Tolerton on Wednesday | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

More letters after my articles last week about the dire state of recreational boating facilities at Lyttelton show again just how frustrated yacht and boat owners are with the council's apathy.

Firstly, let's dispel a myth that appears to be held in some quarters.

Boaties are NOT all millionaires.

Most of the people who get out on Lyttelton harbour in yachts or boats make big sacrifices in other areas of their lives for their love of the water and to enjoy this healthiest of recreations.

Like any other sports people, they should be able to expect the support of their local council ? particularly when both yachting and boating are family activities which often involve several generations. Other sports people have reason to complain if the council doesn't provide enough footie grounds or parks.

The big difference for yachties and boaties, as several readers point out in letters today, is that their inadequate facilities actually put lives at risk.

Is it going to take a catastrophe one day at Lyttelton when an unexpected southerly comes through to wake up councillors who have happily deferred essential spending to provide a safe smallboat harbour?

It is bad enough having an unsightly shambles in an area that should be a jewel for users and casual visitors, but that neglect verges on the criminal.