THE ROYAL YACHT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 120, 22 May 1937, Page 21

THE ROYAL YACHT.

> VICTORIA AND ALBERT, AT NAVAL CORONATION REVIEW. The King's steam yacht Victoria and Albert, with Their Majesties aboard, reviewed th-e fleet of 160 warships at Spithead on Thursday. It was the greatest assembly of naval power since pre-war days, and was viewed by a record number of people. The Vlertoria and Albert was first commissioned on July 23, 1001, and used

fairly extensively by King Edward VII., who cruised in her during his frequent visits to the Mediterranean.

King George V., in the early part of his reign, also cruised in her, and after his illness in l!)2."i joined her in the Mediterranean for a health voyage.

Since that date the yaeht has done very little cruising, her activities being confined to Cowes Week and reviews of tho Fleet.

King Edward VIII. used her once as a houseboat at Portland last November when he reviewed the Home Fleet. 0 It is understood the future of the Royal yacht will be decided immediately after the Coronation Naval Review. She may be replaced by a modern vessel, which, for reasons of economy, would be so constructed that she could be converted into a light cruiser.

It is felt to-day that, at the beginning of a new reign, a modern yacht consistent with the dignity of the British Crown might be Included In the Naval Estimates.

MANUKAU YACHT CLUB. The Manukau Yacht and Motor Boat Club will hold their 40th annual prize night next Wednesday in the Foresters' Theatre. Onehunga. The prizes will be presented by Mr. \V. Marks, president of the club. WEATHER FOR THE WEEK END. Mr. H. M. Vincent, the local meteorologist, submits the following special weather forecast for this week-end : Expect overcast weather. Tvith heavy rain over the Auckland province. Easterly to south-easterly winds, light to moderate. Increasing to gale tomorrows seas rough. Cold temperatures. DO YOUR SHARE OF WORK.

There is a type of affable friend with whom all boat owners are acquainted, ;i few of whose habits arc somewhat similar to those of a certain species of animal which takes full advantage <ff the summer months, hut «s soon as winter approaches it disappears into its lair and is not heard of until the flue weather comes round once more.

These friends are delighted to enjoy the pleasure of cruising on your boat at your expense, and are very much In evidence until hauling out time comes round. That means a bit of hard work, and they find that really their business takes up so" much of their time that they are unable to spare any week-ends for hauling up the boat and stowing away the gear for the winter.

We have all met dozens of these men. and they all think that it is rather smart to dodge the 'work, but it is a significant fact that these dodgers very rarely get a second season's berth on the sanie boat. Unless a man is prepared to do his share of work, he was never intended to be a yachtsman.

PRIZE NIGHTS. May 26—Manukau Tacht Club. May 28—Koyal New 'Zealand Yacht Squadron. .Tune I—Richmond Cruising Club. June 22—Point Chevalier Sailing Club. July B—Victoria Cruising Club. August 12 —Ponsonby Cruising Club.