YACHTING

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 106, 31 October 1931, Page 20

YACHTING

By "Mainsail' ,

SUCCESSFUL REGATTA

TWO MORE OPENINGS

CLUBS UNDER WAX

Members of the Evans Bay Yacht and Motor-boat Club nave every reason to be proud of the brilliant success of the regatta which marked the opening of the yachting season. Although the wind was really too light for racing, the weather was ideal for the enjoyment of yachting, both for those on the boats and those on shore. The bay was crowded with craft from all tha clubs round Wellington Harbour, presenting a wonderful sight. Although the keel-yachts' course was only up to the head of the bay, they took over two hours to finish. As was more or less expected, the Marangi won, the Romp being second. The Eawene also did particularly well. The morning race for the centreboarders was started at 10.45, but was called off shortly afterwards as several visiting boats were seen coming down the bay in tow of'a motor launch. The race was restarted upon their arrival, for the Kio to rpmp home an easy winner. The afternoon Rona-Jellicoe class race was of particular interest, as the new boat, the Lavina, participated. She did not appear to do too well, and the Betty won fairly comfortably. One of the surprises of the day waa the performance of the Bonzo. This boat used to come in well at the reai last season, but on Monday she waa amongst the leaders. The Nancy, manned by an experienced crew, actually beat the crack boat Kio homo in the afternoon race. This goes to provo the necessity of experience and co-operation in crew work. A. Surprise Visit. Last Sunday a squadron of 14-footers and Takapunaa from Paremata's fleet paid a visit to Karehana Bay, Plimmerton, making a very fine showing.as they worked up for the club house with the ebb tide under their lee. After standing out into the offing they squared away for their home port, breaking out their spinnakers in token of farewell. The surprise visit was unique, and Plimmerton yachtsmen hope that it may be the forerunner of many others. Worser Bay Club. Last week-ond was an eventful one for the Worser Bay Club. Four boats, the O.K. Baby, Ngaroma, Butterib, and Demon, set out from Worser Bay in a light southerly to attend the opening of the Heretaunga Boating Club. All the boats were carrying full sail and spinnakers. At about the southern end of Somes Island the southerly "buster" overtook the boats, and there was some smart work dropping spinnakers. The Ngaroma, having a new sail, was disinclined to reef it, and as it was impossible to run before the gale with full rag she made for Lowry Bay on a beam. The O.K. Baby doused everything, and landed on the bar of the Hutt River, while the Butterib landed near the Ngaroma carrying jib only. The Demon ran before the storm the whole way under jib, and landed on the beach after successfully emerging through the breakers. On Sunday the boats sailed across to Evans Bay with a light northerly behind them. Heretaunga Club's Opening. It was unfortunate that the southorly marred the Heretaunga Boating Club's opening on Saturday afternoon. By 2 o'clock a galo was blowing and it was impossible for the boats to leave the beach. Some anxiety was felt for the safety of the Worser Bay yachtsmen who had left to attend the opening, but'their former commodore (Mr. A. G. Harvey) was confident that they would make the trip safely, and eventually the four boats made" a landing without damage. Tho crews wero entertained in the clubhouse in tho evening and were billeted overnight by Heretaunga members. On Sunday the boats of both fleets cruised together before the Worser Bay craft set out for home. It is expected that practically all the Heretaunga boats will visit Worser Bay for the opening there this afternoon. A very friendly feeling exists between the two clubs, and this will probably result in a number of enjoyable outings and contests this summer. R.P.N.Y.O. Notes. Despite the bad southerly weather last Saturday afternoon, the Viola wati out and also the square-bilge fourteenfooter Phantom. Tha crew of the Phantom had a lively time, and in the end had to lower the mainsail and sail under jib alone. The Atalanta got into difficulty leaving her moorings. A sudden gust caught her and blew her alongside tho Wairere 11. She t 3n became tangled in the Wairere ll.'s moorings and dragged them. Fortunately no damage was done to either yacht. Tho Linnet had some difficulty getting on the slip owing to the fierceness of tho southerly gusts. On Labour Day most of the club's fleet went around to the. Evans Bay Club's opening. Unfortunately tho light air made it impossible for most of the keelers to get around to the starting line in time for tho keelers' race. When returning from Evans Bay, the Ailsa hit tho lock off Jerningham. Although services of a launch were necessary to tow her off!, so far as could \bo ascertained, no damage was done. Providing tho weather is good, an enjoyablo afternoon should eventuate next Saturday on the occasion of tho R.P.N.Y.C.'s opening. Two races will bo sailed, a general handicap for the keelers round a, shoTt course and a race for 18ft and under class over the usual course. Members and friends are cordially invited to be present. .Outboard Notes. The Wellington Outboard Motor-boat Club opened its season on Labour Day, and insofar as boating waa concerned, it was probably the most fortunate _of all the clubs, as dead calm water with no wind is ideal. . Two seasons back the outboard divisions of the sailing and power boats in Wellington decided to amalgamate and form one club with permanent headquarters at Petone, where a very fine brick club shed was built. This was a wise move as the racing is now concentrated, resulting in bettor entries and better competition, and furthermore does away with the very difficult question of transportation of boats from one locality to another as was necessary in tho past. The club's trophy list is a comprehensive one considering the short period the club has been in existence, and through tho very generous action of the Evans Bay Y. and M.B. Club, in handing over four fine cups which had boon donated to their outboard section, tho range of trophies is one the club may well feel proud of.