YACHTING

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11649, 13 October 1923, Page 2

YACHTING

EVANS BAT CLUB. PROSPECTS FOE SEASON. The fine spell of weather experienced at the beginning of last week is respon. eible for a marked speeding up in tbs work of overhauling and painting in connection with the Evans Bay Yacht and Motor-boat Club. It is stated tbat the boats are all well in hand, and it ia expected launching will Be commenced next week. Up to the present no new boats have made their appearance, and what little building bap been done hap been confined to motor-boats.

The opening day -has been set down for November 94th, But this day has yet to be confirmed by the Yabbt and Motorboat Association, in order that it will not clash with opening days of kindred clubs. Work on all boats, with the exception of Wanderer, has been going on steadily during the winter months, with the result that two or three are now ready to take the water. Wairare I. has had a thorough overhaul, and ia looking epic and scan again. She will be completed during the next week or two, and with Venus and Nancy Stair should Be sailing before opening day. Some is well in hand, and will in all probability- go off the slip next weak. It is rumoured tbat Psychs is to. be cutter-rigged this season, andthie change is awaited with interest. With a thirty-foot boom and another six feet on her bowsprit she should present a pretty sight, work on White Heather has Ween rather quiet, but we note with pleasure that Mr Smith is again in town after a health trip to Auckland. White Heather may be completed this week, and in that case take to the water with Romp, Venus probably making a third. Psyohe will then take their places on the slip and complete her overhaul.

The motor-boats and cantre hoard boats are all well on the way, and with a continuance of the fine spell will soon be on the water. Mr Fielder has retired from the sailing list, having disposed of the Coronis to new owners from the boat harbour.’. The programme for the coming season has been drawn up bnt awaits confirmation. The clnb nave decided this year to reduce their racing programme, and intend devoting more time to pleasure sailing and fishing, and visits to kindred clubs. By this means it is hoped to stimulate public interest in yachting, and so bring one of the finest sports more before enthusiasts outside the clubs. The course for keel yachts has also been changed with the same idea in view, and this year the yachts will try conclusions round Evans Bay- For the whole race they will he in view, and should - thus create interest for those who enjoy watching a spirited contest.