DOMINION YACHTING COUNCIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3755, 2 March 1926, Page 67

DOMINION YACHTING COUNCIL.

MEETING OF DELEGATES.' A meeting of the Dominion Yachting Council wm held on the 22nd. Mr W. R. Waters (Otago) presided, and the following delegates were present:—Messrs C. H. Palmer, E. J.- Kelly (Auckland), B. J. L. Jukes, D. K. Blair (Wellington), A. H. McCarthy (Hawke’s Bay), A. K. Smith, A. T. Round (Canterbury), J. D. Cameron (Otago), T. Bragg (Southland). Mr Bragg said that the yachtsmen of Southland intended to build another 14footer, but they wanted one the same as the new boats competing in this year’s Sanders Cup contest. He was afraid that all boats of one design were not exactly the same. He was satisfied that Avalon carried the best crew, and if they could not win the cup, then there must be something amiss with tho Auckland boat. On the other hand he was satisfied that Betty wa9 the superior boat in this year’s competition. Mr Jukes said that no one could put the keel mould on any Ronß type boat to-day and find her measurements corresponding to the original ones. Mr Waters said that Avalon came from the home of 14-footers, and that she was built by the man who built Rona. Mr Round said that sails made all the difference. He instanced lona's win in the Sanders Cup races at- Auckland last year, when the Otago boat sailed with a perfectfitting suit of sails. The discusion ended without any finality being reached. Mr Kelly raised the question of the method of deciding all future contests. Looking hack over this and past contests he was of the opinion that at least two boats had not been seen to the best advantage. It had not been the fault of bad sailing, but through tho fickle wind that these boats were not in the finals. It would be far more satisfactory if every competitor was allowed to sail in five races. More interest would bo stimulated by more boats being eligible to sail in more races. Mr Smith-said he had suggested two years ago the adoption of a points system for the Sanders Cup contest. A motion supporting his proposal had been lost. Mr Johnston (Auckland) had maintained that a boat might win by seconds under the points system, whereas he (Mr Smith) was of the opinion that if a boat did win by seconds she would show herself the most consistent boat. Mr Palmer said he would like to see more boats eligible to compete, but a system under which a boat did not need to win a race to win the cup did not appeal to him, and he felt sure would not appeal to the Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Associa tion and the donors of the Sanders Cup. Mr Blair suggested the holding of four races under a points system, and that the two boats securing the highest points in such races sail off for the championship under first past the post rules. He said that a boat competing in accordance with a combined system similar to what he proposed would have to win to secure the trophy. Mr ''Kelly said that some of the crews made a long journey to compete in the Sanders Cup contests, and their chances were limited to three days under the present system of deciding the contest. He proposed that all the competing boats in future contests should be allowed to race four or five times on a points’ system, and that the three boats with the best aggregates should then sail in the final. Such a system would provide better competition, and he more spectacular and interesting for the public. Mr Smith supported Mr Kelly regarding the merits of the points system. Mr Kelly explained what competitors would have to do if the contests were conducted under a points system, and arrangements could be made accordingly. If a system were adopted whereby competitors would know that five races would be sailed, it would be much more satisfactory to all concerned, including the public. Mr Kelly moved that it be a recommendation to next year’s Dominion Council that all competitors be allowed to start in the first four races on a points system, and that a fifth and final race be sailed between the three boats obtaining the best aggregates, and the winner of that race be the winner of the Sanders Cup. i i The motion was seconded by Mr Julies and carried unanimously. GENERAL BUSINESS. The Chairman congratulated the Canterbury representatives on the success of Betty in the second and third races, and also the Auckland delegates on Avalon’s victory in the first race. It was decided, on tho motion of Mr M'Carthy, to send a telegram to Mr J. B. Johnston, congratulating him on circumnavigating New Zealand in the pleasure launch Ruamano.