YACHTING NOTES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9875, 21 October 1893, Page 6 (Supplement)

YACHTING NOTES

(By a Yachtsman.)

Yachtsmen will be glad to learn that the Obago Yacht Club have made a start. A meeting was held at Mr Myers's rooms on Friday evening, and preliminary arrangements made for holding the opening. Tile annual meeting is to be held about the first Friday in November, and the procession is fixed for the eecond Saturday in November, aa on that date there will be a suitable tide. I believe there is to be a scratch face immediately after the procession, and this year it is to be hoped that all yachts will be present, and not do as 6ome did last year, complete one round, then drop out and make tracks down the harbour. I hope to see yachtowners and all who take an interest in yachting present at the annual meeting. Thoße who are not already members of the Otago Yachting Club should give in their names aa soon'as possible. Encouragement is to be given this year for yachts to compete in the club races, and trophies to the value of £4 or £5 will be presented to the winners of each class. A successful season may be looked forward tOi

Ruru had her first spin laßt Saturday afternoon, when a fresh N.E. breeze was blowing, she started with a single reef in her mainsail for a beat down to Russell's. Her appearance is greatly improved by the addition of the counter. Of course, they may not have her in trim" yet, but her trial on Saturday must be taken as disappointing. She held a good wind, but did not get through the water as fast as she ought. Nor 'does she stay as well as formally. The Mistral, sailing in grand style, walked clean away from her, confirming last week's notes re Mistral. An improvement was noticeable in Ruru running before the wind. The Muritai's crew are all hard at work with paint brushes. To-day should see her afloat, and the crew will have their muscles exercised in lumping sine or ten tins of ballast into her.

The Dream will then, be the only yacht left on the slip. Are they asleep ? The Premier, Princess, Ripple, Winifred, and Fleetwing took a run as far as Broad Bay in the beginning of the week. The wind down was all that could be desired—a fresh, bingle reef breeze. I should strongly advise Princess not to carry so much sail, and she will travel much faßter with a great deal more comfort. After running into the basin I noticed her get a very awkward knock down.

The _ Leader's crew, as usual, made for their favourite spot, the Heads. Her sailing so far this season is not what it ought to be. They sent their mainsail to Facey for some improve-ments^-to be reduced oa the Lead, I believe