YACHTING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 73, 19 December 1928, Page 9

YACHTING

BY •

"NEREUS"

WELLESLEY H’S WIN.

In the light southerly breeze which prevailed on Thursday last, Wellesley 11, handled with skill and judgment by her skipper, N. Blair, showed her pace over a true windward and leeward course from the Clyde Quay Wharf to Coromandel buoy and back again. With Miss Josephine she obtained a flving start. All Black being last to get away. Wellesley II established her lead on the run down and Clyde, pulling well under a full spinnaker, came up to second place, to round the Coromandel buoy only a few seconds behind the leader. The Paremata boat followed, half a minute later. Beating up to Clyde Quay, however, she made ground, and drew close to the Wellesley 11. At the bottom buoy on the second lap the latter boat had’ placed over (ill seconds between them, and this time was maintained until Blair sailed her strongly across the finishing line from a long slant. All Black, under the able guidance of A. G. Crawford, overtook the Miss Josephine, crossing the line level with her. Clyde and Wellesley I followed respectively Imin. and 2min. later. All Black’s Turn. It was a fine performance of All Black’s to snatch a last-minute victory from Wellesley 11, as she did on Saturday last. With the evident intention of reproducing her form.of the third trial, the latter boat led from the fall of the flag, and she made a speedy trip down to Coromandel, as did also the Clyde. Miss Josephine’s omission of the strop on her mast prevented her from flying a spinnaker, and put her well out of the running. On the final slog up to the finishing line. Crawford managed to get All Black to windward of Wellesley 11, and this cost the latter the race. All Blnck had fought a great fight, and her success was well merited. Jellicoe Boats Elsewhere.

After three trials Eileen has been selected to represent Otago tn the Sanders Cup contest next February. Owing to financial stringency the Otago Association has decided to send only three of a crew—Kellett. Dawson, and Robinson. The Sailing Committee Of the southern body have formed the opinion that their choice sails much better without much weight aboard, and Dawson, their "heavy” man. is only a middleweight. Eileen did not win a race this year, but her sailing powers were amply demonstrated, and she may be an improved boat in the coming contest. After the fourth trial at . Canterbury next Saturday the selection of that association will be made known. Colleen and Usher are the two boats in the running, and Frank Collins and Fred Morrison are the probabilities for the tiller position. Why Not Transpose Crews? If, as is supposed to be the case, the Sanders Cup trials, now in progress, are for the purpose of selecting the best boat and the best crew to represent this province at Akaroa, there has been a very serious oversight on the part of those responsible for the organisation of the selection. How can any selector, no matter how competent be may be, be expected to obtain the best combination of boat and crew when the same men sail the same boats in every trial? This means that a good skipper In a slow boat does not show up to advantage, and that an excellent hand may be overlooked because he is one of an inferior quartet. Surely it is in the interests of the sport to shuffle the personnel of the fourteen-footers about until the best possible crew is arrived at.

Cornwell Cup. On Saturday the four Heretaunga “Takapuna” class boats were used in a series of trials to determine the two boys to represent Wellington in the Cornwell Cup contest at Wellington this year. In the Cornwell Cup contest conditions are somewhat different frpm those of the Sanders Cup race. Crews change boats, never using the same boats twice until all the boats have been used up, and the crews are also changed round by the selector. The following boys sailed in the trials:— N. McKenzie, D. McKenzie, G. Cain, D. Bell. Heretaunga: C. Burd, H. Stutter, G. Ninnes and Hook. Four races were held over courses which thoroughly tested the knowledge of the candidates. Skippers were placed by the selector, Mr. A. G. Harvey, as follows:— N. McKenzie (2 firsts, 1 second), 11 points; G. Ninnes (1 third, 1 second, 1 first), 9 points; D. McKenzie (1 point, 2 thirds), 5 points; C. Burd (1 second, 2 fourths), 5 points.

The fbijrth ;ra?e was’a test of spinnaker hands, and was a “soldiers’ wind” each way. Of the skippers N. McKenzie showed the best judgment. Ninnes also proved a good keen boy, although this is his first attempt in the class. He should show great promise In the hands of a good tutor. Stutter is the best spinnaker hand, a fast worker both in setting and takingin. He showed his superiority on a leading wind. Cain did excellently on his first try-out with the spinnaker and will develop into a first-class forward hand with a little practice. Spinnaker points were awarded thus: H. Stutter, 20; G. Caln, IS; D. Bell, 1(1; Hook. 0. Points for the boats were: Waitua, 12; Nukumai, 11; Walruna, 11; Shirley, 7. Worscr Boy Notes. Owing to some of the boats being at Petone on Saturday last, the handicap race was abandoned. Messrs. C. Sang and B, Sang, however, spent a busy afternoon trying out a six-teen-footer, open boat, powered with a Johnson twin, which has been built by Mr. A. Sang for Mr. Nicholls, who intends to use her at Paraparaumu. Sunday saw only one boat on the water, namely, Mr. B. Sang's "Gypsy.” Other members, were at the Cornwell Cup trials at Petone, Where they were entertained by the selector, Mr. A. G. Harvey. and members of the Heretaunga Yacht Club. Owing to members of the clubs being away for the Christmas holidays no more races will be held until after the New Year. Heretaunga Boating Club. In spite of the good sea running op Saturday afternoon the Takapuna boats at Petone were on the water. Shirley (Ihr. 9min.) carried off the honours, Wairuha (Ihr. Dinin. ffOsec.) and Waitua (llir. IB min. SOsec.) finishing second and third respectively. Nukumai did not start. “I name you Valkyrie” (writes “Keelson” in the Auckland “Sun”). There is every possibility that the new schooneryacht now under construction - by Charles Bailey and Sons. Ltd., for Captain E. Gllling. will be afloat in time for a long cruise this summer. The builders are making a fine job of the vessel. It is understood that she is costing in the vicinity of £400(1.

The captain lias decided on a name for his command. He will call her Valkyrie.

And yachtsmen will agree the selection is a most happy choice. Many fine ships the world over have proudly carried the name through stormy seas and calm.

“Evinru.de” outboard motors. Now is the time to purchase, before your holidays, and enjoy the Sport of Kings in Wellington’s glorious harbour. Fill! particulars from H. Wilson, ’phone 42—706. or Box 602, agent for John Burns and Co.. Ltd.; stocks carried. Wellington.—Advt.