FIRST A.Z. DAY REGATTA Auckland skippers in strong fleet

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33452, 6 February 1974, Page 24

FIRST A.Z. DAY REGATTA Auckland skippers in strong fleet

By

J. O. COFFEEY)

One of the most colourful of the annual sport attractions in the province, the Canterbury Yachting Association regatta, is expected to attract more than 200 crews to take part in the morning and afternoon-class races todav.

Administrators of the sport were quick to adopt the Next Zealand Day holiday as a permanent date for their showpiece, and special efforts have been made to use it to promote Yachting.

The sponsorship of Mount Cook Airlines, in particular, and quite a number of other local business firms has made it possible to sail a “race of champions” during the lunch break in the regular regatta programme. All starters in the race have gained prominence at New Zealand or international level, the illustrious group being headed by P. G. Mander, the 1956 Olympic Games gold medallist in the Sharpie class, and twice the winner of world 18ft titles.

O.K. leader

C. A. Roberts and J. V. Bilger, who will travel from Auckland to compete, have been the most prominent New Zealand centreboard helmsmen in recent years. The dominant figure in O.K. dinghy racing in the country for more than a decade. Roberts achieved a breakthrough by winning the 1973 world title in England. He recently lost it to the Dane, T. Andrup, the light South Australians airs not being to Roberts’s liking in the later part of the contest. In company with his usual for’ard hand, M. A. Ross. Bilger holds the South Pacific Javelin championship, was runner-up in the 1971 world Flying Dutchman series and represented New Zealand at the Kiel Olympic regatta 12 months later.

Faniilv rivals

A third Auckland skipper who will be competing, B. R. Watson, has proved his versatility and capabilities at Finn, Flying Dutchman, and Dragon racing, and J. G. Farmer (Rotorua) was the New Zealand Finn entrant at the, 1968 Olympics and reserve to B. G. de Thier at Kiel in 1972. The fleet is largely made up of Canterbury yatchtsmen of varying eras and achieve-

[’ ments, and will include two) 1 ( notable family rivalries—be-? tween the three Mander A 1 brothers, Peter, Graham and)’ I David, and between H. 1.. * > England (the president of the

Canterbury- association and a former national Javelin titleholder) —and his son. Neville, a former New Zealand J.C. winner. An interesting, and little known, late addition was P. Issac, a Canadian who sailed in the world O.K. dinghy series in Adelaide last month, when Roberts and the promising Canterbury skipper, P Lester, were among his rivals. The “race of champions” will be held in neutral boats. Members of the Canterbury Sunburst Association have lent their craft and will act as crews during the race. The course has been planned so that it makes spectator viewing not too difficult, and commentaries will be given over a public address system. Thirly-four races Although the quality of this particular fleet will be a highlight of the day, it should not overshadow "the over-all spectacle that the regatta provides. A total of 34 races have been scheduled, the yachts ranging in size from the majestic keelers to the junior P class. A number of provincial class championships will be decided or continued. It is already evident that the change from the traditional week-end date to New Zealand Day is popular. Mr K. A. Maynard, the regatta secretary, said yesterday that more than 100 entries had already been received, and it was expected that this number would be doubled by the closing time this morning. It was usual to have only 60 or so confirmed starters before the regatta day, many potential competitors waiting to check on the weather, or finding it easier to enter just before i launching their craft.