YACHTING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3862, 20 March 1928, Page 55

YACHTING.

By

RUDDER

There is every prospect of several now pleasure motor launches making their appearance on Otago Harbour in the very near luture. ‘’Rudder’’ was informed this week from a reliable source that at least three well-known local boating men who have been connected with the sport for many years contemplate building or purchasing large pleasure motor-driven craft. One of these boats will probably make her appearance within the next 12 months, and the others within the next two years. This is indeed good news, as any addition to the present pleasure boat fleet in the harbour will be welcomed by all thoee connected with the sport. Most yachtsmen have heard a good deal about Mr tT. Patrick, skipper of Avalon, Auckland’s challenger for the Sandeis Cup (says the Auckland Sun). He first came into prominence throughout the Dominion when, i n 1922, he sailed Desert Gold at Dunedin and brought the trophy- to Auckland. Southern yachtsmen refer with pleasure to the great battle staged between Avalon and Betty in 1926. Air Patrick has been at the yachting game since his early youth. He used to live near the Whangaruru Harbour, Bay of Islands, and it was there he acquired a fondness for yachting that eventually carried him to distinction. In his time he has sailed in many types of boats, but he gets most enjoyment out of the 14-footers. During a great part of his yachting career Mr Patrick has been associated with Air Frank Cloke, well known as the owner of Avalon. The two men are also part owners of the C class keelei Speedwell, which they acquired 13 u years a S°- Mr Patrick and Mr -Gioke have won between 80 and 90 prizes during their aquatic careers. This season they have sailed seven races, and l»p-e secured six firsts and one second. Mr Thomas Patrick, brother of Avalon's skipper, used frequently to sail with his brother and Mr Cloke in 14-footers. All three are first-class engine-drivers in the Vh?« e T Of , t , hc t , > f c y, Zealan d Government, n c T %’ n , , , Pa t rick Mr Cloke had Desert Gold built, and she was reallv the first one design. After 40 boats had'been buil she was still champion.

THE SANDERS CUP. . Although the next Saunders Cup contest i ng c Way „°?’ Is 9 lnte obvious that neu boats will have to be built by some wili th r p , ro '; lnces during the v ear. Otago wd] lead the way, as ‘’Rudder” was informed this week that a syndicate had decided to build another new Rona type boat, probably at Port Chalmers. With the experience gained in the building of Eileen, it is hoped to produce a fast true Rona boat It is expected that a start will be made on the new craft durino- the winter months. “

It is stated that Southland and Wellington yachting enthusiasts are already talking of new boats, and it is rumoured that new boats will be built in Canterbury during the year.

Next year tne contest should be held in Canterbury, and it has already been suggested, that Akaroa be the chosen place. 1 his is an excellent suggestion, as the harbour provides sheltered courses, and the natural surroundings aro somewhat similar to Stewart Island. Should it be decided to hold the contest at Akaroa, it wil] mean ess expense for the Auckland and Southland crews, and this i s a matter which should be taken into consideration bv the controlling officials. It i s understood that an effort will be made by several men in Otago and elsewhere to have the contest sailed on Blenheim waters. The Marlborough bounds would also provide splendid sheltered sailing waters, and such being tho case, the Canterbur v officials should also give the proposal every consideration. there are rumours that the Canterbury Association wil] consider the question of sailing the contest at either Wellington or Nanier. The latter orovince dropped out this year, as it was tinalle to procure a suitable boat, and it is thought in some quarters that if tho contest was held on Nanicr waters next year it would bring a Hawke’s Bay rem.Sentative again into the competition. Hawke’s Bay should be encouraged, as the more boats competing for the trophv would make the contest more interesting, both from a yachtsman’s and the public point of view The aquatic writer for the New Zealand Herald states, that there is no question that interest in the once-popular Sanders Cup fixture has almost disanpeared in Auckland, and even in the other centres the keenness that existed among the boating men and the public generally has disappeared to a great extent Of course, o»e would not go so far as to say that the fact of Betty being allowed to race is entirely the cause of the lack of interest in the contest;,she certainly has a great deal to do with it. There are other reasons—lack of money to finance the contest and the high cost of building 14-footers. Tn Auckland great difficulty has been experienced in raising sufficient money to defray the cost of-either defending the cup or challenging for it. Several clubs have refused to contribute anything to the fund in the. past, and this year therq will be no exception to the rule, in fact, two clubs which have, always paid up have intimated that this will be the last occasion in which they will contribute to the contest fund.