YACHTING

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 65, 17 March 1934, Page 24

YACHTING

IDLE-ALONG SHIELD RACE

One of the finest displays of centreboard yachting seen on Wellington Harbour for some time was given ill the race for the Idle-Along Challenge Shield, which was sailed at Worser Bay last Sunday. There were twenty-two boats, representing Heretaunga, Evans Bay, and Worser Bay, and all were double-reefed in the strong northerly, which was sending down particularly vicious squalls from most unexpected quarters. The course was triangular; commencing from the clubhouse, with a beat to windward to Paul's Point, a run before the wind to the Seatoun Wharf, a short lead to Arkley's buoy, then a beat to Paul's Point, three and a half times round. The total distance was 8} miles. Shortly after the start the Hakuwai capsized and the Elite withdrew. The Rongomai was first r«und Paul's Point buoy, closely followed by the Pukeko, Idle-Along, JSTahlin, and May-Day. The Pukeko immediately. set her* spinnaker

and flew past'the Bbngoniai, which, did : not set a spinnaker until overtaken by : the Nahlin and Idle-Along. Meanwhile, the other boats were rounding the buoy ; in rapid succession. The Colleen got ' out of control and crashed into the ; Spinet, causing such serious damage to i the latter boat that she immediately filled with water. Credit must be given to her crew for the skilful way in which they brought her ashore without capsizing. . f At this stage several boats retired, mostly due to gear not standing Tip to the heavy conditions. The Pegaway capsized - when setting her spinnaker, but was quickly righted and soon under way again, a feat particularly difficult ■ in the heavy sea, and one for which the ■ crew deserves commendation. The long beat back to windward saw the Nahlin take the lead, followed by the Pukeko, Eongomai, and Idle-Along, but during the second lap the Pukeko again went to the fore, with the Nahlin' second, and the Idle-Along and the Rongomai contesting third place. The Pukeko crossed the line about 3min ahead of the Nahlin, with the Idle-Along third, Eongomai fourth, Suzette fifth, and'Mayfair sixth. The fact that these were the only boats to

finish 'gives' some indica'tio'ii bfTtho7 strenuous weather conditions. '' ' In presenting the shield to ""Jack" Fisher, the skipper of the Pukeko, Mr. Tanner praised the seaworthiness of the Idle-Along class, and mentioned its increasing popularity in Wellington Harbour. - ' .'.■<■.: Worser Bay members take this opportunity of thanking.visitors for-theiT aid in making the race a succesSj and wish them luck in next: year's contest, which they hope will be sailed under more favourable conditions. ■ :-■'-"- ..- :-

A Dunedin Press Association message v^r-A at tO. assist the work of the Y.W.C.A a street'appeal was made yesterday and £246 was collected ■:-