Evening star., 1942-05-22
Government Leaders
Weigh Plan 10 Aid
Craft Owners
Consider Possible Need
OF Small Yachts in
Nations Service
BY MALCOLM LAMBORNE, Jr.

The governing council of the
American Power Boat Association
took an important step this week at
a meeting in New York City when
its members unanimously approved
the Governments gasoline ration
ing program now In operation in
the East
Action on the recommendation
submitted by President John A.
Remon Of Washington particularly
Is significant when it is realized
that the new restrictions prohibit
the use OF motor fuel for operation
OF motorboats in exhibitions or
races for public entertainment or
prizes. And it is for these reasons
that the A. P. B. A. has existed in
the past-to promote power boat
regattas and other aquatic events
through the country.
The New York meeting came a
day after what had become the
traditional season opener in motor
boating-the Hudson River mara
thon from Albany to New York.
Only this year at the last moment
the event was called off when the
gas rationing's full impact on mo-
torists and racers became apparent.
All Out for Uncle Sam.
With cancellation of this favorite
event fresh in their minds. council
members went ahead to approve
unanimously Remon'S recommended
ton, which read in part:
The American Power Boat Asso-
citation expresses itself as being in
full accord with the action of the
Government and assures those in
authority that this association, as
far as its power will permit, will
make every effort to observe both
the spirit and letter of the regula-
tions"
President Remon added this COM
ment:
While I do not wish to interfere
IN any way with the autonomy of
the regional areas which we have
tried hard to build, I do hope that
In planning your events, at least for
the present, you will keep first and
foremost in mind the fact we're
in war. that America and its
Allies must win, and that any,
thing the association or its members
can do to further the war effort
will be done gladly and proudly"
Urged to Use Boats.
While officially there is no rift in
the dark clouds obscuring motor
boating insofar as the gas short
age is concerned, the writer would
like to advise boatmen who have
just about decided not to put their
craft in commission to reconsider.
The reason is this: On good au-
thority the writer has learned that
Government people concerned are
giving some thought to permitting
boat operators a much more sub
stantial increase than the present
gallons a week.
It's the belief of some in high
places that it is important to have
as many pleasure craft in COM
mission this summer and for the
duration Of the war as is possible
IL SliSiC Adlll liCCQo IllAC
boats in hurry. he's not going to
get them If they're holed up at
shipyards or yacht clubs.
But with some incentive for
yachtsmen to 60 ahead with their
summer plans the Government can
count on these little ships in the
event of an emergency.
AS things stand now, boat op-
orators who use their craft for
pleasure rate only "A" cards. If
the owner can show his boat is es-
sential in getting him. to his home
and place of business he gets a
"B" card. The "X'' card, emitting
him to unlimited amounts of gas. is
issued only when the boat is the
owners means of livelihood.
Because the amount of fuel they
use is negligible outboard boats did
not require ration cards.