YACHTING

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 19, 23 January 1926, Page 18

YACHTING

■r 'Mainiail.'

PEGGY CHOSEN TO REPRESENT WELLINGTON HIGH HOPES OF SUCCESS. Peggy's great showing in all the local cup trials, of which she won seven out of eight, surely entitled her to the honour of representing Wellington at Diinedin next month, and the news that she had been selected did not, therefore, come as a surprise to >,the many yachtsmen who had been following her performances. What was surprising, however, was the vast improvement she has shown this season by comparison with other years. The whole explanation lies in the fact that when her present skipper, Mr. A. G. Crawford, took her in hand, sb.e was over-burdened with paint and heavy gear, and was unable to do herself justice. Thoroughly overhauled, and equipped with light gear, she soon showed that she was capable of better things, and ia the trials has "cleaned up" the opposition very effectively. It was a remarkable thing that a boat should win all but one of eight trials, remarkable, that is, to the laymfan, but to the yachtsmen who saw her climbing to windward, and bowling along when the others were becalmed, it was only reasonable to predict her selection. The selectors, Messrs, G. Bothamley, W. Duncan, and H. Hardham, are to be congratulated on their choice.

Built in 1920 by Mr. E. B. Bailey, Peggy was later purchased by Mr. E. B. Clunies-Boss, whose sportsmanship in having Eynin built to represent Wellington in the 1923 contest at Auckland was highly commended by local entlmsiasta. Peggy was our representative in this harbour in 1924, but she did not qualify in the first three races, gaining a second place only.

"Mick" Crawford is well-ejcperienc-cd in the handling of small boats, having spent a good deal of his boyhood on the Waitemata. He was forward hand to Bailey in Bynin in 1923, and again in. Peggy in 1924, so that he knows his craft as every firstclass yachtsman should. >

If funds will permit, it would be advisable to send the boat and her crew down to Dunedin at least a week before the first race in order to givesome opportunity of learning the harbour to those on whom Wellington's hopes depend. Whatever the weather or the circumstances, it is certain that the little boat will give a good account of herself, and it is not too much to anticipate that she will more than justify her selection. Napier and Southland's Nominees. Very little has been heard this season of Cup doings at either Napier or Half-moon Bay, Stewart Island. Now, however, a Southern writer reports that Carl Hansen and his crew have been practising considerably in Southland's nominee Murihiku, which, it is stated, will not go to Dunedin with new sails. She is expected to reach Dunedin about 9th February, ten days before the first race. In regard to activity at Napier, the "Napier Telegraph" says: Severe condemnation must be levelled at the crew of the Hawkes Bay competitor, Konini, and those officials responsible for the club's Sanders Cup arrangements. While other centres have been active in holding trials and selecting their boats, an unaccountable lethargy seems to have assailed thecrew of the Napier representative. This year several new members are in the crew, and, having very little experience with fourteen-footers, they should have endeavoured to put in as much practice as possible. The Napier Club, having decided to enter for the Dunedin contest, should spare no effort to win, and the crew should get busy immediately. Otago's Cap Defender. Discussing the selection of Otago's Cup defender, a writer in a Southern exchange remarks: lona has proved herself in all weathers, and opinion lias been freely expressed to the effect that Otago's only chance ,of retaining the cup is by selecting the boat and crew which sailed her to victory in Auckland in February last. lona has only one fault—"yawing" when on the run, which has been her downfall on more than one occasion. But the boat has proved herself a champion, and those who had the privilege of seeing her sail on the Waitemata must be convinced that she is worthy to represent any province. If the selectors do not intend to consider Winifred, then they should issue instructions for lona and Heather to meet in several tests. They would then be in a position to come to a quick and satisfactory decision as to which boat should defend the cup. The fifth and last of the Otago trials is taking place to-day. Notes. The Evans Bay Club seems to have taken a new lease of life this season, and in an unpretentious way the club affairs all round are showing a marked improvement. Now that the debton the club-house has been practically wiped out, members are looking forward to big things in the future in the way of bigger prize money and more club functions. Club members as a whole do not favour dances and similar gatherings, but would like to see the clubhouse used as a club, and open for the use of members at any time.

Several of the Evans Bay boats made their annual cruise ,to the Sounds during the holidays. Wairere and l'olanthe represented the yachts, and Trixie, Naomi, and Wai-iti the motor-boats. Romp left just after the holidays, and returned last Saturday after a fortnight's cruise in Queen Charlotte Sound and Port Underwood. Wai-iti leaves again about the 14th February for an extended cruise in the Sounds.

There was quite a satisfactory number of entries for races under all classes last Saturday. In the race (or keel yachts Viola's win was a very popular one, and her owner certainly deserves the recognition for his consistent gporting attitude under all OOlLdxtionA^