Unlovely, But Unsinkable

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30116, 27 April 1963, Page 9

Unlovely, But Unsinkable

“ A SECOND car in the x*. garage” is not uncommon; “A second boat” is part of the theme of a 26-year-old Auckland chiropractor, Gordon Miller, who is helping Moth Class yachting enthusiasts in the South Island. Miller, the present Auckland champion in the class, estimates there are about 40 of the 11-footers in the South Island—about a tenth of those registered throughout the Dominion. A “South Island championship” was held this summer at Pcfaara Beach, Golden Bay, with 22 entries from Nelson, Westport and

Greymouth. The title was won by F. Ashford, of Pohara Beach. The Moth has three representatives in Christchurch at least. Its advantages are low cost, relatively good performance, and ease of transport and storage. It can be carted about on a car roof rack, not requiring a trailer, and (as it is only Win deep) it can be kept on its side along a garage wall. The estimated cost of building is less than £65 complete. The New Zealand Moth is based on an Australian design of flat-bottomed skim-

mer yachts. The Hull is completely watertight and, with self-draining cockpit, is unsinkable. Construction is said to be simple. The sail area is 80 square feet, enough to catch the wind in the light going and plenty to handle in a breeze. A junior design has a lower rig and 20 per cent, less sail area. Miller, who is the New Zealand president of the class, will visit Christchurch next month to discuss a winter building programme for the class in Canterbury. The illustration shows a Moth class yacht sailing on Auckland harbour.

INTERNATIONAL, interprovincial and club championship play will be the fare available for followers of hockey in what looks like being an interesting season. In July the Australians will tour New Zealand, playing two tests and an intensive series of interprovincial matches. As this will be the last international series for both countries before participation in the Tokyo Olympics, the outcome of the series will be of considerable importance from a status angle, especially for New Zealand w'hich since Rome, has dropped behind the Australians in international ranking. While New Plymouth and Hamilton are the test venues, the match Canterbury versus Australia on July 13 should have all the atmosphere of a test. The Canterbury team can be expected to contain at least six current New Zealand representatives, and 10 South Island representatives, a possible record for a provincial team. After a distinguished tenure of the New Zealand Hockey Challenge Shield for the last seven years, Canterbury will be required this year to compete in an interprovincial tournament to extend this record. Tournaments in the past have not been altogether indicative of actual provincial strength, monetary and employment considerations having an influence on the composition of tournament teams. If, however, the persistent rumour that this year’s tournament may find a sponsor proves factual, the tournament could achieve a standard which has been lacking in the past. The Canterbury Hockey Association has applied for the tournament to be held in Christchurch and it is to be hoped that the application is successful or the local