PREPARING FOR NEW SEASON

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 136, 30 August 1927, Page 11

PREPARING FOR NEW SEASON

Last week-end was “one out of the box,” and owners and crews on the foreshores of both harbours worked on their boats as long as the light lasted. Sydney, a few years ago, had 19 consecutive wet week-ends. Auckland this winter has not proved quite so bad as that, but the weather cannot be said to have helped yachtsmen very much in the important work of overhauling their craft in preparation for the new season. Workers turned up in force at Cox’s Creek, where the Richmond Cruising Club’s boats are hauled out. Work was started on Mr. O. Goodwin’s 22-footer Marere, and Mr. O. G. Smith’s Mowai. Wild Wave received a coat of blue, and Rakoa was cleaned off. The 20-footer Glenellcn, recently purchased by Mr. R. Judd, has had her cabin-top cut back two feet,’ making her more roomy for racing purposes. Mr. IT. Calvert has decided to launch his B class yacht Ngahau, which has not been afloat for the last two seasons. She will be a welcome addition to the keelers for the coming season’s racing. His mullet-boat, Mistletoe 11., will have a spell on the hard. Freeman’s Bay was a hive of industry, and members of the Squadron and the “Vic’s” were too busy to think much about their enforced departure to new homes before next season. Thelma is in the general opinion “looking a job.” With Viking, Waitangi and Heartsease she should be in the water early in October. The keel yacht Peri has also received a complete burn off and is another that has been treated with a primary coat over the whole of her woodwork.

A new canopy has replaced the canvas and pipe structure of the Akarana president’s launch Gispa. Mr. W. R. Ingram has made a very good job of it.

Rangi’s owner, Mr. Percy Thode, vice-commodore of the T'onsonby Cruising Club, has worked hard on his keeler. He has concentrated on the hull, which should be in perfect condition for the summer.

Little Jim, which is now all ready for her final coats of paint, should be one of the first boats to take the water. Mr. W. S. Goodison hopes to have her afloat by the second week in October if the slipway is clear. The unsatisfactory ignition system has been removed from Mr. Christensen’s V-bottomed launch Pal-o’-Mine. A high-tension magneto has taken its place, and no doubt better results will be obtained. ACROSS THE HARBOUR Work on the keeler Windward is well under way. The outside has been pumiced well and considerable progress has been made inside. Rahiri is looking well with her blue top-sides and white bottom. This ship looks like being one of the first oft'. The big launch Vulcan has received a complete burn off. Mr. Wood’s 22footer Marie, too, has been treated similarly. Ngui‘u is looking in good trim. The inside is about finished. All that is required is a few fine days for outside painting.