YACHT RACING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21347, 23 November 1932, Page 17

YACHT RACING

OPENING OF THE SEASON

GOOD TEST FOR SMALL BOATS

SUCCESS OF DESERT GOLD

BY SPINDRIFT

Ideal weather conditions prevailed for the official opening of the yachting season on Saturday, and while there were, no largo keel yachts the display of "white wings" was ono of the best witnessed in Auckland on opening day for many years past. A good breeze from the west gave the boats a splendid test on all points of sailing, and some very keen racing resulted, especially in the smaller classes. Very few skippers anticipated that the breeze was likely to freshen and the majority carried full sail, while others started out with light crews. All went well until about 3.30 p.m., when the wind increased in strength, and mishaps of various kinds followed, including four capsizes and two broken masts. Compared with last year the entries in the 18ft, and under classes showed a big increase, but the keel yachts and launches were very poorly represented. In classes V and S no fewer than 23 boats faced the starter, and while there were no mishaps when the fleet was despatched, there is no doubt that, now the V and S classes have again come into popular favour, each class should be given a separate start.

Poor Starting Line Several boats after completing two rounds of tho course failed to cross the finishing line, apparently being under the impression that they had actually crossed it when they rounded up. This was rather unfortunate, especially after they had sailed a hard race. Tho starting-line was undoubtedly a very poor one, the markboat being too far up the harbour, and this may have accounted for tho boats rounding up too soon. There were a number of collisions on the day, and these will be inquired into by the sailing committee of the Auckland Yacht and MotorBoat Association at an early date.

In the 14ft. class the most successful boat was the one-designer Desert Gold, which was well handled by Mr. A. H. Wilkinson. Although 15 seasons old tho former Sanders Cup winner lias still some pace left, and more will be heard of her as the season advances. Idler, another Jellicoe boat, made her reappearance after an absence of five years, and finished lm 14s astern of Desert Gold. These two boats, together with Joan, Rangi and the new Jellicoe boat now under construction for Mr. A. V. Clare, will be seen racing in class X at the Tamaki Yacht Club in the near future.

Before vacating the chair at the annual meeting of the Auckland 'Anniversary Regatta Committee, Mr. A. Braund said arrangements for celebrating the centenary of Auckland in 1940 should now bo taken in hand. He understood that the proposals included an old-time regatta and lie felt sure the public of Auckland could count on the regatta committee for its assistance in carrying out the function. Speaking of the 1932 regatta Mr. Braund said that while the entries did not constitute a record the total exceeded that for the past two years, which was very satisfactory in view of the depression. He paid a tribute to Rear-Admiral Blake and his officers for the great interest they had taken in the regatta and placing H.M.S. Diomede at the disposal of the committee.

Races on the Manukau A hard but steady breeze from west-north-west found a few weaknesses in some of the boats which took part in the Manukau Cruising Club's opening races of the season on Saturday. With one exception, all the boats which had entered faced the starter. A most popular win was registered bv the 14ft. onedesign boat Shirley, which sailed an excellent race And revelled in the heavy going. Without question, it would have taken an exceptionally good boat to beat her on the day. Her win by BJ>m was thoroughly deserved. Aoma lost her spinnaker on the run home, when holding second place, and tho mishap enabled Sea Gnome to beat Aoma for second place by 50 seconds. Lone Star was the only other yacht to finish, and was a very close fourth. Aomatea broke the jaw's of her gaff when leading in the first round. Sylvia was sailing well in the second round, but carried away her jib and, not being properly ballasted, was compelled to retire. Elaine hit the mud banks on two occasions, and withdrew. 'l'he conditions were rather too severe for Charm, and she also retired. Only three launches faced the starter. Grace had engine trouble and Cremorne and Tawera, were left to carry on, the latter winning by 46 seconds. The Richmond Cruising Club will open its new clubhouse at Sloane's Beach on Saturday afternoon. The ceremony will be performed by the patron, Mr. W. J. Holdsworth, and the guests will be provided with afternoon tea. A general handicap race for a cup presented by Mr. A. Towers will be held, starting and finishing off the clubhouse. For this event 42 boats have been entered and all aro expected to start. The new Sn ; pe class boat Joey built by Mr. W. Wilford was out for a trial Rail last week. She proved very fast on and off the wind, but is rather tender. The Point Chevalier Sailing Club has carried out a number of improvements to its grounds in front of the clubhouse. Provision has also been made for a billiard room under the social hall.