YACHT RACING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19675, 29 June 1927, Page 16

YACHT RACING.

LIPTON CUP CONTEST. SUCCESS OF LUCILLE. M LOOKED LIKE A WINNER." BY SPINDRIFT. Some interesting particulars leading to the success of Lucille, winner of tlie 1926-27 contest for the Lipton Cup, were given by Mr. C. H. Adams at the complimentary smoke concert tendered to the skipper and crew by the Point Chevalier Sailing Club last week. Mr. Adams, who was responsible for the Lucille representing the winning club, prefaced his remarks by stating that when he learned that Lucille was among the boats on the "for sale" list, he strongly advised her owner, Mr. F. W. McCrea, to buy her, as she "looked like a Liptom Cup winner." In due course the sndo was effected, and very little was lieaad of Lucille until the time for nominations closed for the Lipton Cup. Meanwhile, she was taken over by Mr. W. Potter, whose experience in yacht racing extended over a good number of years, and with tho Lipton Cup his objective, he set himself out to win it. In what might be called Lucille's trials, she did not put up any good performances, but in a race held by the Akarana Yacht Club she did remarkably well. Mr. Politer got to work on her and found her right trim. "A most unheard of thing then happened," continued Mi - . Adams. "All the ballast was taloen out of Lucille and she was hauled up on the beach. Mr. Potter argued that by allowing the wind to thoroughly dry tho inside of the boat, it would lighten her and naturally increase her speed. There was no doubt that he was quite right in the drying of the boat, but the shifting of the ballast after getting the right trim was most unusual.

"Mr. Potter, however, know what he was doing. He had tho boat marked and even 20 years hence could tell at once what her correct trim was. The ballast was put back again after the boat had been thoronghly dried, and when the day of the came, she turned out an easy winner. Mr. Potter never made a mistake, and the honour of winning the cup was certainly his." Mr. Adams also paid a tribute to Mr. A. Willetts, Luciße's forward hand, and to Mr. A. D. Eaton, mainsheet hand. The Lipton Cup> which is held by tho club winning it flbr 12 months, will be formally presented to the Point Chevalier Club by tho Ponscsiby Cruising Club, the owners, at the laiter's annual distribution of prizes. Notes and Comments. The Manukau Yacht and Motor-Boat Club has decided to hold a ladies' night in tho clubhouse on August 20. At this function the prizes won by the ladies during the past season will be presented The Akarana Yacht Club will hold its monthly dance in the Masonic Hall, Belgium Street, this availing. The music will be supplied by the Kit Kat Dance Band. The annual dance and presentation of prizes of the Victoria Cruising Club will bo held in tho Soots Hall, Symonds Street, this evening. The club's patron, Mr. Ernest Davis, will distribute the prizes. Successful boat-owners are requested to be present, as no responsibility will be takem for prizes not collected at this function.

Mr. W- Goodison has removed the belting from the topsidos of Little Jim, and this has greatly improved her appearance. Later on a gciJd streak will be put on and a few minor alterations and improvements will be carried out in the cabin Little Jim is an ideal cruiser, and when it comes to raoing she can hold her own with the boats in her class. A sea sled, about Bft. by 4ft., equipped with an outboard motor, has made its appearance on the Hamble River, Engla I On the trial run a speed of 18g knots was attained.

As an indication of the interest which is now being shown by American automobile firms in the motor-boat business, it is reported that arrangements have been made for certain racing boats built in America to be fitted with Chrysler engines. Major H. 0. D. Segrave, the world's famous racing car driver, who announced his intention some months ago of turning his attention to high-speed motor-boats, has joined the Royal Motor Yacht Club, of England. In addition to racing speed-boats, Major Segrave states he will compete in outboard motor speed events. Mr. A. Willetts has sold his 14ft. Y class boat Cupid and has purchased the ex-Manukau owned 16-footer Mistral. During the winter months Mistral will undergo a thorough overhaul, and next season she will be found competing in several of the local club events.

WELLINGTON RUGBY TEAM. GOOD MATERIAL AVAILABLE. SVENSON PLAYING AGAIN. With an appreciable advance in the standard of local senior football and a number of additions to the ranks of possible representative players, Wellington's prospects of an improved showing in representative football this season are much brighter, a Wellington writer says. For a time it appeared the sole selector would be unable to find material up to requirements so far as the backs were concerned, but now he appears to be well supplied * W. Elvy's move to Wellington makes an outstanding wing-threequarter available; Ramson's recent performances have brought to light another " star " threequarter ; and Svenson's roturn to the game opens up possibilities of another I position being filled more than satisfactorily. Svenson, Ramson and Elvy would make up a great threequartor line. Then, for five-eighths, there are two players tried and proved—Mark Nicholls t arid Lance Johnston, and to serve these ! backs there are excellent players offering |in Kilbv, Warwick and others. Among I other players who have been showing ' splendid form as inside backs are Mackenzie, Lang and Grenfell, the first two i being also capable in other positions. Love also must claim some attention, but, after the fine reports received when the Maoris returned from their tour, it is a pity that he was not tried in the position "in which he was said to be outstanding, that of halfback. There are other backs still, among them some senior B players. Batchelor," a representative back from the Waikato district, is also in Wellington, and it is reported that R. Coupland, from Victoria, may play in Wellington, if not m Christchurch. . Some capable fullbacks arc offering, and there are also the players who, if placed hi that, position, would no doubt fill the bill admirably. Not a few followers *of the garnu hold that Milk N'ieholls would be an ideal fullback, but, as he has struck top form again, can he be spared from his usual position ? Grenfell had a great reputation as fullback at Wellington College, but since playing for Old Boys he has had to move up, as that team has been well served by MaU colm. Walters is back again, and showing good form. Reverting to inside backs, another player has followed Svenson's steps in breaking from retirement. This is F. Tilyard. Matters look very good so far as the back division is concerned, and from the forwards offering a fine pack should be got together, but it will be hard to pick. ,