SANDERS CUP CONTEST

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11736, 25 January 1924, Page 3

SANDERS CUP CONTEST

A FURTHER POSTPONEMENT. THE ELEMENTS AGAIN UNKIND. The elements were again unkind yesterday in connection with the proposed trials for the Sanders Cup contest. on Port Nicholson harbour, as it was deemed necessary by the sailing committee, owing to the unfortunate weather conditions prevailing, to postpone the event. TWO RACES TO-DAY. It was subsequently arranged, however, at a meeting of the Dominion Council, that two races should be run to-day—one in the morning and an- ' other in the afternoon—and this course will also be adopted for Saturday. The morning dawned wet and stormy, while rain fell fairly consistently. The officials in charge of the contest decided early that it would not be possible, owing to the condition of the harbour, to hold the trial until about 3 p.m. By midday the rain had cleared off somewhat, hut the sky was dull and overcast, and the high seas had not abated in the slightest. Tho sailing committee met once again, finally deciding that the race would have to be postponed until the following day. A WISE DECISION. Although, this came as a big disappointment to a large section of the public, it was generally recognised that the decision was a wise one, particularly after the experience of the boats which ventured out on Wednesday. The weather of the past two days has clearly shown that local conditions are not suitable for this class of craft. They are undoubtedly too light for Wellington’s harbour. Under the circumstances, and judging by her appearance under very adverse conditions, it looks very much as if nothing can touch the Rona. The Konini (Hawke’s Bay) appears to find a good deal of support, also the Linnet (Canterbury), while the chances of the June (Otago) are not considered to be at all likely. The probability is that the coveted honour will go hack to Auckland again this year. DOMINION COUNCIL MEETS. When the Dominion Council met yesterday afternoon, Mr Berkeley Clarke (Wellington'! moved that two races be held on Friday and Saturday, to commence at 10 a.m., and 3 p.m., respectively, and, \nfter some discussion this was unanimously agreed to. Mr J. R. Johnston (Auckland) who oooupied the clmir, cordially supported the motion. Jt was indeed very unfortunate, he said, that they should have experienced suoh disastrous weather in Wellington. It was agreed that the same times should he observed on Saturday ns on Friday, and a resolution was’ passed rescinding a former motion, whereby it had been set down that only one race each day should be held. Referring to the contemplated course, Mr W. Duncan (Wellington! said ■ “If it is blowing like this tho inside course wilt he the better one.” And he added significantly: “You know what Evans Bay will be iike!” He believed that fine weather would be coming, and that they would be able to cpnolude four races during the week. This concluded the business of the committee meeting available to the Press. A motion was passed prohibiting the publication of a further discussion that took place. SEVERAL BOATS OUT. Later in the afternoon several of the contestants for the Sanders Cup went out into the harbour for spins, though they did not venture, of course, over the suggested course. It would appear that the cours© for to-day will be the inside one, commencing from somewhere in the vicinity of the Clyde quay wharf. The June, Otago’s representative, fared the worst after Wednesday’s buffeting in Evans Bay, for when capsizing she had the misfortune to smash her bowsprit, and also had her mast carried away. The Konini lost her rudder and tiller. Both these Ixiats were Inter carefully inspected, but no serious damago was reported. The lost or broken parts were repaired bv the respective crews yesterday, wbo will be quite ready for to-day’s trials, if only the weather shows some improvement.