SATURDAY’S YACHTING

Evening Star, Issue 21881, 19 November 1934, Page 4

SATURDAY’S YACHTING

OPENING OF SEASON The weather for the opening of the, yachting season, held on Saturday afternoon, was not of the best, but there was a good number of-spectators present. Though the sky was overcast there was no rain, and a light northeasterly breeze prevailed. As usual, the clubs combined for the opening ceremony, which was, held at llavensbourne, and the colours of the various clubs (lew from the flagstaff. They were Otago, llavensbourne, Vauxhall, North-cast Harbour, Broad Bay, and Port Chalmers. A large number of yachts and launches were present, and the scone in the vicinity of the boat shed was an animated one.

The usual procession of boats was held,-and they made a picturesque sight as they proceeded down the harbour, led by'Mr J . T. Paul’s Aoroa, carrying the commodores of the clubs taking part. The launches and yachts then followed in order of seniority of clubs. The flagship was anchored opposite the boat shed, and as each boat went past she dipped her flag in salute, the courtesy being returned from the Aoroa .

A short function was held in the boat shed before the procession, when several speeches were made. The Mayor of West Harbour (Mr A. Smith), after extending a welcome to the residents, visitors, and yachting officials, referred to the Sanders Cup contests. He stressed the point that if the next Otago crew was a good combination, it should bring the trophy back to Dunedin. He wished all the clubs a pleasant season, and said it was hoped the Otago crew would win the Sanders Cup contest at Stewart Island in January.

Mr E. T. Mollor, president of the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association, thanked the residents and all concerned on behalf of the clubs for making the combined opening such a success.

Mr H. W. Harris, president of the Canterbury Yacht and Motor Boat Association, said he was making a hurried visit to Dunedin, and that it was a great pleasure to be present on such an occasion. Referring to the Sanders Cup contest, held at Lyttelton last February, be said Otago had sent a crew of which the province should be proud. The boys made a fine showing, and were just beaten by a faster boat. It was a pleasure to see Betty, which had won the Sanders Cup on three occasions for Canterbury, now sailing in this harbour. Mr W. Webber (commodore of the Havensbourne Club) thanked the residents, and especially the ladies and committee, for their assistance. But for their efforts the opening would not have been such a success.

Mr H. E. Mollcr (former commodore of the Havensbourne Club) said it was very pleasing to see such a large gathering, and also so many veteran yachtsmen present. It was also pleasing to know that the West Harbour residents still gave their support to boating and participated in the openings each season. Declaring the season bpen, lie wished all a pleasant and successful year. During the afternoon tea was served, and a musical programme was given by the West Harbour Brass Band.

WITH THE MODELS A series of model yacht, races were sailed off on Saturday afternoon by the Vauxhall Model Yacht Chib. The wind being fresh from the north-east enabled some of the first-class models to make very fast . time over the course. Tile faces were controlled by the club officials, who got the events well off to time. The' 3ft Gin class race brought out several new boats, and was keenly contested throughout, only seconds separating the first four boats. Results: — FIRST CLASS. (A Section.) Mr James Smith’s Maione 1 Mr James Miller’s Betty Bln© 111. 2 Mr George lles’s Siloam 3 (B Section.) Mr Salter’s Sea Mist. 1 Mr Mitchell’s Reverie ... ... ... 2 SECOND CLASS. Mr Weedon’s Denise 1 Mr Currie’s Amiis 2