YACHT RACING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22009, 16 January 1935, Page 14

YACHT RACING

RICHMOND CLUB'S EVENTS PERFORMANCES OF NEW BOATS CONTEST FOR BALOKOVIC CUP BY SPINDRIFT Ideal weather conditions prevailed on Saturday for tlio Richmond Cruising Club's harbour and cruising races. In the early part of the afternoon a fresh, south-westerly wind was blowing, but as the day wore on the breeze decreased in strength. Good entries were received in all classes with the exception of L class. The racing was very keen and interesting, but some of the skippers were too keen, resulting in one or two of the boats fouling rounding and starting marks. After the 16ft. and under classes had rounded the Pile beacon thev had a lead to the mark oil' Pousonby Wharf and, much to tlio surprise of the numerous onlookers, at least four of the boats failed to lay their mark. A strong ebb tide was running and in making for the mark-boat the skippers did not allow for the tide with the result that thoy were carried to the wrong side of tho mark-boat and had to put in a board to pass it on the correct hand. One of the yachts actually lost over a minute through this error of judgment. A feature of the racing was the excellent performances of a number of new boats. In the race for class V Arline was first home and next came Atalanta. D. Rogers had charge of Arline and R. Rogers was at the tiller of Atalanta. The two brothers made every effort to beat one another, but D. Rogers in Arline always had the upper hand and finally beat his brother "in" by 3m 30s. Craft Well Handled

The new Y class boat Muamai, owned and sailed by N. Wing, again displayed her sailing qualities. She finished 7m 3s ahead of the next Y class boat, Eclipse, and sailed the course 3m 13s faster than the new T class boat, Treasure. The latter craft was well handled by W. Rogers and had a good win in her class. The race for class S caused considerable interest and unlike classes Y and T no particular boat assumed the lead and remained in charge. Namu was the first boat to head the fleet, but she was replaced at Rona buoy by Marlene. On the beat to the Pile beacon Sirona headed both Marlene and Namu and also Sceptre. A length or two away from the Pile Sceptre took charge, rounding the mark ahead of Marlene. Sirona, and Namu. The next leg to the wharf saw a good tussle between Sceptre and Sirona, the former rounding the mark-boat two seconds in front of Sirona, which was 19 seconds ahead of Marlene. On the run across the harbour Marlene gained on the leaders, but she was later replaced by Sirona. Near the Pile beacon on the second beat Marlene again headed Sirona aijd Sceptre and toward the finish Sceptre passed Sirona. Marlene finally finished 44 seconds in front of Sceptre, which beat Sirona "in" by 35 seconds. The race on time allowance was won by Sirona. Keenly Contested Race

Classes S, T and Y all sailed over the same course, the fastest time being registered by Muamai. The actual sailing times were: —Muamai, lh 39m 2s; Treasure, lh 42m 15s; Marlene, lh 42m 245. The race to Islington Bay for class L was very keenly fought out between Tamarika, Marika and Komuri. Tamarika, which was sailed by J. McWhirter, held the advantage on the run down the harbour, closely followed by Marika, with Komuri and Varuna about a minute further astern. At North Head Marika engaged Tamarika in a lulling match, which took the boats about half-way to St. Heliers off their course. Meanwhile Komuri and Varuna, which were sailing a direct course, closed on the leaders. At Rangitoto beacon the boats again met and Tamarika then had a lead of three seconds from Komuri. Both were running by the lee, and near the line Komuri got an extra strong puff which put her level with Tamarika,-the judge declaring the finish a dead-heat. Marika crossed the line 39s later and Varuna another seven seconds after Marika. The race on time allowance was won by Varuna. Annual Ocean Race

The Akarana Yacht Club will hold its annual ocean race for the Balokovic Cup on Saturday. The race is for keel yachts and will be sailed over a course of 84 miles. The first prize is the Balokovic Cup, £7, and miniature; second prize £2, third £l. The club will also hold a race round Waiheke for keel and centreboard boats over 20ft.; a race to Matiatia for 18ft. V clas3 boats, and harbour races for classes S, T, X and Y and naval whalers. The 35ft. launch Renahou has been sold by Mr. R. H. Woods to Mr. R. H. Patterson, of Tauranga. It is the intention of Mr. Patterson to use the Rcnahou for big-game fishing at Mayor Island. The Victoria Cruising Club will hold its second series of harbour races on Saturday. General handicaps will bo held for all mullet boat classes, 18ft. and 16ft. boats, all 14ft. boats, and also races for keel yachts and launches. All events will start and finish off the western reclamation. The launch Lotus, formerly owned bv Mr. 1). Astwood, has been sold by Mr. R. H. Wood to Mr. V. J. Judd, of Maungaturoto.