YACHT RACING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20243, 1 May 1929, Page 18

YACHT RACING.

CLOSING OF THE SEASON.

CONTESTS ON THE WAITEMATA

SOME GOOD PERFORMANCES. BV SPINDRIFT. The fresh riorth-casterly breeze experienced on Saturday made matters lively at times for th«- yachts which took part in the official closing of /the yachting season in Auckland. The direction of tho wind gave a lot of beating to windward in all the courses, and consequently late finishes were recorded, especially in the harbour events. Tho starting line was rather wido, and as all the boats mado a point of keeping as near as possible to iho outer mark of the line some difficulty was experienced toward the linish in judging them.

The entries in Hie keel classes compared favourably with those of previous closing races, but there was a decided falling off in tho entries for 22ft, and 20ft. mullet boats. The Y class boats made a very poor showing, but the T and Z classes were well represented. No doubt the lateness of the season accounted for a number of non-starters.

In the race for class L Rakoa had matters all her own way, finishing a long way ahead ot her rivals, and winning live first prizes. Tho 16-footer Sea Sleigh repealed her performance of last closing day by again accounting for four first prizes. The champion 16ft. boat Mistral did not do as well as usual, and it was only after being pressed that she was able to pass Sea Sleigh, which sailed well ill the fresh breeze. Surprise Disqualified. v 'The two rivals, Drone and Surprise, made a closp race of it in the first round, but in tho second Drone drew well ahead of Surprise. The latter, although disqualified for crossing the starting line too soon and failing to return, sailed both rounds of the course, and from an onlooker's viewpoint it would appear she was unaware that she had been put out of the race. Her recall number was exhibited from King's Wharf, and an effort was made to recall her by word of mouth. She was undoubtedly well over the line before tho actual start, and. it was rather nofortunato for her skipper that he did not observe the recall signal. l'"or the first time this season the l4ft. 'JL boat Ramona had the satisfaction of beating Shalimar across the finishing line, which resulted in four first prizes going to the credit of Ramona. The weather conditions suited the big

keeler Thelma, two first prizes and a second prize being won by her. Ngatoa sailed well ir: the breeze, and it was not until Billy Goat Point was reached that she was overhauled by Thelma, while iorangi was unable to leg it with Ngatoa. Ariki was in charge of Mr. A. Griffiths, and getting the best of the start, she put up a good showing.^ The action ol the owner of Ladye Wilma in withdrawing from the race aud going to the assistance of Windward, which lost her mast, is to be commendod, especially as Ladye "Wilma was not taking part in the same race as Windward. The Scout also stood by Windward' and offered her assistance which, however, was not required. Corn well Cup Dispute.

The dispute between the North-East Harbour Yacht Club and the Otago Yacht and Motor-Boat Association m connection with thi) Cornwell Cup contest has not been settled, according to a letter received by Spindrift from Dunedin. it will be remembered that the NorthEast Club took part in the recent contest for the Cornwell Cup against the wish of the Otago Association, resulting in the parent body expelling the club. Sinco then the North-East Club has been advised by its solicitors that the expulsion was illegal, and a mooting of the Otago Yacht and Motor-Boat Association will be held on Wednesday, May 15 to consider the following notice of motion: That the motion passed by the Otago Association on January 23, 1929, expelling the North-East Harbour Club from membership of the association be rescinded." ... In the event of the motion being carried the North-East Club will again bo represented on the' association, and it is to be hoped the parties concerned in the dispute will bury the hatchet for the sake of yachting and sport generally. The Auckland Yacht and Motor-Boat Association has decided that in future not more than one craft is to be registered und6r any one name. If any subsequent application is made for the same name for another craft there must be added 11. or 111. as the case may be to the name selected. The decision is a move in the

right direction and should have been brought about years ago. In the past much confusion has occurred owing to the similarity of names, especially when racing. At present there are two Maries, two Maybelles, two Matarikis and many others with names alike and, while they are certainly in different classes, the fact of there being two or more boats with the same name often creates some difficulty among the lacing officials and public alike.

Clashing of Dates. In an endeavour to avoid (he clashing of fixtures for prize nights it has been suggested that the Auckland Yacht and Motor-Boat Association should draw up a roster of such fixtures at its next meeting in much the same manner as the racing fixtures are allocated. The various clubs have been asked to consider the idea and to advise tlioif delegates the dates they desire for prize night. No difficulty should bo experienced in arranging suitable dates and it is to be hoped that all clubs will fall in with the idea, which is an excellent one. Last year, and in fact for many years past, ,t\vo, and often three, functions have been held in the same week and sometimes on the same night. This has resulted in officials and members being unable to attend the various prize distributions and if the proposed roster is decided upon it will bo to the mutual advantage of all clubs on the Waitemata and Manukati. Tho Victoria Cruising Club will hold a series of harbour races on Saturday afternoon. In addition the club will also resail the' race tor class H, which was ordered through Why Not going to tho assistance of a capsized 14-footer on regatta day.

The Akarana Yacht Club will hold a series of outboard motor-boat races 011 Saturday afternoon for tho Maude Shield. Three races will count for points for tho shield and a handicap event will be run

in conjunction with the third race. The course will ho decided on the diiy of the nice, nil competitors boinc requested to assembles at the clubhouse nt 2.30. COOTIET AT TENNIS. GREATEST FRENCH PLAYER. Henri Oochet beat Jenn Borotra when they, met iu Paris, and there can be no doubt that the little genius from Lyons is entitled to the distinction of being the greatest of all tlvi-brilliant band of French players, says an English critic. He lias his off days, but they aro very"infrequent and on his best uavs he is in a class of his own, a very great exponent of lawn tennis with a genitn for doiyg the unexpected in a most disconcerting manner.