Yachting Season Opened

A brisk breeze and a large swell in Poverty Bay provided plenty of thrills for Gisborne's "yachties" during Labour weekend when they took to the water for their first race of the season.

The race followed a ceremony at the clubhouse at Kaiti Beach, at which the season was officially opened by the G.Y.C. patron, Mr I. J. Quigley.

For six weeks prior to this occasion, the club had been conducting classes for beginners and their fathers, instructing them on yachting techniques, tactics, and safety at sea.

Mr Dawson Chrisp, chairman of the Harbour Board and vice-president of G.Y.C., speaking at the ceremony.

Mr I. J. Quigley, patron, and Mr M. Upton, president, look on as Mrs Quigley breaks the flag at the yacht club

Listening attentively to instructor Reg Thompson, the class is shown how to rig their yachts before taking to the water. From left, at rear: Malcolm Fookes, Murray Upton, John Clark, Jim Wenham, Barbara Thompson, and Ian Stewart. In front: Steven Fookes, Keith Upton, Les Emms, Duncan Humphreys, Colin Wotherspoon, Roy Houthouzjen, Phillip Upton, and Robin Greaves.

Preparing their "P" class yachts for their first race of the season are Robin Greaves, Duncan Humphreys, and Simon Ogilvie (above), and Russell Kilpatrick, Kevin Upton, and David Aitken (below).

Wairoa "yachties" Allan Powell and Rickie Davis sailing their cherub "Gremlin"

A "P" class rides the crest of a swell which almost completely obscures other yachts beyond

The keeler "Claudia", owned by Phil Fischbach, sailing off Kaiti Beach and the Yacht Club

Unfortunate competitors right their craft after a "can-out"

Sailing close to the wind, Graham Moore and Maryke Houthouzjen cut across the bow of the "Claudia"

Power boats also turned out for the occasion. An impressive addition to the fleet was the double-ended vessel, "Bartender", owned by Jack McGrory

Previous article Issue contents Next article

The Gisborne Photo News

No 114 : December 5, 1963

Yachting Season Opened