WHAT NOW THEN, YOU FELLOWS ARE YOU GOING TO DO NEXT YEAR

yOU, the Motorboating fraternity; I am speaking to you. This last year has been a dismal failure. We all know it has really, so let’s admit it and use it as an example of a year we must not repeat. Let us try to make our race meetings a success. Something is the matter with them. Isn’t there ? Few competitors. No public. No close finishes. No enthusiasm, and considerable expense. Let us have a big “point to point” outboard race. London to Margate ? Yes, that would be excellent. Let us organise it properly with as much municipal pomp as possible. Let us advertise it, and, for heaven’s sake,

let us have a prize. Now, what else shall we do ? Perhaps we can organise several long distance outboard cruises.

Some of us have been discussing the prospect of an inboard racing class. Good. But let us keep calm about this. What is the advantage of this class of craft ? It is more expensive than the outboard. It is less easily transported. Of course, our inboard engine is easier to start, but if a man is too big a mutt to start an outboard, he is far too big a mutt to race. The upkeep of the two types is about the same and the running cost is about the same, so, again : What is the advantage ?

You remember when we introduced the speed dinghy. That was a good idea in itself. A speed dinghy is an excellent craft ; but to race speed dinghys on enclosed waters is a bit feeble. Isn’t it ? Would people come to watch ? People must come to watch before a race meeting can be a success.

Let us keep this idea in front of us, but let us not be hasty.

And now, after this recital of our faults, let us congratulate ourselves upon the successes we have gained abroad. What ? None ? Well : better luck next year.

R. COLE.