BOATING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18876, 31 May 1923, Page 4

BOATING

By Rudder.

The perfect weather still calls loudly to launch owners, though the absence of wind makes it unsuitable for yachting. Some owners who have slipped their boats are yearning for a run round the harbour, and most pleasant of nil at this season, a trip outside the Heads.

Mr ;A Moffett passed through Dunedin this week. He informed “Rudder” that some sports at Riverton are considering the question of building a 14-footer. Mr F. B; Frances, who has shown much perseverance and true sportsmanlike qualities in trying Valmai out in many races, has decided to build a new 14-footer to Bona design. ’lhia news* will be received with satisfaction by local enthusiasts, who are anxious to see the Rona type in action. It is understood that Mr J. MTherson, the well-known local boatbuilder, will bo entrusted with the work.

“Speedwell” in tho Auckland Star, which I reproduced last week, I have received the following .- -“Dear ‘Rudder,’—As a constant reader of your interesting notes on boating, I was much interested in the explanation of how Desert Gold won the Sanders Cup in Dunedin in 1922. Of course, we all know she won the cup. To show how good the yarn is ‘Speedwell’ says (re the flags they carried at the masthead) that Heather carried a flag, but it was not a silken one, and did not respond to the light airs like Desert Gold’s, while Murihiku did not carry a flag at- all. That’s nonsense. Every one of the five boats carried a small pennant at the masthead, and Murihika’s flag, was a maroon-coloured pshnapl—Southland provincial colours. Enclosed find photo, showing pennant.—l am. etc., Ex-Southlandek.” ’ihe photo, (for which I thank my correspondent) shows Murihiku in full rig, with the little pennant flying and the accompanying launches in attendance. Next, please. As yet (says Aquatic) the Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Association has not finally adopted the plans and specifications for the 14ft one-design class. These are, at the present time, receiving the approval of the southern centres, and immediately all provinces are in accord the Auckland body will take the necessary steps to make all details available. Five additional sets of moulds are in course of preparation, one for each province, so there will bo no undue delay once sanction is received. Already several of tho bodies have considered tho details and approved. Tho recent exhibition of small craft in London undoubtedly stimulated interest in motor-boating. Marino engine manufacturers are now nearly all specialising largely on the production of moderate-powered sets, marked at really moderate prices. Plenty of attention is also being given to the requirements of small boat owners, or yachtsmen needing auxiliary power. There are now several British outboard sets on the market, and also very neat and reliable inboard sets of about 5 or 6 h.p. The entry of Mr Eliot Davis (of Auckland) into the ranks of 14-foot owners is evidently tho outcome of some remarks made at the farewell given to Mr Ernest Davis by tho Victoria Cruising Club, when a speaker jocularly said that as Mr Davis had achieved so much success in the racing field with Queen March, which now equalled Desert Gold’s record, that he should try his luck with a 14-footer, in tho hopes that the same good fortune would still follow him. Mr Davis evidently took the remarks in a snorting spirit (says a northern writer), with the result that we shall have at least one now bout to try out Bonn for the next contest. A friend of Mr Davis’s has almost decided lo place his order with Bailey’s, and we hear that others are only waiting for a lead. What about Iron Duke the second? She would, indeed, be a popular load. “What was Rona’s offence?” asks a correspondent. and I interpet his question as an inquiry for fuller particulars than I have given previously. The details, as given by a northern scribe, are as follow:—“The ‘sculling’ was supposed to have occurred twice, tho evidence tending to show that Rona was leading the other boats on the beat down to the Sandspit. The wind was light, about east to north-east, and the fide flood. After making several boards towards the mark, Rona stood for it. but owing to the flood tide and the wind falling lighter she failed to weather it. and her skipper went about, giving tho tiller several sharp pulls to bring her round on lo the other tack. After standing on this tack for what bo considered far enough. Rona came round again. The wind was now very light, and it was stated by;" several witnesses that Rona’s skipper again made use of his tiller to such effect that she pot, round the mark mid Wf the others nil standing. The assoeialion’s decision was ns follows; ‘Ou the evidence produced, wo decide that Rona’s skipper made unwarranted use of his tiller, and Rona .is disqualified.’ ”