CUP RACES SHOW RONA DESIGN IS SUPERIOR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18085, 19 February 1927, Page 1

CUP RACES SHOW RONA DESIGN IS SUPERIOR.

BUILDERS WILL HAVE TO DISCARD OLD IDEAS (Written for the “Star" by R_ G. HAMPTON). The first and moet striking point which becomes apparent from the results of this year’s Sanders Cup contests is the superiority of the “ Rons. *• type, one-design craft, over the oldstyle restricted type. This year four “ Ronas" took part, Rona, the original of the type Bettv, Avalon, and Murihiku H.. all of which are almost precisely similar. Representatives of the old class were Winifred and Peggy, the one a light-weather craft aid the other built for moderate weather racing. Out of the first four races in which they all took part, only one performance of any real merit was put up by a restricted boat, that of PegKy Monday’s squally southwester. when she carried four of a crew as against thrpe in the other boats. In this race Peggy finished third after the two “ Rona/' boats Avalon and Betty, and was closely followed by the remaining two. Rona and Murihiku 11.. with Winifred, the other restricted boat, last. Restricted Boats Beaten. Not only in the hard breezes which are so eminently suited to the “ Rona “ type, but in the moderate to light weather which the others preferred, did the “ Rona" type prove superior, and not even the hardiest of the supporters of the earlier type will now claim that they are in any way equal in speed to the true “ Rona” design. It is rather unfortunate that during the first meeting of the Dominion conference the representatives of one province were so opposed to the suggestion that in future only one-design yachts should be eligible, for this year’s contest has gone far to disprove the claim advanced by their delegates at the time, that thev were confident of being able to build restricted boats faster than the “ Rona'* design. In no respect, more especially off the wind in a breeze, when the “ Ronas ” will plane and leave all other types far in the rear, can the restricted boats claim any superiority, and it is only a case of time before the entrants will all be composed of true “ Rona ” types. Weather Conditions. Apart from this there are several other points of interest in connection with the contest, one of the foremost being the splendid sailing conditions experienced. The first race in a moderate and very true easterly breeze sufficed to give a clear indication of the merits of the respective contestants under ordinary conditions, and later the bard, squally sou’-wester on Monday, which caught all with the exception of Peggy with light weather crews, served to test out their qualities in a good solid breeze, while in the second to last of the el.minating races all were tested in a light easterly with -very little sea. Thus all types had their day, and under all conditions, from a hard breeze to a light easterly, the “Rona” type proved its superiority, tn addition to the variety of weather conditions experienced, the organisers were fortunate enough to experience dear and fine weather, barring the night of farewell, when a cold wet sou’wester sprang up to blow the northern competitors home for another year. From the remarks gleaned from the various visitors the less serious part of the contest, namely, the entertaining, has proved equally as successful, and many complimentary references have l>een made in regard to the royal time given to the visitors by all concerned, the home clubs, the association, and Canterbury yachtsmen in general. New Boats. Turning from the past contest in an attempt to forecast the future, we enter on more debatable ground, and it is apparent that )>eforc the next contest is decided much will be done in reference to points of difference which have arisen during the last few years. It is extremely doubtful if any restricted boats will take part next year. Otago supporters are very keen on building and racing a “ Rona ” type. There is a rumour that at least one new ’footer will be built, and Wellington being bv now convinced that their representative. although possibly faster in Wellington than their two present ” Rona ” boats, is not speedy enough lo ever hope to carry the trophy to their province. Whatever occurs, however, representatives from Auckland. Canterbury and Southland are assured, and it is quite likely that the other three provinces will again take part, whether with new boats or with the old. Apart from the possibility of winning the much coveted trophy, any province which has alreadv competed will strive hard before it allows the opportunitv to pass of having its representatives once more join in the intermingling of good spprtsmen from the whole of the Dominion in the atmosphere of goodwill and freedom so characteristic of past contests. Betty’s Performances. It has been said in some quarter* that a point has now been reached somewhat similar to that reached in 1923 and 1924, when Rona so completelv outclasses the other yachts. This refers to Betty's two splendid performances in 192 T) and 1927, but closer inquiry into the position will disclose a more moderate point of view. It cannot be said from this year’s results that Betty is so manifestly superior, having twice been beaten and again having won by a very small margin. It is quite certain that when other builders set their old ideas behind them and engage to build a boat with only the one ideal, that of the minimum of weight with the maximum of strength, and build for lightness, and lightness, and yet more lightness, then will they turn out boats equallv as fast and even, it is hoped, faster than Canterbury’* renowned Betty. In spite of the pessimists, one car. feel confident in prophesying that next 3*ear's contest will prove equally^as popular and equally as successful as any before, and all that can be desired is that the best boat may win.