YACHTING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 266, 13 November 1935, Page 6

YACHTING

BY

“MAINS’L”

The Wanganui Sailing Club has comnien*ced another season. Since its inception three years ago this club has made marked progress. To-day it is in a sound financial position, owning its own boat-shed and slipway and being entirely free from debt. From a small beginning the club has developed into a valuable asset to the river sport of Wanganui and is still growing in size and popularity. Many faetois have contributed towards this success, and also to the success which is already promised the 1934-35 season. The members are keen. They co-operate for the welfare of the club, and for the welfare of the sportThere is a wonderful spirit of good fellowship. The executive officers have the interests of the club definitely at heart. This year it is piersing to note the increased membership and the fact that several new boats have taken the water. *"* * * Among the new boats launched this season are several of the 12ft. Gin. Takapuna class. This type of boat is new to the Wanganui River and some should be witnessed during the coining months. The club now has four Takapuna boats, while a fifth is on the stocks. The veterans of the Colleen class (10ft. 6*n.) will prove formidable opponents, however, and time will prove the mettle of the respective boats and their crews. The Valeta, last year's winner ot the first race for the Colleen Shield, has passed into new hands. Her present owners are very much alert to the boat’s capabilities and are anxious to upheld the honour she has gained in previous races. The Breeze, a smart little craft, is ever a consistent entrant, and credit is due to her crew for the manner in which they handle her. Early this season the Breeze, bowling along before a fair wind, seemed a likely winner, but she was overtaken by the Velma, which sailed a good race and deserved her victory. The crew -of the Shunshi-ne have already proved that their last year's sailing experience is standing them in good stead. When sailed properly this little boat shows a rare turn of speed. The club is pleased to sec the return of the Venus and it is to be hoped she is sailed in weekly events. The Rio has also changed hands, but not her name. There is an old sailor superstition that it is bad luck to change a ship’s name. Maybe this is true; maybe it is not, but for all that it is

always pleasing to see a boat’s original name still on her bows when she changes owners. The Rio’s new owner, although a “new chum,” is entering wholeheartedly into the sport and what her crew lacks in experience is. certainly made up in enthusiasm. Their antics on the first trip certainly provided amusement, but the club wishes them luck. The R-ona class 14-footer Neptune is still a consistent boat. Last year she gained fastest time lor neaily every race she entered. This season the Neptune, with her new coat of paint and extra gear, makes a splendid picture on the water and is the pride of her owners, if not the whole club. 'The Snipe has come into lhe picture again and judging from her performances during the past week-ends it appears as though her skipper is doing some serious training. Of the new Takapuna class, the Eve and the Avalon have done good work so far, but it appears likely that the Spray and the Comet will camr them a lot of worry in the near future. Good healthy competition is an asset to any sport and sailing is no exception. So far as these four Taka puna boats arc concerned it is interesting to note the minute difference in times- This speaks volumes for the way the boats were designed. In spite of the season being only in its infancy, several cup raves have already been held. Good winds have favoured the week-ends and, with the exception of last Saturday, when the westerly dropped to a mere puff after the start of a race, ideal conditions have attended the club’s activities. In the race for the Colleen Shield, which was held on the opening day, the Velma sailed into first place ami was followed by the Breeze. The Mercantile Cup, presented to the club by the Wanganui shipping agents, was won by the Eve. The Avalon gained second place. The first rave for the Kutu Cup was won by the Neptune. The Avalon was second and the Eve third. Two more races are yet to be held before the winner is decided and at this early stage it is impossible to tell which boat will gain the trophy. This all adds, however, to the uncertainty which enhances sailing. The handicapping up to date has been very satisfactory and a great deal of credit is due to the handicapper (Mr “Scotty” Robinson) for the way he does his job without tear or favour. His task is not an enviable one, especially when the boats are so well matched. The vo-operation which is very necessary between the officials controlling the racing leaves nothing to be desired. In passing, “Mains’!” wishes the Wanganui Sailing Club every success for the coming season and for the seasons to follow.