SEASON REVIEWED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23488, 27 October 1939, Page 14

SEASON REVIEWED

GROWTH OF THE SPORT SMALL BOATS POPULAR VALUE OF ASSOCIATION BY SPINDRIFT Reviewing the activities of the 193839 yachting season, the Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Association in its annual report says: — "Jn no part is there greater cause for congratulation than in the fields which faced the starter and in the excellent racing which resulted. Over the past live years it has been a highlight that, year bv year, larger and still larger numbers of new boats have been commissioned. This growth was accelerated during the past season and, with but few exceptions, all classes were reinforced. Indeed, for the first time in a decade, two new 'A' class yachts were constructed in the one year. There has been, too, in not a few cases, a commendable tendency to embark upon the building of ultramodern types of hulls and the utilisation of unusual riy;s. "But it is in our 'infant grades.' the Takapuna X Class, the Silver Fern and Frostbite dinghies, that one finds greatest cause for satisfaction. With so large an influx of capably controlled youthful enthusiasm, yachting cannot "fail to continue to forgo ahead. There are other contributory items to the pleasing picture: a growth in public interest, of which there can be no better exemplification than the final race

of the-inter-Dominion scries j the exceedingly cordial inter-club relations to their mutual betterment and to the betterment of the sport; and, last but not least, the fact that conversations and conferences with tho Auckland Harbour Board indicate that reasonable facilities are being provided at a number of spots about the harbour, thus sounding the end of the makeshift pillar-to-post and indifferent accommodation that has been tho sad lot of yachtsmen for many years."

Sanders Memorial Cup Dealing with the annual contest for the Sanders Memorial Cup, the report says:— I "The Auckland Province was represented in the 1939 Sanders Memorial contest, held at Bluff, by Mr. \\. Parkes and crew in the Marjorie. Appalling weather conditions prevailed for almost all of the racing, but the Auckland challenger made a creditable showing under difficulties. The association has urged on the southern bodies the desirability of codifying class conditions and rules, and is able to report that finality in this connection has now been reached. Like success has crowned our efforts toward the adoption of the Australasian points system as the method on which the 1910 and succeeding contests should be decided. It is with greatest pleasure that the association acknowledges receipt of an offer from Captain \V. Keane and his associated Master Mariners for the presentation for the Auckland Provincial Championship of a trophy to be known as the 'Jellieoe Memorial.' it is proposed that the annual series of races to determine the holder of this trophy shall be the yearly Sanders Cup trial races.

Boat Harbours "With the first stage of the plans for St. Mary's boat harbour now completed, it is gratifying to know,'' the report states, "that at least three permanent clubhouses are to be constructed forthwith. It is very pleasing also to find that Okahu Bay is to become a modern boat-harbour, and that meantime the Auckland Harbour Hoard is proceeding in all haste with plans designed to give reasonable amenities at Hobson May. In this connection the association sincerely thanks Hie Hon. P. Fraser, Minister for •Marine, and the .Auckland Harbour Hoard members and officials. It is particularly gratifying that it is the avowed intention of the Auckland Harbour Hoard to preserve the identities and enhance the usefulness of the clubs affiliated to this association.

Measuring of Sails "Thanks to the enthusiastic cooperation of many delegates," continues the report, "excellent progress has been made with the measuring of the sails of craft of T, Y and V classes. The system evolved has worked smoothly and has not involved owners of craft in any expense, trouble or delay. it is very gratifying indeed to report that, as yet, no sail submitted has merited condemnation as being oversize, and this is remarkable, as more than fGO sails have been measni ed and certificates issued, ft; has been found that, in almost all eases, boat owners substantially over-esfiniate the areas of their sails, the general run of such over-estimation being about 10 per cent. The association is deeply appreciative of the ready assistance cheerfully and unfailingly rendered by measurers and assistants, and is desirous to acknowledge its indebtedness to boat owners for their willing co-operation. Additional fixtures for the measuring of sails without fee will be arranged shortly, and thereafter, except in special cases, a late foe penalty of 5s per suit will bo payable."