Personalities Afloat

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 172, 11 October 1927, Page 12

Personalities Afloat

MR. JAMES DONALD, President Richmond Cruising Club.

When a man owns one of the finest launches on the Waitemata he might be expected, as a matte,r of course, to

uso his craft at every opportunity for his own pleasure and the enjoyment of his immediate friends, without going out of his way frequently to place his command at the service of clubs of which he is a member. Not so James Donald,

president of Richmond Cruising Club. He owns the cruiser Marion D. and his willingness to allow his launch to bo used as flagship at regattas, and on every occasion when his help is needed, has become well-known to members of Richmond and Ponsonby Clubs. Marion D. has had the distinction of serving as flagship for Upton Cup races every year since the inauguration of the contests. Mr. Donald has always shown readiness to encourage the younger generation of yachtsmen. As a city councillor he has seen to it that the claims of the sport are not neglected on occasions when questions affecting yachting have come before the council. H.e first took up aquatics about 33 years ago on the upper .reaches of the harbour when there was only one boat on that portion of the Waitemata—a craft called Margaret Richmond. He has owned from time to time first the Elba, then the Dreighn. The launch Sister Dora came next and she was burned about six years ago. He then acquired the fine speeder Kerita and won every event he entered for during several seasons. Mr. Donald bought his present ship, Marion D„ about two years ago.