YACHTING.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VI, Issue 272, 10 October 1895, Page 5

YACHTING.

The Annual General Meeting of the Auckland Yacht Club was held in the Public Room, Harbour Board Offices, on Tuesday last, when there was a good at tendance. The officers for the coming year and two new members were elected. The annual report was read, and ran as follows: — “The committee has much pleasure in reporting that the member-

ship again shows an increase, the number of names on the register being 140, of which 32 were elected during the year. The large increase of new yachts is also very encouraging, and the Club’s fleet, which comprises fifty yachts, will be considerably strengthened. The competition in the races under the Club’s rules at the local regattas, and in the club races, was exceptionally good, especially in Classes D and E, in which the honours were

pretty evenly divided. . . . The thanks of the Club are due to the Commodore, the Vice-Commodore, and the Rear-Commodore, for the handsome trophies presented, and to the Commodore for the use of the Viking as flagship. The first class race at the Auckland Regatta was one of the best matches that has been witnessed here, and resulted in the Viking (Messrs. J. L. R. and H. R. Bloomfield) winning the first prize. The first class championship race at the Wellington Regatta was won by the Waitangi, then belonging to this Club, and Mr R. Logan, sen., then the owner, who

built and sailed her, is to be congratulated on his skill and enterprise. The annual excursion took place at Motatapu, and although the weather was unfavourable, it is estimated that there were a thousand persons present on the yachts and the steamer Eagle accompanying them. There were fifty yachts present, which number, under the circumstances, was highly creditable to the Club The new rating rule of the Y.R.A , the effect of which is to penalise the extreme type of yacht which is lately developing, and encourage a more wholesome class, is under consideration of the Club with a view to its adoption. The statement of accounts shows a credit balance of £B6, which has been lodged with the Auckland Savings Bank.” The following resolutions were put to the meetirg:— Mr Carter moved “ That the new rating rule of the Y.R A. be adopted by the Club.” Mr Edgcumbe moved “That the present rating rule remain in force

during season 1895-96, and the new rating rule of the Y.R.A. come into force in the following season.” Mr Swinnerton moved “That the amendment to Rule 14, relating to bulb fins be rescinded.” Mr Gilmer moved “That the first line of No. 1 sailing directions, viz., ‘All yachts shall be sailed by owners or amateurs,’ bo struck out, and that in all races sailed under the auspices of the Club anyone shall be entitled to sail a boat.” All these motions, with the exception of Mr Edgcumbe’s, were thrown out, so that the 1.w.1. and s.a. measurement still remains in force, for this season at any rate. Mr Bloomfield (commodore) spoke in favour of the new rating. Now that the amendment relating to ballasted fins still holds good, the steel 2|-rater which is being built by Messrs. Seagar Bros, will have to be changed, or she will be unable to compete in any of the races sailed under A.Y.C. rules. Next week some of our large yachts should see the water, while the “ small fry ” are not far away.