R CLASS SQUADRON HAD EXCELLENT RACING SEASON

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28284, 23 May 1957, Page 15

R CLASS SQUADRON HAD EXCELLENT RACING SEASON

"POR yachtsmen of the Canterx bury R Class squadron, the season of 1956-57 will be remembered as one of the most successful. The weather was perfect Almost throughout and the class attracted a record number of competitors, but most encouraging of all was the outstanding improvement in sailing methods displayed during the season. The fast ultra-lightweight yachts, nearly all different in design, have been built by their owner-skippers, and one of the chief factors responsible for the popularity Of the class is the excellent administration. Under the capable guidance of the Commodore, John Douglas, the squadron went from strength to strength during the season.

Consistent Form

With such large numbers competing, any individual has to give consistently exCellent displays to be regarded as one of the top skippers. Notwithstanding the evenness of the fields, seven skippers stood out last season as top exponents of the class. They could be grouped thus: 1, C. Papps (Horizon); 2, Graham Mander (Salaam); 3, B. Wall (Impulse) 4, A. Bbrgess (Vision); 5, R.

Bassett (Contessa), D. Harrison (Panique), and G. Wilson (Tantrum). Although Papps did not win the premier award for the class —the Leander Trophy—he skippered his craft so superbly during the rest of the season that wins came to be expected of him. The Mander brothers, Graham and Peter, won the Leander Trophy series in three straight races, but in future it is likely that the Manders will find increasing opposition from Papps. Wall and Burgess were consistent throughout the season and not far behind the leaders. Wilson, Harrison and Bassett were also well up on the list of successes. One of the best features of the season’s racing was the number of youngsters who had successes with comparatively little experience. Among these were D. Dixon (Mystere). M. Pinckney (Vitesse), A. Hawes’ (Slocum), and T. Mardon (Sonic), all of whom sailed well.

The Stalwarts

The successful season was also dependent to a large degree upon stalwarts of the sport who turn out regularly but do not have great success. H. Blanchard, D. Walker, J. Douglas, R. Frost. G. Good, R. O’Brien, and J. Hurst could be included in this category, providing competition without which the racing would suffer. It is certain that the standard among R class yachts will be even better next season, and with, the increased number of enthusiasts and better type of boat, the class could well achieve national status in the near future.