Dismal Start To Yachting Season

Gisborne's yachties are considering taking up surf-riding as a second sport.

Because they have been unable to repair their slipway into the harbour channel, the yachtsmen are forced to launch their vessels at Kaiti Beach, where they must brave such hazards as hidden reefs and breakers.

As had been feared, opening day at Labour weekend saw a large surf running, causing the racing programme following the official opening ceremony to be cancelled.

Unless a rapid solution can be found to this problem, the club's racing fixtures for the season are liable to be jeopardised by the presence of a large surf.

On opening day, four yachtsmen managed to get out to sea. Their progress is pictured here.