The annual general- meeting of the Shang hai Yacht Glub was-held on Monday evening at the premises of Messrs. Noel, Murray and Ca., 31, Szechuen Road. There were present Messrs. Duncan Glass, Commodore, in the chair; C. Murray Adamson, Vice. Commo: dare; A. By Jones, Hon. Seoretary and Treasurer; E. T. Byrne, P. J. Byrne, A. L. Anderson, G. R. Andeteon, T. A. Dirk, George W. Noel, T. E. Dunn, and W. Wiglesworth, 'The minutes of- the last annual meeting wore read.and confirmed, The Chairman said that he was at homo last season, and had enjoyed—himself thoroughly. He was out of the strong breezes'. which prevailed here during the Sachling season, and was sorry for that as he would have thoroughly enjoyed them. The report and accounts had been in the members' hands for some time, and adapting the usual formula, he would with their permission ta them as road. He noticed that they were well off.as regards funds, having a balance of $373.66 to their credit, He hoped the Yacht Club was in a flourishing condition. Ho regretted that there was not a linger membarsbip and more boats ming. Next to the-Rowing Club, the Yacht Club was the bast organisation for sport in Shanghai. Racing men had their few days? fun every half year, but after spending a lot of dollars had often only a lame crock to show for the' money. In the Yacht Club, it only cnst about $200 a year to: keop and race a flapper, and the larger boats were not expensive. For instance, the Winsome changed hands last year for $750. He wished to make a suggestion for future racing, which would increase the Club's fleet and enable more members to take part in the sailing. They already had raters, flappers, and a sort of scuni-hougeboxt. He would suggest that thy g0 in for another class of boat, which would be inexpensive and would give lots of fun He referred to the Woosng boats, with to Tesboards and a sail, and canvas over the well: They were cheap, had plenty of room, cue man could sail them, and-they would able to sleep on board. They would be useful boats for taking trips up the creeks, or into the Yangtze. They would not cost more than $300 apiece. It was rather a departure from the home style of yacht, but they would give lots of amusement. It would enable many to go in for yachting who could not afford the more expensive beats. Some men had not got the money fur yachting, while others hed plenty of sport. money but did not take any interest m th:
Mr. C. Murray Adamson said he thought the adoption of the Woosung boat would be a very good idea. They would have to yo fitted with laryer lesbourds. They were very good boats in bad weather and onl; drew about 18 inches of water.
The Chairma proposed, Mr. C. Murray Adamson ge3+vded, und it was carried unfnimoudy, tht the report and accounts resented be accepted and passed.
Obelwan sold the sich business be fore the meat: was the election of a Comnitteo for the ensuing season course ie other duties to attend to now. tle did nat was resigning the Conn lordship: he hat intend to give up racing. When he was not available, Mr. E. T. Byrne would sail his boat.
The following Committee was then it. C, Murray' Adamson, Commodore; Mr. A. E. Jones, ViooCommodor Anderson, Hon. and Mr. T. B. Dunn enid he had a few remarks to make with reference to the adoption of a naw style of boat. He suggested that they should go in for the American "Soow." It was a very useful style of boat and very cheap. He had plans for such boats, anit had an estimate for the construction here of one for $150, including sails. For those who wanted the best quality, the materials could be bought in America, all ready to be fitted together, and the cost, delivered here, would be $250 Mexican. Those who wished 10 inspect the plans could gee them at any time at. his office.
The Chairman said that Mr. Dunn's was a very good suggestion, and the majority of those present agreed.
Mr. A. L. Anderson asked if there was any objection to the Club finding a room for its members, where they could meet together and in which they could preserve models every yacht built for members of the Club. It would tend to bring the members togetiio: more and would do a great deal in the way of promoting yachting.
The Chairman said ho believed it probublo that the Rowing Club would let them have room in their new building.
Mr. E. T. Byrne said he could not say definitely that such would be the case, bul it was very probable.
The Chairman said that it should be compulsory for each member to send in a half-model of his yacht. They had a similar rule in the New York Yacht Club and it was very interesting to examine the models and study the development of the styles of yachts from the first days of the Club up to the present time.
Mr. E. 'T. Byrne said there was a matter he would like to draw attention to. Until last season the had all been alike and of the sume design. Last year one man put a heavier centre plate on this flapper, and this had the effect of improving the speed of the boat considerably. That was the conclusion to be drawn from the boat's success last season as com] with previous seasons. It could not be entirely due to better sailing. The consequence was that the difference in design spoilt the whole class. He suggested that the owner of the Sibyl: be asked to put tack the old centre plate. The flappers hai always given more sport because they were all of the same class and design, The Chairman said that when the flapper class was started it, was the rule that they should all. be. the same. Even when new through the Committe, wore wanted they had to be purchase Mr. A. E. Jones said it used to be the rule, but it was given up.
The Chairman seid it was given up in connection with the 2} raters, but not with the flappers.
Mr. C. Murray Adamson said. that, they had five flappers here and he suggested they should race as before, all of the same class and same design. The Sibyl still had her old contre plate at the boal-house and it could be put back. He did not think the owner would object. They nearly all required new the ities. Some of them might have sails, and these could be purchased through at present Jarger sails than authorised by the rules.
Mr. E. T. Bysne suggested that the Alappers should all be the same below tite water line, but that the owners should have a free hand as regards sail area.
Mr. Jones, referring to the objection mised to the changes made to the Sibyl, said that leaving the sail area optional would amount to the sume thing in another direction.
The Chairman said it would be best to have all the boats the same, and lot each boat?s success depend upon the skill of the man at the stick."
Mr. E. 'T. Byrme said the Merlin caryled ballast, and the Sibyl had a heavier contre plate than the others.
The Chairman said that was distinctly contrary to the rules, Mr. P. L. Byrne said there was also a rule limiting the number of passengers in each boat to thre. That rule should also be enforced.
The matter was left to be dealt with by the incoming Committee, This concluded the business of the mooting.
Reports,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.