TASMAN YACHT RACE

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 7, 9 January 1932, Page 10

TASMAN YACHT RACE

LACK OF CHALLENGERS

event may; not be hell*

Unless challengers are forthcoming for the 1932 yacht race across the Tasman Sea the contest, which, was duai to commence on. 23rd January, will be abandoned. Circumstances affecting the race reached a head on Thursday, says the "New Zealand Herald," and Mr. H.- Howell, vice-commodore of the Akarana Yacht Club, the controlling organisation, made it cl«ar tha^ the prospects at the moment were againsti the holding of the event. Following upon the withdrawal o? Sydney yachts which had been mentioned as likely contestants, there cam* the announcement that the Auckland schooner-rigged yacht Aorere, the remaining competitor against the holder of the Akarana Club's trophy, Mr. Erling Tambs's Norwegian, yacht Teddy, would not enter.

Great disappointment was expressed on Thursday evening by Mr. Tambs at the prospect of the Tasman race being abandoned this year. He said, however, that he could not accept as final the statement that there would be noj race, but would,await advice from the committee of the Akarana Yacht Cln« following on the meeting to be held next Tuesday. • . ' . _ Mr. Howell pointed out that the position of Mr. Juler did not have any bear< ing on the Akarana Club, but it was regrettable that the- Aorere would not challenge the Teddy. He believed that the economic circumstances in Australia and New Zealand had militated against the 1932 transtasnian. race.

This opinion was borne out by state* ments in the letter received by the Akarana Club s from Mr, "W. G. Jira, owner of the Sydney yacht Spumedrift, which had been expected as one of the contestants. _ Mr. Jira had stated that the precarious condition of business in." Australia prevented him from entering the Spumedrift, and the same idea apparently had influenced Mr. McGill. tTNTORTUNATE POSITION. Two other Sydney yachts—the Hermione and the Morna-r-had been mentioned as possible competitors, but the club had not received official intimation on this point, said Mr. Howell. It appeared that no challenger would be placed against the Teddy. This was unfortunate, as Mr. Tambs had> returned from Tonga specially to race in. the transtasman event. The position had not been foreseen. , The club had done everything possible to encourage competition, and had the proposed race been held five or bix years ago there would have been half a dozen entrants.

At the present time it seemed that the Tace would not eventuate; but there was still time for further challengers to appear against the Teddy. The position, however, was not hopeful. The question of the race would be discussed at a meeting of the club on Tuesday evening next, when it probably would be Known whether the Teddy; would be required to face opposition. ' .- ~