance fees. The principal items of expenditure were £1164 for clnbroom expenses and £170 for prize-money. The assets are valued at £1745, and the liabilities toial £037, leaving a balance of asset* over liabilities of £1108. Nominations for officers and committee close on September 31.