YACHT RACING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21115, 24 February 1932, Page 15

YACHT RACING.

BY SriNDRIFT.

DEVONPORT CLUB'S REGATTA.

UNFAVOURABLE CONDITIONS. EASY VICTORY FOR lORANGI.

The Devonport Yacht Club's regatta on Saturday was marred to a great extent liy tlie unfavourable weather conditions in tlie early part of the afternoon. The first race on the programme was for the [)uder Cup, ami when the boats were sent away there was a very light breeze from the north-west with just sufficient, strength to give steerageway. The remainder of the classes was despatched at 10 minute intervals and before the last race started there was practically no breeze. Very few of the boats started on time. Some were given a friendly tow, while others after making an effort to get to the starting line, gave up all hope of reaching it.

The keel yachts, which were started at 2.30 p.m., took well over an hour to reach tlie Bastion, but once they got round they were able to make better progress, and by four o'clock all the boats in the various classes wore well on their course. Shortly after 4.15 p.m. the wind went round to the west and blew hard. In Rangitoto Channel the weather became very thick and squally and several of the boats were unable to pick up the rounding marks until the squalls passed over. All the boats carried full sail, but the majority managed to finish without reefing. In the race for keel yachts, lorangi, the winner, established a good lead after rounding the Bastion, and with the breeze freshening all the time, the issue was never in doubt. Moana showed improved form under her new rig and had the satisfaction of beating Prize across the finishing line by lm. 17s. Both Moana and Prize started late, the former Bm. and the latter 7m. In tho centreboard classes Omatcre had the race well in hand until she had the misfortune to carry away her bridle at the Bastion. Cornwell Cup Contest,. The good showing made by Masters T. Johnston and M. Tellium in the Cornwell Cup contest, at Wellington recently, was commented upon by Mr. T. G. Esson, commodore of the Takapuna Boating Club, at a welcome home extended to the youths, and also to the club delegate, Mr. J. J. Mackay.

Mr. Esfon said the Takapuna Club was proud of the way the boys had upheld the reputation of their club. Ho also thanked Mr. Mackav for his personal attention and advice given to the bo\s, and added that his services to the class generally had been recognised by his appointment as chairman of the conference. Returning thanks, Master Trevor Johnston said they had done their best, but had been beaten by a better crew. The weather had been rough and very squally, the seas being much bigger than those to which they had been accustomed in Auckland. He thanked Mr. Mackay for his advice and help. Mr. Mackay st.ited that mostly hard breezes arid big seas were experienced during the contest. The Auckland crew was on the light side under the circumstances All the races had been sailed in a true sporting spirit, not a single hitch occurring throughout. It had boon reported that the Auckland crew this year elected to try several methods of its own. This was contrary to fact, and in justice to the crew he wished it to be made known that it had carried out his instructions. Coromandel Regatta. The Coromandel regatta committee has decided tc hold a regatta at Tawhiti Bay. Decson's Island, on Easter Saturday, March 26. The race from Auckland to Coromandel, starting off King's Wharf on the Thursday evening before Easter, will be held as usual. The race will be divided into three classes, keel yachts, 20ft., 22ft. and 26ft. mullet boats, and 16ft. aiid 18ft. classes. Ihe Whangarei yachts Hilda, and Calypso have already decided to enter for the race for mullet boats.

The Richmond Cruising Club has erected new skidways at the clubhouse, Slane's Beach. The building has been painted, and a new hou.se flag has been presented by the patron, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth.

The Akarana Yacht Club has extended its clubhouse by adding a lean-to at the western end of the building. This will now enable the club to house seven outboard motor-boats.

The V class boat Mystic has been purchased by Messrs. Gurr and Mdndoe, of Devon port. Next Saturday's Races.

The regatta promoted by the residents of Birkenhead and Northcotc will be held on Saturday. This year the regatta is open only to locally owned boats, the programme including races for yachts over 18ft., over 14ft. to 18ft., and 14ft. and under; also a launch event. The Auckland Harbour Board's launch • Orere will be the flagship, and will be moored between Northcote and Birkenhead. Ihe side-shows, usually a feature at the regatta. will be held at Hinemoa Park. Birkenhead, on Saturday. March 5. The Point Chevalier Sailing Club will hold a general handicap next week-end for the Spiers Cup and trophies. Ihe race wili start at 11 a.m. and the course will be decided on the morning of the race. The club has nominated Delphine as its representative in the contest for the Trevio Shield.

The Tamaki Yacht Club will hold a cruising race round Hangitoto and Motutapu on Saturday. The race will finish at Mutialia, and tlie first prize will be a cun presented by Mr. E. 11. Davis. Two resnils w '" ' je held on Saturday. The Victoria Cruising .Club will hold a rcsail of its rare for the President's Cup, and the Richmond Cruising Club will hold a rcsail of its regatta race for class V. The latter club's race will ijtai't al 2.30 p.m. •