YACHTING IN OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27541, 8 November 1950, Page 8

YACHTING IN OTAGO

Sir, —After reading your report on the official opening of the yachting season at Ravensbourne on Saturday, I. see Mr Ham’s point of view as far as Otago representative crews are concerned, but he must remember that the keen yachtsman is saving his gear so that he may have a better chance in the trials, come what may. From the yachtsman’s point of view, one has to remember that insurances on these yachts are quite good, but the majority do not cover while racing. The armchair yachtsman must not forget that there are only two boatbuilding establishments in the vicinity, and they are nearly always booked up months ahead, whereas the nearest sailmaker is at Lyttelton, and there are some kinds of rigging ,not available in Dunedin. It is not always convenient or possible for the amateur yachtsman to do his own repairs in such a short time. A skipper may spend only a few shillings in entry fees, but can have pounds’ worth of damage done in a few minutes in unfavourable weather. Yachtsmen in general would appreciate more yachting news and photographs In the press. What happens to such news from Individual sources after it leaves the reporters’ hands?—l am, etc.. Wondering. [Unfortunately, space conditions as we go to press sometimes necessitate the dropping of news and pictures.—Ed. ODT.]