R CLASS TROPHY 26 boats for yacht series

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33383, 15 November 1973, Page 26

R CLASS TROPHY 26 boats for yacht series

The first major event on an extensive Canterbury R class yachting calendar this season — the Ruddiman Trophy series at Lyttelton next weekend—has attracted widespread interest.

About 26 boats and crews from Wellington, Dunedin, Timaru, Nelson and Christchurch are expected to take part in the trophy contest, which is decided on a handicap basis over three heats. It is anticipated that the performances at Lyttelton will provide a pointer to the more prestigious events ahead. On December 1 and 2, several Canterbury skippers are expected to travel to Dunedin for the Otago Quad-

rant, the South Island championship will be decided at the same venue in January and Northland will host the Leander Trophy next Easter. J. Rountree, the top-ranked R class helmsman in Canterbury for the lasi few seasons, has again been in impressive form at Lyttelton and should have strong claims for line

! honours on Saturday and i Sunday. i Last season he complemented his provincial title win with a third in the South Island contest and a second placing at Leander Trophy level. On each occasion that Rountree had to settle for a minor position, it was because of the excellent form shown by Wellington opponents, D Lindesay won the island title from M. Pinkney, with Pink ney going on to finish ahead [of the Leander Trophy fleet. ißut neither of these accomplished yachtsmen will be competing next week-end. 10 FROM WELLINGTON The Wellington contingent of 10 will not lack depth, however. Reaction, the R class which carried Pinkney to his second national title, will be in action in the hands of a new owner. M. Berry, while the presence of 1. Bates, J. Gatland and W. Ha\ - man gives the Wellington squad considerable experience. Canterbury’s R class activities this summer have not yet drawn the leading crews into direct opposition.