YACHTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 210, 6 September 1939, Page 17

YACHTING.

RICHMOND CLUB.

Mr. R. A. Rew jiresided at the Richmond Yacht Club's thirtieth annual meeting held in the clubhouse, Sloan's Beach, last even-

Plans of the new clubhouse to be built on the outer wall of St. Mary's boat harbour were exhibited, and Mr. Rew congratulated the officers anil members mi their acceptance of the generous offer ot' the Auckland Harbour Board to provide a two-storeyed building with a top balcony for an annual rental of 5 per cent of the cost.

The report of the pa*t year's activities, submitted by Mr. R. 1.. Bowdon, stated that the usual racing programme was carried out successfully, although bad weather in the earlier part of the season caused the postponement of one fixture. The outstanding feature had been the success in the world 18-foot championship of the club's representative. Manu. Thanks to the w(irk over the past IS months of the honorary architects. Messrs. R. 1,, and It. A. Thorpe, and the buildings committee, the club was ready to take over the new clubhouse as soon as it was available. This would give members added facilities and should benefit the club in the future very greatly, and their thanks were tended to the chairman and members of the Harbour Board and their executive officers. In addition to Manu the club was represented in the 18-foot championship by Manaia and Vaalelc, both performing well. Great interest has been created in this class, and it is learned that about 20 new boats will be competing in the coining season.

The club's regatta was again favoured with ideal weather, and their thanks were due to Messrs. G. H. George and Co., Ltd., for the use of the Will Watch as flagship. Perhaps the most important of the club's winter activities were the classes in navigation conducted by the Xavy League, under the direction of Captain Keane, which Messrs. R. L. Thorpe and J. C. Frankliam were carrying on. Three other members were attending the Xavy Leagne classes and would instruct club members next year.

The change of name to the Richmond Yacht Club was made recently. It was thought to be more in harmony with the club's present ideals, and the fact that their activities favoured racing in the junail boat classes more than cruising. It

was satisfactory to know that £S9 had been iiaid in cash as prizes and trophies to the value of £34, exclusive of cups and championship flays.

The club regrets that Mr. M. Thomson, who has been commodore for a number of years, is not standing for this office, but lie lias promised to go on the committee and to help in other ways. Their thanks were also due to Messrs. G. M. Dennes, A. Thompson and T. C. Webster, the honorary officers and all who had assisted during the past year.

The balance-sheet, submitted by Mr. .T. Craig, showed receipts totalling £203 10/9, including balance from last season of £S4 10/3. The expenses totalled £ISO 2/2 leaving a credit of £74 S/7. The building fund totalled £7',i a/7, assets were valued at £423 12/2 with liabilities nil.

The report and balance-sheet were adopted oil the motion of the chairman, and the officers concerned were thanked. A special vole of thanks being accorded to the hon. secretary.

The following officers were elected for the coming season : — I'atron. Mr. .las. Donald : vice-patron, Mr. J. I.ongbottom : president. Mr. It. A. Hew ; commodore. Mr. R. I/. Thorpe; vice-commodore, Mr. .1. C. Frankliam ; rear-commodore, Mr. Colin Dennes; hon. secretary, Mr. R. L. Bowden ; hon. treasurer. Mr. J. Craig; racing secretary. Mr. J. -McAndrew;, clubhouse captain, Mr. M. Hill : committee, Messrs. M. Thomson. G. F. Relive. A. D. Bellve. \V. Ramsey.'J. Fa ire, K. Jmld. F. Humby, M. Grace. it. Simons. L. I'liilpot. C. Leildrum and K. Wheaton: hon. architects, Messrs. K. A. and R. L. Thorpe: delegates to Yacht and Motor Boat Association, Messrs. G. E. Laycock and M. Hill. The annual subscription was fixed at 5/. It was decided to refer the question of sail restrictions to the first meeting of (lie committee, to be held next Tuesday, when all sub-committees will be elected and fixtures drawn up.