IDLE-ALONG CLASS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 76, 31 March 1934, Page 18

IDLE-ALONG CLASS

GROWING POPULARITY

Throughout/the world many types of boats are built to suit: the class of weather /winch -they 'will encounter. Some are only suitable ; for smooth water, and a rnpre: seaworthy type is general for rougher'eiements, writes:an idle-Along class enthusiast! It is seldom that any one boat as fast in light and calm harbours, yet.faster when reefed down iii* rough water. - When- this type is evolved it immediately has its successful following. Then, again popularity' h not everything. A boat may be 'talked, about, 'but dfies7 not take on. Why? Teamworlc is the key to success, and' when v club . members; help one another to build tliey introduce a class in their club.' This teamwork extends to other clubs, and so ( tho class grows. • This brings us to the success of the Idle-Along class. The . 12ft 81n. Idle-. Along is _an excellent little sailing boat,-fast, safe, and scaworthy.'for.'oricdesign racing.': The/ average individual with--: small means can build one complete for £16.'t.6 £18. Young.nien who have served, their time in the boys' classes,; and who cannot afford a larger, ■boat, will find the Idle-Along 'boat an inexpensive luxury. She>vviH stand-up to the average weather/come /about- in her own' length in-a sea,:; and if-cap-sized is-easily, righted'with'- all.sails ! set and sailed , with. the. cockpit full of -water. • This 'has been performed repeatedly in a tw'o-recf breeze in "Wellington. .Idle; Ajongs have performed beyond expectations in regatta 'compete tion' with larger boats and' rnakerideal class racing :f or yacht clubs! The ■ original Idle-Alongy wa3 built at Pctpne in September 1930, as~a-knock.-about boat.. Two Worser Bay yachtsmen and one frphrPctdne follbw,ed suit." The irrinjediatelsuecess of the boat was established} In. 1931-32 the number grew to 15 ;in Wellington and four in Canterbury./' Then the; W.P.Y. and M.B. A.' fostered., and approved of this boat :as , -the I; 'class.; The number 'of Idlc-Alotigs this' year has grown to 30 in Wellington, while Canterbury has over £0.. This is now, without doubt, the largest one-dcsigii class racing in New Zealand. Championships have been established both in Wellington and Canterbury. In the near future this class is bound to become the most popular pf.alj/small sailing boats: in New Zealand. Idle Alongs have stood-'tho test of. Welling: ton Harbour in all weathers! The boat: has been fsailbd: iiV'a:'.3o-mire>"blow.:' The boat has had no M boosting,'' but has steadily increased in numbers * and popularity on its own merits: Blue prints and f ull-sizo building/ patterns arc free /to all club members" throughout New Zealand!: If:any club is'not supplied with 'these it should write/to the secretary of. the;Heretaunga Boating Club, Pet One. ';■ . ' •.',;.■ ;• ■ Next' season Wellington- may be.in the proud position of haying over 50 class boats start in one race.