THE “STAR” CLASS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 124, 16 August 1927, Page 11

THE “STAR” CLASS

TROPHY FROM AMERICA Though there are only three “Star” class yachts among well over 300 other sailing craft on the "Waitemata, Ola IV., June and Moa have suddenly come into prominence as a result cf tlio arrival from Los Angeles of the trophy presented by the International Star Class Yacht Racing Association. Referring to this graceful, solid silver vase, a photograph of which was published in THE SUN last week, Mr. B. Key Schauer, president of the 1.5.C.Y.R.A., says modestly: “It may not be much, but it will help to start things, and give the class at least one trophy all its own.” The vase, which is called “The Star Class Australasian Trophy,” is for inter-colonial competition, and it is quite on the cards that Mr. F. IT. Ernest Walker, who has built a boat in Sydney, may come to Auckland next year to sail for its possession. Another contestant may come from the Philippines. There seems every possibility that the class which is so light and easy to transport, requiring only the castiron “fin” to be unbolted —will give New Zealand an opportunity of entering the field of international yachtracing. Placed in the care of the “Waitemata Fleet,” the vase is to be raced for annually, according to the deed of gift which accompanied it. Each year there will be a short series of contests of not less than three, and not more than five races. The winner of the greatest number of points in each series will hold the trophy for the ensuing year. Races may be extended over an entire season, but the dates must be fixed in advance. The first series of races is to be conducted by the Waitemata Fleet in its home waters, each succeeding series to be held on the home waters of the last winner. The yachtsman winning the trophy three times (not necessarily consecu-

tive) will retain it as his own property. He is not required to sail the same boat each year. The races are to be sailed under the rules of the 1.5.C.Y.R..A. With such a stimulus from America, where in the 17 years since their inception Star boast have grown to be the largest class of one-design racing yachts in the world, the “fleet” of three on the Waitemata should soon be added to. thus increasing the interest in their class. Who knows, too. but that the class may also extend to other New Zealand ports.