AERIEL WINNER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22200, 10 December 1946, Page 6

AERIEL WINNER

OPEN YACHT RACE GISBORNE CLUB EVENTS OPENING OF SEASON Some 15 sailing craft spreading wings to a favourable breeze in bright sunshine, presented an attractive spectacle off the Waikanae Beach on Saturday afternoon when the two races held under the auspices of the Gisborne Yacht Club marked a formal opening of the season.. A good standard of seamanship was displayed by skippers and crews and good sailing was witnessed from the shore by a big assembly of the public, who were kep- in touch with the progress of events by a loud-speaker system. Radio contact between the flagship to the shore provided valuable facilities in the event of emergency. Though one or two minor mishaps provided opoortunity f o r the exercise of ingenuity, thev y-ei e without serious results and the afternoon proved a most favourable commencement of the club's activities. The open event, over a course of about three miles, was won by Mr. R.

Forbes’ Ariel with a margin of a minute and tire 7ft Tauranga class event, for sk ; ppers under 16 years ot age. over about a mile and a quarter, was won by D Gray's entry sailed bv H Boniface. also with a margin of a minute for the runner-up.

The leaders in the earlv stages of the Tauranna class event. M. Bramwell and D. Neil, were put out of the race as a result of a collision breaking both tillers as thev went about at the first buoy. Another mishap was thas suffered by J. Markey. who was upset but righted his boat and without, a tiller, used his arm to hold the rudder head and finish in third place.

In the open event. J. W. K. Parker’s 14ft Chean broke a forestay when lying in good position on the last leg. Both events were over triangular courses. On the first and second lefts the craft had a lead and the last tack meant sailing close-hauled. Control of events was effected from the flagship. Takitimu. anchored off the harbour entrance under the command of Mr Ralph Morse, who officiated as starter and judge Messrs A. S. Muir and B -oome were assistant judges, Mr. E. Kiiull was assistant starter and Captain G. McKenzie Smart and Mr. W. Da /idson were check time-keeperis. Mr. Basil Page of the Gisborne amateur radio transmitters was responsible for contact with the shore. Also aboard the flagship were interested spectators who were guests of the club. he club secretary Mr. J. W. K Parker, who was responsible for much of the preliminary organisation was a well-occupied competitor in the open event. >

Details are; both events being scratch races: '

Open class about three miles:— R. Forbes’ 14ft. Jeliicoe class. Ariel. 41 min, 1; R. Otway's. 26 ft. keeler. Lexia, 42 min.. 2: T. Bonica’s' 14ft Idle along clas' rntry sailed by G. Wallen 46 min., 3; K. Clare’s 14ft. Y-class, Mighty Atom. 48 min.. 4; Tauranga Class 7ft for skippers under 16 years about one mile and a quarter:—D. Gray’s entry, sailed by H.. Boniface. 23 min.. 1; G. Odam’s, Tere, 24 min., 2. J. Markey’s entry. 42 min... 3.