Personalities Afloat

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 278, 14 February 1928, Page 14

Personalities Afloat

MR. J. PATRICK , Skipper of Sanders Cup Boat, Avalon. Most yachtsmen have heard a good deal about Mr. J. Patrick, skipper of Avalon, Auckland’s challenger for the Sanders Cup contest, which begins at Stewart Island next Friday. He first c-ame into prominence thoughout the Dominion when, in 1922, he sailed Desert Gold at Dunedin and brought the trophy to Auckland. Southern yachtsmen are gratified to learn that “Joe” Patrick, as he is known, has again been selected to contend, on behalf of Auckland. They refer with pleasure to the great battle staged between Avalon and Betty In 1926. When he arrives in the South he will be assured of a warm welcome. Mr. Patrick has been at the yachting game since his early youth. He used to live near Ult Whangaruru Harbour, Bay of islands, and it was there he acquired a fondness for yachting that eventually carried him to distinction. In his time he has sailed in many types of boats, but he gets most enjoyment out of the 14-footers. During a great part of his yachting career Mr. Patrick has been associated with Mr. Frank Cloke, well'known as owner of Avalon. The two men tre also part-owners of the C class keeler Speedwell, which they acquired over 13 years ago. They have been very successful in racing this boat. Speedwell won the last ocean race to Russell, and also at the Auckland anniversary Regatta. Mr. Patrick and Mr. Cloke have won between 80 and 90 prizes during their aquatic careers. This season they have sailed seven races, and have secured six firsts and one second. Mr. Thomas Patrick, brother of Avalon’s skipper, used frequently to sail with his brother and Mr. Cloke in 14footers. All three are first-class en-gine-drivers in the service of the New Zealand Government. Mr. “Tom” Patrick and Mr. Cloke had Desert Gold built , and she was really the first one design. After 40 boats had been built she was still /champion. The best wishes of all yachtsmen will go with Auckland’s skipper and his crew on their quest for the Sanders Cup. They left by train on Sunday evening for the South and success. - AUSTRALIAN YACHTING The 18-footers championship of Queensland was decided recently. Besides local representatives, there were four boats from Northern Queensland. The event was eventually won by J.C. The Australian 12-foot championship went to the Queensland boat, Dove 11.. which defeated Wendawee (N.S.W.).

SPEEDBOAT CONTESTS

RACING ON SATURDAY The most comprehensive speed boat and outboard motor-boat regatta yet undertaken by the New Zealand PowerBoat Association will be held on Saturday on new courses laid in the Whau River. Six events are on the programme. The first race is timed for 2.30 p.m. and others will follow at regular intervals until 5.35 p.m. A novel contest will be a '‘consistency” race for outboards. This is designed, as the name suggests, to test the consistent running of these little motors. The speeders will be timed over each lap of a five lap course about five miles long. The trophy is the Farmers’Challenge Cup. and judging will be on the points system to be allotted as follows: Thirty points for fastest time, 20 for second place and 10 for third. All boats will start from scratch. In addition, 30 points extra will be awarded for “consistency.” But one point will be deducted for every second a competitor's time varies between his fastest and slowest times for each of the five laps. In event of a tie on points the boat that has the most pints for consistent running will i-. declared the winner. It is possible that the speedboat Kotuku will be brought from Wanganui to take part in the racing. Chief of the speed-boat races will be the contest for the Auckland Provincial Challenge Cup and trophies. Great interest has been aroused m power-boat circles in this regatta, and it is hoped that the public will bo attracted by the promised show of speed. Robertson’s Point, where the racing will start and finish, is easy of access both from land lind water. A good motor road runs from the city to Jtosebank Road, Avondale, to Mr. Robertson’s property, which will be flagged for the occasion. The racing officials will be.— Starters, Messrs. W. D. Ross, S. BellBooth and A. J. Collings; timekeepers, Messrs. L. Buchanan and A. Kohn, judge, Mr. A. G. Lunn; patrol supervisor, Mr. C. H. Palmer, launch Adelaide. NEEDLESS ANNOYANCE Yachtsmen whose boats are moored in Mechanic’s Bay are looking for the blood of the owner of a fast cruising launch which made itself objectionable during the week-end. While many craft were lying at anchor in the protected area this fast launshman came dashing into the mooring ground at full speed. He sped in a wide circle, came close in shore, waved to friends "on the beach,” and departed leaving a wash like a mail steamer, which set every boat plunging and rolling dangerously. This shows the rough state of the water. If a dinghy load of men had been coming ashore at the time the inconsiderate launchman was “stunting" they would certainly have been swamped. If the matter were trivial it would not have been mentioned by the yachting men. As it is the thoughtless action has been reported to the harbourmaster.

MANUKAU REGATTA The Manuka Yacht and Motor-Boat Club is pleased with its annual regatta and cup day held last Saturday afternoon. Racing was keen and the programme was well conducted. The people of Onehunga were greatly interested in the racing between six Cornwell Cup class boats, four of which had been kindly lent by Takapuna Boating Club for the day. The first race was easily won by the Waitemata boys, who afterwards gave the Manukau boys a few minutes’ instruction in the handling of the 12ft 6in boats. This was much appreciated by the learners, who show promise of developing into good yachtsmen. Through the generosity of a gentleman who wishes to remain anonymous a third boat of the Takapuna class has been presented to the Manukau Yacht Club. These little boats are taking on, and encouraged by the club should become a very strong class in the future. DEVONPORT REGATTA On Saturday the Devonport Yacht Club will hold its annual regatta. Races will be held for all classes of yachts as well as launches. This will be the club’s "Cup Day,” and among the plate offered as prizes are the "Duder,” “Herald.” “JelliCoe” and “Edwin” cups, as well as the “Maude” shield. Entries close to-morrow at 5 p.m., with John Burns and Co., Ltd., Customs Street, and at noon with J. Hipkins, tobacconist, Devonport. NORTHCOTE AND BIRKENHEAD REGATTA Splendid support is being received for this annual marine suburb event which takes place on March 5. The Devonport Ferry Company have generously placed one of their at the disposal of the committee for a flagship. An extra event in the outboard motor-boat lias been added to the programme. The following officers were elected during the past week: Sailing Committee, A. Clarke, A. Clare, W. Couldrey, J. T. Fearnley; judge, sailing events, C. E. Campbell, G. Laycock; timekeeper, W. A. Wilkinson: starters, A. Clarke, W. Hurley; judges, G. Pearce, A. V. Tyler. An area close to the wharf is being buoyed for sideshow events, which will be an interesting part of the programme. MODEL YACHTS ARE POPULAR Although last Saturday was essentially a regatta at Onehunga for the big yachts, it was very pleasing to see that the management did not overlook the model yacht races. Calypso, the winner, sailed a good race. On the Orakei Lake, - Felix again proved her superiority over Silver Bell. Whereas the previous best time for the course was 15 minutes, on this occasion the journey was done in 12 minutes, Felix winning by the margin of 30 seconds. Three more firstclass models are in the making. This will ensure a good club being started. The address of our model yachting correspondent may be obtained at The Sun Office, who would be pleased to get into touch with other enthusiasts. POINT CHEVALIER SAILING CLUB A race was held during the weekend by the Point Chevalier Sailing Club for the Auckland Motor-bus

Company’s Cup. There was a good sailing breeze. Five boats faced the starter. Result: Mistral, 2m, 2 9.42 1 Malua, scr., 2 10.52 2 Sea Elf, 14m, 2 29.59 * 3 Awahou reported hitting the triangle beacon and retired. Orete failed to complete the course. On February 19 the club's annual regatta will take place. Races will be held for the four following combined classes: H, I, L, N, O, for Rawhai Lodge trophy; V, M and S, for Burgess trophy; T, X, Y and Z, fo.r John Burns’s trophy. There will also be launch and outboard motor races and women’s dinghy race. Post entries will be received for all events until one hour before advertised starting times.