Mercury Bay Club Answers Criticism

While enjoying and agreeing with most of Rich Roberts’ commentary on the America’s Cup (Sept. 20), we must take exception to his inference that Mercury Bay Boating Club was created as a flag of convenience for the Cup.

Where has Mr. Roberts been these last four years? There are many members of the media from the USA who have visited with us and found the club is alive and well and proud to be challenging for America’s Cup.

For the record, the Club was established in 1948, (coincidentally only a few months before Sir Michael Fay was born). We currently have approximately 160 local members who between them own about 70 vessels. Our yacht racing program this season has 52 races scheduled, plus a fairly full social calendar, which includes a prize-giving function in May next year that we hope will turn into the party of the decade, as we welcome the America’s Cup to Mercury Bay.

TOBY MORCOM, Mercury Bay Boating Club, New Zealand