YACHTING

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 46, 18 November 1925, Page 6

YACHTING

(Bv

“Nereus.”)

EVANS BA'S. The Venus visited the boat harbour on the occasion of the Royal Port Nicholson Vacht Club’s opening on Saturday. She was the only Evans Bay boat available, otherwise several other Evans Bay craft would have made the trip round. The club was well represented by a large number of members at the opening. . The Wai-iti and the IVaimoa were prevented . from going off the slipway during the week-end owing to the heavy south-westerly. It is hoped to get the boats down next Sunday. All the centre-boarders are now ready for the water. The club’s racing programme is practically the same as that for last season, but tlie fixtures are not yet quite conjpleted. The club entertained the Heretaunga Club at a well attended and very successful social gathering on Tuesday. Captain Wilkinson is busily engaged in preparing his boat for the water. It is now some three years since she wns last launched. The club’s opening will take place on Safciiday week. NOTES. The Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club will hold chib handicap races for the*' first and' second classes on Saturday. - There will also be a race for the sevenfoot, one design class. The Heretaunga Club will hold a raco for the IS-foot and under class on Saturday. The Manukau Yacht Club has been most unfortunate in having the whole of ths inside of the clubhouse destroyed by fire a few weeks ago (says an exchange). The Viola, Raweno, Wylo.l Wellesley, and Marangi, were out for a spin on opening day, and experienced a pretty ssvere tossing about owing to the strong south-westerly. Several launches were also out. Mr. Arlidgs’s launch Alma G.. well known to all fishermen who visit Russell for sword fishing, visited Auckland recently for a general overhaul, ip Readiness for the coming fishing and tourist season (says ‘‘Speedwell’’). She has been charteri-d for two months by Zane Gray, the noted author, and Mr. Alma C. Baker, the rubber magnate of Catalina Is. California. SANDERS CUP AFFAIRS.

The form shown by the new Jellicoo cldss boat Avaloil, recently delivered to her owners at Auckland, Messrs. F. and W. Cloak and C. Bailey will be followed with keen interest on opening day. She will be handled by Joe Patrick, the former skipper of Desert Gold (says “Speedwell”). Her hull is French polished like Queen March. Rona will also bo in good trim as no expense has been spared by Mr. Macindoe to get her into shape. Edgar Swinnerton will handle Rona. Queen March is also in good trim, and she will be handled throughout the season by Victor Lidgard, who has been given full charge by Mr. Davis. He will have the assistance of his brothers as crew. Mr. W. A. Wilkinson has recently acquired the Desert Gold and she will not compete in any rac-s until the question of tho Auckland challenger for the Sanders Cup has been decided. Her new owner is one of the selectors.