YACHTING – By “Bowsprit”

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1939, Page 8

YACHTING - By “Bowsprit”

The boats left the Town Wharf on Saturday afternoon with a good breeze, although during the latter part of' the day it became rather squally. The yachts • did not all go right to the Heads. There were about five at Portland. >

"Among these were the Sceptre, Scud, Waima and a few of the Star class boats.

An enjoyable evening was spent at the Portland pictures, after which the yachtsmen explored the cement works.

Among the boats that went right to the Heads were Macushla, Wairangi, Wayward, Melita and the new 16fboter Ben Bolt. The Ben Bolt went for her first sail in Whangarei waters this week-end end showed that she is another promising addition to the fleet. The Wairangi lengthened her weekend by sailing on Friday night. On Sunday the weather turned out to be somewhat worse than expected. Nearly all the yachts reefed to their utmost and still had a rather uncomfortable home. The Tiki and Scud were seen to be carrying too much sail, giving their crews a lot more work than was necessary.

The Melita boys seem to bo the first yachtsmen to catch a reasonably good haul of fish.

The credit for this goes to the celebrated “Milkweed.” ’ The Sea Ace crew were unfortunate to get a certain amount of wet gear, so the crew were forced to sleep

in their jackets. This did not worry them for they can take it. The launches are still very seldom seen about the harbour, but the race to Parua B,ay next Saturday will most likely bring them out.

A good field is expected as the petrol restrictions will then be off.

Mr Waldron’s new launch is now nearing completion and if all goes well' should be ready for Christmas. The launch is one of the modern streamlined type and will be .a fine addition to our motorised craft. The Bernice has had a considerable amount of touching up this season and now looks in the best of condition.