THE SANDERS MEMORIAL CHALLENGE CUP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18189, 9 March 1921, Page 6

THE SANDERS MEMORIAL CHALLENGE CUP

Those sportsmen who are interested in yachting will learn with pleasure that Messrs Walker and Hall, of Auckland, have sent down to be exhibited in the window of Messrs Chas. Begg and Co., the Sanders Memorial Challenge Cup, the winning of which carries with it the championship of Australasia in 14ft one-design sailing boats. 1 The Sanders Memorial Challenge Cup is dedicated to the memory of New Zealand’s gallant hero —the late Lieutenant-Commander \V. E. Sanders, V.C., D. 5.0., R.N.R. A special feature ot this trophy—and one that gives character to it—is the messages engraved upon the silver panels, surrounding the oak plinth upon which the cup stands. On the first panel is a message from hia Majesty the King, which reads as follows: — “Buckingham Palace, September 13, 1917.” "It is a matter of sincere regret to me that the death oi Lieutenant-Commander William E. Sanders, Y.C., D. 5.0., 8.N.8., deprived me of the pride of personally conferring upon him the Victoria Cross, the greatest of all rewards for valour and devotion to duty.” • “George B.I.” On the second panel is a message to yachtsmen from his Excellency the Gov-ernor-General, Viscount Jellicoe, whom we remember as the great Admiral of the Fleet in which Sanders, V. 0., played so gallant a part. Admiral Jellicoe says: — "Government House, Auckland, New Zealand.” “He was a flue seaman, and a great leader who imbued his ship’s company with a magnificent spirit of discipline and courageous self-sacrifice, which even his defeated enemy testified with admiration and respect. He set an example which will appeal to New Zealand yachtsmen for all time.—Jellicoe, Admiral of the Fleet.” On the third panel is a message from the Lords of the Admiralty, in which their Lordships say:— “The Admiralty, London.” “The prize was sunk on August 14 in the Atlantic, on a dark and stormy night, and her gallant commander, Lieutenant-Commander W. E. Sanders, who in a short five months had been awarded the V.C. and the D.S.O. in command of her, went down beneath the Atlantic wave, leaving his name to be inscribed imperishahly on the same roll of naval history where stand the names of Blake, Nelson, and Kieu.—Prom the Lords op the Admiralty.” It was indeed, a happy idea that led Messrs Walker and Hall, the donors of this trophy, to dedicate it to the memory of one so worthy, and we trust that it will serve to keep his memory green amongst all yachtsmen for all time. The enthusiasm which surrounds the Davis Cup. the American Cup, the Runfurly Shield, and the Plunket Shield is well known, but probably no trophy will be more sought after, or held in higher esteem by challengers and defenders than the Sanders Memorial Challenge Cup.. The first series of races for this valuable trophy will be held during the Easter week on the Waitemata Harbour. Auckland will be represented by Iron Duke and Otago by Heather. It would not be out of place here to give a short account of the life of the late Lieutenant-Commander W. E. Sanders, V.C., D.S.O. He was born at Takapuna, Auckland, and received his first love of the sea from the Waitemata Harbour. He had no special advantages, and was a modest, retiring boy. He commenced his sea career in the tiny steamer Kapanui, afterwards joining the U.S.S. Co:’s Willochra and later the Tofua. While in the Willocbra, he passed for his master’s ticket. During the visit of the Tofua to England, while' carrying troops, Sanders, V.C., applied to join the Royal NaVy, and after some delay, his application was accepted. He had now found his true metier, and in the remarkably short space of 12 months had risen to the rank of lieutenant-com-mander. and within five months had won his V.C. and D.S.O. It is fitting, therefore. that his memory should be kept green amongst his fellow yachtsmen of New Zealand, and we feel sure that all yachtsmen will look upon it as a great honour, to have their boat’s name engraved upon the Sanders Memorial Challenge Cup.