AQUATICS.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 248, 18 October 1924, Page 21

AQUATICS.

(By "SPEEDWELL.")

J During the last ten days we have experienced hard, squall} - , westerly winds, which no doubt have been the longdeferred equinoctial gales. As > they set in and continued from the west and south-west it is most probable that the prevailing winds during the coming summer will be from that quarter. After all, a good old sou"-wester is a very reliable wind, and although it means a long leg and a short one all the way home from both Waiheke or Kawau way it affords good shelter for most of our favourite anchorages, with the possible exception of some bays ou the southern side of Waiheke, while for the Passage, also Maraetai and the Wade chores, it ia ideal. The opening event of the season will take the form of the usual combined cruising race to Matiatia or nearby bay, and no doubt will attract good entries all round. Most of the clubs will hold harbour events for the classes under 20 feet on the day, and, with fine weather, the season should receive a flying start. There are not wanting indications that our sport will be more popular than ever this year. While we have not had any great additions to our fleet yet the builders keep going, and the total slowly, but surely, increases, while very few craft really disappear altogether even if they I change hands or drop out of the racing

AH local clubs have drawn up a pro- I visional list of fixtures which now await | the confirmation of the Yacht and Motor i Boat Association. This body will meet , on Tuesday, the whole of the business being devoted to the allotment of dates. The "Royals" will carry out much the same programme as they did last year, races being scheduled for the club's special 18ft restricted class as well as the Jellicoe class on each date. The Akarana Club will hold six days' racing, including cruising races to Cowes Bay, Awaroa Bay and Kawau, one big harbour day for all classes and the usual events f r the small classes on j every occasion except the Cowea Bay date when boats down to the 10-footers race to this favourite spot. | The PonsOnby Club will have six | events, four of which arc to be cruising , races, including the opening and closing daye. The other two will be to Awaroa and Omiha. The club regatta and another harbour day when the Lipton and several other cups will be decided, completee the fixtures. The Victoria Club will have seven dates, including the opening and closing j events. It is proposed to hold harbour I races early in December, the regatta in j January, a cruising race to Home Bay in connection with the picnic in February, a day for deciding various cupa in March and a cruise to Arkle's Bay later. This club held a vory enjoyable smoke concert on Thursday evening, Commodore C. Hogan presiding.when the retiring officers were entertained. Those honoured wore the retiring Commodore, Mr. T. L. Thompson; Rear Commodore, Mr. Oil. Parker; hon. treasurer, Mr. Peter Hickson; and the Club House Captain, Mr. W. Hawkes. Their health was heartily toasted and each one was presented with a framed enlargement of ■ the club house, which they duly acknowledged.