YACHTING AND ROWING

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28131, 21 November 1956, Page 16

YACHTING AND ROWING

WEATHER HAMPERS TRAINING (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Nov. 20. High surf has forced the Australian yachting authorities to agree to the Sharpie class yachts moving from the open beach at Elwood across the harbour to Williamstown. This week, surf up to 4ft high has been beating on the Elwood Yacht Club's beach. The Greek boat on one occasion capsized coming in while that of South Africa was also filled with water. It is understood that about half of the 14 entrants in the Sharpie class complained of the water conditions and they later received permission to move to Williamstown. This is the home of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria and there are good mooring facilities there. Most of the competitors, including the New Zealanders, P. G. Mander and J. Cropp have already moved across the harbour. The Canadians and others will move today. The Australians may remain at Elwood. Like the yachtsmen, the New Zealand oarsmen at Ballarat have amazed crews from other countries with their determination in their training. Nearly every crew has had its training set back by a succession of high winds and rough water on Lake Wcndouree. “We go out every day irrespective of the weather,” said the manager of the team (Mr W. A. Stevenson, of Howick). “Some days we have had the lake to ourselves.

“The boys are all going well and if only the weather would clear up we would be right. The crews are working well together and they only need topping off,” said Mr Stevenson. The first rowing events are on Friday morning. The only New Zealand oarsman not completely fit is the stroke of the four, Allan Tong, who has a heavy cold. Mr Stevenson said he intended keeping Tong in bed today. Asked if it was likely that Tong would be replaced by the reserve, Don Rowlands. Mr Stevenson said that this position was not likely to arise. The single sculler, Jim Hill, of Hamilton. is going to concentrate from now until his event mainly on starting.