YACHT RACING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20405, 6 November 1929, Page 15

YACHT RACING.

RICHMOND CLUB'S EVENT.

SOME SMART TIMES RECORDED.

LAUNCHING OF NEW YACHTS. BS SPINDRIFT. The Richmond Cruising Club was favoured with a fresh south-west breeze for its sweepstake race to Beach Haven on Saturday. Fourteen boats, comprising all classes from 26-footers down to 14-footers, both round and square bilge, took part in the race, and, although the weather was on tho cold side, the various crews appeared to enjoy themselves. The raco was sailed in quick time, only 51 minutes being taken by Starlocl), the first boat to complete tho journey. Tho last boat to reach her destination was the 14-footer Maureen, which took lh. 21m. 245. to sail tho course.

The direction of the wind gave (he boats a run from I'onsonby Wharf to tho Rona buoy, a close haul to Kauri Point and a lead to Beach Haven. The handicapping was excellent considering the various types of boats taking part in the race. The winner, Desdemona, defeating Tamure by 75., only another 18s. separating Tamure from Phyllis. A new Y class boat made its first appearance in the Richmond Cruising Club's race on Saturday and made a good showing. In a field of 14 boats slio finished ninth* beating a number of larger boats over the finishing line. The new boat was built by Mr. A. Willetls and has been named Lois.

Tho yacht racing season in Dunedin will commence on Saturday, November 16, when tho first trial between the Jellicoo boats will be held for tho purpose of selecting a challenger for the Sanders Cup. On the same day the first trial botsveen tho Takapuna class boats will also bo held to select an Otago crew to sail in tho Cornwell Cup contest. Mr. W. Rodgers has decided to altor the name of the keel yacht Eunice to Beaute. The, boat has been launched and is now moored off Curran Street Beach. The 22-footcr llakoa was out for a sail on Saturday afternoon and looked a picture in her new coat, of light blue paint. The 26-footcr Omatere was also being tried out by her new owner and crew. The yachts Mizpah, Twilight, Ngaru 11., and Ngahau were launched from Judge's Bay last week-end. Considerable difficulty was experienced in netting Ngahau under the outer bridge at Paul's Point. Owing to the high tide there was too much water to enable the yacht to pass under the bridge, and the anchor was dropped for the falling tide So strong vv*as tho tide that the boat dragged her anchor and was driven broadside on to the piles. The paint on the topsides was badly scratched and part or the railing was carried _ away. She was finally towed to her moorings by the Twilight. . . The yachts Huia, Doreen and Rokin visited Brown's Bay last Saturday and made a call at Milford on the way home on Sunday. , ~ ilr W. Clews, formerly owner of the vac-lit Elsinore, has purchased the E class yacht Rover, built by Mr. B. Woolscott, of Stanley Bay. , Mr R- Lidgard, formerly owner of the vacht Lady Wilina, has purchased the hig auxiliarv yacht Marcia. The latter is now undergoing a thorough overhaul, and is expected to be in commission in about three weeks' time. Tho keel vacht Vamtc, which has been purchased by Mr. R. D. Neal from Mrs. C. Hartlev, of Tauranga, arrived from that port on Monday. She has taken up her quarters in Mechanics' Bay.