BOAT GOSSIP

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 94, 12 July 1927, Page 14

BOAT GOSSIP

AROUND THE SLIPWAYS Mr. K. Creagh, the new owner of Thelma, has sold his keeler Niobe to the Rev. J. L. Greer, of Waiheke. The new owners of the 22-footer Z<ovelight have moved her from the Victoria Club’s slipway at Freeman’s Bay, across the harbour to Bays water. At St. Mary’s Bay Kokiri’s crew have made an early start. This week-end saw the old covering boards ripped off and preparations made for fitting new ones. The 22-footer Valeria is undergoing a complete overhaul this winter at the hands of those gluttons for work, Tom and Jack McWhirter. Particular attention is being given to a lightening up process of the hull and spars. * * * Several boats on the Richmond Cruising Club’s slipway have now been burnt off and received a coating of redlead in preparation for the coming season. Tulip, among others, has received particular attention and is now, in the words of one enthusiast, “like a new pin.” Marion D. Mr. James Donald’s big launch, has had her “bus top” removed

and replaced by a flush deck. Although not giving so much head-room, the new arrangement of her top-hamper will prove better for her crew in a seaway, and will also provide a more roomy deck. Mr. K. J. Kelly’s 46-ft V-bottomed cruiser is rapidly nearing- completion, at Colin Wilde’s yard at Stanley Bay. But for varnish and one or two other little details the hull is now ready for the water. * • • The power plant—a six-cylinder 100 h.p. Loew-Knight engine of the sleevevalve type—arrived about a month ago and has been the cynosure of quite a number of launchmen’s envious eyes. THE SUN AFLOAT Enterprise and originality are shown by Mr. R. J. Thompson, the 17-year-old son of the popular commodore of the Richmond Cruising Club. Tiring of the name of his 18-footer, Millicent, which was bestowed by a former owner, he has notified the Auckland Yacht and Power Boat Association of his intention to change her name to The Sun. * * * In keeping with her name, Mr. Thompson is repainting Millicent’s hull red, with a gold streak. On her mainsail she will carry a replica of The Sun, with her name lettered above. In making this choice, Mr. Thompson no doubt had in mind the well-known saying: “THE SUN leads, others follow.” SANDERS CUP TRIALS According to the tone of a communication from Lyttelton, there appears to be very little prospect of the Sanders Cup trials this coming season attaining the same standard as they have done in former years; at any rate, as far as interest is concerned. * * * The opinion is based on the fact of the accidental burning of the Jellicoe chtss boats lona and Linnet 11, and that the owners of these craft do not intend to build new boats to the design in the immediate future. The declaration of Usher's owner to refuse to take part in any trial against the Betty, is also mentioned. * * * This leaves no bona fide Lyttelton boat to represent the port, and on present appearances it is left to the two Redcliffs boats. Secret and Betty, to tight out the trials to find Canterbury’s Sanders Cup defender. * * * “Keelson” understands that Hawke’s Bay will not be represented at the next contest. * * * It is to be sincerely hoped that something will turn up to make the prospects for the 1928 contest a little brighter than they appear at present.