Sports and Pastimes.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 19, 9 November 1910, Page 8

Sports and Pastimes.

WITH SAIL AND MOTOR

NOTES FROM THE WATERFRONT.

(By

RINGTAIL.)

aACHTING in the Waitemata. will soon be in full swing. Already a number of yachts and launches are away’ over the week-end. The interest taken in racing in this harbour is not what it ought to be, but taking into consideration the number of beautiful bays and inlets there are for yachts to cruise to, it is not to be wondered at. And then, again, there are so few boats of a class. Also, many yachtsmen do not take kindly to the handicap races, where perhaps a start of an hour or more has to be given. But it is to be hoped that we shall soon be building to the metre class, which will bring a fresh interest into racing. Amongst motor yachtsmen there is a better racing spirit. It is easier to class the motor boats, as a certain horse-power is generally fitted to a certain length, making the handicapping an easier matter. The first races of the season are: —- Cruising race, Ponsonby Club, November 12; cruising race, Victoria Cruising Club, November 12. So far the following are the fixtures of the local clubs for the season: — ROYAL N.Z. YACHT SQUADRON. December 3, First cruising race and power boat cruising race. January 21, Ocean race and power launch cruising race. February 4, General handicap for Mr. E. C. Horton’s prize. March 4, Second cruising race. March 12, Class racing, metre rule, Classes A and B. March 26, Class racing, metre rule, Classes A and B. NORTH SHORE YACHT CLUB. November 5, Opening day. November 19, Cruising race to Awaroa Bay, five classes and 16 feet and under harbour race. December 10, First series class race (ten classes). January 14, Jackson Cup, round Canoe Rock; Classes 6, 7 and 9 to Takapuna. January 21, Club picnic. February 4, Race round Waiheke, and 16 feet and under harbour race. February 11, Kawan race, and 16 feet and under harbour race. February 18, Championships. March 4, Second series class races (ten classes). March 11, General handicap and motor launch race. March 25, Cruising race to Drunken Bay (five classes). PONSONBY CRUISING CLUB. November 5, Opening day. November 12, First cruising race. December 10, Second' cruising race, January 7, Harbour race. January 14, Picnic. February 4, Ocean race. March 11, Third cruising race. March 25, General handicap. ’April 15, Harbour race. VICTORIA CRUISING CLUB. November 5, Opening day. November 12, First cruising race. December 3, First series of harbour races. January 14, Ladies’ race. February 11, Second cruising race. February 18, Championship for 16 feet open boats, and 20ft., 22ft.. 24ft. and 26ft. tuck stern boats, mullet type. Marell IS. Second series of harbour races. ’April 8, Third cruising race. SAjiiil 15, General handicap. DEVONPORT YACHT CLUB. December 3, First cruising race for sail and power boats. January 14, Harbour race for sailing boats of all classes. February 4, Second cruising race for

sailing boats and harbour race for power boats. February 25, Harbour race for mullet Foats only.

March 11, Macky Cup. March 25, Third cruising race. N.Z. POWER BOAT ASSOCIATION. November 12, Opening picnic. November 26, First harbour race. December 10, Pienic. December 17, Cruising race. January 14, Picnic. January 28, Harbour race. February 11, Second cruising race. February 25, Harbour race. March 11, Picnic. March 25, Third cruising race. April I, Picnic. April 15, Harbour race. RICHMOND CRUISING CLUB. November 5, General opening day. November 26, First cruising race. December 17, First series harbour races. January 21, Cruising race. February 25, Second series class races. April 1, General handicap.

Mr E. C. Blomfield's Ariki was Jaunehed on Wednesday evening, and towed over to her new moorings on the western side of Ponsonby Wharf. Mr Buchanan’s Rainbow was launched at Devonport last week. The painting !of the rail has altered her appearance (Considerably, making her look not unlike !the Southern crack, lorangi, which was ibuilt for Mi’ Turnbull by Logan Bros, (two or three years later than the Rain'bow. The well-known yacht Thetis has a very smart appearance this season. The top sides are painted royal blue, with an aluminium water-line. She has also had sundry alterations in her sail-plan, which her owner thinks will prove of great benefit. Mr J. P. Howden’s (commodore of N.Z. Power Boat Association) launch Roma was launched last week, and made her first trip of the season to Cowes. Mr T. E. Le Huquet’s new yacht Marangi was launched on Saturday, October 29th. She was rigged during the week, and made her trial trip on November sth, when a strong sou’-westerly breeze was blowing. Mr Macky’s Cue cruiser Ilex is again afloat, looking very spick and span. Mr Macky intends entering for the cruising races this season.

Mr A. Gifford's Rawene was launched on Thursday evening’s tide, being rigged

in time for a short spin on Sunday. Mr Gifford has his smart little craft looking as spick and span as it is possible to get her, having spared neither pains nor labour. Messrs Seagar Bros.’ steam yacht Rahutai, which has been in commission all the winter, has been hauled up for painting. Her engine is also to have. a thorough overhaul, andl will be ready for the water in a week or two.