AT THE SIGN of THE PENNANT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 492, 23 October 1928, Page 14

AT THE SIGN of THE PENNANT

By

KEELSON.

OUTBOARD RACING

EVENTS AT BUCKLANDS

The New Zealand Outboard Motorboat Association’s races at Buckland’e Beach yesterday attracted a large crowd. A fresh southerly rather upset arrangements and conditions were not favourable for high speeds. The competing craft included Humbug. Miss Tamaki, Chancit, Miss Akarana, Vave, Miss Invincible and Sea Devil. The course was from the wharf to a mark half a mile north parallel with the beach. Each race was of

three miles, made up of the same number of complete laps. To ascertain the speed of contestants a preliminary event of one lap only was held. The fastest time was registered by Mr. L. A. Stericker’s Humbug in all three races. Following are the results: Preliminary Race, all scratch.— Humbug, 1; Miss A.karana, 2; Miss Invincible, 3. First Three-miles’ Handicap.—Miss Akarana (Jmin), 1; Humbug, 2; Miss Invincible, 3. Second Three-njiles’ Handicap. Humbug (scr), 1; Miss Akarana (2min), 2; Miss Tamaki, 3. Third Three-miles’ Handicap.— Chancit (sm), 1; Miss Akarana (scr), 2; Humbug (scr), 3. The racing officials were: Starter, Mr. F. J. Fawcitt: timekeepers, Captain Holmes and Mr. E. W. Inder. LONDON TO COWES RACE The annual long-distance race for British cruising vessels, famous as the 'London to Cowes Race, was won this year by Taormina, a Thornycroft 40foot cabin cruiser, which, incidentally, was the only boat to complete the course, all the other starters giving up through stress of weather. The prospects before the start were such that only six boats competed, and although the race, from a competitive standpoint, proved almost a fiasco it was, in effect, a most convincing demonstration of the seaworthiness of the winning cruiser, and of the reliability of her two 25 h.p. Thornycroft four-cylinder engines. They stood the gruelling test of 180 miles without faltering in spite of the gale conditions which prevailed throughout and which were at one time so severe that it took 10£ hours to travel 36 miles. A word of tribute is due to the perseverance and pluck of the crew, who persisted in navigating the boat for upwards of 27 hours to reach their destination when all their competitors had made for harbour.

BOATS AND THEIR OWNERS

NEWS OF THE WEEK There was a chorus of vexatious criticism of the weather yesterday morning when disappointed boatowners found that they were unable to finish off their craft; in many instances fresh painting work was spoiled. Ilex will be put down in about three weeks’ time. Messrs. Winstones’s boat was put down at Stanley Bay. A launch and a couple of the small fry were taken off the ways at Devonport. Meteor 11., which achieved some fame last year in the speedy launch class, was pulled up at Milford this winter. She has been fitted with a cabin on approved lines and yesterday her owners were busy finishing it off. * * * The Rita W., another of the Milford fleet of launches, was in the water and about ready for cruising. * * * At the Manukau a number of crews were trying out their gear, a stiff

breeze helping them. Sea Toiler, Champagne (which was away for the week-end), Cupid and Valdora were noticed out. The launch Kaitui was a week-ender. Hetty, a 22-footer, was put down and rigged; Diome, Messrs. Seccombe’s boat, was enamelled and finished oft ready to take the tide. Elsinore, keeler, which has been purchased by Waitemata owners, is being got ready on the Manukau before being moved across the isthmus. She will be ready for the season. • » * Outboard motor jobs are catching on with Manukau boatmen. Mr. Coulthard launched one hull, an 18-footer, during the week-end and is busy with others. One of his craft is expected to accomplish 32 knots. Surprise Messrs. Vickery’s fast boat, was given a “dusting” and tuned up yesterday. • • * At Point Chevalier the 28-footer Awahou was put on her moorings and also the 14-footer Sea Dixie. Arete was taken out for a spin and classed as satisfactory. AQUATICS AT WHANGAREI On Saturday evening and yesterday Whangarei yachtsmen and launchowners began their first cruises down the harbour for the Labour Day weekend. The Whangarei Cruising Club opened its season yesterday with a picnic at Manganese Point. * * * The Russell regatta, which is being held on December 27, is offering the best programme for outboard motor events that this Dominion has seen, as well as various other races. All boats carried to the regatta for racing, if addressed to the harbourmaster, Russell, will be exempt from all Bay of Islands harbour dues. This includes their engines. An interesting 1 and amusing event will be a tub race.