YACHTING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3854, 24 January 1928, Page 29

YACHTING.

By

RUDDER.

SANDERS CUP—STEWART ISLAND. February 15, first race; February 16, second race; February 17, third race; February 18, fourth race.

The New Zealand Power Boat Association held two races for outboard motor, boats on January 7 on the Waitemata. The water was ideal for these small speedsters, and they made some fast times. In the first race there were seven starters, the scratch boat, Miss Akarana, just failing to catch Hop It, which won by 25sec, with Rose Marie third. In the second race Miss Akarana got away with a great burst of speed, but sheered a pin on her propeller shaft and stopped before she had done half a lap. Elfa led on the first round, but Hop It caught her in the second and won by 35sec from Rose Marie after a very fast race. The competitors included Caille, the Dunedin boat, which competed at the Russell regatta. She made several fast runs before the races, but stopped in both events. While logging over 40 miles an hour on the Wairoa River (North Auckland) on New Year’s Day, the speed boat Miss Clevedon struck a snag, and was smashed to pieces. Mr T. M. Roberts, her owner, had his craft going all out when suddenly the steering gear fouled and Miss Clevedon sped straight for a pronged branch of a tree rising just above the surface of the tide. The boat struck the obstruction with terrific force, tearing her bottom out and reducing her to a wreck before the power could be shut off. ’lhe hull was reduced to so much matchwood and cannot be repaired. The engine, a 160 h.p. six-cylinder Beardmore, was recovered, together with accessories, and was found to be not greatly damaged. The 18-34 propeller was driven at 1800 revolutions. Miss Clevedon was formerly the original Fleetwing. VISIT TO AUCKLAND. Mhen on a visit to Auckland towards tho end of last year, Mr T. Anderson, secrotary of the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association, was entertained by the lakapuna Boating Club. Mr O. Moller, formerly of Dunedin, and Mr Howard, secre tary of the Takapuna Club, did everything possible to make Mr Anderson’s visit interesting and beneficial. In an interview with “ Rudder ” after his return to Dunedin, Mr Anderson said the Takapuna Club has one of the most up-to-date boat houses in the Dominion. A swimming pool is attached to the boathouse. In referring to the Cornwell Cup contest, sailed this week under the auspices of the Takapuna Club, Mr Anderson said the committee controlling the contest had done exceedingly well. Great preparations had been made for the billeting and providing for the boys. - A portion of the boathouse had been partitioned off and provided with beds, and a separate kitchen and- also a cafe and a first-class chef had been provided. Everything pointed to the visiting boy crews having a very enjoyable holiday. A little humour had been introduced in the daily menu, as Maori names had been supplied for the numerous dishes. The Expansion League, Chamber of Commerce, picture theatre proprietors, and theatre managers were giving the committee every support, and the leading citizens and yachtsmen were assisting in every wav possible. In the ocean races from Auckland to Russell at Christmas the winners of the principal event were boys who usually sail Takapuna class boats. This was proof of the splendid training the boys received on Auckland waters. It was an inspiring sight to sec how ths crews handled their boats on the Waitemata, and the capable way in which the craft were nursed throughall kinds of weather.

No great interest, Mr Anderson recretted to say, vas being centred in the Sanders Cup trials. He understood that the Auckland Yacht Association would select a boat shortly to represent the province at Stewart Island. It was a pity that Auckland was taking up such an attitude, ’ but yachtsmen seemed to be inclined to discard the 14-footer class altogether. The 18-footer class of racing yacht was creating more interest among boating men. Mr Anderson was taken for a cruise in an 18footer, and eaine to the conclusion that they are fine sea boats.

Mr Anderson witnessed several trials between the Wellington 14-footers in the evening. Keen competition was shown and there were some very exciting finishes between Wellesley I and Wellesley 11. There appeared to be very little interest centred on the Sanders Cup contest' in Canterbury. In fact, Mr Anderson stated, one could hardly raise a discussion in connection with 14-footers. Mr Anderson said that an effort was being made to induce the Railways Department to institute excursion fares for the benefit of the large numbers who intended to witness the Sanders Cup contest.