SYDNEY YACHTING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22957, 8 February 1938, Page 15

SYDNEY YACHTING

AUCKLANDEKS RETURN OBSERVATIONS ON RACING HAMPERED BY FERRY-BOATS Admiration of the manner in which Sydney yachtsmen handled their craft was expressed by Mr. A. L. Willetts, skipper of the yacht Irena, one of the four Auckland boats which competed at the world's 18-footer championships at Sydney, on his return by the Monterey yesterday. Other Auckland yachtsmen who returned yesterday were the crow of the Irenn, Messrs. M. J. Willetts, G. MeKeown, W. Lewis and G. Bennett, and the crew of the Biptide, Messrs. B. Schmidt (skipper), D. H. Skelton, L. Kileen, J. Stenbeek, C. Tippett and A. Morey. Mr. R. H. Cleghorn, of the Vaalele, and Mr. B. Kitchener, of the Maneno, also returned by the Monterey. Remarking that Sydney Harbour seemed to be much trickier for yachtsmen than the Waitemata, Mr. Willetts said the crews had been told that the weather during their stay in Sydney was regarded as really bad for yacht* ing. Tho first half of the course did not suit the Auckland boats and until they reached open water they did not do well There were four entries from New Zealand, four from Brisbane and eight from Sydney. With four extra Sydney boats competing and eight forry-boats to windward the Aucklanders found their efforts hampered. "It is my honest opinion that with no interference there would not be a minute difference between the two types," Mr. Willetts asserted. The public in Sydney liked to see the yachts at queer angles and appreciated a good capsize, and Sydney yachtsmen seem much more hardened. It was nothing for them to be in the water for two or three hours.

Another aspect of Sydney yachting which had to bo considered when taking the performance of the Auckland boats into consideration was the frequency with which boats retired from a race when they dropped behind. In one race in which 21 started eight capsized and only eight finished. Mr. Willetts was convinced that the Auckland boats were the better type for conditions in the Dominion. They sailed better off the wind, he said, but the Sydney yachts had the advantage on the wind. Appreciation of the manner in which they had been entertained by Watson Bay residents was expressed by Mr. Willets. Two boat-builders in the district had placed 14ft. runabouts at their disposal and the residents had subscribed for a handsome trophy won by the Riptide in a special race for New Zealand boats at Sydney. The trophy, a silver model yacht, has been donated for annual inter-club competition among yachts up to 18ft, and including M and V classes.