SANDERS CUP CONTESTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 242, 3 January 1928, Page 14

SANDERS CUP CONTESTS

ENTHUSIASM IN THE SOUTH

Although Auckland at yet has hardly given the forthcoming Sanders Cup contests a thought Southern centres are as keen as ever or more so than in former years, if the amount of space given to cup prospects by various yachting writers is any criterion. During the past month trials have been in progress in Wellington and Dunedin and enthusiasm is at a high pitch. “Interest in the Sanders Cup class of yacht is higher in Otago this year than it has been for years past,” says a Dunedin writer. After four trial races, three of which were won by the new Jellicoe-class boat Eileen, the Otago Yacht and Motor-boat Association has selected this boat to represent the province at Stewart Island in February. G. E. Kellet, •who sailed the boat to victory three times in succession will skipper the craft on behalf of the syndicate of owners. Last Monday Eileen was beaten in the fourth trial by Kia Oro. There were only the two starters and after the new boat had assumed the lead the wind petered out and the boats were left to the mercy of the tide. The race was eventually called off by the judges as it had simply resolved itself into a drifting match. Kia Oro was first to feel the benefit of the flood tide and consequently won.

“Not proved,'* said the Dunedin writer after the third victory of the new boat. “That she is a fast lightweather boat there is no doubt,” he goes on. “But how she will fare when the wind comes away at a reefing pace remains to be seen. Her wins might not stamp her a likely boat to beat Betty or Avalon, but Eileen will improve a great deal before the contests.** “Why Hurry,” Says Wellington “Quite a number of yachtsmen are asking what all the hurry is about in getting over the trial races for the Wellington representative for the Sanders Cup,” remarks an authority writing in the capital city. He reminds that the boat for the races has not got to be nominated until about January 25, and yet already there have been six races—four of them in light breezes, one in a real blow, and another in a strong patchy wind. Only one of the trials in any sort of a wind, however, can be really regarded as such, as the first was called off after only once around the course, he states. The first trial was won by All Black, in a hard blow and Wellesley 11. the others, thus establishing her supremacy as a light-weather boat. However, All Black was very close to the new boat even in light winds. It seems probable that Wellesley 11. will be Wellington’s contender. As for Auckland, well at present we are putting into practice what the Wellington yachtsmen have voiced, “What is the hurry.” “Taihoa,” say we, “no hurry, bye and bye.” Anyhow, it seems that the selection of the Waitemata’s boat will not prove a difficult task. AN IDEAL COURSE It is said that the courses over whicli the contests will be held at Stewart Island commencing on February 15 are second to none in the Dominion. Off Halfmoon Bay and in Paterson's Inlet two courses can be arranged to suit the weather conditions. Just outside I Halfmoon Bay there is a magnificent stretch of water reaching right across to the Titi Islands. If the weather is rough the boats will be towed round to Paterson’s Inlet, where there are no air pockets. Residents of Stewart Island are looking forward to the contests. I THE PIPERS WERE OUT lorangi went away well prepared for her New Yea x cruise. In her ownership there is more than, a suggestion of “Caledonia stern and wild,” and of this there was absolute confirmation when, gliding across the line in the Tauranga cruising race, she greeted the approach of Hogmanay with the skirling melody played by a piper perched beside the mast.