YACHTING NOTES.

Evening Star, Issue 9830, 19 October 1895, Page 3 (Supplement)

YACHTING NOTES.

[By Viking.]

The hard S.W. gale that prevailed on Saturday forenoon had the effect of putting a stop to the usual afternoon spin on the bay. But as the. afternoon wore on the wind moderated very considerably, and the Thelma boys availed themselves of the opportunity thus afforded them by trying their handsome little craft in a breeze of wind. She left her moorings under -full mainsail, and behaved wonderfully well, as Some of the puffs were really heavy, necessitating her being eased. But, nevertheless, with a couple of.reefs in she would have sailed much faster. The Leader, Madge, and Fleetwing were ouc on Saturday in a stiff S.W. breeze. The first-named again showed that she is quite at home in a fresh breeza, but I am very much inclined to think that she would have been faster had her spoon bow, been made a little finer. As it is at present it is far too powerful, and consequently requires a greater power to force it through the water. The Madge made her debut in cutter rig, and there is no gainsaying the fact that the alteration in her rig has been a decided improvement to her speed, while she goes to windward Al, and "Peter" ought to feel pleased with his cruiser, although she is very tender in stays—a bad fault. But I hope that he will soon overcome that difficulty. The Fleetwing is a yacht that has not shown anything like the form that she did a couple of seasons ago. At one time I enter-j taiued a high opinion of her, as I have seen her do some very creditable sailing, but of late she has been disappointing. There must be something wrong somewhere. The syndicate yacht, from the design of Mr F. Cutten, has been started. The building has been placed in the hands of B. Davis, of Stuart street.

Messrs M'Lellan and Nees have just about finished the Anonyma. The work done is the best I have seen turned out from Dunedin for many a long day, and reflects great credit on them, especially when they have had to contend with outside weather. I should like to see an order for a 2J-rater placed in their hands, for after their excellent work to the Anonyma I feel sure that they would do it justice. On dit that there is a syndicate talked of by the Port Chalmers people to have a yacht built. Good enough, Port; the more the merrier.

The Skater boys are using their best endeavors to put on white paint on the outside of their craft, but for decency's sake I should advise them to try another coat, while their water line could do with less curve on it.

The Winifred and Huia are being got up very tastefully, and should look particularly bright on the opening day. The yacht Muritai is in the market, and is to be sold with all her fittings. She has been placed in the hands of Mr E. B. Hayward to dispose -of. It is to be hoped this favorite craft will not leave Otago harbor.