YACHTING AFFAIRS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24450, 8 November 1940, Page 9

YACHTING AFFAIRS

SANDERS CUP CONTEST NO OFFICIAL CHALLENGE LEFT CREWS The Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association at its anniial meeting last night decided that it would forward no official challenge for the Sanders Cup this season, but that inquiries should be made among individual crews on the harbour to see whether a challenge might be forthcoming from them. It was made clear, however, that the association would not finance such a challenge, and that all expenses would have to be met by the challenging crew. It was decided to issue a challenge for the Cornwell Cup, the contest for which will be, held at Wanganui. A motion by the Otago Yacht Club delegates that the association should disband for the duration of the war was heavily defeated. The president (Mr C. Smith) occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of delegates.':- . ■;; -':'■'''

Future of Association The suggestion that the association should disband for the duration of the war was made by Mr C. Nees, a delegate from the Otago Yacht Club, who said that his club thought that the as-, sociation should cease to function. Practically its'only function during the season was that of conducting interprovincial contests, .vhich, Mr Nees contended, should not be held during the war, when appeals to the public for money were not likely to succeed. Mr S. C. Kenna supported Mr Nees's arguments, and said he thought it should be left to the individual clubs to carry on during the war. Mr G. A. Bewley expressed surprise that such a suggestion should be made by a club like the Yacht Club. The association had had. a lon' struggle for existence, and it would-be a retrograde step to disband. It was well worth while for it to carry on, especially during the present crisis, when clubs should be encouraged to continue the sport. If the association lost its grip for even one year " rafferty " rules would follow, and they would have, great difficulty in getting going again after the war. The governing body should stick together, even if its only reason was to foster the interests of the Takapuna class boys.' i The motion from the Yacht Club was lost by seven votes to two. Intel-provincial Contests There was some discussion regarding the question of challenging for the Sanders Cup. It was felt that the association should not incur any expense in connection with the contest this year, if it was held, but as it was pointed out that some individual crews might try to finance an entry on their own account, it; was decided to ascertain ' whether there was any likelihood of a challenge being forthcoming from crews on the harbour. If so, a challenge would be sent forward on behalf of that crew, provided that all expenses were paid by the challengers. A similar decision was reached regarding a challenge for the Idlealong Championship. It was decided to issue a challenge for the Cornwell Cup, provided a boat could,be obtained at Wanganui, where the contest will be held. It was also decided that no challenge .for the Masport Cup should be financed by the association.

Balance Sheet No annual report was presented to the meetirig, but the president moved the adoption of the balance sheet, which showed a small credit balance. They should be thankful, Mr Smith said, that they had managed to finish the season with a credit at all. A great .deal of credit for this was due to the honorary secretary, Mr R E. Ham. ... The motion was seconded by Mr G. Morrison, and carried, a minute of appreciation of the secretary's work being placed on record. Office-bearers The following office-bearers were elected: President, Mr C. Smith; vicepresidents. Messrs G. Morrison and G. A. Bewley; secretary and treasurer, Mr C. J. Pettit; auditor, Mr B. H. Nees; official measurer Mr Smith. No Official Opening It was decided not to hold the usual combined clubs' opening this season.