OTAGO YACHT ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3802, 25 January 1927, Page 56

OTAGO YACHT ASSOCIATION.

IMPORTANT MATTERS DISCUSSED

A meeting of the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association was held on Wednesday evening. Mr J. T. Paul presided, and the following delegates were present:—Messrs E. A. Davys, H. Camp, A. I). Asher, W. 0. Martin. G. Brooks, G. Bewley, W. Timms, jun., T. Anderson. SANDERS CUP CONTEST.

It was decided that the crew of Winifred leave Dunedin on Tuesday. February 8, for Lyttelton. This would give the men an opportunity to practice for at least three days before the first race.

Messrs J. T. Paul and E. A. Davys were appointed the Otago delegates to the Dominion Conference, to be held at Lyttelton on Friday evening, February 11. The question of providing the necessary funds to send the two Otago crewg to Lyttelton was discussed. It was decided that merchants and the Harbour Board ba written to. and that personal calls be made for subscriptions. It was mentioned that the full amount necessary had not yet been subscribed. The Canterbury Yachting Association wrote stating that provision was being made to accommodate Winifred's crew and 14 visitors at Lyttelton. It was decided that Mr B. 11. Nees be entrusted with the crating of Winifred for the rail journey to Lyttelton. CORNWELL CUP CONTEST. A letter was received from the Canterbury Yachting Association in reference to the Cornwell Cup contest. It was pointed out that there was only one yacht club at Lyttelton, and that club was quite competent to conduct the contest. The Chairman said that the letter opened up the question of the control of the contest. It was not a question of the Canterbury Club not being competent to control the contest, but-the rules stated that the races must be under the control of an association, if such a body existed at any port where the contest was sailed. The Canterbury Club was affiliated with the Canterbury Yacht and Motor Boat Association, and he thought that body should control the races. The letter forwarded by the Otago Association to the Canterbury Club was quite plain, as the rule in question had "been quoted. The Otago Association did not wish to cause any friction over the matter, and he was of the opinion that the best course was to leave it in the hands of the Dominion Council. Mr Davys said he was not in favour of a club controlling the contest. So long as there was a recognised association in Canterbury that association should control the races. Mr Camp said that the Canterbury Yacht Club was not adhering to the conditions governing the contest. The Chairman said that it would be futile to follow the matter up with further correspondence. It was decided that the matter be left in the hands of the Otago delegates, who would bring the question before the Dominion Conference. The Sailing Committee reported that Carl Moller had won two trial races with Colleen and Hugh Riddell one race with the same boat. ‘ • Mr Anderson said' that Colleen was by far the faster and stronger boat, and a little controversy had arisen in connection with the trials. Betty had been passed as a true Takapuna class boat, but she was not in the same class as Colleen. Mr Davys said that Moller had outpointed and outsailed Betty in the trials. The committee had taken it for granted that both boats were equal, and they would get no further ahead if they held a dozen trials. Mr Camp said Hugh Riddell had done remarkably well with Betty. He was sailing at a disadvantage. Mr Anderson said that Betty had been measured and found to comply with the. conditions of the class.

•It Was unamimously decided that Carl Moller and Ray Mpntgomery be selected

to represent Otago in the Cornwell Cup contest at Lyttelton next month. Mr Paul said there had been some adverse comment in connection with the selection of an extra man for Winifred’s crew, but the association intended to stand by its decision. It, however, opened up the question whether they should send an extra boy to Lyttelton. - ? aJnp smd he was in favour of sending Riddell as an emergency, but it must be understood that he would only sail if either Moller or Montgomery should be indisposed. If Riddell were sent he should be given to understand that he would only be an emergency, and that he would be required to assist in getting the boat ready. It was unanimously decided to send Riddell as an emergency to Otago’s crew. GENERAL. The secretary of the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Club wrote stating that th.o annual race fpf the Oliphant Cup would be sailed on Saturday, March 19.—The date was approved. R was decided to write thanking the Otago Harbour Board for providing plans of the courses sailed by the Sanders Cup contestants in February last year, and for the trouble taken in laving off the courses.