THE SANDERS CUP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19349, 9 December 1924, Page 11

THE SANDERS CUP.

OTAGO’S, REPRESENTATIVE. IOJSfA THE PEOBABLE CHOICE. TRIALS PRACTICALLY COMPLETED, It is Understood that the selectors appointed' by the Otago Yacht and Motet Boat Association to choose Otago’s representative in the Sanders Cup contest to be Railed at Auckland early in the New Year, will submit a report on the performances of lona, Kia Ora, and Winifred in the eight trial races sailed to a meeting of the association to-morrow evening. It is also under, stood that the two selectors, which is far too small a number when such an important question is involved, will submit a recommendation that lona represent the province. In all probability this means that the local trials have been completed. The trials this season cannot bo said to have been satisfactory, and there is sure to bo some opposition if lona is selected, as many consider that Kia Ora is the better boat, and that her performances in the seven races in which the two boats have competed are equally as good as lona’s. It has been, suggested that the best way out of the difficulty this season is for the selectors to place the names of the three boats —lona, Kia Ora, and Winirreu—in the hat and draw for it.

Last Saturday’s race waa most unsatisfactory, as it was one of those fluky days when any boat was liable to catch a breeze and establish a lead which usually means that a stem chase is a lon one. Usully under such conditions the leading boat gets all the advantage. This happened to be Winifred’s hick on Saturday when finishing from the three legs to Ravens bourne. Tho first part of the race was the most satisfactory, when lona again established her position by being able to sail in light ns well as heavy weather, and if this boat is selected to represent Otago the great majority of those interested should be satisfied with the selectors’ decision. A. Wiseman has undoubtedly earned- his place to skipper Otago’s representative by his superior seamanship. Mr G. E. Kellett will undoubtedly be the for’ard hand, and Mr P. Hunter is undoubtedly entitled to a place in the boat, as it, is mainly due to his work that lona has t always been brought to the starting line in such excellent condition. Mr Hunter has been connected with 14-footers since their inception and he is justly entitled to a place. The fourth place would undoubtedly bo filled by a boy, but as none with the necessary ability appear on the surface at the moment, Mr F. Percy should fill the bill to a. nicety. , A section of the public will probably raise a kick if tho selectors havo decided to finish the trials, es many are still of the opinion that Kki Orn has not yet had a proper try-out. It is probable, therefore, that an amendment will be moved at the meeting of the association delegates tomorrow evening to the effect that Kia Ora bo selected to represent Otago at Auckland. and failing that, that the trials should bo continued. Whatever boat is selected there will be nothing left but for all those connected ■with the association to set about collecting the money necessary to send the boat and crew to Auckland with the hope that she will win tho Sanders Cup. and so have the next contest on Otago Harbour, which would be one of the lending attractions m connection with the Exhibition.