YACHTING

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 133, 7 June 1932, Page 12

YACHTING

CENTREBOARD CLASSES. MEETING OF OWNERS. A meeting of owners and others interested in the larger centreboard classes, popularly termed the ■•mullet" boats, was held last evening in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's rooms under the auspices of the Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Association. Mr. C. H. Palmer presided. The three racing classes, 20, 22 and 24footcrs, were well repreiscntcd by their owners, and there were delegates from the clubs that cater largely for this type of boat. . , , ~ Mr. Palmer, who was supported by the vice-chairman, Mr. E. H. Northcrott, and members of the committee set up to consider the proposal of the Ponsonby and Akarana Clubs to amend the present restrictions, said they would consider anything that might tend to benefit the class, and lie naked owners for their opinions. Mr. Logan thought that there was nothing wrong with the present restrictions. The boats were good for racing and for cruising. As a class they were uot very fast, .but were good sea boats and, with two exceptions, they all complied with the restriction*. The exceptions differed only in respect of the rule re deadwood. Mr. R. Murphy said that an increase in beam was advisable, and suggested that this should 1)0 amended so that the minimum depth be one-third of the beam. Mr W \ Wilkinson said the mulletboats were the oldest racing classi on the Waitemata, dating back nearly 40 years. The restrictions were drawn up by practical men and had stood the test of time. They were brought up to. date by the provision lor extra beam, in the piopoition of one loot for every six inches of extra depth. Thie was sufficient penalty on beam to prevent the class developing the patiki type. Mr G Parker considered that the only alteration necessary was a restriction on sail area. Mr. T. McKnight said all boats ehould be .measured, their waterlme marked, and a certificate issued by the aS Mcs«-l°'M. Jones, F, Edgcumbc, Harris.. F and J. Worthington, McCallum, Keit.i, Slyfield, H. Kirkham, and A. J. Colhngs also expressed their opinions, the majority favouring a continuance of the present up, Mr. Palmer said there appeared to be a feeling in favour of the present restrictions. He thought sail area should be limited. It was the only class that was unlimited. The newer boats were larger and more costly and harder to handle, and masts and spars were carried awav While present boats should not be penalised by any alterations, he thought if all were measured they would compile some useful information as a basis to work out something for the good of the class, and help to make racing keener. Mr. Palmer thanked all -who had attended. and stated that their opinions would be considered by tho committee.