The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-09-05
PABST TALKS OF
INLAND REGATTA
Thinks Commodore Hertz Did Not
Act According to the
Rules.
snania1 Ia The Journal.

Special to The journal.
Milwaukee, Sept. 6.-The unsa tsfactory result
of the Inland Yachting association regatta, at
Oshkosh, has brought forth several articles pro
| and con, and 1t Is evident that there are many
race go to finish and thus leave ground
| for complaint from any source. Fred Pabst,
who sailed the Comet H., takes exception to
| some of the statements made: Mr.. Pabst says
he does not desire to pose as sorehead, or
anything Of the kind. but, in view Of the
fact that different statements have been made
he thinks it is only right that he should give
his version of the controversy. In discussing the
matter, Mr.. Pabst said: &
"Now, in regard to the sailing Of the Alpha,
Charles M. Griggs, skipper, I will say that
| there was considerable comment on the action
| Of the crew of the Alpha on the alleged refusal
! to sail Friday morning. That criticism was alb
solutely msdirected. OF course, the captains
of the various boats have no voice in deciding on
| postponements, or declaring races of. The
criticism should have been directed against Com
| modore Hertz president of the Inland Lake as
| ISOLATION who arbitrarily and in prejudiced
manner, and absolutely at variance with the rules
Of the association, declared the race of instead
| Of postponing 1t.
~, myself, one Of the executive commit
tee, but was not consulted as was interested
| in the race. A meeting Of the captains was
| called, but I received no notification Of that.
| Until late Thursday night 1t was understood
| that race was to be sailed Friday morning,
and it was not sailed because the Alpha crew
of White Bear and the Wihuja Of Minnetonka
| refused to sign petition for the race. There.
fore, the decision was virtually left with the
leading boat, who hardly can be blamed for act
| ing in their own interests. The fact remains
| that the rules specifically state that the Judges
| and executive committee may postpone a race
should unfavorable weather other circum
! stances make postponement advisable.
Commodore Hertz arbitrarily decided, ever
| after these rules were shown him, that race
could be postponed to a later hour Of the same
day, but not to the next day. ~. -
| "It is true that resolution was passed a
one of the annual meetings that, in case ito wal
impossible to sail than three races, thos'
three races should constitute a series. At thu
Oshkosh meet. however. that was not the case
good sailing days. s.. ....>
Lake Winnebago, twice at Neenah for the Greer
Felker cup, and four times for the Inland cup
She won five out of the seven times, and 1t wa
only owing to the fact that Comet II. was
little overcanvased one day that the Alpha wa
able to gain lead Of any consequence. Com
modore Hertz. above stated, arbitrarily, an
in the face Of my protest, and contrary to tn
specific rules and wishes Of more than ma
jority of yachtsmen, declared the race OF
which virtually eliminated the chance Of Come
II. winning. " IT, F.. ~ -
If such arbitrary methods to be permit,
ted at future meetings 1t certainly will not en-
nance interest in yachting circles.' -
Mr.. Pabst further stated that he did not fee
} sore at losing the cup, as he has lost lots Q
races just as cheerfully as he won others, bu
he felt decidedly disappointed at the manner /
: which his chance Of winning was withheld fro1
) him. So.