WORLD YACHTING TITLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 45, 23 February 1939, Page 12

WORLD YACHTING TITLE

AWARD TO MANU IN DOUBT DISQUALIFICATION OF TAREE SKIPPER LODGES APPEAL. [ Par Press Association.! AUCKLAND, Feb. 22.

The world's 18-footer sailing championship decided at Auckland last week is again in doubt as the result of an appeal by the skipper of the Taree (W. Swinbourne) against the disqualification of his boat in the third race of the series on Saturday. But for this disqualification by the appeal committee, as the result of a protest by the Auckland yacht Limerick, the Taree would have retained her world’s title. The upholding of the Limerick’s protest resulted in the championship being awarded to the Auckland yacht Manu. Reference to the incident was made by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, when speaking at a complimentary dinner which he tendered to the visitors last night. Sir Ernest said he would like to assure the visiting crews that he was satisfied the feeling of the citizens was that they regretted the little happening that had occurred. They hoped the visitors would express to then supporters in Sydney the regret of the Aucklanders and, at the same time, their admiration for the pluck and good sportsmanship which the Australians had revealed. He added that, whatever the decision in the appeal, he was certain it would be accepted by the Auckland yachtsmen and by Australia in the proper spirit, as he felt sure it would be in Australia.

The manager of the New South Wales team. Mr. F. Empson, said he was in entire agreement with Sir Ernest Davis that, whatever the decision on the final appeal, the Australian crews would accept it in the true spirit of sportsmanship free from any feeling. His only concern was to see that the right thing was done. The appeal will be referred to the Yacht Racing Association in England and the decision will not be published till February of next year. During the dinner Sir Ernest Davis