A YACHTSMAN ON YACHTSMEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 290, 28 February 1928, Page 14

A YACHTSMAN ON YACHTSMEN

AND A FEW WORDS IN REPLY Something of a stir has been caused I in Australian yachting circles by an I article in a Melbourne paper written I by one John Crossley Hartle, a memi her of the crew of the big yacht Utiekah which has not long completed a • lengthy cruise in the South Seas and f returned to Australia. It will be remembered that some time ago a J special article was given to The Sun by one of her crew passing through ' Auckland on his way to Melbourne. | Ho had to leave the ship owing to illness and his story of the cruise was much appreciated by Waitemata yachtsmen.

A part of the article written by Mr. Hartle was headed “What is a Y’achtsman?” and to this exception has been taken in some clubs in Victoria. It is held that the article spreads the impression that yachtsmen are poor fish compared with sailormen. Mr. Hartle says: “Now the difference between a yachtsman and a sailor is somewhat after this wise: The sailor does what has to be done, because it is useful or necessary, and when done, it usually ‘stays put’; but the yachtsman does what is supposed to be the correct thing, according to theory, even if it be neither useful, necessary, or ornamental, and usually it has to be done all over again in accordance with some other weird theory. When the sailor is in difficulties, or fears bad weather, he puts out to sea in order to get room to roll his eyebrows, whereas we yachtsmen bolt for the nearest funkhole. The one looks on his ship as his servant, and as a means to an end, but the other is a slave in the service of his yacht, and apparently looks upon it as an end in itself. Our gods are Mulhauser. Voss, Connor, and O’Brien, Ralph Stock, and others of that ilk, and their writings are our Bibles and/ our psalters, containing all the law, and the prophets.’’ Referring to his shipmates Mr. Hartle writes: “We justified a term applied to us some time ago,. ‘The Bold Adventurers,’ and that is a very polite and kindly way of saying it. We might be called ‘B.A.’s’ (sanguinary donkeys, we suppose he means) of another sort—and with far more truth.’* A Spirited Reply “Crosstree” writes in the “Australian Motor-Boat and Y'achting Monthly” that he is amazed to read that one who apparently classes himself as a yachtsman, should so demean his journalistic capabilities by writing an article which is, at its best, an ef - fort to make the true yachtsman appear in the eyes of the public as a man who engages in a sport which is carried out according to “theory,” whether it be “useful’’ or “necessary,” and which from the tone of the article, would lead the laymen to believe that yachting is mere red tape. The reference to yachtsmen “bolting for the nearest funkhole” when an element of danger is present, is as nauseating to tho true yachtsman as it is untrue. The latter part of Mr. Hartle’s article may refer to his own conception of things, but tho view will not be shared by all. Mr. Hartle must have, indeed, trained in a “weird” yachting school. The true yachtsman is one who has a genuine love of the sea in all its

moods. He is one who should first have a knowledge of his yacht and her peculiarities, and secondly, know how to handle her to best advantage. He is a man who will not sail into danger for danger’s sake, but once in it, will keep his head and do his best to get out as easily as possible. He loves to see his craft in the best of trim and condition, and he does things because they should be done, and in doing them he applies practice to aid theory. He thinks ahead, and meets difficulties when they come. He does not rely on the other fellow, but does his own job. Whether he b© racing or cruising he is always keen on what he is doing. He knows sailing rules and regulations, and observes them. He is not quite like the sailor of old of whom the poet thus spoke: “Every finger a marlinspike, every hair a piece of seizing twine, and every drop of blood Stockholm tar”; but he remembers the old advice, “One hand for yourself, on© for the ship, and never let go till you are sure of the next move.” ECHO OF THE VIC’S CUP DAY An inquiry was held by the Victoria. Cruising Club into a report that, during the race for the Rae Cup on the day of the club’s cup races, Surprise, Manenc, Maratea and Leveret had gone inside the Pile Beacon instead of outside as rtquired. This was fully investigated, and after evidence had been heard the judges concluded that the report was without foundation and the race will stand as it resulted. THE BUSY BUSINESS MAN KEEPS FIT WITH MARSHALL’S The man who has a business that takes up practically every minute of his time is a man who needs to have well-controlled nerves. If not, he will always be suffering from breakdowns, headaches and insomnia. Marshall’s Fospherine is the tonic he needs to keep him fit. Marshall’s Is a wonderful tonic for all nervous complaints—it gives to jaded nerves that life, em:rgy and pep which makes a man of sixty feel like -i two-year-old. and supplies tho phosphorus whicli is lacking in modern foods. Ask your chemist or storekeeper for the six-sided carton—loo doses for 2s ; lid. If unable to obtain easily, write the proprietors, A. and W. Baxter, of : Baxter’s Lung Preserver, Christchurch. . -—. ' * .