THE AMERICA’S CUP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20896, 27 November 1937, Page 16

THE AMERICA’S CUP

MINISTER’S STATEMENT A statement by Mr A. S. MacMillan, Minister of Highways for Nova Scotia, that America’s Cup yacht racing "affords Nova Scotia an opportunity to make a real contribution to good, clean sport’’ has aroused much discussion in that province on the Atlantic. Mr MacMillan said he had noted the suggestion that in the future contests for the famous America’s Cup should be open to smaller and less expensive yachts. If this idea were adopted he said, he would like to see some Nova Scotia club issue a challenge. The Halifax “Herald,” commenting on the Minister’s statement, agreed that “given the wherewithal,” Nova Scotians should be quite capable of designing, building, and sailing a Cup yacht.” But the wherewithal, under present rules, meant millions. “It may bo.’’ the Herald, added, “we have seen

the last of J-class racing for the America’s Cup.” It trusts the "czars” of the New York yacht Club will see the light, modify the rules to permit the entry of K or L class boats, and give Nova Scotia a chance.

And the Halifax Chronicle, in its comment, takes a similar line. It says;

“The suggestion of the Minister of Highways based on the statement of a British yachting expert, that the ‘soundest critics’ at Newport were ’men from Nova Scotia,’ has aroused tremendous Interest among yachtsmen and it the chief topic of conversation wherever those beilannelled gentlemen who go down to the sea in yachts foregather.

“It is based, of course, on the idea that smaller yachts should hereafter be sailed in the Cup races, instead of the expensive ones now used. Whether or not there is anything in the idea remains to be seen. Our own guess is there will be no deviation from the present system.

“No one would seriously suggest that Nova Scotia should consider matching purses with either Mr Sopwith or Mr Vanderbuilt, but, as for matching sailing skill and seamanship in boats that would cost less to build than the Ranger or Endeavour, that is another matter.

“Nova Scotia has never had to take back water in the matter of sailing.”