NEW BOAT VAL NOT READY FOR SANDERS CUP TRIALS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 534, 11 December 1928, Page 16

NEW BOAT VAL NOT READY FOR SANDERS CUP TRIALS

It is learned that Mr. Alex Matthews has no Intention to race the new Sanders Cup aspirant, Val, in the first trial races which the Selection Committee (Messrs. H. J. C. George, H. Kirkham and G. Mobberley) have arranged for Saturday afternoon. Mr. Matthews says it is not a fair thing to ask the boat to compete when she is not yet equipped with her special sails, which are due to arrive shortly from England. The old champion, Rona, which had also been invited to compete, it is understood, will also not race. Air. Matthew's asks what is the reason for all the haste in getting the trials over. The contest will not be held until February. There is no doubt that Val, now fitted with unsatisfactory canvas, is not : r et capable of showing her slickest heels, and it seems reasonable that she should be withheld until she is perfected. Against that it must be borne in mind that most of the Southern ports have about completed their trials, or are well on tjie way with them. If Air. Matthews is adamant and there is to be a sort of lock-out on Saturday, the selectors will either have to postpone the trials or declare the other contender, Avalon, winner of the first test by default. There is not much possibility of the latter recourse.