HOME BAY SAILING CLUB.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12818, 18 March 1905, Page 5 (Supplement)

HOME BAY SAILING CLUB.

Members of Home Bay Sailing Club arc reminded that entries for tho race for the president's cup, also tho open sailing boat race, close on Tuesday evening next at the Ponsonby Baptist schoolroom, between eight and nine o'clock. At the conclusion of these races a dingey race will be held, open to financial members of the club' only.

CRUISE OF THE THETIS AND MOANA. 1 am indebted to a friend on tho Thetis for the following interesting report of the cruise of the yachts North:—There is nothing like a change of air to brighten one's spirits- and restore them to robust health. One is always glad to get away from the noise and t<til of city life. I have frequently heard of yachting cruises, so availed myself of the opportunity of a cruise northwards. Leaving our moorings on Saturday, February 25, a gentle laud breeze filled our sails, and the yachts Thetis and Moana were soon driving through the placid waters of the Waitcmata. It made the very welkin ring when I heard the outburst " we are off, Mr. butts." It is needless to mention how overwhelmed wo were with pleasant visions of a fortnight's absence from the madding crowd, tho worries and troubles of town life —away for a. fortnight—the very thought inspired us with pleasant feelings. When a little to the northwards of Tiri evening was upon us, and we were becoming gradually accustomed to the long ocean swell. For northward bound a course was then set. At midnight Omaha was abeam of us, and good progress was being made. Watches of four hours were arranged. The first watch was over at four a.m.. and coming out into the cockpit rubbing a n'air of sleepy eyes I first noticed that ten-second flashlight of Mokohinau Lighthouse; for the moment they resembled somewhat falling'stars. A light air still off the land was hardly sufficient to cause a sea swell. Away in the east rose the matariki (morning star). Just as it was breaking dawn on I ho Sabbath Sail Rock was reached, and in the dim distance Whangarei Heads were frowning upon us. Far astern were observed hull down numerous trading vessels that ply up and down tho northern coast. A course was then steered to Putakaka. thence to Whangamumn, where we anchored for the night. At neon the following day we were bound for Russell. I was somewhat surprised at the one-time capital of New Zealand. It did not come up to my expectation. Everything seemed so dull there. A cricket match, yachtsmen v. Bussell, was arranged, but only four Russellites and a dog rolled up. The latter was a most excellent scouter, and it was pleasing indeed to witness this dog rescuing with much promptitude tho battered ball, and returning it to tho bowler. Around the Rawhiti Islands wo remained for three days, and many pleasant and exciting hours were indulged in ii! shark fishing—some gigantic monsters being captured. On the homeward journey Tutakaka was made our first port of call, i hence to Whangarei Heads. Roth yachts Onijsed in company practically the. whole. time. We shall over retain with pleasant recollections the kindness and hospitality extended to us by the inhabitants of the Heads. Two days were spent at Whangarei and Limestone Island. We were kindly shown through the lime works on tho island by the genial manager, Mr. J. McLaren. After successfully navigating the well-known Band banks from Whangarei to the Heads, we remained at the hitter place for the evening. The end of our cruise was fast drawing to a close, and at early morning wo were awakened by the cry of the seagull and' the shrill call of the curlew. In an almost cloudless sky an early start was made for the Island of Kawau, but owing to the shortage of wind we settled for tho night in Little Omaha. Tho last two days of a most pleasant cruise _ were spent at Kawau, Mahurangi, and Waiwora. At Mahurangi wo met with great success at curlew shooting. Along the northern coast wo have been introduced to some of Nature's most picturesque scenery. To be in it one might imagine that one could exist there on bread and water only. I often wish I were a bird that I could stretch out my wings and soar away over that span of water that wo have just traversed. Deeply as we were impressed with the beauties of Nature: along the northern. coast, the great kindness and hospitality extended to us will bo one of the pleasantest recollections of the cruise. I can but add that wo had a jolly cruise, and both crews worked harmoniously together. It was indeed a sorry moment for us when we saw homeland in the distance and when the little wavelets ceased to play so musically against the sides of tho good ships Thotis and Moana. Lynx.