THE MEASURED MILE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 122, 25 May 1935, Page 25

THE MEASURED MILE.

It is not generally known that there is an exact nautical mile laid off in the harbffrir The old mile course was on the north side of the harbour, from the Calliope Dock buoy to fcandspit, but (■tils was discarded when the buov off the dock was lifted. In September, 1021, Cantain Sergeant, harbourmaster, realising that a measured mile was necessary, b.4h for merchant vessels and pleasure eraft laid off a course of one nautical mile. It Is on the southern side, olt llobsun Buy. The starting point is a black buoy, known In yachting circles as the Resolution onoy. in- orth-east of Point Resolution Pariell A course of exactly one sea mile ltf» between this buoy and the nortli-eaii: corner of Orakei wharf. To ensure a iixed position for the black buoy, unaffected by tides, it is moored with two moorings, one b id to the east and the other to the wea Owners of motor boats can easily pics up these inarks. and by making one or two runs either wny and taking the average, an accurate estimate or speed is obtained.

AKARANA CLUB. DISCUSSION" BY MEMBERS. At n nicotine of bout owners and others called hy the Akarana Yacht Club several matters of interest to the smaller class boat owners were very fully. Mr. H. Howcll. commodore, stated that the meeting had been called to eunble those interested to discuss matters affecting (lie racing that bad been brought to the notice of the club during the past season. The club bad no desire to make all of the changes suggested, but on the other baud the club was not averse to any of them. Mr. Howell said. What the club desired was .1 free, open discussion with the opinions of the majority of owners expressed as an indication or recommendation to the club for next season's racing. The points raised, were as follows:— M and V Classes.—lt was decided that where there were four or more starters in cither Hie M or V class the boats should race as a separate scratch race, but otherwise as handicap boats with V class.

Division of the V Class. —The discussion on whether the ISft V class be split up into two classes—round bilge, square bilge or fast and slow divisions —was, after much discussion, decided by a unanimous resolution that the class be not divided, but race as at present as a handicap class, subject only to the previous motion. Restrictions on Sail. —Very divergent views were expressed on the advisability of restricting sail area in classes under 20ft. It. was resolved that, in view of the restrictions on the number of crew In all classes under 20ft, sail area be not restricted except in the present restricted classes when racing ns separate classes. Combined 14-Foot Classes.—Several speakers were in favour of all 11-footers racing as one class, as the differences in design tended to encourage boat-building and keen competition between the various types. It was decided by a small majority tlint the club be asked to race the classes together next season. Ballast in the Small Classes.—The question of carrying ballast in the small boats was discussed. It was urged that the amount carried should be stilled at time of entry, but no action was taken. Harbour or Cruising Races. — The question of preference fur harbour or cruising races for the V class was left ns nt present- arranged Where there- were some of each. A preference for cruises to the mure popular resorts was expressed. Tliree-I'lag Starts. — It was decided' to recommend to the Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Association that the three-flag system, with five-minute intervals, be used for future opening and final days; also that ISft and 14ft classes sail different courses on these days. M Class in Cruising Races.—lt was j agreed that the M class he permit ted to enter for cruising races, provided that they carried the same cruising gear as the V class. Sail Area to Be Declared. —It was decided that every boat state on her entry form whether her sail area was the same as last year (new boats to, give, sail area) for first race in season, aiiy alteration or addition during the season to he notified.