ON THE HARBOUR

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12610, 22 November 1926, Page 12

ON THE HARBOUR

YACHTING AT EVANS BAY OPENING OF SEASON PROSPECTS NEVER BRIGHTER The Evans Bay Yacht Club was favoured with an almost ideal yachting day on Saturday, when a fresh breeze rippled the surface of the harbour and filled tho sails of the many yachts which were assembled in front of the clubhouse for the opening of the season. Boats of all sizes and classes were present, and bunting was flown from the masts denoting the festive occasion. The popularity of the club was indicated by the large number of visitors who came from the city in cars, and these who sailed their yachts around from other clubs. Five yachts and a. launch were j>resent from R.P.X.Y.C., and the yacht Hobo sailed over from Petone, while a boatload of sea scouts also participated in the function. The initial proceedings were bright-, ened by a well-selected programme of music played by the Pipe Band, and alter the official opening, for ladies and men, tug-of-war, and greasy pole contests were held, as well as pleasure sails for the visitors. Tiie season was opened by Mr A. A. George, who was introduced by the president cf the club (Mr Peterson).

A CLEAN SPORT After thanking the gathering for the reception accorded him, Mr George said he felt intensely gratified to again open the season, because the club continued to make astounding progress, and was enveloped in an atmosphere of prosperity. All would agree that a club which was always climbing upwards was doing its duty towards the great sport of yachting. The indications were that this season would eclipse all others, and it appeared to be the determined aim of all members to make it so. Yachting was a sport worthy of the highest admiration, and when promoted by the members of the Evans Bay Club, would wield influence lor the good of the community. This club had never looked back, ‘and he found it immensely refreshing to see so many men taking a healthy interest m its welfare. Yachting was one of the cleanest pastimes that could be mentioned, and was booming throughout New Zealand. None worked harder than the yachtsmen, and it was n wonder to the speaker that thev ever found time to say their nravers. (Laughter.) Mr George wished the club well. He was pleased to say that there would be several additions to the fleet, and that things looked exceedingly bright. A tribute was paid by the gathering to Mrs George, whose interest in the club had earned the anpreciation of its members. Mr D. K. Blair, Commodore of the R.P.X’.Y.C., joined in wishing the Evans Bay Club a successful season, for which the prospects appeared of the best. So far as lie personally was concerned, he would like to see greater intercourse between dubs. \\ e are blamed ior a certain amount of apathy towards each other,” he went on, “and we should make a point of helping each other wherever we are.” (Applause.) “You have a standing invitation to visit our club; and ‘ I understand we have a similar invitation from your club. I am pleased to see the tnogress your club has made, indicative of prosperity and advancement.” Mr Paterson said Evans Bay felt honoured at the visit from the Royal Port Nicholson Club. They had a fleet in Evans Bay of which they were not ashamed, but they could not show such fine boats as those from their sister club. They had a harbour with which Nature had provided them, and the exposure to the elements created difficulties which tended to make the life of the yachtsman anything but a happy one. Cheers were exchanged between the Evans Bay and the visiting clubs, and tho visitors were entertained at afternoon tea. During the afternoon the Commodore Cup, which had been presented by a number of sunporters of the club for competition amrng all yachts in the harbour, was given in charge of the handicapper and starter (Mr Wagstaff).