YACHTING

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 44, 16 November 1925, Page 5

YACHTING

SEASON OPENED. A gloom was cast over the opening of the yachting season on Saturday owing to the serious accident which befell Mr. John Breen, one of the best known and most popular men connected with the sport in this city. The overturned “Mira” lying onHher side on the slipway, was evidence of the unfortunate occurrence. There were large attendances of members and friends at the opening ceremonies of the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club and of the Port Nicholson Motor-boat Club.

Before the opening ceremony took place, the commodore of the club, Mr. D. K. Blair, referring to the accident of the previous night,. tendered the sympathy of all yachtsmen to Mrs. Breen and family. “Mr. Breen is one of the oldest and most respected yachtsmen in Wellington,” said Mr. Blair. “He is one of the most popular men in the boat harbour, and the incident has cast a gloom over us all.” Sir John Luke joined with Mr. Blair in his remarks, and expressed a sincere /wish for Mr. Breen’s speedy recovery. ' In the course of his opening address, Sir John Luke stated that he had .met the ex-Governor-General, Earl Jellicoe, during his recent world tour, and he had not forgotten the club. “Sooner or later,” said'the speaker, “I hope>|hat Earl Jellicoe, a staunch supporter of the sport, will return to New Zealand.” Sir John Luke said that the present season promised to be one of the most successful in the history of the sport here. He hoped that the club would extend challenges to other New Zealand clubs, and even to those in Australia. The race for the Tauranga class sevenfooters, which was to have been held, was postponed owing to the choppy condition of the harbour, only one craft putting in an appearance. Afternoon tea was provided by the ladies, and the remainder of the afternoon was passed in a pleasant social manner, bright selections being played by the Miramar Band. In the evening a very successful dance was held. P.N. Motor-Boat Club. In officially declaring the season open, the club president, Mr. F. Kiernan, thanked those present for their attendance. Their presence there showed clearly that thev were supporters of aquatics, which was one of the finest and cleanest forms of sport in existence to-day. It had been said that horseracing was the sport of kings. Aquatics had been the sport of kings for generations “I advise all parents, who have boys imbued with the spirit of the sea, to allow the lads to take up aquatics,” said Mr. Kiernan. ‘ Koah was the first aquatic sportsman, and it looks as though a. good manv Wellingtonians are following in his footsteps. The open boat procession was postponed owing to the rough water. _ Dalton’s orchestra was in attendance m the club rooms,', where afternoon tea was provided bv the ladies, and the gathering was il‘.o~p”ier a mort enjoyaole one. Tn the ing a very successful smoke concert was held in the club rooms.