YACHTING.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1330, 6 January 1912, Page 12

YACHTING.

[Bi Mainsheet.l

SOME HOLIDAY CHAFFER. To-day.—P.N.Y.C. Handicap Races, for first and second-class yachts, on Course No. 1. Saturday, January 13.—P.N.Y.C. Handicap Races, for first' and second-class yachts, on Course No. 1, With weather as unreasonable as was possible for it to bo, the Christmas holidays—tho one time in the year for yachtsmen—were from every point of view, the worst experienced for some years past. Most of the yachts have returned from the Sounds, and, according to accounts, they did not altogether have quite their usual good time. Those Racing Permits. The idea of issuing racing permits—it was tried some years ago without success —cannot be said to have met with wide approval. Strictly speaking, of course, it is only right, that those who participate in the races provided by any club should givo that club their support, both financially and otherwise. But, in view ■of the strong opposition which tho P.N.Y.C. was to meet with this season, and considering the fact that subscriptions for individual members have heen doubled the move is not exactly a wise one; it is certainly not popular. It has been only too evident for some time past that every encouragement has to be given to local owners before they will race. In view of this fact, the Port Nicholson Yacht Club would do well to reconsider the matter. Positions of Yachts. The following table shows the positions of the yachts that have raced so far this season in tho P.N.Y.C. events:— FIRST CLASS. Firsts. Seconds. Thirds. Pts. Siren 1 0 1 25 Mahina 10 1 25 Windward ... 0 1 0 12 Nancy Stair... 0 1 0 12 SECOND CLASS. Eawone 1 10 <27 Lizzie 1 1 0 27 Ethel 0 0 1 10 Mahak-i 0 0 1 10 Homeward Bound. " Something very unwelcome and equally unexpected in the shape of a local northwest gale and huge sea greeted those yachts which returned from the Sounds this week.

The weather was fine when they left Picton, and it continued so until Teraivhiti w:as reached. From thence to their Wellington moorings a very rough handling fell to their lot. The Mnhina's staysail parted company with tho sheets off Terawhiti, and an extra halliard made an efficient substitute for a forestay on the Muritai. Apart from these minor accidents, the yachts reached home none the worse for their unpleasant passage. A Few Notes. Last .Monday afternoon the yacht Tangaroa got into difficulties off the Taranaki Street Wharf. Owing to the heavy weather which prevailed, the crew deemed it advisable to lower the mainsail and make the Boat Harbour under jib. They put out their anchor, and commenced to lower away the sail. The yacht, however, began to drag right down in the backwash. Eventually, with some assistance from tho shore, they were enabled to place their yacht in a much safer position until the weather improved. The well-known Auckland yacht, Heartsease, met with an accident on the Mangawai bar recently. The Heartsease was crossing the bar when she struck, and carried away her lead keel. With assistance from the shore tho crow were enabled to toiv tho yacht to safety. Tho lead was recovered at low tide and dragged ashore by a bullock team. Of the few boats that were in the Boat Harbour on Monday last, the Taipari was the only one to bravo the elements. Thtt little packet was subject to a severe buffeting, but she kept at it in a style good to seo. Tho crew spent a good day on Soanies Island. The Siren and Waitangi return from (he Sounds on Sunday. This afternoon tho'Tort Nicholson Club will hold' races fur first and second-class yachts. The above are tho last in No. 1 series, and will be held on No. 1 course. Oh, Those Scotch! s It is reported that a new motive power has been discovered by a Scotsman whicli will drive a motor for 51d. as far as can bo done on ss. worth of benzine. This is said to be derived from the smoke of coal, which, when refined, leaves a pure nitrogen gas; it is non-explosive, but moro powerful than steam. This should be good news to owners of launches, as power is a factor,that enters largely into their calculations!