AUXILIARY YACHTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 450, 4 September 1928, Page 14

AUXILIARY YACHTS

ADVANTAGES OF ENGINES There is a growing practice abroad, and to some extent in the Dominion, to instal auxiliary plants in many classes of sailing boats. The idea is being successfully adapted to racing yachts, large and small. Last summer brought it home forcibly to yachtsmen that some form of power, independent of winds, is a valuable adjunct to the cruising yacht, and many sailing men are coming to realise that a good light engine, in the long run, would be more a convenience than a burden even in a racing boat. There are few experiences more galling than to get in the doldrums for hours at a time when holiday time is all too short, meaning, perhaps, that a crew is forced to cut out intended ports of call on a pleasure voyage. Some Auckland yachts are fitted with auxiliaries, and these vessels combine all the delights of sail with the independence of launches. In actual practice it has been found that a small engine does not affect the speed of an ordinary keel yacht such as the type classed as “A” on the Waitemata. The well known English racer Ayesha is the latest convert to auxiliary power. She is a 39-footer, and has recently been fitted with a 7-h.p. Ailsa Craig engine. The motor is located well below the cockpit floor, with the flywheel protruding into the main cabin, but protected by the companion ladder. The engine is offset from the centre-line of the boat in order to accommodate the propeller under the port quarter. It is anticipated that the arrangement will give the yacht very little helm. The Ailsa Craig motor is only 25 inches overall. In order to reduce propeller resistance to a minmum when sailing, a folding type of screw has been employed. This obviates the need for a reverse gear, and space is further economised. It is the intention of the owner to use the motor only when leaving and returning to moorings. Normally it is the practice in England to handle vessels of this type bjr means of a small motor tender, but there is no doubting the convenience of an installation of the .type described. There seems no reason why these small auxiliaries should not become extremely popular on Auckland Harbour, especially if we should have a cycle of windless summers.