YACHTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18861, 8 November 1924, Page 9

YACHTING.

LORD JELLICOE'S FAREWELL.

VALUE OF THE SPORT.

AUCKLAND TO TAURANGA RACE*

BY SPINDRIFT. The farewell tendered to Lord Jellicoe by the yachtsmen of Auckland last Saturday evening was indeed a memorable one. Since his arrival in the Dominion four years ago, Lord Jellicoe has closely associated himself with yachting, especially in the 14ft. X class, and his keen and personal interest in the sport has induced a large number of youths and also anany of the older hands, to take up small boat sailing. Other classes have received the benefit of this interest and there is no doubt that yachting in Auckland, generally speaking, has received a wonderful fillip mainly through Lord Jellicoe's association with "his brother yachtsmen." It was no wonder than though the farewell was an enjoyable one, tliero was regret in the miuds of all present that His Excellency was paying his last visit to Auckland. ;"A true sport and a thorough gentleman," was the popular summing up as the Governor-. General took his departure. In the course of his remarks, Lord Jellicoe paid a tribute to the manner in which tho crews of the losing boats always cheered the winner. That was the spirit he greatly admired. The contest, for the Sanders Cup would again be fought out in the course of the next few months and he sincerely hoped the best boat would win. Auckland had the cup and no doubt would do her best to retain it. The experience gained in the small boats was undoubtedly the best one could get and fitted yachtsmen to take their places on tho larger yachts later on. One thing that had greatly impressed him was tho way in which tho Auckland youngsters took to the . water like ducks. j His Excellency made a point of shaking hands with every yachtsman present, wishing them "good-bye." The silver model of tho Iron Duke presented to Lord Jellicoo, was the work of Messrs. Webster Bros., owners of the well-known yacht Maybelle.

Boat Harbour Project. Speaking at the farewell to Lord Tellicoe on Saturday evening the Deputy Mayor, Mr. George Baildon, said that it was the absolute duty of the City Council to provide areas in which 'to park cars. So, too, it was the duty of the Harbour Board to provide protection for craft from gales. As matters wore at present a boat owner had to leave his craft hanging on a piece of chain exposed to the fullfury of a gale. He might take all precautions as to his moorings, but. some other craft with a poor mooring could easily involve his craft in disaster. Such a state of affairs should tot continue. While the commercial interests of the port must be considered yet the board should remember its duty to provide boat harbour accommodation. , f Mr. H. R. Mackenzie, chairman of the Harbour Board, said that in the past there had been a lack of unanimity among yacht-smen as to where boat harbour accommodation should' be provided, but of late the board had been in receipt of a petition signed by all the Auckland clubs, and even the Mannkau Club, asking that St. Mary's Bay be set aside as a hoat harbour. He assured thoso present that the board was most sympathetic toward the requirements of yachtsmen, but, of course, the commercial needs of the port were paramount.

' NOTES AND COMMENTS. An effort is to be made to hold an ... ocean race for launches, from Auckland » to Tauranga. Mr. H. E. Vokes, formerly of Tauranga, and now of Devonport, has been asked by the Tauranga Regatta Club to obtain an expression of opinion from launch owners regarding the proposed race. It is suggested that the event should start at the same time as the ocean race for yachts on Christmas Eve. Launch owners interested in the idea are requested to get in touch with Mr. Yokes at Devonport. The Auckland Anniversary Regatta Committee will hold its annual meeting at the rooms of the Akararia Yacht Club on Monday, November 17. All yachtsmen interested in the regatta are requested to attend. The question of holding speed boat races and other important events will be brought forward for discussion.

The yachting season will be officially opened next Saturday with combined cruising and harbour races. A number of the larger yachts will not be launched in time to take part, but there is every indication of the mullet and open boats and launches mialpng a good snowing. Entries for the various clubs close with their respective secretaries next Wednesday. It has been pointed out that the date fixed by the Auckland Yacht and Motorboat Association, April 25,' for the official closing of the yachting season, falls on Anzac Day. As this date is observed as a Sunday it will now be necessary for the association to revise the date for the closing fixture.