YACHT RACING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23574, 7 February 1940, Page 16

YACHT RACING

KAWAU NIGIIT CONTEST LONG BEAT TO WINDWARD FAST TIME BY RANGER BY SPINDRIFT The boats taking part in the Hoynl New Zealand Yacht Squadron's night race to Kawan on Friday had a long beat to windward. The northerly wind gave the competitors a load to North Head, but after entering the channel sheets were flattened for the remainder of the distance. The breeze held throughout the night and the course of 27 miles was covered by Hanger, racing in the first division, in the good time of oh 42m 255. The second boat to arrive was Tawera, 46m ; J9s after Hanger, with lorangi lm 9s furthei away. Hanger led almost from tho start to the finish, but Tawera did not pass lorangi until off Chandler's Island. Tn the raco for the second division tho smartest time was recorded by the B class boat Windward, which covered the distance ill Til 'lm 30s. Aramoana led most, of tlio way in this race, but was overhauled by Windward toward the finish, her actual time being 7h 8m 20s. The last boat to finish was Vida, which crossed the line 111 2Sm 4-la after Aramoana. Apart from several squalls at liawau, the weather was favourable for racing, but the conditions for the trip home on Sunday were severe. A hard westerly wind was blowing and a heavy sea was running. The majority of tho yachts returned home in the afternoon, but nine decided to wait until Monday, when they made the trip under more favourable conditions. Hanger, winner of both races for A class yachts, sailed tho voyago from Kawau to North Head under two reefs in the very smart time of three hours. Unfortunately, when beating up tho harbour in Hobson Bay two of tho shrouds gave way, resulting in tho yacht losing her mast. Jn the squadron's race to To Kouma last year Banger carried away tho upper portion ol her mast, which was repaired. The "stick" on Sunday snapped from tho deck and also buckled in two places, rendering it almost beyond repair. Unliko tho usual solid mast, tho ono carried by Banger is hollow, and somo weeks will elapse before her owners will bo able to construct a new mast. A regatta, extending over two days, has been arranged by the ftotorua Centennial Begatta Committee. Tho fixture will be carried out on 'Lake Botorua on February 37 and iB. The programme includes races for Jbft, i-lft and 12ft (iin classes, Frostbites, speedboats, and launches. Cash prizes for tlio four sailing classes will be awarded to tho boat scoring the most points in each class over the two days' racing. .New Zealand fresh-water championship pennants for sailing craft will also bo awarded to boats securing fastest times in their respective classes. The annual regatta promoted by the residents of Northcote and Birkenhead will be held on Saturday. The programme includes races for C and E keel yachts and all classes of centreboard and open boats. Tho Tamatfi Yacht Club will bold tho annual raco for committeemen in Silver L' em boats on Sunday. A race for the Idle Along class and several other events will also be held, including a race for boals sailed by lady skippers. . . , Good entries were received for ttie Kielniond Yacht Club's regatta on Saturday and, while the majority of the boats faced t tie starter, a large number failed to finish owing lo heavy weather conditions. During the afternoon (he Ponsonby Boys' Band rendered a programme of music, and refreshments wero served by the ladies' committee. The clubs new premises on St. Mary's boat harbour wall are nearing completion, but some weeks will elapse before the clubhouse will be ready for use. ■\ third attempt will be made on Saturday to "hold tho Auckland Anniversary Regatta motor-boat events. Providing conditions are favourable, the racing will be carried out on the eastern side of the tide deflector off Hobson Bay, and should the wind be "in' tho regatta site between the Prince's and Western Wharves will he used. Heavy weather conditions on Sunday prevented- "the Point Chevalier Club from celebrating its 21st birthday with a regatta. The club was formed on February a. 101!), and in the first race there were only three starters, the membership roll totalling 25. At present there are seldom fewer than 50 boats competing and the membership stands The Takapuna' Boating Club will hold its annual regatta on Saturday week. Races will be for L and X, 18ft, 1 Oft and all other small classes Tho l ift Jellicoe class boat. Clyde, formerly owned by Mr. G. Oxspring, has been purchased by Mr. G. K. Cage.