YACHTING

Evening Star, Issue 14511, 1 November 1910, Page 7

YACHTING

An unpromising morning gave place to an ideal afternoon, and for once in a way tbo opening ceremony of the yachting and rowing season was carried oat under almost ideal conditions, and from n spectator’s point of view at no timo has our harbor looked bettor than it did on Saturday. The commodore's launch came in for a lion’s share of admiration, and a brave show she made decked out in holiday garb, sinuous tail of smaller boats. The D.A.8.C., Otago Rowing Club, North End Club, and Queen’s Drive Club each contributed in no small degree to the splendid display, although they were handicapped somewhat by the southerly wind. The speeches were brief and to the point, thus enabling the various dnbS" to get away to their guests, who were patiently waiting for afternon tea. The opening of the season clearly demonstrated the fact tliat a largo majority of the boats’ crows are not troubled with that tired feeling so often attributed to them, several yachts being decorated with bunting for the occasion, which added greatly to the appearance of the procession, The boats all appeared to be well handled. Only one or two cases of carelessness wore noticed, and in each instance it wits rather a lack of sailing knowledge than carelessness. The boats kept well in line, Waimana making the pace just to suit, and not too anxious to show the windward work of their fine craft. Thelma loked spick ami span, just as if she had left the boatbuiler's hands, and showing no sign of her age Knewstubb is a past-master at making a boat look as sho ought. The shore arrangements were in the hands of Rear-commodore Smith, who found his work extremely light, owing to the energetic committee of ladies banded together by that worker Arthur Morgan. Nothing was left to chance, and everything went merrily. Some of the ladies who served afternoon tea caught the nautical idea, and wane dressed in pretty little white duck yaci.ttng coats faced with blue, and loked jusMhc thing. The decorations on the jmvmion were much admired, and Knewetubb is to be congratulated on the effect of flags and greenery. C. W. Sundetrum well deserved the presentation made to him by Commodore Hanlon on behalf of the members. He has proved his worth as a worker, and anything ho undertakes to do is well done. It is to be trusted the club have more ot his stamp amongst its members. Several yachts have gone in for new sails this season. 1 noticed the old Noll looking quite flash in a now rig out, while the Viking has now a complete new outfit of spars and sails, and will no douot shortly show what she is capable of doing, as French, her skipper, knows how to handle a boat. Ripple has her new'mast in pocf tion, but is awaiting her sails from Auckland. . , The Yacht Club deputation met the Works Committee from the Harbor Board on Monday morning at the club grounds, and went into matters pertaining to the accommodation and comfort of yachtsmen. The Commodore pointed out the disadvantages yachtsmen were placed under in not having proper places for their boats. The members seemed surprised at the work carried out, and will no doubt see that something definite is done. Ravensbonrne have held their annual meeting, and from what I can gather' it was of the breezy style. The attendance was a large one, there being keen competition for the various positions. The only office not contested was that of commodore, and Mr H. E. Moller ought to feel gratified that for another year he holds premier position, and with his long experience and great desire to further the interests of yachting there is no fear of anything going very far wrong. The predominant note of the meeting was a desire for straight speaking, and now everyone has had his say things ought to go on smoothly for the rest of tho season.

Something out of the ordinary surely when the position of secretary to the Ravensbonrne Boating Club found live aspirants! After keen competition George Kellott (who so ably controls the Revenge tiller) secured the post, and if he handles the affairs of the latter club as well as he handles hia craft there is indeed a good time in store for Ravensbonrne. Tho annual meeting of the Otago PvO- j gat-la Committee was held 'in the Council j Chambers, Port Chalmers, on Friday even- I ing last. There was a full and re present a- 1 tive gathering, 'the report and balancesheet were most satisfactory, the latter showing the substantial increase of £3O. Those responsible for drawing up the report have omitted to include Mr E. C. ! Hazlett amongst those for special mention. 1 He tilled and carried out conjointly the duties of judge, handicappcr, timekeeper, i and was also on the Committee. Surely ! such an onerous portion deserved some 1 acknowledgment. It is greatly to be desired that the Yacht Club officials will get olf, say, two club races before tho end of tho piescnt year, so that the various boats’ crows may have a chance to enjoy a. little cmi-ing on the (Saturday afternoons. The Ravensbonrne Club open their season on Saturday, November 19. So far nothing has been heard of Ilk; Broad Bay icgalta. hi it. not timo the annual meeting was called ar.d a. move made towards this great New Year’s function in our harbor. Several yachts carried (heir spinnakers home on Sunday, and the emus will derive much benefit with a little practice in this important branch of yacht racing. j

[By SptnNakeb.} HIGH WATER. ' Taiaroa Head. Dunedin. a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m« Thursday .. . 3.11 3.31 ... 4.21 4.41 Friday . 3.52 4.13 ... 5.2 5.533 Saturday >, .. 4.33 4.53 ... 5.43 6.3 Sunday . 5.18 6.39 ... 6.28 6.49 Monday . 6.5 6.28 ... 7.15 7.38 Tuesday ,. 6.54 7-17 ... 8.4 8.537 Wednesday., .. 7.47 8.17 . ... 8.57 9.27