SPEED BOATS AT REGATTA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19550, 1 February 1927, Page 8

SPEED BOATS AT REGATTA.

Sir, —The excellent report of tee A®nk versary Regatta in Monday's Hkjsaxd was marred from a sportsman's point of viow by the way in which the speed boats were referred to as "new fangled carrion." The owners of the speed b-Dat» who raced are as fine and game a lot of sportsmen as any who take their pleasure at sea, and becauso they enjoy the sport of speed in boata, which many so-called true blue yachtsmen would be scared to put foot in, is no reason why thoy should be referred to in the terms they were. Speed boat racing in Now Zealand is only in its infancy, and ownero are grateful to the Anniversary Regatta Committee for tho encouragement given, which is appreciated. After 30 yciars 1 experience in all types of craft from sailing canoes to steam vessels, I consider that speed boat racing is a matter for experts only, with a considerable amount of pluck, initiative and energy, and their actions should not be adversely criticised without adequate knowledge of the sport. That so few boats were able to compete is certainly to b« deplored, but a realisation of tho many difficulties attending tho sport discloses more credit to those who raced and did their best. 0. 11. Palmer, Commodore, N.Z, Power Boat Association. Sarsfield Street, Heme Bay.