Delegates Discuss Cornwell Contest

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 258, 21 January 1928, Page 10

Delegates Discuss Cornwell Contest

INDIVIDUAL VIEWPOINTS "NO FRICTION ANYWHERE” Now that the Cornwell Cup contest has concluded, it is time to hear opinions on the series of races and as to whether the contest has fulfilled its purpose. Can it now be said that the boats used in the races were all of one design—that is, were they approximately of the same speed capabilities if handled by efficient crews? Were the visiting crews satisfied with the decisions made by the Sailing Committee? T’HESE and other questions are dis- -*• cussed by each of the eight delegates to the Cornwell Cup Conference. The candid opinion of each was requested and these are their views: Mr. O. A. Moller, Auckland, chairman of the conference.—The contest has proved that a true one-desigri race lias been evolved in the series just completed. The ideals of sportsmanship have been splendidly fulfilled by every competitor. I am more than pleased with the conduct of all the boys. The conference and Sailing Committee firmly believe that all decisions have been made with the interests of the'crews at heart, and we are confident that time will uphold our decision to resail the race about which there has been some dissension. Mr. G. F. Bewley, Otago. —Judging from what I have seen of the boats, I consider that they are pretty much of a muchness. In my opinion there is one boat not quite as good as the others. Taken as a whole they were excellent. As regards the courses sailed over there is nothing to complain of. Generally speaking the sportsmanship has been the best I have seen at any time. Arrangements made by the Takupuna Boating Club for carrying out the contest have been all that could be desired. Housing all the crews in the clubhouse has made for sociability, and the boys have been perfect gentlemen. I desire to thank the club on behalf of Otago for their splendid hospitality. PRIZE IS NOT EVERYTHING Mr. F. Collins, Canterbury.——Canterbury has been knocking at the door in each race, and has not been beaten decisively. Our boys have done their best and after all, the game is worth more than the prize. We have nothing whatever to complain of. As far as I could see there was practically no difference in the boats. The courses have proved very good tests on the whole. The boys have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we wish to thank the Takapuna Boating Club for its hard work on our behalf. Mr. A. H. Pickmere, Whangarei.— I could see practically no difference in the boats. What I considered to be the worst boat has been sailed first. Some boats seemed to suit some crews better than others, but there was little difference. Some crews have been very unfortunate and a little good or bad luck has made all the difference. Unparalleled sportsmanship has been displayed by all the boys, and especially the Otago crew. There has been no friction anywhere. Everything has worked smoothly between delegates

and between the crews. I would like to record my appreciation of the arrangements made by the Takapuna Boating Club for our reception. We are well satisfied with every phase of the contest. Mr. N. Wilson, Manukau.—l honestly think the boats were as nearly alike as it is possible to build them. Tho Manukau boys are well satisfied wit.n the races, but I really think Manukau were not quite good enough for the others. We are satisfied we, were beaten on our merits. The contest is undoubtedly the finest thing in New Zealand yachting. I was struck by the fine sporting spirit among the boys. Delegates have shown themselves ready to assist the boys in every way, and the harmony has been remarkable. We are delighted with the Takapuna Boating Club’s hospitality, which has exceeded all bounds. I think that whatever decisions have been made by the Sailing Committee were fair and above board. Mr. W. -Duncan, Wellington.—The sailing proves that there is little difference in the boats. The Courses have been excellent tests of seamanship. I am not disappointed with Wellington’s showing, and we have done better than we anticipated. Nobody could have run the contest better than Takapuna has managed it. They are geniuses. May we through your paper extend our gratitude to the club. Mr. P. F. Carter, Tauranga.—l am well satisfied with the contest. My boys have nothing to complain of. They were too light to sail effectively in windward work, and having to carry so much dead weight was a handicap. They have learned a great deal and have thoroughly enjoyed the contest. I am convinced that there was little to choose between the boats. The sportsmanship displayed by the crews has been excellent. We much appreciate the arrangements made by the Takapuna Boating Club for billeting us in the clubhouse. The Sailing Committee has endeavoured to give its decisions for the good of the competitors, and I feel we have acted rightly. Mr. R. Lidgard, Hawke’s Bay.—The boys think there is no difference in the boats and are well satisfied with the contest. I have never before seen cleaner sportsmen or better behaved boys. They have all acted with a feeling of responsibility and everything has worked smoothly. CURTAIN RUNG DOWN ON CORNWELL CONTEST “WASHING-UP” CONFERENCE A final meeting of the Cornwell Cup contest conference was held last evening for the purpose of clearing up outstanding details relating to the past week’s activities. Minor alterations to the one-design boat w'ere approved, and recommended to the Takapuna Boating Club. In future the measurements of the gaff must not be less than one. and a-half inches and not more than one and three-quarter inches. The mast, as defined in the rules, must be not less than two inches and not more than two and a-quarter inches in diameter, and is to he tapered to not less than one and three-eighths inches at either end. All timber measurements to be based on finished sizes. All timber must be heart of kauri, with the exception of the spars, which may bo either kauri or Oregon. Crews must be under the age of 19 years on January 1 nearest the year of the contest, and winning crews must provide proof of age to the Sailing Committee. Messrs. Moller, Lidgard, and Wilson were appointed a committee to deal

with any correspondence that may come up in reference to the late c.ontest. Mr. Wilson congratulated the Takapuna Boating Club on the excellent ar-

rangements made for the accommodation of visiting crews during the contest. The Sailing Committee placed on record its thanks to Messrs. Fortzer, Lock, and Lidgard, members of the club, for their services during the contest. Most of the crews will leave for their homes on Sunday evening.