YACHTING

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1935, Page 2

YACHTING

NOTES AND COMMENTS. Last Sunday’s Pennant race was sailed under ideal yachting conditions, there being a fair breeze varying from north to west all the afternoon and some, really good sailing was witnessed, even though the field was not as large as'usual.

The finish of Sunday’s event was very good/ and the spectators were held in doubt as to 'whether 'the winner, Bob Blacktopp’s “Walrus” would be able to hold off the challenge offered by the scratch boat, “Ruby May,” over the last halfmile. When passing the end of the wharf for the last time and with only about three-quarters of a mile to sail, the 1 { Walrus,” off 22 minutes, held a 76-second lead on the “Ruby May.” and she seemed to be a beaten yacht but Bob held her on gamely to win by 34 seconds. The “Ruby May” lost the wind for a few seconds when almost on the' stern of the “Walrus” about a quarter of a mile from home, but* the “ Walrus” was lucky enough to miss the lull. This was the first occasion on which the 41 Walrus” has won a race, although she has only twice been unplaced, but on more than one occasion it was mishap that robbed her of success. She now heads the points for the Pennant, having gained a- first and third in the two races.

The “Iraq.” a Takapuna Class boat owned and sailed by Ix*s Jackson, of Cobden, sailed her first race on the West Coast on Sunday. She had 23 minutes on the scratch boat, and one minute on most of the Wakatnres, and on the first, run upstream she gained about 30 seconds and was in the chase until the last mile when she dropped back to finish fifth.

Keith McMaster’s “Avenger” was not a competitor on Sunday, owing to his having procured a new set of sails which have not yet arrived. Quite a little disappointment was expressed by a few enthusiasts who seem very keen to sec her matched against -thle local champion, “ Ruby May,”' v ’ and there seems no reason why this will not be witnessed next Sunday. Judging by the 4 4 Ruby May’s” sailing on Sunday, one is apt to form the opinion that the 4 4 Avenger” will certainly have to do some really fast sailing to boat her home

The 44 M011y Hawk” did not leave her moorings over the week-end owing to her skipper, Charlie Brown, being in hospital. The “Molly Hawk’’ was certainly missed in the last race, as she is always in the chase at the finish. All yachtsmen and Club supporters hope that Charlie will soon he over his overhaul, and will be sailing before the Lake Brunner Regatta at Easter.