CO129-313 - Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [10-12] — Page 24

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them practical Yachtsmen owning or constantly sailing in the various craft controlled by the Club.

5.

The Club is a purely Amateur Club, members

managing and working their Yachts with a minimum of paid assis-

tance.

6.

There are 24 Yachts of various sizes, ranging from a Cutter of 14 tons to a little half-rater, owned by Members of the Club and there are in hand for building for next season

two new 24 foot Haters of the newest design and at least one cruising Yacht representing in the aggregate a very considerable capital invested by Members of the Club in cruising and racing craft. Of these Yachts no less than 13 have been built within

the last 3 years.

7.

For several years past the Club bas organised

between 40 and 50 races a year, Yachts racing sometimes all

together but more often in their different classes and I cannot

remember an instance .in which the majority of Yachts eligible

for a race failed to enter. Such a thing as a sail over or of a

race falling through for want of entries is practically unknown

in Hongkong.

8.

The sport is in a most healthy and vigorous

condition but unless the Government can help the Club it is

doomed to destruction in the near future.

9.

Yachts, especially racing yachts, need

constant repairs and cleaning and for that purpose it is neces-

sary to have a slip whenever they can be hauled up and all Yachts

require a reasonably safe anchorage

10.

Up to the time when the extensions to the

Naval