AT SIGN OF THE PENNANT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 272, 7 February 1928, Page 14

AT SIGN OF THE PENNANT

(By

KEELSON.)

Personalities Afloat

MR. R. LIDGARD, Commodore Takapuna Boating Club Roy Lidgard, commodore of the Takapuna Boating Club, is one of those reserved men who dislike talking about themselves, and it was only by the exercise of some strategy that it was possible to get anything about his career as a yachtsman. His ability as a skipper of many classes of yachts is known not only on this harbour, but also in other ports of the Dominion. Mr. Lidgard began boating when a boy of 12 with his brother Vic. He started in a 13ft open * boat and soon showed his coming prowess by winning the first four races he ever sailed in. His next command was the 20ft. champion patiki Myra, and after racing successfully in this boat he disposed of her and entered into partnership with his brother in the purchase of the wellknown 20-footer Decima. That would be about 1914-16. Later on they acquired the 20-footer Vanina and continued to race with conspicuous success. Roy Lidgard then relinquished his interest in this craft in favour o his brother. It was soon after this that the crack 20-footer Marie came into being This boat was designed and built by Roy himself and her subsequent performances spoke highly of the skill of her builder. Soon after her launching she proved herself a .winner by annexing the champion flag of her class in the first season. Marie also carried off the coveted Lipton Cup no fewer than three occasions. Mr. Roy Lidgard sailed her to victory in the first of the three races. His next success was in the 20-footer Waiapu, in which he won the championship. After this he decided to go in for a launch, and promptly built one. But once having got the spirit of sailing in his make-up he found power boating a tame business and soon went back to white wings. His next command was the 26-footer Celox. About two years ago he bought the 32ft. keeler Alexa, and last season sold her to buy his present command, the 42ft. B class yacht Lady Wilma. Mr. Lidgard has had the distinction of winning races with every boat he has owned, including the launch. He was a member of the crew of the Rona when she first won the Sanders Cup. He has served as a committeeman of the Takapuna Boating Club since its inception about seven years ago, and three, seasons ago he was elected rearcommodore. Last year he hoisted the vice-commodore’s flag, and at the last annual meeting was promoted to the position of commodre, an office he fills to general satisfaction. Mr. Lidgard has always been a strong supporter of the Cornwell Cup contests and has done much to encourage the boys of his club and others to take up the manly sport of yachting.

YACHT SQUADRON ROOMS ALTERATIONS IN PROGRESS Extensive alterations are now in progress to the clubrooms of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron on the fifth floor of Endean's Buildings. The work which is being carried out by contract is now about half completed and the rooms greatly enlarged should be ready for occupation in about a fortnight’s time. A lease of 10 years has been taken of the whcrie of the fifth floor with the exception of two small offices. The main feature of the new clubrooms will be a much extended social room and lounge. Hitherto there has been too little space for the squadron's large social functions and the enlarged lounge should provide ample room for any future demands made on the "Royal’s” hospitality. The completed scheme also provides for a first-class kitchen and wellequipped dining-room. There will also be hot and cold showers, a wardrobe, two new card rooms and a larger com-mittee-room. . New furnishings will be provided and the enlargement will necessitate the engagement of additional attendants. The alterations are being paid for out of the squadron’s building fund which has been accumulating for some years. In a word, the suite will be one of the most up-to-date clubrooms in the hemisphere and a possession the squadron might well be proud of. HERE AND THERE Mr. A. Foster left in his launch Raira for Russell and the big fish grounds on Saturday afternoon. The party comprises Messrs. Martley, Hewson, Mullions, and Clinton Savage. A couple of weeks have been set aside for the cruise. It was expected to make Omaha on Saturday evening, and Russell early next afternoon. The smoke and rain haze during the week-end were calculated to give some of the boats a little trouble, especially those that worked along the coast in the gloaming, and wanted to follow the land. Early on Sunday afternoon rain haze completely obliterated ihe Milford-Whangaparoa region from view. The sailing on Regatta Day once more proves the lack of wisdom of starting the M and Star class boats off the same gun. The M class is too good a class to be spoiled. It is not an easy one to handle, and the lighter Star boats, which can get to windward in less time, will always hinder a good start. The prize iponey for the M class is not nearly so good as for the rougher boats, and while pri::e money is to be offered, at it should bear some relation to the races. CUP FOR TAKAPUNA Mrs. T. Hutchinson, of Hawke’s Bay, who came up to Auckland to see her son race in the Cornwell Cup contest, has given a cup for competition in the Takapuna Boating Club. Mrs. Hutchinson expressed in her letter her appreciation of the hospitality extended to her by the contest Entertainment Committee.