AMERICA CUP

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1930, Page 2

AMERICA CUP

CONDITIONS ALTERED,

CHANCES OF SHAMROCK V.

IV,ELLINGTON, March 1

According to Colonel Duncan Neill, sailing adviser to Sir Thomas Lipton, the chances of the America Cup being Wrested from the holders this year are brighter than ever before. Colonel Neill had some interesting comment to make* on the conditions under which the rates will be sailed when interviewed by a “Post” reporter today, prior to ins departure by the Rangitane for Home.

Shamrock V., the latest of Sir Thomas Lipton’s challengers, is being built at Gosport by the famous designer, Charles Nicholson. She will have the Bermuda rig, which will necessitate a very high mast, about 160 ft long.

The conditions for the race have been somewhat radically altered, and the boats will accordingly be racing on more even terms than hitherto. They must be of 7Glt. rating, and must be built to Lloyd’s scantlings, which will make the weight of both boats the same. Previously the Americans have been able to build a. much lighter boat than Sir Thomas Lipton, and this has been a decided advantage. The only thing now in their favour is that they will be able to select the best boat out of four that are Being built to defend the trophy. “Sir Thomas Lipton has to rely on one, hut,’’ remarked Colonel Neill, “he himself thinks that, with the altered conditions lie has a big chance this time.”

Shamrock V. will probahy be put into the water about the end of April, and will be sailed in a number of trial races before crossing the Atlantic. She will leave the Clyde about the middle ot July.

This year’s races are to be held off Newport. One of the alterations in the conditions is that the cup will he taken by the boat winning the best of seven races. Formerly it was the best of three, and latterly the best of five.

The contest will commence on September 13th. and the races will he held every successive day, Sundays excluded, untess for some rea.sop or other a spell is desired by the competing yachtsmen.