Sailing on the Lake

Horowhenua Chronicle, 17 December 1913, Page 2

Sailing on the Lake

A LEVIiY PASTIME. Levin is probably the only inland (own m .jft ew . Zealand that possesses a fleet of one design, one class centre-board sailing boats. The idea (which, was suggested by Mr VV. B. Macintosh at the Holwhenua Boating Club's annual meeting) is to have a sailing ileet on the lake of boats of the same design and the same size. This does away with handicapping, and makes the racing of the boats a splendid sport, as it depends entirely on the seamanship of its skipper which boat conies in first. The latest additions arc Mr Harry Dean's "Iseni" and the boat which-MrF. Haste has built. Mr Stan. Brewster (the club captain's) boat has been launched some time. The boats on their trial spins have proved to be weather! y craft, with a good turn of speed. They are of the type known as "flatties." This style of boat is said to have been invented by the oystermen on the Connecticut coast. In the United States they are called "sharpies." Their strong point is th.it they draw only four or five inches of water; a "sharpie"' with the corner of her centre-board down will work to windward in a foot of water. This makes the boats par excellent for inland lakes. In fairly smooth water they are as ueatherly as a deep-bodied yacht; while off the wind there is an authentic record of a 40ft "sharpie" having done fourteen knots. The fleet will number half-a-dozen when all the boats are launched that are in hand. Boat-sailing is a clean and healthy sport, and the enterprise of the young fellows who are building those fioats deserves every encouragement. Some good races from the spectators' point of view may be looked for during the coming season. —Hy. H. France.