Following the events of the last few days as reported in the NZ Herald on Saturday morning, it is clear that the SGM is unlikely to be a constructive, transparent and rational debate on the critical AC Venue issue. Contact has therefore since been made with those who signed the Requisition for the SGM and on whose behalf I presented it to you.
On their behalf and as previously suggested by Rear Commodore Williams, I am now withdrawing the current Requisition.
I have attached a statement which I am intending to provide to the Media, who have been calling me constantly. I would appreciate your publishing this Statement to members and, in the Event that the subject of the SGM and the Venue come up at the AGM, having the Statement read to those attending.
The objection to the Defence of the Cup taking place off-shore by all Requisitioners remains unaltered and the claim made by Grant Dalton that the defence of the Cup in Auckland is not viable remains disputed. My position remains also that the way forward, in the interests of everyone who has a genuine desire for the Defence to take place in Auckland, is for direct discussions to take place to make this happen, if necessary with the assistance of a Mediator or Facilitator, between representatives of the Squadron, Team NZ and those offering funding.
Please acknowledge in due course.
With regards,
Jim Farmer
STATEMENT BY JIM FARMER QC AS TO WITHDRAWAL OF REQUISITIONS FOR SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ROYAL NEW ZEALAND YACHT SQUADRON FOR 9 DECEMBER 2021