YACHTING.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1575, 19 October 1912, Page 12

YACHTING.

[Bi Mainskeet.]

MARK FOY STYLE OR NOT? Which Style Makes the Better Race? Many have been the arguments concerning the efficacy of the two methods of starting yacht races—the Mark Foy system and the sealed handicap. Under the Mark Foy system, the competitors start when their handicap time fulls due. Under tho other, the competitors get off the mark together, their finishing times being taken, and, on finishing, they are "placed" according to their handicap allowance. Briefly, the difference amounts to this: Under the Mark Fov style, the boat finishing first wins, and so on, but under the sealed handicap.system the boat finishing first may, after allowing for handicap, lie ieally placed Inst. So it will be seen that under the former method the evojit will probably be an interesting race all the way. Under the latter it is simply a case or completing the course in the quickest time possible, without regard' to the other competitors. It must surely then be ndmitted that to sail round a course in company with other competitors entirely ignorant of whether one is in a winning position or lying hopelessly last, is not so exciting as competing in a raco where one is able to see "what's doing." In one case we have an enjoyable race, and in tho other a wearisome procession. But still, year after year, some members of the P.N.Y.C. "bob up"—not serenely like a certain character in comic opera, but quite noisily—and clamour for a chango from the method now obtaining' (the Mark Foy), and, if wiser opinion Ercvails, they, are sent to tho wall, only, owever, to bob up again the next season. A Landing Stage, Gentlemen! A good deal was said in this column last season regarding the advisability of erecting a landing stage for the convenience of yachtsmen at the Boat Harbour. As things were, considerable inconvenience is caused yachtsmen whenever they require to bring friends ashore. They had to put them out on tlic slimy sloping concrete. At last, however, a very suitable landing stage has been erected, and no doubt its value will be fully appreciated by the yachtsmen—especially by the yachtsman who has iady friends. On this subject a correspondent writes: "Tho landing stage in the Boat Harbour, so generously provided by tho Harbour Board, is a decidedly popular innovation. Yachtsmen must, however, beware of ita generous coating of tar, when bringing their boats alongside." The Whispers. The small Wairere has appeared this season in a yawl rig. She was similarly rigged when she was owned by the . Scott Bros., and manned by the members of the old Thorndon Dinghy Club. The Ethol, Mahaki, and Mahina will Srobably bo launched from the Martin ay slip this week-end. The Ifawene was launched on Sunday from her slip in Martin Bay, and after boing towed round to tho Boat Harbour her mast was stepped and she was rigged. Launches at Otago. ■ Otago will soon have a big fleet of motor launches. There has been a marked increase in the number of that form of pleasure craft during the past few years, and indications point to a greater increase during tho next decade. Great improvements nave been effected in the design and power of oil engines, and since speed has bccorao tho pleasure of tho age, it is certain that mo6t people who have money to spend, and who fovo the pleasure of swift travelling in water, will take to motor boating. This summer no fewer than four new motor launches, furnished and equipped as for a voyage to the horizon, wilt be added to the large local fleet. It would seem that the days of yachting in Otago Harbour are numbered. Even the old champions, Leader and Anonyma, are equipped with engines. If it Were Only Here. "Last week-end,'" says an exchange, "was all that could b« desired from a yachtsman's point of view. Bright blue skies and a rattling breeze made the crows of those craft ashore lament the fact that they were not out taking advantage of the first spell of summer, while the majority of those afloat took the opportunity offered, and enjoyed a few ideal hours on tho water."—This was ia Auckland, though! Northcote Cup. The yacht Killara, the defender of tho Northcoto Cup, changed hands early this mouth, and the new owner, Mr. Charles Marshall, intends to put her into commission immediately in preparation for tho intcr-Stale raco early next year, when slio will compete under the direction of Mr. Fred. Appleton, of tho Kt. Kildu Yacht Club. Word has been received (slates the "Australasian") that the liawhili, owned by Messrs.. Albert and Foyer, of Sydney, will be coining over to contest the N'orthcote Cup again with the same crew as sailed her last season.