MOTOR – BOATING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19953, 23 May 1928, Page 16

MOTOR - BOATING.

RACING RULES IN AMERICA. ' SOME RADICAL CHANGES. THE USE OF SILENCERS. BIT SPINDRIFT. Some radical changes m racing rules were adopted at tliu annual meeting ol tho American Power IS oat Association neld in i\ew iork. Under the new rules all contesting boats in tlie gold cup must weigh in racing trim, exclusive oi iuel, engines and crew, at least 2UUOIb. Allowance lor the main beam was extended irom Olt. bin. to 6it., the standard length of the boats to be 25ft. Tho association made a rnio debarring boats of any class or type not equipped with proper silencing devices. Crait without silencers will not be permitted to compete in tho association's events. in the past it had been ttie custom of boating associations to sanction events conducted under the rules of another body, but the meeting adopted a measure whereby tlie American Power Boat Association will withold such approval in the future. It was pointed out that confusion would result if the regulations of the association were withdrawn in order to conform to the laws of another organisation. A set of rules for outboftrd motor-boat racing has also been drawn up in America and has been endorsed by most of the leading authorities, including the American Outboard Motor Association, and the American Power Boat Association. The object of the new rules is to enhance the valuo of authentic outboard speed records, to prevent conflicting and unauthorised claims, to promote more universal, uniform and reliable racing, and to provide a standard code of outboard racing rules. Increase in Entries. it is recognised that as there will bo larger numbers of entries m outboard motor-boat races than hitherto with inboard craft, the difficulties of the timer and scorer will be increased if, for instance, a batch of boats crossed the line practically at the same time. A new arrangement has therefore been devised in the form of what is termed a timer's record to be made by the timer, and a score record, which will be checked by the scorer. All that tho timer has to do is to record the time of each boat as it passes the post, without taking any note tJTe name or number of the .boat. In other words, the times of tho first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc., boats passing the timer will be recorded, although he will not know what boats these are. On the other hand, tho scorer has only to record tho names or racing numbers of tlie boats as they pass the post. Combining these two record sheets, tho full results of the race are immediately available to the committee. In order to provide for trade interests, there are to be two divisions—the first for amateurs and the second free-for-all. In the first, tho boats and motors must be owned and driven by an amateur and only stock motors used, whereas in Division 11. there is no restriction as to ownership or crew. It will no doubt surprise those interested in outboard racing in Auckland and New Zealand generally to learn that it has been decided to have no fewer than eight classes of outboard motor-boats, varying from 14 cubic-inch piston displacement to over 80 cubic inches. The classification is from A to H. Electric starters are permitted, but superchargers are not allowed. News and Notes. Some time ago tho Akarana Yacht Club wrote to the Auckland City Council asking for permission, on behalf of boat owners, to haul out pleasure craft in Judge's Bay for the winter months. The request has now been granted under tho same conditions as former years, including " no Sunday ,work on the boats." The 32ft., Lane-built launch, Catherine, has been purchased by the Rev. Jasper Calder, owner of the auxiliary 20ft. mullet boat Ngaro. Catherine is a comfortable cruiser, and was formerly known as Princess Pat. Tho 22-i'ootcr Rakoa, which was recently purchased by Messrs. D. and J. Logan, of Stanley Bay, will have her mast and spars reduced in diameter during the winter months, and sho will bo a competitor in several club races next season. Rakoa was designed by Mr. A. Logan and built by Mr. J. Slatterv for Mr. A. Saunders. She has a number of wins to her credit, including the Lipton Cup in 1926, and the new owners, who are young and keen yachtsmen, will no doubt further add to her successes. The Victoria Cruising Club has decided to hold its annual prize distribution 'in Scots Hall on July 11. Now tho racing season is concluded, weekly dances and euchre tournaments will bo held in the clubhouse. The Richmond Cruising Club will held its annual dance and distribution of prizes in tUc Ponsonby Hall next Monday. I