SANDERS CUP BOATS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 886, 1 February 1930, Page 1

SANDERS CUP BOATS

MEASUREMENT QUESTION WHAT PROVINCES THINK “I consider this one of the occasions in which it can definitely be said that the object of the Sanders Cup contest has been attained, inasmuch as the contest, has been won by the crew of the Otago boat, not necessarily the boat itself.” This remark was made by Mr. C. H. T. Palmer, chairman of the Dominion Yachting Conference, at the final meeting last evening in connection with the contest. He was congratulating Otago on the success of that province. Replying, Mr. J. T. Paul (Otago) expressed thanks on behalf of the crew. “Doggedness has won. the cup for Otago,” he said. “We have not had much success but we have got there by sticking to it. Kellett has sailed four fine races. We realise the importance of the contest as the blue ribbon of New Zealand yachting. We appreciate also the value of the memorial aspect which we hope will never be effaced.” Mr. Palmer raised the question of measurement of boats immediately before a contest. Auckland felt it absolutely necessary for preservation of the one-design regulation. The Otago and Wellington delegates raised opposition on the ground that boats already given certificates would be debarred from future contests. “What I object to,” said Mr. J. T. Paul (Otago) “is that anj' new regulation would be retrospective.” The Canterbury delegates supported Auckland, but suggested that the boats be measured on the midships mould. Mr. Paul deprecated the introduction by Auckland of a remit which would only set the provinces afiare when the contest was going on smoothly., There was no hope in the world of making all boats exactly similar. Mr. A. J. Cdllings (Auckland) said that as long as the Rona class was employed the one-design aspect must be protected. Auckland wanted all boats measured with outside steel moulds. The remit was carried on the casting vote of the chairman, Otago and Wellington voting against. Mr. C. Holmes (Wellington) proposed the formation of a Dominion association controlling all sailing and power contests. He believed such a body necessary in the best Interests of the sport. Mr. Paul supported the scheme. Finance was one of the chief difficulties in the opinion of Mr. Palmer. On the motion of Mr. T. Anderson (Otago), delegates approved the principle, Auckland dissenting. Tributes to the chairmanship and hospitality of Mr. Palmer and to the activities of the honorary secretary, Mr. Collings, were made by each of the visiting delegates, who also expressed appreciation of the assistance of the Press.