Personalities Afloat

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 348, 8 May 1928, Page 14

Personalities Afloat

MR. STANLEY T. COMPTON Stanley T. Compton, who finds boating a pleasant relief from the Public Service, is an ex-Wellingtonian whom Fate, in this case the man who makes government appointments, chanced to send to Auckland. The change was appreciated, for in his native city Mr. Compton had experienced the vicissitudes of boating on Port Nicholson with sundry craft from a catamaran to the 22-footer open raters. Anchored in Auckland, he took up quarters at Devonport, and was on ■ — hand when projects were mooted in 1923 for reviving the Devonport Yacht Club. The marine suburb at that time, owing to the North Shore Yacht Club becoming the Akarana, had no centre for yachting men. Five enthusiasts attended the first meeting, of which Mr. Compton was elected secretary. He spent the next three years in the secretarial office, and when he relinquished office the club was in a strong position, with a solid cash credit, and well on its way to acquiring its own club house. Since then he has been a member of the committee and active so far as his duties permit him. likewise, he has been a member of the Auckland Regatta Committee for four years. In addition to holding the secretaryship of the yacht club, Mr. Compton was able to carry out similar duties for the resurrected swimming club at Devonport until it got on its feet. The week-ends used to see him away as one of ihe crew of the launch Atiki, in which he improved his knowledge of the geography of the gulf. The first winner of the Puder Memorial Cup in Devonport Club racing, is indebted to Mr. Compton for the miniature of the cup. OLD HANDS COMPETE IN TAKAPUNA BOATS To show that the old hands still know how to handle little yachls two races were held on Saturday oy the Mr.nukau Yacht and Motor-Boat Club, for its two Takapuna class yachts. The first event was something in the nature of an unofficial inter-club contest. Mr. J, Waddell, who this season arrived from Lyttelton with 1-is Marconirigged yacht lona, sailed on behalf of Takapuna, and Mr. W. Catley represented the local club. Each boat carried only the one man as 'Tew. After a good sporting race Mr. Waddell won by a minute. The other event was sailed as the resuit of a challenge by Mr. J. 'rrnnt, foremen of the Onehunga Fire Brigade. Mr. N. E. Wilson, commodore, took the tiller of the other boat. A good race was won by Mr. Wilson.

MODEL-YACHT RACING The final races of the Manukau Model Yacht Club were held on Geddes Basin, Onehunga, on Saturday afternoon. The events were a competition for the Jackson Cup. Rules governing the contest were exacting, but every boat had a chance. My Pal won the first race., which was sailed over a windward course. The second race off the wind saw Phyllis K. victorious. Little Pal won the third event, running before the wind. Phyllis K. and Little Pal dead-heated for points and a sail-off gave the cup to Little Pal, owned by Master H. Vickery. Prize-giving night will be held in the near future.