BOATING.
Observer, Rōrahi XXXV, Putanga 11, 21 Whiringa-ā-rangi 1914, Page 10
Mō tēnei niupepa
BOATING.
The official opening of the Auck" land yachting season wiU be held on Saturday afternoon. It takes the same form as last year, a general handicap for all classes of boate. Every olub will be represented, and although some crews have suffered heavily as the result of members going away with the Expeditionary Force the function should easily eclipse last year's efforts. Upon that occasion a set back occurred owing to the strike. Even then it was a magnificent sight to see Auckland's "white winged fleet" racing before a good westerly to Miatiatia. The power boats will also take part. Given favourable weather close on a hundred pleasure craft should be assembled at Matiatia that night. The executive of the Devonport Yacht Club has arranged the races for the season. Upon each occasion two classes, A. and l 8., will be sailed. The programme is: — November 21st, general cruising handicap; December 19th, race to Rakiuo, first and second prizes; June 16th, race to Mahurangi Heads; March 6th, harbour race for cup presented by Club. This trophy replaces the Macky Cup won outright last year by the Rawene. The first prize also carries a shield and prizes are allotted isecond and third boats. April 3rd, race to Kawakawa. If conditions are not favourable destination to be Rocky Bay. , Six sets of trophies have been presented by the following gentlemen: Messrs T. M. Alexander (Commodore), A. Gifford (vice-commodore), G. Mahon, G. Uren, G-. Sanford, and H. Little,r. In addition about £40 will be given in cash • prizes, so members should 1 feel well catered for. Tlie question of removing or easimg the of pleasure craft reporting to the examining steamer is receiving the attention of the various club officers. A scheme has been draAvn up and is under consideration by the military authorities. It speaks A r olumes for Commodore Palmer's efforts the keen interest members are ' taking this season in the affairs of-the PoAver Boat Association. At the last meeting it ivas decided to hold the picnic (postponed from last Aveek) on. December 19th and to join forces Avith the newly formed 1 Bayswater Club. Entries for the race on Saturday closed on Wednesday night. The handicapping- upon this occasion Avill be mutual. Special attention is draAvn to the fact that racing boats must fly their j racing numbers. Owners who have • not vet obtainedi an order from the secretary, Mr Ross, should apply earl v. as the flags have to be made by Mr Le Roy. It was also reported that some launches have no numbers allotted to them, but it transpires these boats are not on. the register of the Association and owners must) apply at once for registration forms. It is all to the owners' 'benefit, especially with the present : restrictions now placed on boats leaving and entering the harbour. ;' The Association's quota to the Belgian Fund is steadily »«"««-in<r and the secretary has handed in"the first 'instalment of £135 to the Vice-Consul. Several new members were elected while more proposals were handed in. Mr J. Reid, the well-known boatbuilder, has presented a propeller to the Power Boat Association to be put up for sale. The proceeds are to be handed to the Belgian Fund. Yachtsmen were favoured with plenty of wind last week end, especially for the journey home ©n Sunday. With the wind out hard from the west the majority of the craft found it necessary to put in two reefs. The lorangi, Kotiri andJ Ariki went to Kawau. The boats looked well in the: blow coimng: home. .'
The Ida and Mahaki Avere at Arkle's Bay for the Aveek end, being joined by the launch Moan a on Sunday. Quite a number of launches Avere in the Wade river, among the number being the Sterling, Sterling Girl, Nautarich, Sister Dora, and Artona. Also the auxiliary CurleAv and Gryphon. Feltham .Bros.' Little Jim wentto the Wade river, Avhile Messrs Littlers' Viola dropped anchor at Maori Bay. No less than three bo-ate discovered a narroAV entrance to the Wade river and remained on the mud. One craft had a member of the crew who kneAV the channel. The launches Harmony, Rose, Wairuru, Kohiroa and Nervana went to Station Bay. Quite a number of mullet boats favoured the same anchorage. Drunken Bay was Avell filled Avith craft of all descriptions. During the Ponsonby Club's races on Saturday Messrs Wild Bros.' Calypso blew out her mainsail off the Orakei wharf. There are several of the larger yachts up at North Shore, while the launches laAvai and Dorothy are about ready for the water. Mr McLeod expect® to have the Mabel ready for launching by the end of the week. Judging from appearances it will be about three Aveeks before the Eulalie is ready to float off.
