BETTY’S RECORD

Southland Times, Issue 22487, 23 January 1935, Page 8

BETTY’S RECORD

HISTORY OF CONTESTS STEADY GROWTH FIRST RACE IN 1921 Late in January, 1921, the first series of races for the trophy was held on the Waitemata. The two competitors were Earl Jellicoe’s boat, Iron Duke, named after his famous flagship, and Heather, Otago’s pride. Heather won three of the five races sailed, and the cup was brought to Dunedin by Mr W. J. P. McCulloch. When the time fixed for the next year’s contest came round the following year it was found that yachtsmen in other provinces had become interested, with the result that five boats competed on Otago Harbour in January, 1922. Heather defended the cup for Otago, while Desert Gold represented Auckland, Iron Duke Wellington, Linnet Canterbury, and Murihiku Southland.

The Dunedin contest was keenly contested. Iron Duke made a poor showing, and was early eliminated, the boat capsizing in the first race. Linnet, which was considered by many to be a likely winner, was the next to be eliminated through her skipper making a mistake in regard to the finishing pile. Murihiku and Heather fought out one or two exciting and close finishes. In the last race Desert Gold had a walk-over after a very unsatisfactory race. Heather, Murihiku, and Desert Gold were almost locked together when becalmed at the Anderson’s Bay turning buoy. Desert Gold gradually edged away, and once she caught the wind again streaked off for the finishing line, leaving Heather and Murihiku far in her wake.

Auckland was the venue of the next contest. Auckland had produced a rattling good boat in Kona, and this craft was chosen to defend the cup. Linnet again represented Canterbury, and Murihiku Southland, Winifred being Otago’s selection. Rona won the majority of the races so decisively that an immediate move was made to create her the standardized boat, and the other yacht associations fell into line. With the new Rona restricted one design class, the boatbuilders were given restrictions which gave them little latitude. Sets of moulds were prepared, and all boats which were to be built with a view to competing in the tournament were practically the same, but the new rules permitted of boats, built before the Rona design was adopted, to compete in the races. This made the contest really a test of a skipper’s ability. The Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Association decided on Wellington for the locality for the 1924 races. Napier and Otago entered Rona class boats—namely, Konini and June. Neither of these boats showed to any advantage, and both were eliminated after the third race. Linnet again represented Canterbury, and qualified for the final races as the result of being awarded a first when the protest against Rona for fouling June was upheld. Murihiku represented Southland for the fourth time, and qualified for the finals by winning one race. Rona again proved her superiority by winning three out of five races, and the cup was retained by Auckland.

The first race of the 1925 contest was sailed at Auckland on January 30. Six provinces were represented. Rona did not compete, Queen March, a Rona design craft and one of Auckland’s latest productions, taking her place. Wellesley, a new boat also of the Rona design, was Wellington’s representative, and for the fourth time in succession, Linnet carried the well-known red and black colours of Canterbury. Otago was represented by the ex-Lyttelton boat, lona, Skilfully handled by Alf Wiseman, lona made a very fine showing, and won the cup for Otago. Southland again pinned its faith in the old favourite Murihiku, which secured one win, and for the fifth time qualified for the finals. Konini represented Hawkes Bay, and her performances clearly showed that she was a back number. Dunedin was the venue of the 1926 contest. Six provinces were again represented, and the interest was stimulated by the appearance of the Canterbury boat Betty—an amateur-built craft—and Auckland’s beautiful new production, Avalon. Otago was represented by lona for the second time. Southland again pinned its faith in Murihiku. The boat was out-classed on this occasion. Wellington’s representative was Peggy, and Konini again sailed under the Hawkes Bay colours. These two boats were never prominent in any of the races. The contest was confined to a series of close races between Betty and Avalon, and the cup was won by the Canterbury boat. The next contest was sailed on Lyttelton Harbour, the first race taking place on February 12, 1927. This contest was probably the most spectacular of the whole series, by reason of the splendid natural advantages offered at Lyttelton for yacht racing. Betty again showed her superiority over the other boats by winning three out of five races.

The first contest held at Stewart Island was in 1928 and was again won by Betty, the Canterbury representative, with the veteran G. Andrews at the tiller. This was a very successful contest, and besides the outstanding sailing witnessed, an exceptionally good programme of entertainment was pro-

vided for the visitors. On the day of the conclusion of the races, the whaling ship, C. A. Larsen, went aground in Paterson Inlet. She was later towed to Port Chalmers for repairs. Akaroa was the venue of the next series of races, which were won by Avalon, of Auckland, this being the first time for five years that the northern province had captured the trophy. Murihiku 111. represented Southland on this occasion.

Eileen, Otago’s boat, was the winner of the next year’s contest held at Auckland. She put up a great performance in heavy weather during these races. Carl Hansen sailed Murihuku II during this contest. In 1931 the Betty came to light again having been purchased by a Wellington yachtsman, and won the series of races held at Dunedin. The boats on this occasion were Avalon (Auckland), Betty (Wellington), Colleen (Canterbury), Eileen (Otago) and ROna (Southland). The 1932 contest resulted in a duel between the new Canterbury boat, Avenger, and the ex-Canterbury boat, Betty, which represented Wellington. G. Brassel at the tiller of Avenger gave some splendid exhibitions of seamanship and succeeded in carrying off the trophy. The boats at the contests were, Rang) (Auckland), Betty (Wellington), Avenger (Canterbury). Heather (Otago), and Vai (Southland). This contest was the last occasion on which an Auckland representative competed. Avenger • again won the next year’s series of races with practically the same crew who took part in the contest at Wellington. Southland was not represented in these races. The boats taking par: were Lavina (Wellington), Avenger (Canterbury) and Avalon (Otago) all of which secured wins during the contest. The contest in 1934 was again held at Lyttelton when the following boats competed, Lavina (Wellington), Irene (Canterbury), Eileen (Otago) and Vai (Southland). Irene carried off the honours to win the cup for Canterbury for the third time in succession. Previous Winners. Following is the record of Sanders Cup contests since the inception in 1921:— 1921— Otago, Heather, Auckland. 1922— Auckland, Desert Gold, Dunedin. 1923— Auckland, Rona, Auckland. 1924— Auckland, Rona, Wellington. 1925— Otago, lona, Auckland. 1926— Canterbury, Betty, Dunedin. 1927— Canterbury, Betty, Lyttelton. 1928— Canterbury, Betty, Stewart Island. 1929— Auckland. Avalon, Akaroa. 1930— Otago, Eileen, Auckland. 1931— Wellington, Betty, Dunedin. 1932— Canterbury, Avenger, Wellington. 1933— Canterbury, Avenger, Lyttelton. 1934— Canterbury, Irene, Lyttelton.

INVERCARGILL CLUB MANY ACTIVITIES. RACES HELD REGULARLY. Prior to the commencement of the Great War the Invercargill Boating Club was very active. Races were held regularly, the following boats being well-known performers: Garibaldi, Unknown, Minihaha, Volunteer, Gauntlet and Blueduck. For a period of fifteen years there was little activity, until January, 1929, when a meeting was convened by the present Commodore, Mr F. J. Biggs. At that meeting it was decided to revive the club, and a strong committee was formed with Mr A. J. Ball as president, and with Mr A. Pasco as club captain. The new committee took over the club shed at Pleasure Bay and also a bank balance of £22.

The conclusion of the first season’s activities saw the club’s property in first-class order, the bank balance considerably increased and the fleet of boats extending in numbers. The type of boat in existence in 1929 was superceded by better class boats, and the fourteen-footer was introduced to Invercargill. The erection of a suitable boat landing had always been contemplated by the club in earlier days, and it was gratifying to the older members to see the completion of the present staging at the Invercargill wharf. This staging, built under the direction of Mr George Gough, was completed, free of debt, in 1932, at a cost o' over £lOO. Races have been held at every available opportunity and the numerous trophies have been keenly contested. The club was represented at the Sanders Cup contest at Wellington in 1932 with Vai, the crew being: lan Gough, Skipper G. Gough, S. Jensen, A. Robertson and A. M. Tinnock. Although not successful at their initial appearance the crew put up a good performance; the club sailing benefited much by the experience gained at Wellington. In 1934 the club was represented at the Z class championships by Colleen, with H. Gough and E. Jackson as crew. The former member also gained a place as forward hand in Vai at the contest at Lyttelton the same year. This season the club, with Evelyn, has again been successful in gaining the honour of representing the province at the Sanders Cup contest. Mr F. J. Biggs, Commodore of • the club for the pasi. five seasons, has always been a keen boating enthusiast. As a boy he commenced his boating career on Lake Logan, in Dunedin, and afterwards gained further experience in Auckland and Australia. He has filled the position of president of the Southland Yacht and Motor Boat Association since its inception some three years ago, and has also represented the association as councillor on the New Zealand Yachting Council. He is still a keen yachtsman and until the latter end of last season was owner-skipper of the fourteen-footer Vai, in which he gave some very creditable performI ances. Mr Biggs - is also owner of the fine pleasure launch Eureka, which

will be seen at the Island during the forthcoming contest. The Commodore has done much to place the local boating club in the sound position it is to-day. A keen worker and a ready helper, his assistance has at all times been available. It is the Commodore’s intention to procure a new fourteenfooter for next season.

Vice-Commodore J. R. Colbran is also a keen worker for the welfare of the club. As a member of the Southland Yacht and Motor Boat Association he gives much valuable assistance to that body. He occupies the position of chairman of the staging and social committees of the local club, carrying out his duties in a most efficient manner. As owner of the launch Alert, he acts as patrol boat during club races. Rear-Commodore G. Gough is another valued member of the Southland controlling body. A tireless grafter he has been the mainstay in carrying out all the improvements to the club’s plant; and as a yachtsman he has sailed with outstanding success since the revival of the club. He acquired the fourteen-footer Evelyn prior to the

commencement of the present season, and has given her a thorough overhauling in view of the contest. As a launchman he is well and favourably known. SAILING AT RIVERTON MANY ENTHUSIASTS. YOUNGEST CLUB IN SOUTHLAND. “Tiller” supplies this article:— The Riverton Sailing Club is the youngest in Southland, and has always been to the fore in aquatic matters. Although twenty years ago there was a club in Riverton the introduction of motor power for pleasure craft caused sailing to wane in popularity and the club was disbanded.

Three years ago the youths of the port began to take up the sailing again and with the backing of the old hands a club was formed. The first president, Mr D. C. Robertson, was very keen to see the club go ahead and he ably held the presidency for two years, but did not seek re-election during the present season.

The first commodore, Mr N. Beer, had the interest of the sailing club very much at heart. There was nothing he liked better than to see the little craft in a full sail breeze. As a handicapper he gave every satisfaction. He was highly esteemed by all the members, and his sudden passing several months ago was mourned by all. The first year saw many interesting races, though the boats were merely dinghies or flat-bottomed craft with fins bolted beneath their keels. The second year saw most of these boats disappear, Centreboard yachts properly rigged taking their place.

One of the best features of the club is the great interest taken by the old hands and the fishermen, who are always ready to give help or advice as the occasion arises.

The sailing club has three handsome trophies which are competed for annually. The Silver Beech Shield was presented by the Silver Beech Timber Company; the Norman Beer Memorial Cup was subscribed for by the members in memory of the late commodore; the Taramea Cup is the club’s trophy. In addition prizes are donated by interested people in Riverton. It is safe to say no other club in Southland has such a large programme of races as the Riverton Sailing Club. Every week of the season, weather permitting, one or more races are held.

The patron, Mr A. More, has been interested in the club since its inception, and he is usually to be seen watching the progress of a race from some vantage point. It was through his influence that the Jellicoe class yacht, Desert Gold, was brought to Riverton. The president, Mr G. R. Bemdtson, is a yachtsman of the old school, and although he does not now race he has always given the club his support. The Commodore, Mr George Scatter, who is also handicapper, is another old hand. His handicapping has resulted in many close finishes. Mr Arthur Helm, the secretary of the club, is one of the younger enthusiasts and the only official who takes an active part in the contests. The finance of the club is in the hands of Mr Keith McNeil, and he always succeeds in keeping the balance on the right side of the ledger. The club mascot is A. McFadgen. STEWART ISLAND CLUB A PROGRESSIVE BODY. CLOSE CONNECTION WITH CONTESTS. The Stewart Island Yacht Club was formed in November, 1921, with Mr J. M. P. Thomson as Commodore, and Mr Walter Robertson as secretary. The club has always taken an active part in Sanders Cup Contests, and has pursued a policy that has been for the advancement of yachting in Southland. In February, 1922, the club competed at the Sanders Cup contest with Murihiku I, and although two races were won, the trophy was not captured. During the same year the club won the Cameron Cup and secured the Championship of Otago at the Port Chalmers regatta. After Murihiku I had been runner-up when lona won for Otago in 1025, she did not figure again as a likely contest winner. A syndicate of Southland sportsmen, led by Mr A. B. Moffett, who had been one of the original founders of the club and Commodore for a number of years, ordered Murihiku H., which was built by Glad Bailey in Auckland. The new boat competed in 1927 at Lyttelton and at Stewart Island in 1928, but she did not come up to the expectations of those who had ordered her.

In 1929 the Murihiku 111., now the Evelyn, represented the club at Akaroa. She did not succeed in carrying off the trophy, however. The club did not compete in 1930 at Auckland, but at Dunedin in 1931 the Island boat, Rona, represented Southland, and tied with Colleen for second place. This was the last year that a Stewart Island boat participated in a Sanders Cup Contest. A new shed has just been completed by the club. This is a fine building, and is built on concrete piles. In time one end will be made into a club-room. H. Hansen has played a large part in the building of the structure.

Office-bearers for 1934-35 are as follows:—Commodore, Mr T. Bragg; Vice-Commodore, Mr H. Hansen; RearCommodore, Mr W. Johnson; committee, Messrs G. M. Turner, N. Whipp, 1,. Carstensen, L. Hamilton, L. Bragg, R. C. Hicks, J. Hamilton, A. Johnson, J. W. Thomson and W. Dawson; secretary, Mr W. J. Hamilton; treasurer and assistant secretary, Mr H. Pollock. The Commodore, Mr T. Bragg, is one ot the original members of the club and owner of Murihiku I. He skipped the Murihiku in numerous contests, and has won several races, including the Cameron Cup in 1922, and the Ross Cup in Auckland, in 1923. Messrs Hansen, Johnson, Hamilton and Pollock have all represented the province in Sanders Cup Contests. THE EVELYN SOUTHLAND’S REPRESENTATIVE. BUILT IN INVERCARGILL. The Evelyn, Southland representative, was built about seven years ago by a local enthusiast, Mr A. J. Ball, and in 1929 represented the province at the contest at Akaroa. Although she did not manage to carry off the coveted

trophy she performed creditably and was well handled.

In 1930 she was purchased by Mr O. E. Johnstone who raced her on the

estuary with considerable success. The same year at Bluff Murihiku 111., as she was then known, won the Southland 14-footer championship race in handsome style. Evelyn was purchased at the beginning of this season by Mr G. Gough, who gave her a thorough overhaul, and purchased a new suit of sails. In heavy weather the boat has always proved dangerous to other competitors, and this was evidenced in the recent trials at Bluff. THE CUP A HANDSOME TROPHY. SIGNATURE OF THE KING. The cup—a 50-guinea solid silver cup—is surrounded on a plinth with solid silver panels, one written over the signature of his Majesty the King, in which he says:— It is a matter of sincere regret to me that the death of LieutenantCommander William E. Sanders, V.C., D. 5.0., R.N.R., deprived me of the pride of personally conferring upon him the Victoria Cross, the greatest of all rewards for valour and de-

votion to duty. On the second panel is a message to the yachtsmen of New Zealand by his Excellency Admiral of the Fleet, Viscount Jellicoe. Lord Jellicoe says, “he was a fine seaman and a great leader who imbued his ship’s company with the magnificent spirit of discipline and courageous self-sacrifice, to which even his defeated enemy testified with admiration and respect. He set an example which will appeal to New Zealand yachtsmen for all time” The Lords of the Admiralty’s message is on the third panel. They say: “The Prize was sunk on August 14 in the Atlantic, on a dark and stormy night, and her gallant commander, Lieutenant W. E. Sanders, who in a short period of five months had been awarded the V.C. and the D. 5.0., in command of her, went down beneath the Atlantic wave, leaving his name to be inscribed imperishably upon the same roll of naval history, where stand the names of Blake, Nelson and Collingwood.” BOATS COMPETING FOUR PROVINCES REPRESENTED. The boats, crews and delegates to represent the provinces at Stewart Island are as follows:— Monica (Wellington): D. McKenzie (skipper), C. Hollis, J. Nolan and J. Elliott; manager, Mi- F. Harlen; delegate, Mr J. Tanner.

Betty (Otago): I. McGrath (skipper), J. McLaren, W. Mason and R. Kennedy; manager, Mr W. T. Anderson; delegates, Messrs A. Burt and O. Martin.

Irene (Canterbury): E. O. Sinclair (skipper), H. May, F. Forman and R. Hendry; manager, Mr J. T. Hobbs; delegates, Messrs H. Harris and G. R. Curtis.

.. Evelyn (Southland): I. Gough (skipper J, H. Gough, G. Gough and R. Ferguson; maiia'ger, Mr A. J. Ball; delegates, Messrs T. Bragg and F. J. Biggs.