OWNERS AND THEIR BOATS

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

OWNERS AND THEIR BOATS

The keel-boat Romp lias been burnt off from deck to keel, and a coating of red-lead applied.

Work on the cruiser Kotaretare has commenced at last. The painters are at present busy on the deck-house and cockpit.

Mr. W. Taylor has acquired the 18footer Lancia. His present intentions are to race his new craft in various club events if a siutable crew can be procured.

The keel-yacht Dorothy is rather backward as far as her winter refit is concerned. Following the burn-off on top-sides, a coat or two of white have been applied.

The V-bottomed launch Paikea is another of the large number of craft that have felt the effects of the blowlamp. The process of burning the paint off the hull is now well ahead.

The 20ft mullet boat Isobel is nearly ready for the water. With the white top-sides and green streak this welcome addition to the class should make her presence felt this coming season. Work on the keel yaclit Waione is well forward, the interior being practically finished. Outside, the hull (on tho top sides) has received a couple of coats of white, and below the waterline the seams and garboards have been recaulked.

Mr. Sandford’s launch Swanee is looking a picture. During the winter a number of improvements have been made to her spacious main cabin, and engine-room. The Hercules motor has received the usual attention at the owner’s hands. Swanee was expected to go down on Sunday.

Mr. Tattersfield’s 18-footer Maranui is being converted into a comfortable little cruiser. A match-lined partition has been built across at the mast step, new raised bunks have been fitted in the cabin, and repairs to the decking carried out. The fitting of two hinged doors is now proceeding. For an 18-footer Maranui has a surprising amount of room.

It is certainly wonderful how some of the old-time yachts stand up to it. Probably one of Auckland’s oldest, the B-class keel yacht, Yum Yum, appears to be just as good as far as her timbering is concerned. On appearances she should last a good while yet. Members of her crew, like that of their neighbour Dorothy, have made a late start with their preparations, but are now pushing on with the outside painting.

Mr. P. Thode was rather fortunate in making the timely examination of the keel bolts of his yacht Rangi. It appears that the gun-metal was eaten nearly through just under the nuts on the inside of the hull. Four new tobin bronze bolts have been fitted and the lead keel has again been securely fastened. Luckily we do not hear of many of the sailing craft losing their lead, but nevertheless it is a good plan, especially on the larger or older types, to have the keel fastenings thoroughly examined from time to time.

PICTURE NIGHT The Manukau Cruising Club is holding a picture night next Wednesday, and a good muster of yachtsmen from that harbour is anticipated. “ROSE TIME” DANCE The Takapuna Boating Club has arranged a dance to be held in the clubhouse, Bayswater, to-morrow evening. It is to be called “Rose Time,” and an unusually enjoyable evening is promised. Birtley’s No. 1 Orchestra has been engaged, and dancing will be held from 7.45 p.m. to 1 a.m. CUP FROM MAJOR WHITNEY Writing from London to the Ponsonby Cruising Club, Major C. Whitney, of the Colonial Ammunition Com-

pany, has offered to give an artillery cup for a “man overboard” competition. “Everywhere this competition has taken place it has caused a great deal of fun,” says Major Whitney. “And the race makes the yachtsman smart in handling his vessel.” RICHMOND’S HANDICAPPERS The following have been appointed handicappers for the Richmond Cruising Club for the new season: H Class—V. Riley; L Class—T‘. L. Thompson; N Class—G. Smith; V Class —R. Judd; S Class—C. Brown; T Class —T. Bell; Y Class —O. Goodwin; Outboard Boats—J. Longbottom. WILL RONA SAIL? It is doubtful if the 14ft one-designer Rona will be a competitor in the Sanders Cup trials this year. She is still in storage at Lane’s. As the opening day is only a month off, and the trials follow almost immediately afterwards, her presence in the field does not look too promising. Her late skipper, it is understood, will not be available this season.