YACHTING.

Observer, Volume XL, Issue 12, 22 November 1919, Page 15

YACHTING.

The official opening of the Yachting season in Auckland took place last Saturday, when the six local Clubs combined with two sailing and one launch race to Matiatia, and two open-boat races in the harbour.

A nice breeze from the West favoured the boats, and the turn-out was one of the finest witnessed for many years. The rejturpi of so many great white wings was most welcome now the war clouds have scattered.

A word of praise is due the officials, Mr. W. A. Wilkinson, starter, J. H. Frater, timekeeper, Messrs. A. Dawson Saunders, and Bassett for the excellent starts the boats were sent away with.

Twenty odd centre-board boats crossed the line as the gun fired for the first race, and the little advantage gained was secured by Ngaro, Sadie, Doreen, and Venus.

No sooner was the interest deeply centred in the movement of the first lot of boats than the keel yachts were manoeuvring for a good starting position. Rawene was first away, closely followed by Ilex and Moana.

In the launch race, Jean was first across, closely followed by Stirling Girl, Leoana, and Tarua.

The 16-footers set off over a sevenknot harbour course. Mistral soon jumped a lead, and increased it to the finish. On corrected time the race resulted, Sea Urchin 1, Mistral 2. Square Rigger 3.

The 14-footers offered a lot of speculation, fbr rivalry is very keen between the crews. The race resulted: Desert Gold 1, Sea Sprite 2, Betty 3.

Whizz Bang discovered a shallow spot in the harbour, and damaged the plate. This affected all her chances.