YACHTING

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 141, 3 February 1939, Page 3

YACHTING

OPOTIKI'S FIRST RACE AVON BY “WEE PAT” The first yacht race ever held in Opotiki took place on Anniversary Day, attracting a, large crowd which witnessed a thrilling race- from the wharf, despite the inclement .weather. The wind was a tight S.S.E., a little gusty at times. and showers made conditions rather unpleasant. As the boats approached the bar some of the braver spectators climbed to the top of the pile-driving derrick to witness the battle. The four boats were launched together and with a beam wind, soon gained the narrow channel which runs between the inlands jn tlie AVaioelca river, where a- scramble took place. “Wee Pat” eventually leading the way for a straight run for the Imov at the bar. “Living Cloud” was a close .second, and these two boats were nearly to the bathing sheds when “L’Hircliidelle” eventually got clear ef the channel.

After rounding the buoy at the bar. rt was hard going against a. head wind and an outgoing tide, ram now making things very unpleasant. “AYee Pat,” who still lead was unfortunate enough to break her peak halyard. “LM lirondelle”, after rounding the buoy at the bar, passed “Flying Cloud”, which boat was putting up a great fight. “Flying Cloud ’ then passed “Wee Pat” which by this time bad effected repairs ami was soon under way. “Pnpcycy” by this time was running before the wind for the bar buoy. At the junction of the Otara and A\ aioeka rivers a thrilling battle ensued between “Wee Pat”, “LTlirondelle”, “Flying Cloud” being little to the rear. From the home stretch to the finishing line “Wee Pat” led “J- Hiruiidclle”. to win by .‘SO seconds—a popular win. “Flying Cloud” put up a good performance, being only three minutes behind the first boat. 'J inti mes were:

“AYee Pat”, (“Snowy” Hill) lhr. Am. I st. “L’Hinndelle” (McGregor) Ih. Ten. 30sec.. 2nd. “Flying Cloud” (F. Tallinn lit. dm. did. “Pop F.ye” i(A Brownie) lb. dOm. 3<!s. Ith. Good work was done by .Messrs. R. (a rruthers and W. Carruthers who beside being starter, kindly helped with his dinghy and outboard motor. Mr. C. Xewth also helped greatly hv following the boats around in ease of mishap. Air. A. W. MlcGregor lias ollered to donate a cup, three races to he field, and the boat with two wins out of three races to secure the <up. Great interest is being shown, and in the near future there will he several more additions to Opotiki’s rapidly growing fleet of yachts. Air. J. O’Sullivan donated two bottles 'of champagne to the winner ol .Monday’s race.