OWNERS AND THEIR BOATS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 166, 4 October 1927, Page 12

OWNERS AND THEIR BOATS

MANY READY FOR LAUNCHING The first fine week-end for months brought out practically every crew to work strenuously and late —as long as the light lasted —putting the all-im-portant finishing touches that mean a boat is once again ready for the water. • * * Mr. R. Judd's 20-foot mullet boat Glenellen has now been registered as Matarehe. Commodore Alby Braund’s Mavis B is looking more like her old self, with the white enamel top sides and grey bottom. • • • Work on the 22-footer Mowai is progressing well, and it will not be long before her overhaul and painting are complete. 0 0 * Up at Curran Street beach the launch Sylvester appears to be the most forward, and in fact is about ready. If all goes well she will be in the water within a fortnight. • • • A late start was made on Mr. F. Murphy’s auxiliary Etta F., but by the way the crew has knuckled down to the job she should not be far behind the others when the season opens.

Mr. T. Hill’s Queenie is looking as well as hands can make her, and appears none the worse for her collision with the launch Grace Darling at the latter end of last season.

The process of burning off the outside paint of the motor-launch Lucky Lou is well advanced, the cabin top and combings too are receiving the effects of the blow-lamp. Mr. W. Ingram’s Gispa is ready, tlie final exterior paint being applied during the week-end. She certainly looks a job. The 35 h.p. Sterling engine has been passed as O.K. for another season’s usage.

From present appearances Rakoa (the former Lipton Cup winner) and Otira look as though they may remain on the hard this season, as work on both boats has apparently been discontinued.

The big keeler Waitangi will not be launched for some time yet. Her back-stay plates, which are badly rusted, are being taken out and replaced by others of non-corrosive metal.

Mr. L. Turcel’s fast launch Pal o’ Mine has been stoned down well outside, the crew being at present busy on the cabin and engine-room. The 100 h.p. Shark motor has been removed to the owner’s home for the usual overhaul.

The former steam launch Rehutai is at present housed in the shed of Chas. Bailey, Ltd.—minus her power plant. When next she noses her way down the harbour it will be under motor power.

Mr. T. Fookes lias the Kokiri looking in good trim. The top sides have received their final coat of white enamel and the water-line has been struck. The red band with gold streak adds a splendid finish to this natty little 22footer.

Mr. Alf Gifford has not succeeded in obtaining a suitable piece of Oregon locally for the mast of his yacht Kawene. It is possible that he may have to go to Australia for the necessary wood. Meanwhile the crew is pushing ahead with the hull preparations.

A full crew is at work on Mr. Miller's keeler Moana. The outside surface has been well pumiced down ready for painting. Last week-end the rail and companion-way were scraped and oiled, and a considerable amount of progress made with the inside fittings.

No boat has been more thoroughly overhauled than Mr. T. McQuirter’s Valeria. She will take the water with all the grace of a white swan this season. Her familiar green has disappeared under the hot breath of the blow-lamp.

That smart and well-built keelya :lit Little Jim should ta.ke the water in better trim than ever before. Last week the cockpit was grained and a coat of flat white applied to the top sides. The week-end saw the tmall crew painting the deck, and assisting •with the leafing of the streak and scroll for’ard.

Mr. Trevor Fookes has made a splendid job of 22-footer Kokiri and expects to have her down next Saturday.

Although still a youth, he has carried out the big task of overhaul and painting in a manner which would reflect credit on many an old hand. Mr. Fookes is one of the keenest racing men competing in L class.

The crew of the- old crack 26-foot, mullet-boat Waitere has taken over the launch Wai-Lani from Mr. Lloyd for the coming season, and has started in earnest with the usual preparations.

Farmer and his crew will still be popular with the mullet-boat owners, especially as they have experienced a few drifts home themselves, and on occasions appreciated a welcome tow.

Mr. Hyauia son’s 38-foot launch Leone has had a good deal of work put into her this winter. The sixcylinder Ferro engine has received the necessary once-over. Last week-end the crew was busy fitting a new tailshaft. Quite a number of these have been found faulty on the various launches since hauling out, due possibly to the propellor striking some submerged object, or allowing the dinghy painter to become fouled. A long tow rope is dangerous and needs careful watching when reversing. TAKAPUNA RACING OFFICIALS At a committee meeting of the Takapuna Boating Club on September 29 the following sub-committees and racing officials were appointed: Sailing Committee. —E. Denham, L. Sanford, N. Bach, R. N. White, S. Hicks. Handicappers.—l2ft 6in to ISft, R. Lidgard. J. Mackay, L. Sanford. N. Bach; H.L. and N., R. Lidgard. E. Denham, C. Blackwell: keel yachts, L. Easson. R. N. White, J. Mackay; launches, E. L. Buchanan. Delegates to A.Y. and M.8.A.—0 Moller. H. G. Carr. Starter.—F. G. Fortzer. Judge.—W. A. Wilkinson. Timekeepers.—A. Ramboud, C. H. Hoverd, J. Peters. Flag Stewards.—S. Hicks, J. Deacon. Recorder.—T. Dryland.