AQUATICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13453, 1 June 1907, Page 8

AQUATICS.

Matters in local aquatic circles are T&ff; quiet at the present time, it being tl o- ** close season." The lofal yacht builders are just now, very full of work, in tho way of oil launches, which are to be ready for tho next fOMon. So far on I can learn, there will be about 20 new boats 'afloat next year. TIIOKNDON DINGHY SAILING CLUB. A correspondent at Wellington writes:--The Tlionidon Dinghy Hailing Club have just concluded a very successful season's racing.- Dinghy racing is becoming increasingly popular, the average number of entries for each race being 11. The club it? : .self is in a strong financial position, having a membership of 120, which foi? a club of four years' standing is a proof that the' small boat has conic to stay. Altogether 32 races have been sailed, three being race* under the P.N.Y.C., 'at the annual regatta, so it will be seen that owners have had' plenty of sport provided for them by the committee. The racing throughout these*> son was very keen, every race being contested in a sportsman-like spirit. Mr. R. Palmer's Zel (tho latest boat built by Mr. T. Baileylate of Auckland) has proved a real flyer,_ annexing the championship and four handicap races from scratch. Sho wat skilfully handled in the championship contests by Mr. T. Bailey himself." Mr. B. Stirling's (an old Aucklander, and one of tho founders of the club) Vera also performed well, winning tho aggregate point-, prize and five handicap races. Racing- between the Zel and Vera (both boats being built by Sir. T. Bailey) was very keen,' very little separating the two in all tho contests, although tho Zel proved slightly tho better boat in. the squally, northerly winds of the Empire City. Logan Bros.' representatives, tho Geo {last year's champion), and Blowfly did not do so well, although Wellington enthusiasts would very much, like to sec Logans have another try, as the Blowfly has not done their reputation justice. The rest of the fleet, built mostly by Mr. T. Bailey, and Messrs. Bailey and Lowe's sole representative Rona, proved themselves very little inferior to tho M and Vera, three minutes being about the difference in sailing times round the course. Throughout the season only two capsizes took place, which anyone that knows Wellington weather and 10ft boats, will admit shows that good seamanship must have been displayed." Sailing^ generally is becoming moro popular in Wellington, and a great number of outsiders are interesting themselves in tho snort, so tho prospects for tiie next season are exceedingly bright. Wellington enthusiasts would very much like to seo the 10ft class taken up in Auckland, as in such a great aquatic centre as tho | Queen City they are certain it would go ahead with leaps and bounds. It need not interfere in any way with yachting, .races could be sailed, as done here, in the oven- : ings. Most of the Wellington Club's active members are connected with yachts, but dinghies have fascinated them, so that if it became a question of yachts or ; dinghies; I am afraid the yachts would have to stay at their moorings foi want of a crow. It lias struck mo that dinghies would be 11 great demand at Auckland for winter sailing, as tho average yachting man froths" for a sail on Sunday winter mornings. Perhaps these notes will catch the eye of an Auckland sport, who will make an endeavour to start a 10ft class in Auckland, and I am absolutely certain that if such a class m's formed, it will be ono of the most popular classes in Auckland. Ltnx. 'For Bronchial Coughs tako. Wood* Great Peppermint Cure. Is 6d aud 2s 6d.