March 23 - 29, 2014: Issue 155

 Royal Motor Yacht Club – Broken Bay – Early Motor Boats and Yachts, their Builders and Ocean Races to Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury and Pittwater

 Clifton Gardens', Kerry and Co. image No: 28789, courtesy Powerhouse Museum Tyrell Collection on Flickr.

Royal Motor Yacht Club – Broken Bay – Early Motor Boats and Yachts, their Builders and Ocean Races to Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury and Pittwater

Ocean Races, Paper Chases and Navigation Trials like that we shall see as part of the final weekend of Pittwater Festival events have formed a part of the RMYC since its inception. Motor Boat Clubs and then Motor Yacht Clubs throughout the world have held similar tests where predicted log races in which navigational skill rather than speed is the basis for scoring remain popular, even with GPS devices.  In these tests the skipper of a boat predicts the exact time he will pass specified points on a predetermined course, which he traverses without a watch, adjusting his speed in accordance with variations of wind, tide, and current. The skipper coming closest to his prediction wins.

The Harry Peel Trophy referred to in last week’s History page by Les Spencer ‘ROYAL MOTOR YACHT CLUB BROKEN BAY NSW - CRUISER DIVISION HISTORY’ is still run annually means for skippers to test and keep up their navigation and time trial skills. 

There were a few precursors of ocean races from Rose Bay and Sydney Harbour to Broken Bay, but first we should establish how Motor Boat and Motor Yacht Clubs were established here. 

On July 6, 1905 a group of motorboat owners in Sydney formed a motorboat club - The Motor Boat Club – only the second in the British Empire. The Club was formed to promote motor boating which included racing and social activities. On November 4th, 1905, a Saturday, the then the Motor Boat Club of New South Wales was inaugurated

MOTOR BOATING. THE NEW CLUB. STRIKING HARBOUR DEMONSTRATION.

'Favoured with ideal conditions, the Motor Boat Club of New South Wales was brilliantly inaugurated on the waters of Port Jackson on Saturday afternoon. If the club is young its membership is already strong, for no body has ever started under happier auspices. Tho club has all tho elements for success-boundless enthusiasm, a peerless domain, and the certainty of great development. Saturday afternoon must always stand out in the annals of the sport of the harbour.

The fleet, comprising motor-driven boats of all shades and sizes, assembled in Farm Cove at about 2 o'clock. Large numbers of people lined the shores to admire the evolutions, and there was plenty to marvel at. Motor boats have not the grace of the gliding yacht, but they offer much to compensate for the lack of the beautiful. They are to the yacht as the funnelled steamer is to tho white winged sailing ship. They cleaved the waters of Farm Cove with a wonderful precision, skimming past the warships, driving recklessly across the bows of a sailing boat, curving and winding with a contemptuous disregard of wind and tide. Some were gay with colour, being competitors for the procession prize, and the majority were enlivened by the summer frocks of venturesome ladies.

It is a boast of the motorist that he is a timekeeper Independent of the assistance of the elements, he observes his appointments. But accidents will happen, and by a strange irony on Saturday the hon. secretary, Mr.G. Whatmore, to whose efforts the flotation of the club was largely due, had a mishap as he came down the harbour to assist In marshalling the little fleet. As he lightly remarked afterwards, his boat, the G-whiz, which has a reputation for speed and reliability, refused to "whiz," and he was delayed. Nevertheless, good work was done by the commodore- (Mr. P. C. Mitchell), the vice-commodore (Dr. George Read), tho rear- commodore . (Mr. Frank Albert), the committee men (Messrs. J. B. Holdsworth, H. E. Ross, C. B. Bradley, G. I. Stanton, and Fred. Alderson), and Mr. F. A. Wiesener (marshal),and a capital procession was formed. The commodore led off in the Cyreno, and streaming out from Farm Cove there were the rear-commodore in the Boomerang, the vice- commodore in the Asthore, Mr. Wiesener in the Little De Dion, with the larger boats on the outer lines, and a host of smaller ones in the centre. Bringing up the rear was the Sydney Ferry-steamer Kareela, thronged with hundreds of friends of the motor boat owners. 

Enlarged section showing 'Kareela'  from 'Clifton Gardens', Kerry and Co. image No: 28789, courtesy Powerhouse Museum Tyrell Collection on Flickr.

When well launched on the stream the effect was very striking, and illustrated vividly the proportions of the new harbour power. The procession passed along slowly, keeping good order, although here and there flashed a couple of racers, torpedo-shaped craft, that drove at a speed and turned and swirled with a precision that indicated some big racing days as motoring evolves. A couple of yachts and several sailing boats idled through the throng. Their occupants looked at the plain little motor vessels as might the swan at the plain duckling, but the motor-drivers, conscious of their utility and greater certainty, were in no degree discomfited, and they undoubtedly had the pull when the "sailers" fell out to tack. The destination was Clifton Cardona, where the visitors landed and took tea, while the motors engaged in an interesting programme of racing and water sports. A feature of the afternoon was the parade of decorated launches. Mr, E. A. Laurence took first prize with the Mistral, Mr. C. E. Waters second with the Gulnare, and Mr. Fred. Alderson third with the Mimosa. During the afternoon the commodore, in the course of a brief speech in the pavilion, declared the club Inaugurated. Mr, Mitchell said that it was only in last June that Mr. Whatmore set out to got the motor boat owners together. The result exceeded all anticipations. (Cheers.) Such a demonstration as this was beyond anything then hoped for. At present the club embraced about 150 boat-owners. (Applause.) There was not the slightest doubt that the motor boat had come to stay. He had nothing to say against their "white-winged" brethren. There should be no antagonism between the two sections of the water sport. (Hear, hear.)The motor men desired more independence from the caprice of the breeze and the will of the tides. He prophesied a great future for motor boats and for their builders. (Hear, hear.) Then there was the question of defence. He hoped they would be encouraged by the defence authorities to form the club into a naval corps-(hear, hear)-and that all motorists would Join it.

Mr. Whatmore emphasised that the Motor Boat Club of New South Wales was already the largest in the world. In other cities the owners were split up, but here they were all under one flag. (Hear, hear.) The boats owned by the club represented £75,000, and with the exception of the purchase of boilers, all of that money went to local Industry. (Applause.) So far the boats were chiefly cruiser launches, but before the end of the season there would be on Port Jackson some launches capable of speeds equal to the fastest in the world. We had the finest strip of water, and should endeavour to cleave it with the finest boats. (Applause.)

The race for skiffs was won by Mr. L. O'Toole's Yvonne. MOTOR BOATING. (1905, November 6 - Monday). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14719589

These two articles give a few insights into these early years and what was being discussed as motor boating ' ...independence from the caprice of the breeze and the will of tides' brought up other issues, some of which would be expanded on in coming years, such as the noise motor boats made every weekend in Rose Bay where others had homes fronting the water, and speeds on the waterways themselves:

THE HARBOUR AND ITS FRONTAGES. With the opening of summer, the boating season comes round again, and we are reminded of the fact as much by correspondence in our columns as by the aquatic festivals of the past few weeks. We have had yachting carnivals and motor carnivals, and we are told that the motorboat will introduce hundreds to the harbour who never discovered It before. That is very well indeed in its way. It is of very little use to possess a sheet of water like ours if we do not enjoy it, yet, fortunately for the general public, there are many inexpensive ways of doing this. But we  have been reminded with considerable point and force lately that to enjoy, the harbour we must keep afloat on it. Its foreshores are being alienated so rapidly that it will be next to impossible to land on its sunny beaches or picnic under the shade of its fringing trees. That is one of the facts that a deputation of the newly formed but very belated Harbour Foreshores Vigilance Committee is about to bring under the notice of the Premier to-day. Those composing that deputation will say, in especial, that the beaches at Parsley and Vaucluse Bays ought to be reserved for all time for the use of picnic and yachting parties, which term may be taken to include the occupants of motor launches as well. The men who sail, however, can make out the stronger case for attention, for it is to these bays that they make for refuge when a southerly gale comes up. These bays are their places of shelter, and have been so for many years past. It does really seem strange that with a harbour like ours, and in view of all that our neighbours have to say about it, there should be any necessity to move the Government in such a matter. One would think that the Government might move of its own accord, as it does in cases where other forms of sport and healthful re-creation for the people are concerned. There is the question of cost, no doubt, but that might have been adjusted more easily, perhaps, before the Vaucluse frontages were sold a few weeks ago. There is a crying want for a few more harbour frontage parks or reservations about the harbour, and as we have seen there are plenty of reasons for the making of these. But while we are on this subject of aquatic sport it may be mentioned that our correspondence columns have brought forward another subject suited for discussion. We are told that the motor-boats demonstrate their presence sometimes by "driving recklessly across the bows of sailing vessels." That is a fascinating amusement, perhaps, but is it quite fair, or even safe? As our correspondent "Centraboard" complains very justly, it is not courteous, it ignores the rule of the road, and it may be a piece of dangerous folly. We are promised a rapid increase in the number of high-speed motor-boats on Sydney Harbour, and a glance at its conformation on any map will show how perilous that may prove in certain circumstances. Unless the speed and navigation of these enticing craft are regulated in time by club or other rules there will be an element of danger in rounding the numerous headlands. It is doubtful, indeed, if the near harbour is suited for high-speed launches at all. But no doubt the motor-men will see this of themselves, as well as the need for considering other aquatic sportsmen on the waters of a harbour like ours. High speed has its fascination, whether in the motor-launch on water or the automobile on land, and if it is necessary the One must be regulated and controlled as well as the other.  THE HARBOUR AND ITS FRONTAGES. (1905, November 9).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14748786


The Motor Yacht Club was originally formed in 1905 at a meeting convened by Mr. G. W. Whatmore, now of Brisbane. Mr. Phillip Mitchell was elected as the first commodore, with Dr. George Head vice-commodore, and Mr. Frank Albert rear-commodore, Mr. F. A. Wiesener hon, treasurer, and Mr. Whatmore hon, secretary, and in the first year the club secured 90 members. Prior to the formation of the club, which was originally the Motor Boat Club of N.S.W., there was in existence a fund known as the Oil Engine Defence Fund, the funds of which were handed over to the club, and part of which is still held in trust. Mr. Frank Albert presented a cup for the championship of New South Wales, the first race for which was won by Dr. Piers Hatton's Lady Eileen in April, 1906. The Motor Boat Club opened its first season with a demonstration at Clifton Gardens, attended by a large number of motor boats, etc., and the first races were then held. At the end of the first season a 12 hours' reliability trial was held for the Standard Cup, and won by Mr. O. H. Relph's Invincible, which was entirely built in Sydney, including the 60 h.p. engine. Afterwards the conditions of the cup were altered to make it an ocean race, and it was eventually won outright by Mr. Alvin Taylor's Rooganah in 1912. Mr. Taylor was most successful in these ocean races, winning outright the Chew Cup, the Saunders and Small, and the Harvey trophies for such events. Another successful owner at ocean series was Mr. C. Miller, whose launch Glengarry won the longest motor boat race so far held in Australia, the Sydney to Newcastle and back, 150 miles, in 1909, for the Rudder Cup, and another race for a trophy presented by Mr. Muston.
The Albert Championship Cup was eventually won outright by Mr. L. J. Davies with Fairbanks in 1910. The club then Instituted the Speed Pennant, which has been raced for many times, and is now held by Mr. Darcy Donkin. In 1909 Mr. E. C. Griffith presented a shield for the Australasian motor boat championship, which was won that year by Fairbanks, but the following year Mr. Anthony Hordern imported the first hydroplane to come to Australia, the French record-breaker, Brasier Despujols, which he renamed the Kangaroo, and with it won the shield outright in 1911. In 1912 Mr. Griffith presented the cup, which is still being competed for, and is now held by Messrs. Rymill Bros., Adelaide, with Tortoise.
The biggest field which had ever competed in an Australian motor boat race took part in a general handicap promoted by the Motor Yacht Club In 1914,when 52 entered and 41 started, the winner being Mr. H. M. Morrison's Robert VI. In its early days the club had great difficulty in securing suitable clubrooms and headquarters, on the harbour, but in 1909 it purchased a site in Rose Bay and erected the comfortable club house it now possesses. This building was opened in 1910 by Mrs. S. Arnott, wife of the commodore.
During its existence the Motor Yacht Club, which changed its name in 1912, has only had four secretaries, Messrs. G. W. Whatmore, W. Chas. Moseley, J, B. Holdsworth, and E. C. Griffith. Mr. Griffith has held office continuously since 1909. Mr. F. Albert was commodore for eight years, as well as being rear and vice-commodore for different periods before his election to the highest position in 1912.
During the war the Motor Yacht Club suspended all sporting activity, but devoted a great deal of attention to the entertainment of Invalided returned soldiers, 81 outings being organised for them, to which 4500 men from tile Randwick Military Hospital were given outings on the harbour. Transporting the men necessitated making 3000 motor car trips, the cars being provided by members and their friends. Since the war motor boat racing has been resumed, and the club has now some of the fastest motor launches in Australia on its register. Mr. R. E. Eastway presented a shield for the motor boat championship of New South Males, which has been raced for twice, being won by Mr. D. Donkin on each occasion. Last year 17 races were held, and in addition a party of members visited Adelaide to witness the attempt of two New South Wales launches to win the Australasian Championship and Griffith Cup.
At the last annual meeting it was reported that the membership of the Motor Yacht Club had reached the highest total in the history of the club, 140. The club was also making steady progress financially, and was altogether in a very satisfactory condition. An attempt was being made to establish restricted classes, of utility and also racing launches, with prospects of more success than attended a previous effort to establish a one design class. MOTORING. MOTOR YACHT CLUB. (1923, October 15). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16099639

Early ocean races to and from Pittwater occurred prior to the Basin Cup, but it is the beginning of these and their continuance for decades, that attracted sailors to Broken Bay and its environs. Members of both clubs became members of either or both, as exampled in H J Fitzpatrick, the gentleman who began the First Scotland Island Race, was one of the founding members of the RMYC - Broken Bay branch, and owner at one time of the classic racing yacht the Bona, one of the contenders in future Basin Cup races:

SAILING. PRINCE ALFRED YACHT CLUB. BASIN CUP.-OCEAN RACE."
It is some years now since a fairly long ocean race has been sailed, so today's event, which will be over a course to Broken Bay and back, a distance of 12knots, will have an importance all its own. The race starts from Fort Denison at half-past 0 in the morning. There are twelve entries, including Rawhiti on scratch, and Bul Bul on the limit, with 2 hours handicap. The times are to be allowed at the finish. The trophy, which is of the value of £20, was donated by Mr. H.Cox. Sir. A. R. Starks is presenting the second prize of £7 7s, and Sir. N. H. Murray (rear-commodore)gives the third of £5 5s, and Sir. A. Saxton (vice commodore) the fourth of £3 8s.
The entries and handicaps are:- Rawhiti (C.  T. Brockhoff), scr; White Wings (J. A. Muston), 25m;Culwulla (W. M. Marks), 15m; Magic (A. C. Saxton),Fleetwing (E. E. Sayer), and Heather (N. H. Murray),48min Scotia (T. W. Bremner and A. R. Marks), 62m; Ku-kuburra (A. E. Cutler), 68m; Cooya (A. W. Beach),70m; Herreshoff (C. Duval), 75m; Athene . (D. Carment), 105m; Bul Bul (E. W. Barker), 120m.
The club steamer Greyhound leaves Fort Macquarie at 10.30 a.m. SAILING. (1906, December 15). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14796081

Walter Mark's Culwulla III pictured rounding Lion Island in 1914: MR. W. M. MARKS' CULWULLA III.
Designed by W. Fife, of Fairlie, Scotland ; builder, W. Ford, jun., Sydney, 1907. Length over-all, 50ft. l.w.l., 30ft., beam, 9ft. 3in.; tons, 13. MR. W. M. MAKES' CULWULLA III. (1910, February 22). The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10054129

PRINCE ALFRED YACHT CLUB.  OCEAN RACE— BROKEN BAY AND BACK. The Basin Cup was raced for yesterday under the auspices of the Prince Alfred Yacht Club. It is the longest ocean race of the season, the course being from Fort Denison to Broken Bay and back, a distance of about 42 miles. Last year the first Basin Cup, which is named after the the well known yachtsmen's camping ground at Broken Bay, was presented by Mr. Harry Cox, at whose suggestion the race was placed on the programme, and was won by Rawhiti. This year's cup has also been donated by Mr. Cox, and yesterday's winner turned up in Mr. E. E. Saver's Fleetwing.
The race was sailed under the system of classification, that no two boats of the same take first and second prizes. Result : Fleetwing (E. E. Sayer), 57min  1Rawhltl (C. T. Brockhoff), 4min 2 White Wings (J. A. Muston), 7min 
Other starters : Awanui (A. C. Saxton) scr., Culwulla (W. M. Marks) 62min, Heather (N. H.Murray) 54min, Magic (J. Murray) 56min, and Herreshoff (C. Duval) 75min. At the time of starting, .10 a.m., a nice breeze from the northeast prevailed. Good process was made down to the heads, where, however, a belt of calm practically brought  all the competitors together. Awanui was the first out of the doldrums, and, leaving Rawhiti, the first yacht to reach South Reef, for the time being becalmed, opened out a big lead. The latter, however, was the next boat to strike the breeze, and she was followed by Heather. It was but a fickle breeze on the work along the coast. Long Reef saw Rawhiti with a lead of some 15min from Awanui. At Lion Island the times were:  Rawhiti 3.7.12, Awanui3.16.46, White Wings 3.18.1, Fleetwing 3.40.27, Heather 3.41.60, Culwulla 3.57.30, Magic having given up before this stage was reached, whilst Herreshoff retired, and made for the Basin, Broken Bay. They had a good run back as far as Long Reef. Here the wind again failed, and Awanui and White Wings ran on top of the leader. Picking up the breeze again, they reached the harbor without further delay, Awanui in the meantime having passed Rawhiti. At the finish the times were : Awanui 6.24.30, Rawhiti 6.26.0,White Wings 6.31.13, Fleetwing 7.7.42, Heather7.21.20, and Culwulla 7.21.32. Thus alter adjusting the time allowances Fleetwing won by 11min 18sec from Rawhiti, which had 2 min 1 sec to spare from White Wings. PRINCE ALFRED YACHT CLUB. (1907, December 15).Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126274730

The Motor Yacht Club soon followed suit but seemed to be not taking themselves too seriously during these first ocean races to Broken Bay and back, in fact, some decided to go fishing half way along the course on the way out. The Chew Cup Incorporated a trip to the Hawkesbury Bridge:

CHEW CUP RACE. The Motor Boat Club of N.S.Wales decided the longest race it has held this season on Saturday, when the ocean event for the Chew Cup was held. The course was an ocean one, from Rose Bay to Broken Bay thence to the Hawkesbury River bridge and back, a distance of 56 ½ miles. Four boats started and they had not much wind and a slight swell to contend with. The result was:
MR G.E.S. Sanderman’s Corinna, started 8.23am, finished 5.2.20pm
Mr A. Taylor’s Rooganah started 10.487 am finished 5.5.13 pm
Mr. N Harvey’s Doman started 10.17am finished 5.25.45 pm
Mr. F. Albert’s Revonah started 11.22 am finished 5.30.40 pm
The first two boats were fairly close together. This is the fourth ocean race in succession that Rooganah has started in, and she has placed in all of them, winning two. The fastest time was accomplished by Revonah, the scratch boat, whose running time was 6hours, 8min., 40 seconds. Corinna’s time was 6 hours, 33 mins, 40 sec., Rooganah’s 6 hours, 18mins., 30 secs., Doman’s 7 hours, 8 min, 45 secs. MOTOR BOATS. (1912, April 3). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122764054

MOTOR BOATS. MOTOR YACHT CLUB'S OCEAN RACE.CLOSE AND EXCITING LONG DISTANCE STRUGGLE.
Although only four boats started, and two of these retired before completing half the course, yesterday, one of the closest and most prolonged duels for victory on record in the history of motor yachting in N.S.' Wales took place. It was a remarkable race for the distance covered — 53 miles — and the handicapping was a triumph.
The race was promoted by the Motor Yacht Club of N.S. Wales, and was for Mr. N. Harvey's handsome silver cup, the course being from Rose Bay to Broken Bay and back. Conditions called for four starters or no race, so Mr. N. Harvey started with Duzgo to make the fluid up, but only went as far as South Reef, where he retired, and Mr. S. Black, with Koala, also withdrew a little further on. The starters and their starting times were: Duzgo, started 10.37 a.m. ; Koala, started 10.40a.m.; Roogana started at 10.04 a.m., and Balama at 11.32 a.m. All got away well to time, and in perfect weather, though following the inside course up the coast as they did the launches found just a slight 'jobble.' After reaching South Reef  Duzgo retired, and her crew commenced fishing, and a little later Koala, then still in  the lead followed her example. 
Meanwhile, the two sturdy cruisers, Rooganah and Balama, were fighting a stem duel, the scratch boat slowly but steadily gaining. At Broken Bay Rooganah rounded the mark boat at 2.22 p.m., and still had a fair margin in hand, and it was still doubtful who would win. Down the coast they plugged again, and rounded the Heads into Port Jackson with the issue still in doubt. Mr. Alvin Taylor's owner and skipper of Rooganah, describes the final 20minutes running from North Head to the finish as the most exciting he ever remembers in his connection with motor-boat racing, in which his craft has been notably successful. Even after Steel Point was rounded, and only a mile or so remained to be covered, no certainty of victory could be felt, But Rooganah, driven to her very limit, just managed to last in front long enough to win. A very few hundred yards more would probably have reversed the finishing positions, but, as it was, Rooganah crossed the line in front. Hearing the gun which marked the conclusion of the race, Balama's skipper did not trouble to cross the line, but, waving his hand in greeting to his successful rival and the officials, turned, the boat around and went off up harbor for home. Balama at the time was about 200 yards from the finishing line, and would have been about 30 sec. later than Rooganah in crossing had she done so. Result :Rooganah (Mr. Alvin Taylor), start' 10.54 a.m, finish 4.24.50 p.m.; time, 5h 30min 50sec, Balama, start 112 a.m.', turned just short of the finish at 4.25.20 p.m. Duzgo and Koala retired. MOTOR BOATS. (1913, May 25). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126451956

MOTOR YACHT CLUB. ROOGANAH AGAIN— OCEAN RACE TO BROKEN BAY WON. -
The sequence of success in ocean-racing to be credited to Mr. Alvin Taylor and  Rooganah  has still another to be added, on Saturday, June 7,when the 25 miles event from Rose Bay to Broken Bay was accounted for by this sturdy craft. Not a small part in the victory must be also credited to the skipper's seamanship, for Rooganah, on scratch, had to give away starts up to 36min, and actually only just snatched victory from another fine cruiser in Duzgo piloted by Mr. Neil Harvey. The race was for a trophy presented by Messrs. F. Saunders and Small, and attracted seven entries and six starters. The back division— Rooganah scr, Mr. F. Saunders' Ruri 7min,and Mr. Neil Harvey's Duzgo 10min— had a very long chase to get among the field at all. There was a following sea, and until Barrenjoey Rooganah and Duzgo appeared to be not quite gaining the ground they needed. Here, however, using their seamanship, Messrs. Taylor and Harvey cut off a good deal of a big sweep taken by the others to avoid the breaker line, and hopes rose higher. Still, when in smoother water, and with only a mile and a half to go, Koala, the limit boat, still led, with Corinna next, and Duzgo, Rooganah, Ruri, and Margyne in that order. It was only a hundred yards from the finish that Rooganah .succeeded in passing Duzgo, which then was leading, Cerinna also just succeeding in heading Koala and taking third place. The result was :—Mr. Alvin Taylor's Rooganah, scr (2h 46min) ;.- Mr. J. Harvey's Duzgo. lOmin (2h 56min 30sec. 'Mr. G. E. S. Sandeman's Corinna, ...Mr. Stewart Black's Koala, 36min. Mr. W. B. Small's Margyne, 25min. Mr. F. Saunders' Ruri, 7min.Those who took part in the race held a weekend camp at the Hawkesbury, and report a pleasant and successful time fishing. Rooganah and Duzgo, with Mr. Dempster's Petrel, tried to return on Monday, but found the sea too heavy and dangerous, and so put back for shelter. MOTOR YACHT CLUB. (1913, June 15). Sunday Times(Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126457495

The popularity of ocean racing for motor boats and motor yachts owes its expansion in no small terms to two early members of the MBC and then MYC of NSW, Neil Harvey and Alvin Taylor, father of Sir Alvin Burton Taylor. These two gentlemen, alike Mr. Whatmore, and the Royal Motor Yacht Club of the UK, had business and personal interests on land in automobiles that extended into the marine world. In some ways it sounds as though they were determined to conquer the sea lanes in the same way that automobiles and roads being built were conquering the land. There is in fact an article listed under 'Extras' which calls these skippers of motor and power boats 'Marine motorists' . Mr Taylor and others also make references in these early articles as to how motor boats could be utilised by the Navy and the Harbour's Water Police. This became prominent during WWII when many of these vessels were commandeered for war work. The Volunteer Coastal Patrol (VCP) becoming prominent amongst these. One vessel, the RMYC 'Serenade' being one of the smaller Naval vessels destroyed by the Japanese submarine attack on Sydney Harbour:

Rooganah, Mr. Alvin Taylor's 46ft. ocean cruiser, which won the Harvey Cup on Saturday over a 60-mile course to Broken Bay and back. Rooganah is powered with a 20-h.p. 2-cylinder engine, and has been most successful in ocean races. KENSINGTON PONY RACES. (1913, May 26). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28125488

Alvin Taylor Interview, winner of early Ocean Races, when visiting Adelaide: The most successful racing  is got by taking times and measuring over a course known to the competitors. I would suggest that the measuring be done by officials elected by the governing body. In that way exciting races and close finishes, are obtained. It is certainly the way to popularize motorboat racing. This was exemplified, in the last two ocean races held by the Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, one of 65miles and the other of 35 miles. The former race was won by 29 seconds, and in the shorter' distance five boats Were timed at the finishing post in a minute and a quarter. The best method of handicapping is on known results. It is the most effective way, and is best for the sport. For ocean races St. Vincent Gulf is excellent, and many events could be contested there. Motor-boat racing is like automobile racing-Once you try it you do not want to give it up." MOTOR NOTES. (1913, July 9). The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), p. 10. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60061098

MOTORS & MOTORING. 'SUNDAY TIMES' SPECIAL NOTES AND ARTICLES. A PRACTICAL HYDROPLANE.XQQ ME, WHICH IS SUITABLE FOR RACING AND CRUISING, HARBOR OR OCEAN.AND SOME NOTES ABOUT ONE OF HER OWNERS.
('SUNDAY TIMES' SPECIAL;.)
The exploits of Mr. Alvin Taylor and his handsome motor cruiser Rooganah during the three years or so in outside races promoted by the Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales are fresh in the public mind, for during that time this combination of skipper and craft have accounted outright for the Standard, Chew and Wiseman's Ferry Cups, and two gold medals in ocean races promoted by the club. The experiences of such a skipper are, particularly interesting. Mr. Taylor, however, was not satisfied with proving the seaworthy qualities of so big a motor boat, for Rooganah is 48ft. in length, with a beam of 10ft 6in. He was convinced that the same qualities could be obtained with smaller boat, and, studying the question deeply, he became convinced that the hydroplane was also capable of adaptation to such practical purposes as regular cruising inside and out of the harbor in any reasonable cather. The ordinary stepped or notched model hydroplane, from its method of progress by a series of skips or leaps, however, he eliminated as really a racing machine pure and sin. pie, and therefore, in its present stage, are hardly suitable ; but THE STEPLESS HYDRO, which skims along in a manner which unites the speed of the 'plane with the steady running of a displacement boat, -seemed to be the most, likely to realise his ideas. He found Mr. Neil Harvey also interested in the same diifction, and, combining, they secured plans, imported engines, and experimentally constructed a craft which has already attracted a lot of attention in Sydney. And so we have XQQ Me, a speedy stepless hydroplane, clean running, seaworthy, and with accommodation for a few passengers if required. 'Our idea in building XQQ Me,' said Mr. Taylor, 'was to get members of the Motor Yacht Club interested in the stepless hydroplane, a craft suitable for cruising, and which gives the maximum speed for the minimum power. I wish, personally, to show the racing public that a boat of fairly low power can be made safe, seaworthy, and at the same time very nice racing machine ; and apparently Mr. Harvey and I have made a success of it. In fact, I may tell you that Commodore Frank Albert, of the Motor Yacht Club, and Mr. W.K. Hart, the Australian aviator, are so interested in XQQ Me that they are having a replica of her constructed, and as we also know of another enthusiast who will probably construct a third boat from the same plans, we have hopes that next season there will be a fleet of these craft on the Motor Yacht Club's register.' If this fleet materialises, and I feel every confidence that it will, the owners will find themselves possessed of HANDY, SPEEDY CRAFT, eminently fitted for either pleasure cruising or racing, and which, moreover, will not be only capable of an occasional race, but will, like a good racehorse, always be ready for a gallop. XQQ Me was only a new boat, as you know, for the Australasian Championship, and we had the bad luck to severely damage our shaft on the way down to the starting point. Nevertheless we got right round the course, not at top speed but creditably under the circumstances, and afterwards took a lady and gentleman for a run to Manly. As a north-east breeze was blowing, the lady was given a set of oilskins, but half-way across the Heads she found them too hot and discarded them, but did not get a drop of water on her clothes. This demonstrates the dry and seaworthy qualities -of XQQ Me, I think.'
Right: Alvin Taylor
Another good point in XQQ,Me’s favor is her quietness at speed. We have taken very great care to secure this quality, and I think in time of war the naval people, once they were tried, would find them, absolutely indispensable for fast run-abouts. With a speed of 26 miles an hour, absolute quiet, and fine seaworthy realities, they would offer every desirable feature for dispatch-boats. This class is much more seaworthy than such fine displacement boats as Invincible and Fairbanks, both of which competed and made fine performances in the race to Broken Bay and back. In fact, XQQ Me is the same type as Sea Bird, the motor yacht in which Mr. Thomas Flemming Pay made his celebrated motor boat trip across the Atlantic. Mr. Taylor said that ocean cruising was his particular fancy. 'If the majority of motor boat owners,' he said, 'could only be prevailed upon to make ONE GOOD TRIP OUTSIDE, they would so enjoy it that they would never be content to drop back into the old groove of Manly and Middle Harbor cruising again. Mind you,' he added, 'I am quite appreciative of the scenic attractions of Port Jackson and its branches, but there is a fascination in outside work, and the knowledge of the coastline it brings, which outweighs the pleasures of a cruise in still, land-locked waters. So Mr. Harvey and I are trying to foster a cruiser section in the Motor Yacht Club, which will be suitable for outside racing and cruising. A series of outside races will do a lot to demonstrate the usefulness of such craft, as well as their pleasure-giving capabilities, but it is very poor encouragement to have a sparse field for an important race.' Several of these races have already been held for the fine cups and other trophies offered by the Motor Yacht Club. I feel sure that if a few more owners of boats fit to undertake an ocean race were to trim their ships a little more often, organise a crew, and assist in this racing, there would be more of this class of racing indulged in. At present there are not many who do participate in it; in fact, one or two races this season have lapsed for want of a representative field, and it is the desire at the officials of the Motor Yacht Club of N.S.Wales to arouse more interest in this sport. I do not suggest that our cruiser owners are land-lubbers, but I feel sure that ONE TASTE OF THIS SPORT with a good craft under them would be sufficient to interest them keenly in it.' I have followed motor boat sport for about seven years now in this State, and have had various types and classes of boats. I feel convinced, from my experience, that a craft which with safety can do weather work as well as harbor trips possesses more attractions than the ordinary type of glass cabin cruiser, which is generally confined to the harbor. Although Rooganah, which is better known for her outside work than any of my other craft, is of a larger class than the ordinary cruiser, I maintain that a seaworthy boat for that work can be built just as easily 30ft as 60ft in length, with the dual advantages of use in the harbor or on the open sea. 'Rooganah, Mr. Taylor's sturdy older boat, is, as stated, 48ft in length, 10ft 6in in beam, and has a draught of 4ft 3in. Her engine is a 25-h,p. slow-speed, heavy duty type, which ,provides power not only for propulsion, but also for generating the electricity which charges a large set of accumulators, used in lighting the vessel when cruising at night. In point of accommodation Rooganah can comfortably provide for ten people for extensive cruising, and in an emergency can quite easily and comfortably hold four more. Besides her motor, she is auxiliary rigged with sails for fair wind work in cruising. Mr. Taylor is a well-known figure at all racing fixtures of the Motor Yacht Club, and, as the officials and other competitors can vouch, there is no member who goes more keenly into the sport for the sport's sake. In all Rooganah's races, it may be stated, he has himself steered and commanded her.
Mr. Alvin Taylor OWNER OF ROOGANAH, AND PART OWNER OF XQQ ME, AND A PROMINENT AND SUCCESSFUL? ? RACING MEMBER OF THE MOTOR YACHT CLUB OF NEW SOUTH WALES.
'XQQ ME,'Messrs. Taylor and Harvey's Stepless Hydroplane. — Fraser, photo.
MOTORS & MOTORING. (1913, March 9). Sunday Times(Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 19. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126462130

MR. NEIL. HARVEY (right), Hon. Race Secretary of the Motor. Yacht Club of N.S. Wales, and owner of Duzgo, second in the recent race to Broken Bay. Mr. Harvey also donated a handsome silver cup, which Rooganah won in 'the recent ocean race to Botany Bay and back. He 'is associated with Mr. Alvin Taylor in owning XQQ Me. MOTORS AND MOTORING. (1913, June 15). Sunday Times(Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 17. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126457444

The above article where Mr. Taylor speaks so highly of ocean races seems a precursor to this ocean race run soon afterwards:
A race to Pittwater Is to be held this afternoon by the Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, starting from Rose Bay at 1.30. The entries include Rooganah, Kelvin, Duzgo, Koala, and Marjorie, and the competitors will remain at Pittwater until Monday afternoon.  MOTORING. (1913, June 7). Saturday Referee and the Arrow(Sydney, NSW : 1912 - 1916), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133434782

As stated above, the Motor Yacht Club, like the RPAYC and Pittwater Regattas, club events were not run during WWI. This was in part an act of deference to those among the membership who were serving. The 25 annual races and two ocean races ceased and attention was turned towards those who came home injured:

The motor-yacht club of New South Wales held another successful function last weekend, when they entertained over 100 wounded Anzacs from the Randwick No. 4 Hospital. The boys were conveyed in motor cars to the club rooms at Rose Bay, where they embarked in launches for a trip round the harbor, returning to the club rooms at about 4 o'clock, where, after refreshments, a very fine concert was given. Among those contributing to the entertainment were Miss Ethel Cadman, who sang Vilia, from Merry Widow; Miss Constance Cayley, who repeated her original creation Anzac; and Mr. Arthur Stigant, who convulsed the audience with his song, You Can't Do Without a Bit of Love, and a new song, entitled On the Pom-Pom Parade. Other artists assisting were Misses Cox, Clare, Burgess, and Messrs. Montague and Guy Wood. The whole proceeding terminated' a little after five o'clock, when, after hearty cheers for the artists,
the boys were taken back to Randwick in motor cars, kindly supplied by Motor Yacht Club. MOTORING. (1917, December 2). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122792787

In 1921 the Pittwater Regatta was run twice. This was also the year H J Fitzpatrick built a road into Salt Pan Cove to offer access to lands he would then sell. In the 1922/23 season of the Pittwater Regatta ocean races for the Motor Yacht Club of NSW were again being run to Broken Bay:
PITTWATER. REGATTA.  Entries will close on December 7 for the motor boat events to be decided at the Pittwater regatta on New Year's Day, and also for the two ocean races to be run by  the Motor Yacht  Club of New South Wales, one from Sydney to Pittwater on Saturday, December 30, and the other one on the return journey on New Year's Day. PITTWATER REGATTA. (1922, December 4). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16049611

OCEAN RACES.Entries close on Saturday next for the ocean races, open to all power boats' belonging to the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, Prince Edward Yacht Club, St.George Motor Boat Club, or Port Hacking Motor Boat Club, from Sydney to Pittwater, on Saturday, December 22, and from Pittwater to Sydney on January 1,1924. The races will be run under the racing rules of the Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, and will be open to boats at least 23ft in length, with a beam of 6ft. OCEAN RACES. (1923, December 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16111141

Soon after the 21st year and the commencement of the 22nd season for the Motor Yacht Club of NSW the continued attraction of Pittwater, and its less crowded waterways, inspired a meeting in October 1926 that would lead to the formation of a Borken Bay branch of the Motor Yacht Club of NSW. The formation and building of the original RMYCBB can be seen in previous History pages - The Royal Motor Yacht Club of Broken Bay Part I and The Royal Motor Yacht Club Boat House and Boatshed. From the records of the day:

At Right: October 16th, 1926 article

MOTOR YACHT CLUB. Branch at Broken Bay. A large, representative gathering of persons interested in the establishing of a branch of the Motor Yacht Club of N.S.W. at Broken Bay, was held at the Club House, Wunulla-road, Rose Bay. The proposal was thoroughly discussed, and a branch of the club duly established at Broken Bay.

The Broken Bay branch or the Motor Yacht Club will Inaugurate its local racing programmes, and hopes shortly to establish club premises In Pittwater. Twenty-six foundation members were enrolled, and it is expected that this number will be largely Increased in the near future. Mr. N. Light. of Newport, was appointed honorary branch secretary, and will be pleased to hear from boat owners and others desirous of joining the Broken Bay movement. There is little doubt that this forward movement at Broken Boy will have a great deal to do with developing motorboating and speed boat raring on the beautiful waters of Pittwater and its environs. The officials of the new club will be glad to welcome as members those Interested In the development of the sport at Broken Bay. This movement will do a great deal towards consolidating the position of the Motor Yacht Club of N.S.W., and It Is the Intention of the parent club to establish branches .at the principal seaports on the coast line of New South Wales, so that boats cruising and visiting the various centres may In each centre find a branch of the club established and a hospitable welcome always awaiting them from fellow club members. MOTOR YACHT CLUB. (1926, October 30). Evening News(Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117321905

In 1927 King George V conferred the right to use the word 'Royal' to the NSW Motor Yacht Club, the first in the British Empire to be allowed to use this prefix. The 'Blue Ensign Defaced' could then be flown and many owners applied and began flying this during the phenomenal activities that brought members to Broken Bay, Pittwater and the Hawkesbury at year end:

CHRISTMAS CRUISE. ROYAL MOTOR YACHT CLUB. The Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales will hold another extended ocean, harbour, and river cruise at Christmas-time, during the course of which 250 miles will be covered, and members of the club will participate in three regattas. The organisation of this cruise will be very thorough, as the club has the experience gained in, the successful similar fixture last year as a guide. Members of the parent club and its two branches, Newcastle and Broken Bay, will take part, and a very large fleet should assemble in Broken Bay, where all the boats will meet. The main fleet will assemble in Rose Bay, and sail from there in two divisions on the morning of December 24 for Broken Bay. To facilitate rapid movement the boats which wish to proceed at more than nine miles an hour will sail under the leader-ship of the commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht. Club, Mr. S K Doyle, in Miramar at 6.30 a.m., while the slower division will be led by Mr. A. C. Cooke, commodore of the Broken Bay branch, in the Modwena, an hour later. On arrival in Broken Bay the entire fleet will anchor as far as possible in parallel lines. The Broken Bay branch section of the fleet will joint the main fleet according to special instructions, while the Newcastle branch vessels will take their instructions on joining the fleet from their own commodore, Mr. J. C. Held. Owing to the early hour of departure from Rose Bay it has been arranged that ladies who are participating in the cruise may go overland to Newport, where arrangements for their transport to the Basin will be made.

On December --, B division of the fleet, the slower boats, will leave at 9 a.m. for Wiseman's Ferry, while the faster division will remain at the Basin until 10.30 a.m. before sailing to Join the early starters. Both divisions are scheduled to reach Wiseman's Ferry at 4.30 p.m. They will then anchor near the shore west of the township, as far as possible in straight lines. The Royal Motor Yacht Club's supply vessel will take up a position nearby, and supplies will be available immediately.

During the evening the commodore will entertain the party with motion pictures from the stern of the Mirimar. On Monday, Boxing Day, December 26, the fleet Will move out In midstream, 460 yards from the shore, and anchor at 9 a.m., When members will participate In the Royal Motor Yacht Club's second Hawkesbury regatta.

Those desiring to participate In the various events set down must have their entries in the hands of the race secretaries on or before December 10, The events are Local handicap skiff race; general handicap for locally owned motor boats; handicap for all Speedboats, 12 m.p.h. and over, for the 1927 Wiseman's Cup; outboard Speed boat handicap and open handicap for pulling dinghies. After this an aquaplaning display will be given, followed by "man overboard" race, handicap for all club boats under 12 m.p h .speed boat handicap race, all boats over l8m.p.h., hydroplane handicap speed boat race. In the evening the regatta ball will be held in the Memorial Hail, Windsor.

On Tuesday, December 2-, the fleet will sail in two divisions for the Colo River, anchoring for the night by Reiby Farm. On the following day a dinghy picnic has been arranged to the Upper Colo River, returning in time for the Ball for Wiseman's Ferry at 8 p.m.

On Thursday the fleet will sail for Berowra Creek (30 miles), where the night will be spent. During the evening a further exhibition of moving pictures Will be given from the stern of the Miramar.

Next day all vessels' will leave for Refuge Bay at 10 a.m., where preparatory appointments will be made to be participated in the Pittwater regatta.

On Saturday the fleet will assemble at 8.30a.m. at Scotland Island, and there "dress-ship" preparatory to participating in the Pitt-water regatta programme of six events. After the regatta the fleet will remain at moorings in order to allow all members to attend the Pittwater regatta dinner.

Sunday will be free, and on the following day, Monday, New Year's Day, special racing events of the Broken Bay club branch will be held, in which all club boats are eligible to compete. The events will bo a handicap hydroplane race; cruiser handicap, "B" class; "A" class speed boat handicap for 12 m.p.h., general handicap, all boats; "C" class Speed boat handicap.

On Tuesday, January 3, the fleet will sail for Port Jackson, where vessels will disband off Steel Point, proceeding to their own moorings. MOTORING NEWS CHRISTMAS CRUISE. (1927, December 8).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16424946

Panaroma of RMYC on the Hawkesbury from The Australian Motor Boat and Yachting Monthly - February 1, 1928

All this preceded this happy event:

  

NEW CLUBHOUSE OF THE BROKEN BAYBRANCH OF THE ROYAL MOTOR YACHT CLUB. BUILT ON THE FORESHORES OF HORSESHOE COVE.

SCENE FROM THE CLUBHOUSE ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON. NEW CLUBHOUSE OF THE BROKEN BAY BRANCH OF THE ROYAL MOTOR YACHT CLUB. (1928, March 19 - Monday). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16450377

The results of the 1928 Motor Boat section of the Pittwater Regatta are filled with the names of boatbuilders, premier racers and their very fast for then cruisers and speedboats:

MOTOR BOAT SECTION. THRILLS OF OUTBOARD RACING.

The motor boating section of the Pittwater Regatta on Saturday comprised of six events, which were run over a course from the clubhouse of the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales to Elvina Bay and back. For the first time, the programme included events for the new outboard motor racing craft, which provided some good sport, and, incidentally, thrills, as two of them capsized and another collided with a piece of driftwood while travelling at a speed of more than 30miles an hour, knocked a hole in her hull, and sank.

The principal events on the programme, the motorboat section of which was controlled by the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, were the outboard motor boat championship of Broken Bay, and the R. Walder speed boat handicap, for boats over 16 miles an hour. Some well known little hydroplanes from Sydney competed in the championship, the winner of which was Mr. E. Williams' Elto III., at an average speed of about 28 miles an hour. It was in this event that Mr. R Smith's Boo Saada, another very well known competitor, sank. Earlier in the day, while competing in the Stuart Doyle handicap, Mr. H. McEvoy's Cettien IV suddenly leaped over the wash of another competitor, dived, and turned a complete somersault, throwing her owner into the water. The third mishap was experienced by Lady Evinrude in the last race of the day, the R. Walder Handicap. Lady Evinrude, when travelling at a good rate of speed, had not completed the first lap when she was observed to swerve suddenly and turn over.

Boo Saada and Lady Evinrude + ? at 1928 Pittwater Regatta. Image No.: 00011534, courtesy Australian National Maritime Museum

The Regatta was attended by the fleet of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, engaged in the annual Christmas cruise, headed by the commodore, Mr. Stuart F. Doyle, in his yacht Circe. The fleet came from the Basin in the morning to attend the regatta, and added to the general brightness by  anchoring along the northern shore of Pittwater, the boats being dressed with bunting. Messrs. E. C. Griffith. C. F. Norris, and H. Read, officials of the Royal Motor Yacht Club, took charge of the motorboats events, which resulted:

The W. Herman Slade Handicap (local boats only).Distance. six miles. - Thistle (D. Fraser), handicap,27m 47s (time, 33m 16s), 1; Vulcan (S. E. Green).27m 47s (33m 22s), 2; Miss Newport (E. Figtree), 31 m53s (37m 56s.). 3. Won by 6s -- between second and third. 

Stuart F. Doyle Outboard Motor Handicap (all-comers). Distance, six miles.-Elto III. (E. Williams),30s (12m 6s), 1; Lady Evinrude (L. H. Larsen), lm6s (13m 38s). 2: Boo Saada (R. Smith), lm 42s (14m24s). 3. Cettien IV. when going well- capsized. Wonby 56s        

The A. C. Cooke Speed Boat Handicap (all-comers),for boats 12 miles an hour and over. Distance, nine miles.-Lady Evinrude (L. H. Larsen), 2m 42s (time19m 12s), 1; Miss Joan (D. S. J. Blumer), lm 57s(18m 46s), 2; Bronzewing (G. K. Snow), Scr. (16m 48s)3; Universal Too (J. Miles), 19m 12s, 4. Won by4s, with 2s between second and third.

Outboard Motor Boat Championship of Broken Bay(all-comers) Distance, six miles.-Elto III. (E.Williams), time, 12m 44s, 1; Strewth (F. H. Sargent),lim 15 2-6s, 2; Lady Evinrude (L. H Larsen), 23m24s. 3. Boo Saada (R. Smith) and Cettien II. (H.McEvoy) also started. Boo Saada, Lady Evinrude and Elto III. set the pace-until the former experienced spark-plug trouble and Boo Saada stove in a plank and sank near the Elvina Bay turn, and Cettien's steering handle came adrift. Won by 2m 31s. .

The E. C. Griffith Motor Boat Handicap (all- corners,7 to 16 miles an hour; distance 9 miles),-Koonva(W. J. (Dalgarno), 30m 18s (09m 29s), 1; Ivanhoe(L. M. Barker), 34m '48s (lh 3m 59s),' 2; Thistle(Dr. Donald Fraser), 22m 48s (62m 7s), 3. Wonby four seconds, with 10 seconds between second and third. 

The R Walder Speed Boat Handicap, for boats 14miles an hour and over; distance 12 miles -Bronzewing (G. K. Snow), scr. (17m 8s), 1; Strewth (F.H. Sargent), 3m 80s (41m 21s), 2.  MOTOR BOAT SECTION. (1928, December 31). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16520181

The next year (1929), Bronzewing, the speed boat not the famous vessel owned by Mr. Hordern in 1904, won the A C Cooke Speed boat handicap:

Gordon K. Snow's speedboat, Bronzewing, claimed much attention in the motor boat races at the annual Pittwater regatta on Saturday, being the only craft to win a double.   (1930, January 1). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131159060

There are four speed boat races, including the outboard championship of Broken Bay and 41 speedsters from the various clubs will churn their way across the bay. 700 BOATS AFLOAT. (1929, December 27). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 7. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103518168

The 1930's, despite the Depression, not only attracted more people to the Broken Bay branch, they also saw a rapid growth in locally built motor yachts, Pittwater boat builders among these:

BIG MONEY IS INVESTED IN SYDNEY. MOTOR BOATING Fleet Cost Over £170,000— Huge Maintenance Bill
YOU have only to cross Sydney Harbor during a fine week-end to realise that this waterway is a motor boat paradise and that the motor boat folk make full use of it. What is not so obvious is the really big money invested in the sport.
HERE are hundreds of craft and they represent in outlay and maintenance hundreds of thousands of pounds. Get down to figures. Premier motor boating organisation is the Royal Motor Yacht Club. With its branches it musters a fleet of 90 cruisers, 75 speedboats and hydroplanes, and 35 outboards.When you consider prices the money value of the sport becomes clear. The cruisers cost up to £10.000 and average about £1200. Speedboats would cost about £500, and the outboards about £100 each. Which, of course were only average figures. Then there is another big fleet — that of the Australian- Motor Yacht Squadron. Twenty-four cruisers, 26 speedboats- and hydroplanes, and 16 outboards. Allowing for craft on the registers of both clubs, Sydney has:—90 cruisers, at £1200; .. .. .108.00070 speedboats and hydroplanes at £500 ? ? ? 35,000, 35 outboards at £100 ... .. .. .. .. . 3,500 Total-.. .. ..  £146, 500 Other motor craft in Sydney waters would add at least £25.000. . .Grand total £171,500
Club houses are another big Item in capital expenditure. There is at least £60,000 invested. Then there is the matter of running and. maintenance. Experts say that, averaged on all types, a motor boat costs about £4 a week. For 225 boats and allowing for 40 weeks use in the year the annual cost Is over £45,000. And then you have to consider the money Involved In boat-building. There are at least 14 boat builders around Sydney Harbor who are working all the year round. Allowing an average staff of 5, and a total weekly wage bill of about £400 a week, you have another annual item of over £40,000.Motor boating may be a sport for the rich or the near-rich. But its capital expenditure represents big money in Australia and it keeps big money spinning. Champions of the Field and the Factory. (1932, April 20).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 13. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135327769

Lars Halvorsen has just completed a handsome cruiser for Richard Strelitz, of the R.M.Y.C., which he has named Pollyanna II. She underwent her trials last week and averaged more than 11m.p.h. J. F. Lucas has just completed a 38ft cruiser with lift beam for Mr. F. A. Grayson, of the Broken Bay branch of the R.M.Y.C., and is now working on two 20ft cruisers ordered by Messrs. J. Curtis, of Croydon, and B. Higginbottom, of Ryde. J. Robinson, of Balmain, is working on two new cruisers, one being for the secretary for N.S. Wales Railways, W. Newman, and another for F.A. Homer. They will join the R.M.Y.C. Alexis Albert is to have a new speed boat when he returns from America. It is being built privately at Elizabeth Bay.

THE GALATEA. W. A. Dettman will shortly launch his new cruiser Galatea, which is in the hands of J. Williams and Sons, of Bayview, Pittwater. She is 63ft overall, with a clipper, bow and counter stern. The vessel will have splendid accommodation, with a bridge deck, a promenade deck, 20ft long, and a sun deck. There will be sleeping accommodation for ten. The craft is to be added to the register of the R.M.Y.C. Mr. Dettman has purchased a Spanish bungalow at Salt Pan, and is laying down moorings, not only for his own craft, but also for prospective visitors. Motor Sport and Motoring. (1934, June 7). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136117004

S. P. Paull's 38ft cruiser with a 10ft beam is under construction at Gladesville by C. Larsen, she will help to swell the fleet at the Broken Bay branch of the R.M.Y.C. Larsen is also building a craft for Messrs. Edgar Ryes, J. Earl, and G. Bevan. BOAT BUILDING AT ITS BUSIEST. (1934, August 2). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136122826

S P Paull's cruiser was named 'Hourglass', sometimes spelt 'Hour Glass - this photo at the 1936 Pittwater Regatta shows him on this vessel (he is the gentleman with the captains cap on). He did quite well in her in races he did enter. Image No.:  Hood 13590h, courtesy of the State Library of N.S.W.

BROKEN BAY R.M.Y.C. Messrs. A. D. Walker (commodore),S. E. Blundell. (vice-commodore), R. D. Read (rear-commodore), and W. J. Carrad (hon. secretary) were re-elected to their positions at the annual meeting of the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club. The general committee appointed comprises: Messrs. A.E. Flecknol, S. P. Paull, W. P. Renshaw, J. C. Webster. A. G. Wilson, N. D. Smith, and R. S. Penniman, all of whom are boat-owners, while the race committee will consist of W. A. Passau, N. D. Smith, R. S. Pennman, and C. H. Pearce. The season will open on October 6. 

El Capitan - 1935 photo.

The wave of activity still washes round the N.S.W. building yards. W. Holmes, at McMahon's Point, Sydney, is finishing two new 40ft bridge-deck cruisers similar to the El Capitan. recently completed on behalf of Claude Daly, of the Port Hacking branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of N.S.W. One of these boats is for Melbourne and the other for a well known retired hotel-keeper. Holmes has overhauled H. P. Christmas' palatial cruiser, and has laid down the keel for a 65-ton schooner yacht; and is finalising details of boats for Nick Johnston and N. Hegarty. 

Lars Halvorsen (Neutral Bay) has just launched a new bridge-deck cruiser for; W. G. Marshall, a member of the Royal Motor Yacht Club. This craft is a 38footer with a beam of lift Oin, and has been named Sunbeam II. She is having C.L.A.E. marine engines installed. C. A. M. Fisher and Sons, of La Perouse, are building a 38ft coach-house cruiser with a Oft beam, for Mr. Maxwell, of the Sydney Stock Exchange. Huon pine is being used, with spotted gum for the ribs, and ti-tree for stem and stern. W. M. Ford has an order for a yacht of 125 tons, with a length of 110 feet and a beam of 18ft and twin-screw Diesel engines. This boat, when completed, will run into £14,000. J. H. West, of Sailor's Bay, Northbridge, is to remodel F. J. Henkel's speedboat. She will reappear as a bridge deck cruiser and will race with the Australian Motor Yacht Squadron, which has chosen October 0 as its opening day. Richard Smith is the new commodore; Mr. Alick Blackwood vice-commodore, and Mr. J. S. Bruce rear-commodore.

Next week Messrs. G. and H. Solomon, builders, of Newport (Broken Bay) will launch a handsome cruiser for F. M. Keighley, of Cremorne. This craft has a length of' 35ft with lift beam, and will have the latest bridge deck. Huon pine has been used in the hull, with Indian teak for the decking, while the interior has been finished off with Queensland polished maple. The craft will have twin screws and two Universal engines. J. Miles, of Newport, is completing a 31ft raised-deck bridge-type- cruiser of 31ft, a 10ft beam and ,a draught of 2ft10in. Sleeping accommodation for six has been provided and a C.L.A.E. engine is to be installed. A. G. Williams, of Drummoyne, is building a new racing cruiser for C. P. White, while. Miss Joy II, owned by Mr. J. C. Wylie (transferred to the register of the R.M.Y.C.) is at Jack Robinson's yards for an overhaul and the replacement of the old engine with the latest C.L.A.E. Motor Sport and Motoring. (1934, September 13). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved February 14, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136126638


Big Fields In N.S.W Motor Boating. THE popularity of motor boating In New South Wales was demonstrated on January 12, the opening of the second half of the season, when more than 200 boats, valued at £150,000,competed in events conducted by the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Rose Bay; Broken Bay (R.M.Y.C.), at. Newport; St. George, at. Sans Souci; . Australian Motor Yacht Squadron, at Middle Harbor; Georges River; at Como; and Jewfish Bay Club, at West' Como. Twelve of the fastest boats, in the State competed in the St. George Club's contest for 'C' class speedboats. This was won by R. Cam's Miss Victory, by a point from a newcomer to the sport, D. Mclnnes 'All Phast,', with Charlie Cam's Elsie II third. Miss Victory, when she won the second heat, averaged 34 m.p.h., but only had. half a second to spare from  Esperance (A.Cam) with All Phast third. One and a half seconds divided the trio. All Phast averaged 27 m.p.h., and a similar' speed was put up by Esperance .- R.M.Y.C. .C.- P. White, with his new cruiser, Zelma, won the cruiser race on points, scoring a win and a second place in two starts for 175 points, with E. Benjamin's Vagabond, 150 points, second, and W. D. Lawson's Sylph IXT, 125points, third. DAY OF CLOSE FINISHES. (1935, January 17). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135516767

One of the latest cruisers on the register of the Broken Bay Branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club 'Myuna ' , owned by Mr. A. G. Grayson, of Roseville. This craft is luxuriously fitted inside, and was built by Mr. Lucas at Gladesville Bridge, Parramatta River (N.S.W.). CENTENARY REGATTA STIMULATES MOTOR-BOAT BUILDING. (1935, April 25). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135518968

Another Luxury Cruiser Joins Sydney's 'Millionaire ' Fleet - 1934-35 A RECORD IN BOAT BUILDING
No Lull for Approaching Winter MANY BIG JOBS ON HAND
THOUGH the yacht racing season for 1934-35 is ending, it does not mean that everything on Sydney Harbor, Botany Bay, Port Hacking, or other centres along the New South Wales coast will go into retirement until next spring. Far from it. The boat-building, industry will be in full swing for the operations for 1935-36. There is enough work on hand to keep every yard and all employees busy throughout the winter. New enthusiasts to marine motoring are being obtained almost every week, and when the new season starts there will be additional palatial craft to grace the many bays, harbors, rivers, and inlets. SEASON 1934-35'. was responsible for the construction of boats to the value of £300,000,and it is confidently expected that, by next December, the orders on hand will bring in an additional. £500,000 to those engaged in marine industries.
NEVER in the history of boatbuilding, has business been so brisk for boat-builders, while suppliers of engines representing local enterprise and oversea firms are also benefiting . in the prosperity. 
W. T. Heine's cruiser, Corsair, who won the last cruiser race of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of N.S.Wales. This craft is fitted with a C. L. A. E.  engine.
At the yards of W. Holmes, McMahon's Point, splendid progress is being made with the construction of a 65ft schooner yacht for a Sydney business man. She will be powered by a Diesel engine. Last Monday the keel was laid down for a big motor boat on behalf of the Navigation Department for use on the Macleay River. She will have an R.N. Diesel engine, while another 32ft launch is well under way. She, too, will have an R.N. Diesel engine. A 36ft cutter is to be built for the islands by Holmes, and there is an abundance
of repair work on hand. Already Mr. Stuart F. Doyle's Miramar II is up on the slips at Holmes' yards for an overhaul. L. Halvorsen, of Careening Cove, North Sydney, is working at full pressure on a 38ft cruiser, to befitted with Morris Commodore engines and another boat, a 44ft cruiser, is being built to be powered with a 275 h.p. Gray marine engine. The orders on hand for other craft have caused Halvorsen to greatly extend his present premises. Jack Robinson, of Balmain, is working on two cruisers and a speedboat, while Shevill Bros., of Sans Souci, and Peter Kemp, of Kogarah Bay, have new boats building for enthusiasts. There is activity at Broken Bay, where John Williams and Sons and G. H. Solomon are being kept working at high pressure, while many of the builders round Drummoyne, Balmain, and Gladesville, have received orders for new skiffs, 16ft arid 12ft, for next season's racing.
At a rough estimate Sydney's motorboat fleet runs well over the million pound mark. For the season just ending, craft were built to the tune of £300,000 odd. And the great bulk of this money is being spent on Australian labor and using Australian materials. Even on the engineering side a new and thriving industry is being rapidly built up. Hobby or pastime, call it what you will, this new activity has definite immediate economic value, and a not-so-remote defence significance.
Mrs. M. Carroll, mother of Mr. Lionel Francis, about to christen her son's new: cruiser, Banyanda, launched from the yards of W. Holmes, McMahon's Point, Nth Sydney, last Saturday. The last word in a luxury -cruiser, Mr, Lionel Franciss ' 42ftbridge deck cruiser . Banyanda, launched last Saturday front the yards of W. Holmes, McMahon's Point, Nth .Sydney . She has been built for comfort and speed. This boat camps eight adults .
The latest cruiser on the- register of the Port Hacking Branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Bernina. She was built by Rear-Commodore  H. C. Scheiss, with the assistance of his sons.
Vice – Commodore A. J. Blackwood’s cruiser, Celere, winner of the main event at the Australian Motor Yacht Squadron last Saturday. March 30. It. is a long time since Mr. Blackwood has won, and the victory was a popular one.
Another Luxury Cruiser Joins Sydney's "Millionaire " Fleet. (1935, April 4). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135511324

While all this boat building and launching was going on the ocean races, regattas and kinds of races continued apace. It was during this era that the motorised marine vessels began to be spoken of as an auxiliary fleet during times of conflict and the emphasis on speed races began to incorporate being able to navigate well: 
Many yacht clubs hold predicted log races in which navigational skill rather than speed is the basis for scoring. The skipper of a boat predicts the exact time he will pass specified points on a predetermined course, which he traverses without a watch, adjusting his speed in accordance with variations of wind, tide, and current. The skipper coming closest to his prediction wins.

THERE is no more popular flag officer in motor boating and yachting on Sydney Harbor than Mr. Charles Jacobs, Commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of N.S- Wales. As president of the Silver Jubilee Regatta at Pittwater on Saturday he was the 'life and soul' of the big aquatic event. Though he did not admire the steamer 'Gosford' as a suitable flagship for such an historic gala, he took good care to see that hospitality was dispensed in a true yachting fashion on his palatial cruiser 'Alkoollie', and afterwards at the Broken Bay branch of the R.M.Y.C, succeeding Mr. Stuart F. Doyle as Commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club, he has maintained the high yachting traditions set by the picture-show magnate, and in addition has made the Rose Bay Club House a popular rendezvous for those who specialise in marine motoring. No title. (1931, December 30). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136750439

THERE is no more popular flag officer in motor boating and yachting on Sydney Harbor than Mr. Charles Jacobs, Commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of N.S- Wales. As president of the Silver Jubilee Regatta at Pittwater on Saturday he was the 'life and soul' of the big aquatic event. Though he did not admire the steamer 'Gosford' as a suitable flagship for such an historic gala, he took good care to see that hospitality was dispensed in a true yachting fashion on his palatial cruiser 'Alkoollie', and afterwards at the Broken Bay branch of the R.M.Y.C, succeeding Mr. Stuart F. Doyle as Commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club, he has maintained the high yachting traditions set by the picture-show magnate, and in addition has made the Rose Bay Club House a popular rendezvous for those who specialise in marine motoring. No title. (1931, December 30). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136750439


WITH THIS NEW hydroplane, the Cettien, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Sydney, hopes to win the Griffith Cup from Mr. A. G. Rytnill, of Adelaide, who has held it, with the exception of 18 months since 1916.  Yachtsmen Get Ready: Her Turn Of Speed: Tearing Through Roads: Sunshine Wins. (1932, September 27). The Advertiser(Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article34704056

SPEED BOAT RACING, PROVES ITS POPULARITY Joyce Reappears & Wins With Kookaburra. Conducted By NORMAN ELLISON.
The popularity of speed-boat racing at Sydney was demonstrated last Saturday, when the Royal Motor Yacht Club staged the Initial event for the Queen of the Speedboats tournament. Despite the fact that Rose Bay was swept by a howling southerly, the racing was spectacular, and many new boats participated.
It is many years since Reg. Holmes (right) appeared in a competition event. He demonstrated that, he is still a clever pilot. He handled the latest Importation, a Chris' Craft utility boat, to win the first heat comfortably by 25sec from another newcomer, S. Henry, who steered Catherine; while Reg Joyce staged a comeback to finish in third place in the runabout Kookaburra. The second heat was a great event, with positions changing frequently. CharlieLongworth's Wakeful Too just managed to poke her nose in front to win by –sec from Suzanne (F. Pointing), while Claude Daly's Idleawhile was third. GREYHOUND'S 37 M.P.H. Vice-Commodore Bernard Bayley made amends for his failure in the earlier heats by winning third event with Greyhound and clocking the best speed, 37 m.p.h. The big runabout had to go flat out to defeat Kookaburra by 4sec, with LiveWire third. Being the most consistent boat, with a second and third, Kookaburra was declared the winner, scoring 137 points to 128 by Greyhound, and the candidate of Kookaburra (Miss Dot Meagher) was declared Queen of the Speedboats. She was congratulated by Commodore Stuart F.Doyle.
ZELMA'S second win.
C. P. White won his second cruiser handicap with his new boat, Zelma, defeating Noel P. Hunt's Hirawaka by 5sec. Vic. Heine's consistent performer, built this season by Jackie Robinson, won the second heat, and as Hirawaka gained two second places, was declared the winner, scoring 150 points to 125 by Zelma and Hoona. Tasman Storey introduced his son as an outboard driver, and the youngster showed all the cleverness of his father to register his initial success, defeating the new boat R.C.S. (R. Bell), with G. Major's Dorothy third. R. S. Fenniman, with Wingo, won the Renshaw trophy at the Broken Bay branch of the R.M.Y.C., defeating A. E.Flecknol's Constance in one of the best contested races seen at Newport for sometime. Only two seconds divided the pair at the finish. Kweena (C. Fairweather) took the General Handicap by 2sec from Constance, with Wingo third. Commodore A. D. Walker took the second General Handicap with Lolita, winning by a second from Kweena. Constance and Wingo tied for third. Motor Sport and Motoring. (1933, December 14). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135325043

Pittwater Regatta, 1937 - Lolita and Sinbada, Image No.: hood_16608, Courtesy State Library of NSW.
SPEED BOATS AT PITTWATER
SYDNEY HARBOR was deserted by the speedboat men during the holidays, and racing will not be resumed until January 13. Big fleets of cruisers, however, went to the Pittwater Regatta at Broken Bay, and though there were many 'open' events on the programme, the racing was confined to Royal Motor Yacht Club boats.
Noel P. Hunt was the most successful competitor, scoring a 'double' with his runabout, Ronald. The Rose Bay flyer won the president's speedboat handicap over a course of six miles, defeating the Broken Bay branch's representative, Wyvern (J. C. Webster) in a great finish by, 3 seconds. There were only three starters. A. D. Walker's Sinabada retired. Ronald's second win was In the all comers speedboat handicap, Sinbada being defeated by 6 seconds. Wyvern(J. C. Webster) and Winga (R. Penniman), the only other starters, retired. Bert Paul's auxiliary, Trixie, off 4minutes, captured the cruiser race for the Dalgarno Memorial trophy by 8seconds from C. P. White's Zelma, while 7 seconds further away came W. D. Lawson's, Sylph III, Paul's win was a popular one, particularly as he was a personal friend of the late Mr. Walter Dalgarno. For years they had worked together in building up the boathouse of the R.M.Y.C. at Rose Bay. The Bernard Bayley trophy for all comers was won by F. Luks's Hermina, by 20 seconds - from W. D. Lawson's Slyph III, with A. E. Flecknoo's Constance 10 seconds further astern. Those palatial cruisers,- Marcia (Ron Shafto),Lolita (A. D. Walker), and Carina (R.G. Gale) were among the starters, but did not have the power to overtake Hermina. The Albert trophy for all comers went to the Broken Bay representative Kooraoo (D. A. Douglas), Constance (A. E.Flecknoe) being second and Carina third. The general handicap for the Proud trophy was captured by C. Fairweather's Kweena by Osecs. from Sylph III., and Constance was third. It was a splendid finish, Usees., separating the placed boats. PORT HACKING CLUB Commodore G. B.' Watkins had an interesting day at Port Hacking. He entertained a big party and served up some interesting racing, with women officiating as pilots. They showed rare skill at the helm, and the racing was always of a high standard. Mr. w. Kuhl donated the trophy for the event. His boat Idono won two contests, but she was disqualified in the second event for breaking her, declared speed. The craft had been excellently handled by Miss M. Foster, a daughter of the Rear Commodore, Mr. G. Foster; Claude Daly's Idle-a-while, in charge of Miss Jean Daly, which gained a second place in each of the three heats was declared the winner, scoring 13 points to 11 gained by Barford, in charge of the well-known associate golfer, Miss M. Palmes. Idono was placed third. SPEED BOATS AT PITTWATER. (1934, January 4). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136125246

Five motor cruisers in line-astern, Pittwater Regatta, Broken Bay, 1930's,. Image No.: hood_06514, courtesy State Library of NSW.
SYDNEY SEASON RE-OPENS There was no racing on Sydney Harbor last week-end. The second half of the season opens next Saturday. The Royal Motor Yacht Club will conduct a series of events at Rose Bay, while the A.M.Y.S. will race at the Spit (Middle Harbor).The Broken Bay branch of the R.M.Y.C. will be in operation with a gala at Horseshoe Cave, Newport. SPEED BOATS AT St. GEORGE. (1934, January 11). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136119977

GOSFORD REGATTA All the leading Sydney clubs participated at the Gosford regatta on Easter Saturday. Commodore Stuart F. Doyle represented the R.M.Y.C., with his palatial cruiser Miramar. Sam Aggett won the speedboat handicap with Flash(A.M.Y.S.), Miss Advanx, B. C. Miller, was second,' and Wingo (R. Penniman), Broken Bay, was third. The cruisers' race was won by Dr. Caleb Goode's Leisurelea (R.M.Y.C.), defeating Kooraloo (D. A. Douglas, Broken Bay)with Lolita (Commodore A. D. Walker, Broken Bay), thirdIdleawhile (Claude Daly, Port Hacking),was fourth. Fay (W. Terry), won the 'B' class event from Query (G. Ash), with Baby Miramar (S. F. Doyle),third. The 'C' class race resulted in a victory for Slip (W. Cummins), from Faire (E. Eagle), with Colos (M. Foy),  third.  SECOND DOUBLE BY ESPERANCA. (1934, April 5)Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136115054

The ocean race of 27 miles from Rose Bay to Port Hacking for the Walter Dalgarno Memorial Trophy was an interesting event. It was won by Ron Shafto's Marcia. It was the craft's first win of the season, and she proved herself a good sea boat. Starting from Sydney at 7.-I-, she was first at Port Hacking at lO.-in, and defeated Bert Paul's Trixie by a second, with Dr. Caleb Goode's Leisurelea only L'secs further away third. Only11min 50sec divided the first five boats. Zelma (C. P. White)was fourth, and Vice-Commodore Bernard Bayley's Wakatipu was fifth. Ten boats finished within lllmin, the last to cross in being W. T. Heine's Corsair. For breaking their declared speeds four boats were disqualified in the speedboat handicap for the trophy of Vice Commodore Bernard Bayley, of the R.M.Y.C. The first heat was given to F. O'Brien's Flying Cloud, which beat G. Foster's Sunbeam by 2secs. Taylor and List's Disturber II won the second heat from Sunbeam, with I-I. C. Schiess' Dragon Fly third. Sunbeam scored 180 pts and was declared the winner; Flying Cloud, 123pts, was second; Disturber II, 100 pts, third, and Dragon Fly, 50, fourth. Victor Heine's Hoona won the cruiser race for the Miramar Cup by 2secs, defeating Leisurelea (Dr. C. Goode), while Sylph III (W. D. Lawson) was third. MOTOR BOATING IN N.S.W. (1934, April 12). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136120777

Big Fields In N.S.W Motor Boating. THE popularity of motor boating In New South Wales was demonstrated on January 12, the opening of the second half of the season, when more than 200 boats, valued at £150,000, competed in events conducted by the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Rose Bay; Broken Bay (R.M.Y.C.), at. Newport; St. George, at. Sans Souci; Australian Motor Yacht Squadron, at Middle Harbor; Georges River; at Como; and Jewfish Bay Club, at West' Como.Twelve of the fastest boats, in the State competed -in the St. George Club's contest for 'C' class speedboats. Thiswas won by. R. Cam's Miss Victory, bya point' from a newcomer to the sport,D. Mclnnes' All Phast, with Charlie Cam's Elsie II third. Miss Victory,when she won the second heat, averaged 34 m.p.h., but only had. half a second to spare from Esperance (A.Cam) with All Phast third. One and a half seconds divided the trio. All Phast averaged 27 m.p.h., and a similar speed was put up by Esperance .R.M.Y.C. .C.- P. White, with his new cruiser, Zelma, won the cruiser race on points,scoring a win and a second place in two starts for 175 points, with E. Benjamin's Vagabond, 150 points, second, and W. D. Lawson's Sylph IXT, 125 points, third. DAY OF CLOSE FINISHES. (1935, January 17). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135516767

Mr. Neal Smith, a committeeman of The Royal Motor Yacht Squadron, who visited Windsor during the Christmas and New Year holidays on his boat 'Moonmist,' pays a generous tribute to the Upper Hawkesbury Motor Boat Club. In offering congratulations to the members of that organisation on their efforts to popularise this end of the river, he says he has never had more hospitality shown to him, or more assistance rendered, than was the case during his recent visit to the town, and he intends to bring the club's activities under the notice of the Royal Motor Yacht Squadron. WEEK TO WEEK. (1934, February 2). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85800790

BROKEN BAY R M Y C. After the commodore Mr A D Walker had taken the salute from a procession of boats including the Sydney fleet which participated in the ocean race from Rose Bay, the season of the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales was declared open. A programme of three races resulted -

Opening Day Handicap, two miles -Vagabond(F Benjamin, RMYC). 1, Peter Pan (G Grimes Broken Bay) 2, Izzard (D MacQueen Broken Bay) Koolaroo (D A Douglas Broken Bay)Myuna (R Grayson. Broken Bay) and Hoona (V Heine, RMYC), dead-heat 3 Won by 1s. Fifteen boats competed and six of them finished within three seconds.

Speedboat Handicap, four miles -Wingo (R T Penniman Broken Bay) 1 Sinabada II (A D Walker, Broken Bay), 2 Moon Mist (N D Smith Broken Bay) 3 Awatea (H Hardie, Broken Bay)4 Won by 2s at 31 miles an hour

Visitors Handicap for Cruise is two miles - Izzard (N V MacQueen Broken Bay), 1 Myrah (B Briscombe, Broken Bay) 2, Myuna (F Grayson, Broken Bay) Constance (A E Flecknoe Broken Bay), and Hoona (V Heine, RMYC)dead-heat 3 Seven started Won by 4s

E C Griffith Trophy, General Handicap two miles -Woonah (R D Read, Broken Bay) 1 ElCapitan (C L Daley Port Hacking), 2, Awatea(H Hardie. Broken Bay), 3, Mayrah (B Briscombe, Broken Bay), Peter Pan (G Grimes, Broken Bay) and Constance (A Friecknoe Broken Bay) dead-heat 4 Twelve started Won by 5s at eight miles an hour. BROKEN BAY R.M.Y.C. (1934, October 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17138233

Commodore Victor Heine, of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, won the ocean race from Rose Bay to Broken Bay last Saturday with his cruiser 'Hoona,' defeating F. Luks' 'Stormbird,' with Dr.Caleb Goode's 'Leisurlea' 3rd. It was reported that Claude Daly, Commodore of the Port Hacking Branch of the R.M.Y.C, owner of 'ElCapitan,' had entered a protest. The grounds were not disclosed. Ike May had a day out with his speedboat, 'G. Whiz,' at the St. George Club, Sans Souci, on Saturday, when he put up the unique performance of winning in three straight heats. He averaged 25 m.p.h. 

G Wiz, image No.: 00013073, courtesy Australian National Maritime Museum.

'Sayona' ( J. Sayburn), was runner-up, while 'Endeavor' (T. Richards), and 'Esperance'(A. Cam) tied for third place. 'OurNul' (W. Shevill) captured the cruiser race by a second from E. Goulders 'Rover,' with 'Selvin' (N. Shevill and J. Neilson) third. ANOTHER OUTBOARD FIASCO. (1935, April 18). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135521595

DECLARED NO RACE. THE recent ocean race to Broken Bay, staged by the R.M.Y.C. and which was won by Commodore Victor Heine's 'Hoona' has been  declared 'no race ' The decision was the result of a protest entered by Commodore C. L. Daly, of Port Hacking, and the owner of  the cruiser 'El Capitan’. Whether it will be re-run is doubtful as the R.M.Y.C. has a big programme to get through before the reason terminates. DECLARED NO RACE. (1935, May 16). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135518350


THE ROYAL Motor Yacht Club of N.S..Wales will celebrate the closing of the season next Saturday, despite the fact that several important events will not be concluded. These include, the speedboat championship of the State for the Eastway Shield, won last year by H. McEvoy's 'Cettien,' the N.S.Wales Cruiser Championship for The Miramar Shield, which was abandoned last week. The ocean race for the Walter Dalgarno trophy to Broken Bay will also go forward to next year. The contest was recently held and won by
Commodore Vic Heine's 'Hoona,' but on an appeal by 'El Capitan's' owner was declared 'No race' . The idea of holding over of these contests is on account of the lateness of the season and the cold weather. The majority of owners are keen on slipping their craft in order that they may be thoroughly overhauled before operations are commenced at the end of September for the 1935-36 season. 
The Fassau brothers are influential members of the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Broken Bay, while the two brothers Foster have been great workers as well as speed boat drivers with the Port Hacking branch. Jack Clifford and his brother Mauriesteer outboards almost every Saturday at the Australian Motor Yacht Squadron(Middle Harbor). They own 'Baby Penta' and 'Miss Dynamic' respectively, The three brothers Caminiti race with the St. George Club. 
THIRTY YEARS OLD
On June 6 the Royal Motor Yacht Club attained its 30th anniversary, having been formed in 1905. It has made remarkable headway, and the leading owners are on its membership. The first commodore was the late Mr. Philip Mitchell. He held office till 1909, when Mr. Samuel Arnott took charge for two. Then came Mr. Frank Albert, who was chief tor the record period of eight years. Mr. Claude Daly's palatial cruiser, 'El Capitan' (built by W. Holmes), a candidate for the cruiser championship of N.S.W. N.S.W. Leads in Australian Motor Boating. (1935, June 6).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135520809

Walter Dalgarno was one of Sydney's best sailors for many years in both yachts and motor boats - see 'Extras' for a little more about this gentleman.

OCEAN RACES. THE ocean race from Rose Bay to Broken Bay, the first of the season to the northern port, was for the Walter Dalgarno Memorial  trophy. The course was one of 28 miles, and conditions were favorable.  The winner was R. Ryall's 'Cetonia' (Port Hacking), which was only 28secs from 'El Capitan' (C. Daly. Port Hacking), while 10 secs away came the R.M.Y.C. representative, 'Sylph' (W.D. Lawson), which was followed by 'Miramar,' 'Stormbird,' 'Hoona, and Opal’. Phillips, who recently returned from a visit to N.Z., possesses the fastest craft on Broken Bay in 'Opas' a craft built by Shevill Bros., of Sans Souci. In many respects it resembles Harry Bunce's 'St. Emelion.' Powered by a Ford V8 engine, the craft won the speed boat handicap at an average of 38 m.p.h., but at one stage touched 45 m.p.h. It was a remarkable finish in which 'Opas' beat commodore A. D. Walker's 'Sinababa II' by a second. The latter averaged 35 m.p.h. In third place was R. S. Penniman's 'Wingo.' Three secs separated three craft. The cruiser handicap was a deadheat between 'Woonah' (vice commodore R. D. Read) and 'Swerdna' (J. V . Andrews, while the A . D. Walker third place was B. Briscombe's 'Mayrah.' Two seconds parted the three boats, in one of the best finishes on Broken Bay this season. The general handicap ended in favor of N. McQueen's 'Izzard,' with 'Mayrah' second, and 'Sinababa,' third. 
THE new club-house of the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of N.S.W, is one of the most modern club-houses In the State. The basement provides an excellent boathouse, fitted with appliances for lifting the boats In and out of the water. The new club-house is the result of the activities of the commodore, A. D. Walker, who is superintending its erection in association with vice-commodore R. D. Read, and hon. secretary W. J. Carrad. Noticed among the guests on the opening day were commodore C. F. White, of the R.M.Y.C., commodore Charles Bacon, of the Newcastle branch of the R.M.Y.C. and commodore Claude Daly, of the Port Hacking branch of the R.M.Y.C. 
When this day is over the fleet will head northwards to Broken Bay, where the Pittwater Regatta, on December 28, promises to be even bigger than last year's function.The motor boating portion of the programme promises to be unique. The old style of handicapping on declared speed has been discarded. Each boat will be put over the course, and the handicappers, Dr. Stewart Elphinstone and Mr. C. H.Pearce, will deal with each competitor on that performance. This should give entire satisfaction. It will be the first occasion that this system has been tried and the sponsors believe that it will give satisfaction. MR. STEWART F. DOYLE is taking his palatial cruiser, 'Miramar,' to Broken Bay for the occasion, and, as president for the third consecutive year, will entertain many representative citizens. Mr.Stanley Spain has been promoted to the office of vlce-commodore, while the rear-commodore elected, is Mr. John Roche, who has been , associated with the regatta since its inception, and who, for more than twenty years, was hon. secretary. Among those who are lending support to the gala are commodore C. P. .White,of the R.M.Y.C., commodore A. D. Walker (Broken Bay), Messrs. W. Carrad (Broken Bay), Norman Wallis; Archie Goddard, H. Read, .A. J. Riddle, S. C.Bridgland, D. B. Carter, E. C. Gale, Cedrlc Williams, and Flight-Lieut. Mulroney, of the Aero Club of N.S.W. NEW SPEED BOAT CLASS WANTED IN SYDNEY. (1935, December 19). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 11. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135509618

Big Fields In N.S.W Motor Boating. THE popularity of motor boating In New South Wales was demonstrated on January 12, the opening of the second half of the season, when more than 200 boats, valued at £150,000,competed in events conducted by the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Rose Bay; Broken Bay (R.M.Y.C.), at Newport; St. George, at Sans Souci; Australian Motor Yacht Squadron, at Middle Harbor; Georges River; at Como; and Jewfish Bay Club, at West' Como.Twelve of the fastest boats, in the State competed -in the St. George Club's contest for 'C' class speedboats. This was won by. R. Cam's Miss Victory, by a point' from a newcomer to the sport, D. Mclnnes' All Phast,', with Charlie Cam's Elsie II third. Miss Victory,when she won the second heat, averaged 34 m.p.h., but only had. half a second to spare from Esperance (A.Cam) with All Phast third. One and a half seconds divided the trio. All Phast averaged 27 m.p.h., and a similar' speed was put up by Esperance .- R.M.Y.C. .C. P. White, with his new cruiser, Zelma, won the cruiser race on points, scoring a win and a second place in two starts for 175 points, with E. Benjamin's Vagabond, 150 points, second, and W. D. Lawson's Sylph IXT, 325points, third. DAY OF CLOSE FINISHES. (1935, January 17). Referee(Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 24. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135516767

Motor Boats Were Popular at GPS. Regatta. £50,000 WAS ESTIMATED VALUE OFTHE FLEET. Former Speedway Stars Shine At The Marine Sport. THE popularity of motor boating in New South Wales was demonstrated at the annual regatta of the Great Public Schools, held on the Parramatta River on Saturday. More than 500 palatial craft were present, many of which travelled from Port Hacking and Broken Bay to be present at the wonderful rowing festival. The entire fleet of the Royal Motor Yacht Club and the Australian Motor Yacht Squadron were present.  Present were: Commodore Vic. Heine's 'Hoona' (R.M.Y.C.), Vice-Commodore W. D. Lawson's 'Sylph III' (R.M.Y.C.),Rear-Commodore C. P. White's 'Zelma' and his son, Stuart's, 'ICatinka' ; W. If. Garnsey's 'Kingar,' which was launched three weeks ago; Bert Paul's 'Trixie,' Commodore R. Smith's 'Boo Saada'(A.M.Y.S.),Vice-Commodore A.  J. Blackwood's 'Celere'; v (A.M.Y.S.), and Rear-Commodore J. S. Bruce's 'Silver Cloud' (A.M.Y.S.), Dr. C. L. Mcintosh's 'Carinya,' H. C. Perdrlau's 'Jill-Anne,'N. A. Thompson's 'Winnbirra,' W. T. Heine's 'Corsair,' Keith Hamilton's 'Ophir,' Reg. Prevost's 'Tanda,' H.'McEvoy's 'Cettien' (St. George). R.-R. Shafto's 'Marcia ' : R. E. Millard's 'Norena,' W. Martin's 'Dolphin,' Dr. R.,- Furbor's 'Thetis,' Griffin Bros.''Titania,'' P. : Dowling's 'Fairie, ' F. J. Henkel’s: 'Chromium,' J. H.- Barker's 'Kelpie,' A;. S. McDonald's 'Patron,' G. Rayner's 'Ragnar,' L. Luks' 'Storm-bird,' J. C.  Wylie's- 'Miss Toy II, ' T.W. Green's 'Rathane,' E.: lliiburn and Wing.' R. Vaughan's ; 'St. Elmo,' E.' V F. Warner's 'The Julep,' L. E. Forsythe's 'Blue Bird,' Joyce Bros.' 'Kookaburra,' F. Pointings 'Suzanne,' J. J. Fallon's 'It,' R. R. Doyle's 'Red’, A. Sox's 'Swiftsure,' A. Stannard's 'Miss Enid.' C. C. Weatherill's 'Sun-ray, and G. Major's 'Sapphire. 'The estimated value of the fleet was £50,000. 
It was noticed that the police were utilising many well-known speed boats for patrol purposes. They certainly did their job well. They included 'Wylde-fel,' owned by W. A. Crowle, an overseas importation, and 'It,' the property of J. J. Fallon. This type of boat proved of great service, and it is quite on the cards that the new Commissioner, Mr. W. Mackay, will recommend the purchase of high-powered craft of the runabout type for duty on the harbor.  Motor Boats Were Popular at G.P.S. Regatta. (1935, May 9).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135513794

VICE-COMMODORE S. E. BLUNDELL was missed from the closing day ceremony of the Broken Bay branch of the R.M.Y.C. last Saturday, as he has left on a trip to the Far East. Commodore A. D. Walker and Rear-Commodore R. D. Read, were the hosts, and they performed the duties excellently, assisted by hon. Secretary Bill Carard. There was a great crowd and Mr. Walker said that the year had been the most successful held since the inception. R. S. Penniman, for the second consecutive year, retained the title with 'Wingo.' There is no denying the fact that the craft Is the fastest on Broken Bay, as she averaged 33 m.p.h. J. C. Webster, with 'Wyvern,' was second, with Commodore Walker's 'Sinabada' third. It was a great day for Penniman, as he also won the Awatea Trophy, the gift of Mr. H.Hardie. Webster made amends later in the day by winning the Moonmist Trophy, the gift of Mr. N. D. Smith, to defeat H. Nobbs' 'Marie Mac,' while Mrs. M.Phillips registered a good performance to steer 'Narcoo,' a new boat, to victory. R. Buscombe made a reappearance and cleverly handled 'Mayrah' to win the visitors' handicap by two seconds from Rear-Commodore Read's 'Woonah.' Earlier Dates Wanted for Motor-Boat Titles. (1935, May 23).Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135514660

 
Above: Pittwater Regatta, 1937, Image No.: hood_16623, courtesy State Library of NSW.

SACKVILLE'S SUCCESS. SECOND ANNUAL EASTER CRUISE. ROYAL MOTOR YACHT CLUB. BRILLIANT sunshine, a large and representative gathering and thrilling speedboat events were the features of the second annual Easter cruise of the Royal Motor Yacht Club to Sackville on Saturday last at the invitation of the local Motor Boat Club. There must have been 1,000 people present to witness the splendid programme of racing thrills. We understand that the cruisers left Newport in three sections. The Marie Mac, with R.M.Y.C. officials- oa board, left Newporton Thursday direct for Sackville. The first division of the fleet, in charge of Flotilla leader Mr. W. Giles, in Runette, left Newport at 8 p.m. on Thursday, the second division, in charge of Flotilla-leader Rear Commodore  Paull in Hour Glass, left the Club House, Newport, at 8 a.m. on Friday. The third division, in charge of Commodore A.D. Walker, in Lolita, left Newport at 11 a.m. on Friday, direct for Lower Portland, where the fleet united on Friday night. The combined fleet, under Commodore Walker, left Lower Portland at 9.20 on Saturday morning for Sackville, arriving at 11 a.m. The arrival of the fleet in the picturesque Sackville Reach was a very spectacular event, and Commodore Walker on arrival fired a salute of eleven guns, which was returned from the saluting base of the Sackville Motor Boat Club. The fleet of cruisers proceeded to the end of Sackville Reach and made a complete turn to port and carried on in line behind Lolita and 'anchored in line behind the Lolita. The sports programme for the day was an exceptionally good one. There were six events and the running was broadcast from an official boat by Mr. K. Mortley and another announcer, the latter on one occasion remarked, 'The chaps up here know more about speed boat racing than any others in the State.' This was certainly a compliment to the locals. The Upper Hawkesbury Motor Boat Club .co-operated in the racing programme, the results of which were as follows: — —First Speed Boat Handicap: Demon 27.5*m.p.h. 1, Gannet 29.75 m.p.h. 2, Invader 24.5 m.p.h. 3. Second Speed Boat Handicap: Archimedes 26 m.p.h. 1, Rapide 20 m.p.h. 2, Invader 25 m.p.h. 3.Third Speed Boat Handicap: Invader 25m.p.h. 1, Nala 20.25 m.p.h. 2, Gannet27.5 m.p.h. 3. '. Four Miles Speed Boat Anniversary Handicap, open to all comers, for the George Bush Trophy: Ike 24.75 m.p.h. 1, Mo 28.75m.p.h. 2, Comet 31.75 m.p.h. 3.First Cruiser Handicap: Wai Jones, Upper Colo, Warragamba 1.1 Second Cruiser Handicap: C. Skidmore G.K. 1.Mr. Nick Collakides, the well-known dispenser of good meals, was operating during the day, and visitors who did not bring their lunch or afternoon tea received the same good service as they obtain at the Blue Bird Cafe at Windsor. Altogether it was a splendid day's sport, and much credit is due to the hon. secretary, Mr. Geo. Turnbull, who saw that all details passed off without a hitch. SACKVILLE'S SUCCESS. (1938, April 22). Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article85813050

Above: Commonwealth Broadcasting Corporation Network Conference (taken for radio station 2UW), Miramar MOTOR YACHT 7/1938 Call Number Home and Away – 17392. Below: Pittwater Regatta, 1937, Image No.: hood_16619. Both Courtesy State Library of NSW. 

As part of the 2014 Pittwater Festival, a Navigation Trial and Paper Chase form part of the events programme:

Blue Water Navigation Trial
Saturday 29th March 2014
8am to 11am


Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay extends a hearty invitation to join in and be part of the Blue Water Navigation Trial on Saturday 29th March and the Pittwater Paper Chase on Sunday 30th March 2014. These events are part of the inaugural R-Marine Riley - Pittwater Festival.

The Blue Water Navigation Trial is limited to only 25 competitors, who may use all forms of navigation aids; including electronic chart plotters, radar, depth sounders, speed logs; as well as compass and time keeping instruments to complete the nominated course.

You are encouraged to involve as many of your family and friends as there is no limit to the number of crew you may have aboard. You will be provided with a topographical chart (provides more detail on land based objects for taking bearings) which includes the course clearly marked. Legs of the course for the main part, line up with land based prominent features to aid course navigation. In these instructions you have will also been provided with the waypoint latitude and longitude for the start, each turning point and the finish point. Also provided will be the approximate magnetic bearings and cumulative distance in nautical miles for each course leg. In other words you have all the information to enable you to steer an accurate course and to be on time along the course.

The maximum speed allowed to be declared for this event is 8 knots but please be aware of your wash when passing other boats and you must observe the Roads and Maritime rules for safe navigation at all times. The event which starts in Pittwater travels up to and into the entrance of the Hawkesbury River before returning to back to a finish in Pittwater.

The event will be scored using GPS tracker boxes to be placed on each boat. These boxes are to be promptly returned to the Event Committee at the RMYC immediately after completing the course to allow each boat’s score to be computed. For every second a boat is either early or late at secret check points along the course a penalty point will be incurred. The boat with the least penalty points will win the event and second and third will follow with the next least number of points etc. Great prizes will be awarded to the winning boat and those that run second and third.

Start times will be advised after receipt of all entries on Friday 21st March. The Course Chart and Instructions will be available for pick up after receipt of your entry form from RMYC Reception. Cathy McDonald 99975511.
More Details here

Pittwater Paper Chase
Sunday 30th March 2014
12pm to 2pm


Come and join in the fun of the last event of the R-Marine Riley Pittwater Festival.

You are guaranteed a great afternoon on your boat and the beautiful waters of Pittwater. The Paper Chase is a challenge of observation, whereby you follow simple instructions that are provided when you enter, to navigate the course which starts at the Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay and takes you to various locations around Pittwater. Along the way you will be asked to find the answers to questions that are provided on the questionnaire from things you will see on the way.

You will be asked to find, various locations, names, objects or identifying features on the shoreline or on the water along the course.

Clues might be, a particular house or jetty, a name on a boatshed, or unusual object that is nearby. The clues may be straight forward, or cryptic, or just plain tricky. Clues will be in the order of the key locations that you have to navigate to, so there is no need to back track.

The course takes you from the RMYC across to Scotland Island, then head North to Stokes Point, then to Morning Bay on the western foreshore, then head around Scotland Island towards Bayview and then to the finish off the RMYC. Questionnaires will be marked by completely incorruptible, dedicated, invisible officials of the RMYC!

Allow approximately TWO HOURS on the water to complete the questions.

You are required to be back at the RMYC by 2pm to hand in your completed questionnaire. Time then to relax enjoy some food, refreshments, live entertainment and the presentation of prizes.

Excellent prizes for the most accurate and other novelty prizes to be won.
More Details here

Extras

An Insight into how many power boats were racing and their racing numbers:

POWER BOATING. THE SEASON OPENED. DECADENCE- OF SPEED CRAFT.

If the animated scene which Rose Bay presented on the occasion of the opening function of the Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales on Saturday afternoon be taken as any criterion,  power-boat enthusiasts may entertain little trepidation as to the success of  the1913-14 season. So far the Motor Yacht Club is the only body interested. In the sport in local waters, but beyond the stimulus to a undertaking which a little healthy competition Instills, there is small hope of a new power-boating body, If such were established, doing any more than is already done and projected by Commodore Frank Albert and his loyal band of honorary workers, who spend so much of their time and money In furthering the interests of all Sydney marine motorists in general and those of their club members in particular.

There is more trouble lurking around the marine motorist than that which is generally supposed to be contained in the engine-room hatch. There are always, for example, such questions to be considered as the cost of fuel the menace to the hulls and propellers, which the large quantities of derelict timber and rubbish floating In the fairway are mainly responsible, and a dozen other little pinpricks which are caused through the power-boats having to comply with regulations not always to his liking, or, as a matter of fact, to his benefit. All these matters are being gradually taken up and thrashed out by with the executive of the club, in whose experienced and capable hands there is no doubt that the affairs of Its members are well placed.

THE SEASON'S RACING. 

The prospects of the season's racing are brilliant, but at the same time keen disappointment will be felt at the apparent apathy of the club members towards craft having a high turn of speed. As far as can be gathered the general feeling of members is towards a comfortable seaworthy boat which will enable them to potter about though harbour and engage only, In those competitions and races wherein a great knowledge of the intricacies of marine motors and their "tuning-up" is not required. Power-boat racing In the un-limited class always has been, and always will be, a hobby for the millionaire class, or that section of the community known colloquially as the trade. Moreover, as time progresses and engines become more powerful, and speeds in a degree higher, the cost of the speedster becomes appalling, and beyond winning a championship event, the lightly-constructed shells have little or no further service for their owners. It it is a question of retaining or securing the championship honours of the Commonwealth or Australasia for the State, it would be a far better plan for the club to f finance the building or Importation of a speed-boat rather than, letting the whole weight of the venture devolve on the shoulders of the Individual member. At the present time Mr. Chas. H. Relph's Meteor II. is the only boat on the club register which may be looked upon to give a good account of herself when matched In first-class, company

Mr. Reg. Holmes has expressed his intention in no half-hearted manner of not taking part In any speed events In the future, and is prepared to dispose of the two flyers, Rainbow and Peerless, which were associated with his name during the last season.  Of N.S.W. little or nothing has been heard since the boat was launched 12 . months, ago. Certainly she did not come up to the expectations of her designers and owners! There is then a big drop as far as speed is concerned, to Mr. W. H. Mason's Tu Tu, which was successful in winning the opening race of the seasons handicap event for boats having a speed of 10 miles an hour or more-twice over the Rose Bay course, a distance of eight miles, on Saturday afternoon. At her best, Tu Tu can reach the 21 miles an hour mark, which is Just about half the speed required to hold her own with some of the modern hydroplanes.

Meteor on Sydney Harbour. Image No.: 00011978, courtesy Australian National Maritime Museum.

THE CRUISER CLASS.

Although the club is undoubtedly badly off in the matter of speed craft, as far as the cruiser class is concerned it would be hard to find an organisation more replete with vessels of such great variety-or Individual value. The commodore's ocean cruiser Revonah, for example, is perhaps the beau Ideal, and all that a motor boat should be. There is no fitting too lavish for her spacious cabins, and she has no small care bestowed upon her, as ;her glittering deck fit-tings and the spotless paint of her hull bore witness when she proudly escorted the fleet Into the club waters on Saturday afternoon. There are other cruisers too, designed for day, week-end, or ocean work in great variety, and In view of the coming weekends, when these craft will be in evidence about the harbour taking part In the several club races and competitions; it will not, perhaps, be out of place to print their names, some details, of their equipment, and the official numbers under which they will compete during the season; Following is the fleet:-

Revonah (racing number 51), owner Commodore Frank Albert, powered with a 50-h.p. Jersey Standard engine: Cambria (64). Vice-commodore I,. J. Davies, 30-h.p. Smalley and 20-h.p, Ralacoco engines, driving twin-screws; Bell Bird (22), Rear-commodore R. Louat, a 6-h.p. Gibb engine; Wegiheh (17), Mr. Geo. H. Henry, hon. treasurer, 8-h.p. Ferro engine: Alack(27), Mr. W. Chas. Crawford, . 12-h.p. Standard engine:  Vao (62); Mr. H. G. Such: Ruri (46). Mr. Frank Saunders, 12-h.p. Union engine; Dora (24),. Mr. F. Butler; Don (6), Mr. C. A. Copeland, 6-h.p. Balaco engine N.T.H. (20), Mr. E. O. Griffith, hon, secretary, 25-h.p. Lackawana engine. 

Rooganah (57), Mr. Alvin Taylor, 20-h.p. Atlas engine; Aiglon (45), Mr. R. Lee. a 10-h.p. Italaco engine; Doreda (30), Mr. P. B. Reaney, 30-h.p. Dreadnought engine; Duzgo (28), Mr.  Neil Harvey, 15-h.p. Doman , engine; Erindi (8). Mr. E. Mortimer,12-h.p. Scripps engine; Fi Fi (41), Mr. A. E, J. Steel, 6-h.p. Gray engine: Kelvin (47), Mr. P. W.Pearson, 8-h.p. Union engine; Koala. (44),- Mr. S. Black, 8-h.p. Union engine; Lara (63), Mr. B. Gilchrist, 8-h.pl Union engine;-Laurel II, (66), G. S.Pursey, 21-h.p. Ferro engine; Lily. (30), Mr. W. F. McAndrew, 20/80-h.p. Smalley engine; Mouette (25),Mr. Alan Holt, 5-h.p. Wagra engine; Maurna (68). Mr. L. Holland, 8-h.p.' Lamb engine; Nerangi (60), Mr. E. Wilks, sch., 30-h.p. American Mercedes engine; Meteor (1). , Mr. Chas. H. Relph, 120-h.p. Daimler engine; Meteor II. (58),. Mr. Chas. H. Relph, 90-h.p. Brazier engine; Oberon II. (65), Mr. H. T. Seymour, 10-h.p. Atlas engine; Ottawa (36), Mr. Ross Brown, 12-h.p. Smalley engine; Peggie: (40), Messrs. H. K. and J. A. Barraclough,12-h.p. Smalley engine: Prodigal (61). Mr. H. H. Hinds, 12-h.p. Max engine, Restless (69), Mr. R. G. Geddes, 18-h.p. Wolverine engine; Samasuka (2), Mr. S. T. Phelps, 12-16 Smalley engine; Signa (42), Mr. Reginald Roberts, 6-h.p, . Loew Victor engine; Sylvia (29), Mr. W. E. Adams, ' twin-cylinder, 6-h.p.smalley engine; Tu Tu (34) Mr. W. H. Mason; 40-h.p.White and Poppe engine, Tom Boy (66), Mr. J. Stavenhagen, 6-h.p. Wolverine engine; Wonga (50),Mr. A. W. Crane, 12-h.p. Standard engine; XQQ-Me(3), Messrs. Alvin W. Taylor and Niel Harvey, 40-h.p. Mutell engine; Za0 (68),'Mr. G. S. Pursey: Wa Wo(48), Mr. R. A. Thompson; . Vaiti (60) Mr. J. T. McCarthy; Ursula (9), Mr. G. L. Corner; Thrasher (49), Mr. J. M. O. Forsayth; Skwert (52). Mr, G. S. Pursey; Baby Revonah (5), Mr. Otto Albert;  Nita(19);- Mr. R. Eastway; Mirama (67), Mr. F. G. Shrimpton; Laurel- (54), Mr. G. S. Pursey; Ivanhoe (10), Mr. H. V. Hartley; Failford (48). Mr. H. Breckenridge: Corinna (12),. Mr. G. E. S. Sandeman;- Alice (58), Mr. E. S. Stewart; Istria, Mr. A.C. Harker.

Among the above-named are a dozen or more craft which come well within the category of the ocean-going cruiser class, yet in the past the racing committee has had the utmost difficulty in obtaining the necessary entries for its annual ocean races. For the season these particular events have been deleted from the season's programme and a number of races of the "bang and go back” variety, substituted. Short of speeding, ocean racing is the most exciting phase of the sport, and it seems a pity that these attractive events should have been abandoned especially when the formation of the New South Wales coast offers unequalled opportunities for both long and short distance handicaps.

SOME CLUB JOTTINGS.

It was patent at Saturday's' demonstration that no boat or installation was in better trim than that of N.T.B., the cabin-cruiser owned and skilfully manoeuvred as scout by the hon. secretary of the club. Mr. Ernest C. Griffith. How much time Mr. Griffith gives to the club is known only to himself for he is of a retiring disposition, but judging from the success of the several amateur sporting bodies which have been so fortunate as to have the benefit of his services, and also from the present prosperous condition of the Motor Yacht Club, it is obvious that his time is ungrudgingly given, and moreover well-spent. The club members, as has been intimated, are fortunate In the selection their commodore; they are as fortunate In having such hands as Mr. Griffith's at the spade, and the same may be said of the several committees whose efforts are in no small measure reflected by the results. It therefore devolves upon the individual club members to assist these gentlemen In the several honorary . duties, which collective)have as their object the furtherance of the sport and the entertainment of its adherents. In no more acceptable manner may these duties be lightened and made less onerous than by the members bringing their craft along to the club waters on all possible occasions and taking part In the several attractive events arranged with no little labour by the committee.

Saturday's demonstration was most encouraging, and the Motor Yacht Club's opening day will no doubt become one of the most attractive functions seen on the harbour in the twelvemonth. But in order to prevent the objectionable interference of outside craft, which on the last occasion nosed their way into the club lines, and tended to upset the uniformity of the procession, it would seem that it is necessary to call for the assistance, of the water police. Polite hints apparently had little or no effect.

Another Innovation, too, which would be a great assistance to those members who are not too well versed In nautical phraseology would be to have the several evolutions of the day explained in diagrammatic form on the programme.  All hesitancy would thereby be eliminated from the movements of the fleet at the moment the signal for the manoeuvre is given from the commodores boat.

Rooganah, the champion ocean-going cruiser, is being refitted by her owner, Mr. Alvin Taylor, for more extensive cruising work. The power plant will be re-installed amid-ships, and two large cabins-one measuring 12ft x ,10ft, and the other 9ft x 10ft, arranged with sleeping accommodation. The mast, or "stick," as it is known in the parlance of the enthusiasts, will be brought further aft and equipped with crosstrees and signal halyards. XQQ-Me, also,  is undergoing some alterations, and her installation will shortly include a reverse gear, and a dashboard control arranged on the automobile plan. The Idea of her owners is to convert the craft into a speedy gentleman's 'runabout, much on the same lines as the type of boat which is most popular In America and the Canadian Lakes at the present time, where single-handed craft are the order of the day.

Mr. Reginald Roberts, of the Criterion Theatre, has entered the ranks of the enthusiasts, and has purchased Sigma, a natty little 6 h.p. cabin cruiser, formerly owned by Mr. Reg. Holmes. Mr. Holmes is now building a 26ft craft, on the latest American lines, in which a double cylinder' Loewe-Victor engine of the same class of that found In Sigma will be installed. POWER BOATING. (1913, October 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28123596

MR. FRANK ALBERT. GREAT SPORTING CAREER. Mr. Frank Albert, to whom reference has been made as having occupied several positions as a flag officer of the Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, and as the donor of the different Albert Cups, which have been raced for in motor boat championships, is one of the best-known followers of aquatic sport in Australia. To-day he devotes most of his attention to sailing, being the owner of the great yacht Rawhiti, but he still takes a keen interest in the doings of the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, of which he was commodore for about eight years.

Mr. Albert first became actively interested In aquatics about 27 years ago. His first motor launch was a 16ft launch of striking appearance, the Gromobol. At that time Mr. Albert states that there were no more than 12 motor boats in Sydney Harbour, and he used to take more risks with this little vessel than he would subsequently face with a magnificent motor yacht, the Revonah, which he subsequently built. This vessel was one of the most palatial in Port Jackson before the war, and was the outstanding craft at most of the demonstrations and outings promoted by the Motor Yacht Club. Mr. Albert exchanged the original Gromobol for a 25-footor of the same name. He became associated with Mr. E. E. Bayer In1902, and was elected rear commodore of a sailing club, which had both motor boats and sailing boats on its register. He became very enthusiastic about sport on the harbour, particularly motor boating, and built a large craft similar to one owned by the late Mr. S. Hordern, the Bronzewing, in 1904. This boat, the Boomerang, was well known on the harbour, and cost about £1200. It had a 20-h.p. Union oil engine. In 1906 Mr. Albert assisted in the formation of the Motor Boat Club, but when he left on a visit to America sold the Boomerang to Mr. Plunkett. On his return Mr. Albert bought a 30ft launch, the Fedora, and when the Motor Boat Club came into existence, was elected rear commodore. After a couple of years' service as vice-commodore, Mr. Albert retired from taking an active interest in motor boating, and, with Mr. Sayer, devoted himself to sailing, and they purchased from Mr. Brockhoff the New Zealand built yacht Rawhiti.

Picture to right: Frank and Alexis Albert, ANMM Image No.: 00024218. Michel François (Frank) Albert (1874-1962). Frank Albert was the son of Jacques Albert, who established one of Australia's oldest music publishing companies, J Albert and Son, in Sydney in 1885. Frank Albert was a yachting enthusiast and participated in many races in Sydney Harbour. He was elected to the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in 1920 and won many of the opening yacht season honours, racing RAWHITI. His son Alexis also participated, racing NORN. 

With Rawhiti, Messrs. Albert and Sayer won the championship of the Prince Alfred Yacht Club for 1909-10, and the blue ribbon the following year. Subsequently they won many important trophies and titles with her including the Basin Cup in 1912. Messrs. Albert and Sayer remodelled Rawhiti, and with the assistance of one of the leading marine architects, Mr. Walter Reeks, redesigned the whole sailing plan as well as rigging. Later, Messrs. Albert and Sayer purchased from Mr. W. M. Marks his yacht. Culwulla II., which they re-named Rawhiti II., and with her they visited Melbourne, but were unsuccessful. On returning to Sydney the plan of the sails of Rawhiti II. was altered by Mr. Reeks, and she won the Northcote Cup.

Mr. Albert was elected commodore of the Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales In 1912, and devoted a great deal of attention to that body. He held the office without a break for the whole duration of the war, and did splendid work, with the assistance of the other flag officers, in many ways, notably in entertaining convalescent soldiers from the military hospitals in Sydney at outings on the harbour and at the club house, Rose Bay. His late son, Otto, and also Alexis Albert, both took much interest In the club, and were regular competitors in handicaps at Rose Bay in a little launch, Baby Revonah, which acted as tender to their father's fine yacht, the Revonah. Mr. Albert has always been a liberal supporter of aquatic sport, and among the trophies he presented to the Motor Boat or Motor Yacht Club were the original Albert Cup for the championship of New South Wales, won outright by Mr. A. H. Davies (Fairbanks),a trophy valued at £52/10/ for the winner of a point score covering the year's races, which was eventually won outright by Mr. J. Spencer Nolan, and the Albert Cup for the championship of the 151 cubic inches piston displacement class, which has been raced for twice, and each time won by Mr. J. Breckenridge's hydroplane, Miss Bree. MR. FRANK ALBERT. (1927, January 27). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16350445

NEW BOAT SHEDS. Since Mr. Stuart Doyle has been at the head of affairs of the Rose Bay, he has advocated progressive reforms, and has placed the R.M.Y.C. on a firm financial footing. Tomorrow, Mr. Doyle will open the new boat sheds, which cost the club in the vicinity of £8000.00. NEW BOAT SHEDS. (1928, May 4). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103458415

Old Timers Race. There will be a unique attraction on the Sydney Harbour this afternoon, at the third annual ''Old Timers' ' yacht race in the 21ft restricted class, Mady pioneers of the sport., will be participating, particularly men, who made their marks in the deep, heel yachts in the good 'old days,' when ocean racing gripped, more than the harbour events.

MANY notables are competing, including F. S. Adams, who used to delight in racing to Norah Head or down the coast as far as Wollongong ; T.M- Bremner of the Scotia fame; S. M. Dempster, who had many remarkable achievements in the Petrel, and later In the cruiser Stormy Petrel. A. E. ('Doggie') Wallis, who was associated with Dempster for many years, and it is a coincidence that the pair have been drawn to be colleagues in the Nettle to-day. J. St. G. George will be afloat today. He won a championship in the Sydney Amateurs . more than a quarter of a century back, and Walter Dalgarno, who was right-hand man to Walter M. Marks in the palmy days of the Culwullas, hope to win with Nettle.

PERSONNEL OF THE CREWS 

The crews chosen by ballot for today’s historic event comprise  —

Awinya. — T. W. Bremner, E. E, Sayer, F. T. Buchanan, J. Asphops and J. St. George. 

Boomerang. — S. D.  Wenborn. W. Rayment, R. A. Carter, Andrew Wilson. John Buchanan. 

Lourella II.— S. Gilchrist, Oscar Curtis, John Roche, H. Pickering, F; P. Pring.

E.O.J. II — Travers Black, R. L. , Patrick, Richard Old, A. Mould. Roy Walters. Nettle.— O. Meyer, W. J. Dalgarno, Dr. A. R. Marks, W. C: Boesser. W. J. Buchanan 

Wattle— F. S. Adams, H. R. Harpur, J. Gosling, A. . E., Wallis. -S. M. Dempster. THE YACHTSMEN. (1925, December 16). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127572956

Watty M. Ford, Walter L. Dendy, and Walter Dalgarno are keen supporters of the Sydney Amateur A class cruisers. They are providing the trophies for tomorrow's race. W. M. Ford was for years with the 18ft class, and owned the Australian, which won the 18ft championship of the Commonwealth in 1914with Chris Webb at the helm. Walter Dendy is now the manager of the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Co., and a former captain of the S.A.S.C. He has owned and sailed many a cruiser, but to-day he devotes his time to handicapping. Walter Dalgarno is one of' the 'old timers,' and a member of the committee of the Royal Prince Alfred Club. THE YACHTSMEN. (1926, February 12). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 16. Retrieved February 14, 2014, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105947558

Walter Dalgarno (right) will organise the yachting and sailing events  for the Rose Bay regatta next month.  THE YACHTSMEN. (1927, March 11). Arrow (Sydney, NSW : 1916 - 1933), p. 16. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103438549

OBITUARY. MR. W. J. DALGARNO. Mr. Walter J. Dalgarno, a son of the late Mr. James Dalgarno, a former Deputy Post-master-General of New South Wales, died on Monday night at the age of 58 years.

Mr. Dalgarno was for 37 years in the service of the Australian Gaslight Company, and was on long service leave, which commenced early this year. For many years he was a member of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, and the Royal Motor Yacht Club, and since his retirement from active racing had taken a prominent part in the administration of those clubs. He was best known as the forward hand of Culwulla III. (then owned by Mr. W. M. Marks), acting in that capacity when the yacht went to Tasmania, where she won the Bruni Island Cup, and then to Port Phillip, where she won the Sayonara Cup in 1910, and brought it to New South Wales. He also raced in Culwulla II. in Port Phillip in the contest for the Northcote Cup in the six metre class. Later, he was a member of the crew of Culwulla III. when she made the voyage to Brisbane in 49 hours, which has never been equalled by any vessel under sail. During the last few years he has been identified with the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve.

He is survived by Mrs. Dalgarno. The funeral will leave his late residence, 47 King's-road, Vaucluse, to-day, at 9.45 a.m., for South Head Cemetery. OBITUARY. MR. W. J. DALGARNO. (1933, August 23). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17000496

MR. G. W. WHATMORE. Mr. G. W. Whatmore, the founder and original hon. secretary of the Motor Boat Club, is said to have something very sensational building for a racing craft, to his own design. The doings of that phenomenal little filer, Baby de Dion, will be fresh in our readers' minds, and the new craft is pronounced to be something of the same style of boat. She is to be, so rumor says,  modelled on the shape of a shark — blunt bows and a tapering stern. A motor-car trip of Mr. Whatmore's is... MR. G. W. WHATMORE. (1907, May 8). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120347488

MR. G. W. WHATMORE.  The remains of Mr. George Willoughby Whatmore, managing director of Queensland Motor Ltd, Whatmore McIntosh Motors, Ltd. and Austin Cars, Ltd., who died In Brisbane on Thursday, will be brought to Sydney to be cremated.

Mr. Whatmore, who was 61 years of age, was a native of Sydney, and was educated at the old Fort Street School. He was a prominent athlete, and look part in several branches of sport. At one time he was amateur champion cyclist. One of his achievements as a cyclist was that he rode from Adelaide to Sydney on one of the old-fashioned high bicycles. He also established the first record from Brisbane to Sydney on a safety bicycle. He won more than 120 prizes for cycling, and represented New South Wales in many cycling events in other States. He attained a very high skill as an oarsman, and won many sculling races. He was a member of the North Shore Rowing Club and the Mercantile Rowing Club.

Yachting was one of his favourite sports and he was an enthusiastic yachtsman up to the time of his death. He founded the Royal Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales, then the Sydney Motor Boat Club. A few years ago, with his own boat, Miss Brisbane, he won the championship race for her class on Sydney Harbour. In Stradbroke II., a vessel of 94 feet in length, he owned the largest motor yacht in Australia at the time of his death. He was commodore of the Brisbane Yacht Club.

Mr. Whatmore took an interest in local government matters, and was at different times a member of the Hunter's Hill Council and a member of the Brisbane City Council. On one occasion he contested a Sydney electorate against the late Mr. John Norton. He was also a Shakespearean student and amateur actor, and was a member of the Shakespearean Society in Sydney, and founded the Shakespearean Society in Brisbane. On the occasion of the visit of the Prince of Wales to Brisbane, Mr. Whatmore arranged the Shakespearean Ball, which the Prince attended.

He leaves a widow and four sons and three daughters. The funeral will take place this afternoon at 2.30 from Wood Cofill's parlours, George-street, for the Rookwood Crematorium. OBITUARY. (1929, June 1). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 21. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16553441

Right above: Alderman George Willoughby Whatmore, Brisbane City Council  1919 Picture courtesy State library of Queensland

MOTOR BOAT OWNERS AND ANNIVERSARY REGATTA. Move To Control Races Away From the Usual Harbor Course CLAIM THAT SYDNEY HARBOR IS TOO ROUGH AND OVER-CROWDED

THERE is every indication that cruisers, speedboats, and outboards will not be seen in action at the Centenary Anniversary Regatta, to be held on Sydney Harbor on- January, 26 next. . .

It is contended by many influential members of the Royal Motor Yacht Club and Australian Motor Yacht Squadron that the water at that time of the year between Shark Island and the flagship moored off Cremorne, is too rough, and with hundreds of yachts, skiffs, and other types being, on the course at the same time have interfered with many of the events; in fact several of the boats, particularly. the lighter craft, have been severely damaged during. the fast few years.

POWER-BOAT- men intend to approach the Anniversary Regatta Committee on the subject, and will ask that the motor-boat events be staged on a course to be selected, probably Rose Bay or Middle Harbor, and that the contests be still known as the Anniversary Regatta events. The matter has been given serious thought by the clubs concerned, who point out that by transferring the contests to sheltered waters it will not affect the spectacular side of the big regatta, and will give greater safety. There will be better facilities for the sailing craft, and it is argued -that by shifting the motor-boats to a new course more enthusiasts would be prepared to enter their boats for the various events, as against competing in open, rough water, crowded with all types. The clubs are even prepared to takeover the liability of providing their own prizes.

MR. LIONEL S. DOYLE, secretary of the Australasian Power Boat Association, considers, the idea the only practical way of maintaining interest in the regatta by motor-boat men. In recent years, entries have fallen off to a remarkable degree due to the risk of accident to their boats. Mr. Doyle is of the opinion that the scheme outlined above will meet with unanimous approval of the Sydney clubs, and cooperation was expected from the Broken Bay branch of the Royal Motor Yacht-Club, Port Hacking R.M.Y.C., and St. George. These three clubs will probably be asked to stage ocean races on that day terminating in Rose Bay. MOTOR BOAT OWNERS AND ANNIVERSARY REGATTA. (1935, September 12). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 17. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135522300

The 'Macleay,' just completed by Holmes for the N.S.W. Government. Speed Boat Championship of N.S.W. On Saturday. (1935, June 13). Referee (Sydney, NSW : 1886 - 1939), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135509386

For Sale: LUXURY Twin Screw Motor Yacht Miramar 75ft x 16ft Hull and machinery in faultless condition 5 2-berth cabins 1 single berth cabin. Self contained crew’s quarters bathroom lounge room gas stove 2 refrigerators lounge settees piano Ready for immediate sea voyage suitable as a luxury cruiser yacht or a commercial Investment. Further particulars of extensive equipment from Miramar Box 2134 G P O or phone LW 1112 or LW1476. Advertising. (1946, November 23). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 15. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18003292

 Bona - the Cruiser: Bona - The Yacht

LAUNCH OF A MOTOR YACHT. CHRISTENED BY THE PREMIER. At the invitation of the Standard Oil Engine Company, there was a large gathering of gentlemen interested in aquatics yesterday, at the ship building yard of Mr. W. Holmes, M'Mahon's Point, North Sydney, on the occasion of the christening and launching of a beautiful motor yacht, designed and built by Mr. Holmes to the order of Mr. J. E. Chinnery. The craft, which is moulded on graceful lines, measures 50ft overall, with a beam of 10ft and a depth of 4ft 9in, and will draw 4ft of water. The engines are by the New York Standard Oil Engine Company, are of 25 horse-power, and will develop a speed of between 10 and 11knots.

The launching ceremony was performed by the State Premier (Mr. J. H. Carruthers) who, as the vessel left the ways, broke a bottle of champagne over her bows, and christened her "Bona" amidst the cheers of the large number of invited guests, and others attracted to the scene. The Bona, gaily decorated with bunting and with the flag of the P.A.Y.C. flying proudly, took the water like a swan. The party then adjourned to an adjoining shed, where an oyster luncheon was provided, and which was presided over by Mr. P. H. Sullivan, M.L.A. An appropriate toast list was gone through. LAUNCH OF A MOTOR YACHT. (1904, November 11). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article14648943

THE INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND SPEED OF OUR MOTOR BOATS


As a builder of all classes of motor boats, Mr. Holmes' name is famous throughout Australia. Not only is he a constructor of them, but as his records show, he is equally capable at preparing their plans, and one of the earliest speed launches in Australia was built by him to his own plans. This was the one-time famous G Whiz, a craft of about 10 years ago, but which is acknowledged by all who knew her to have been considerably, ahead of her times. With only a 5 hp.engine, Mr. Holmes succeeded in getting the remarkably good speed of 10 m.p.h. out of this craft, which was afterwards purchased by Mr. G. W. Whatmore, the first secretary of the Motor Boat Club (now the Motor Yacht Club of New South Wales). Even today, an owner would be very pleased with a 5 h.p. boat which would give him 10 m.p.h. Next in Mr. Holmes' list of speed craft Construction came Mr. J. Brennan's Standard 1.,which, with a 25 h.p. engine, had a speed of 12knots, land was considered a wonder in those days. Subsequently Mr. Holmes constructed that splendid little craft, Standard II., for Mr. C. H. Gorrick, into which was installed a 25 h.p. engine, really a racing engine, which gave her a speed of 21 m.p.h. Two years in succession this little boat, afterwards known as Lady Eileen, and still later as Rangatira, won the Motor Boat Club's championship.
When the hull of Standard II. was nearly ready, the engine was for ought down and placed alongside it ready for installing,' said Mr. Holmes in an interview the other day. 'People would come along have a look at the hull and engine, inquire the power of the latter, and promptly prophesy the speedy destruction of the hull when the engine was installed.' Twenty-five horse-power for that hull !' they would exclaim.  'Why, the engine will go straight' through, the bottom of the boat and sink her.' 
Nevertheless, Rangatira is still doing good service in the harbor, and is apparently, as good as ever. Afterwards I built Cooee for Mr. A: Davies, and later still Fairbanks. . Cooee was a remarkably good little craft. She only had 12h.p., yet could do over 14 m.p.h., and was a remarkably dry boat in rough weather. Fairbanks was a splendid speed boat, but naturally a displacement boat has not much chance with a hydroplane in smooth water. However, it is not unlikely that Fairbanks will yet be seen out after even more honors than she has so far acquired. I also built that fine little Thornycroft-designed boat Queery, now running in the harbor, which has a speed of over 20m.p.h. with only a 15 h.p. engine.' Of cruisers, Mr. J. E. Chinnery's Bona, for many years the finest of her class in Port Jackson; Mischief, belonging to Mr. A. G. Milson; and other small craft, and a motor yacht for Mr. Wallace, which was only eclipsed by the late Mr. Samuel Hordern's yacht, all came from my yard. There are so many cruisers and pleasure' craft turned out, of course, that I cannot recollect them all; nevertheless, I consider Mr. Wallace's boat the very finest I ever turned out. 
‘The coming of the Motor-boat proved really the salvation of the boat building industry in Port Jackson,' continued Mr. Holmes.'The industry was languishing and falling into the hands of a few builders, and even they were not by any means over-worked to cope with the demand. ' The steam launch was not a proposition really for the man who wanted a craft for pleasure, there was too much inconvenience and expanse connected with running it, and it would not be taken out on the spur of the moment. The sailing enthusiast, of course, is always with us, but to the average pleasure seeker the possibility of. a calm afternoon meant either fore-going his pleasure with the yacht, or an afternoon toil at the oars. The motor-boat changed all that. Here was an inexpensive, simple machine, which occupied little more room in a boat than the hamper in which picnic requisites were carried, which was 

READY FOR USE ON -THE TURN OF A HANDLE, and would propel a loaded boat at a good speed to whatever point was desired; or take it for a cruise all round the Harbor without a falter, no matter whether the wind blew or did not. The contrivance was warmly welcomed, and it is no exaggeration to say that hundreds of people who might never have set foot, in a sailing or rowing boat were instantly attracted by its advantages. Boat builders experienced an unprecedented demand. The industry took a fresh lease of life, and you can judge from what you see in the yard here, that there is no immediate reason for fearing that it will again decay. In fact; I think most of us would willingly expand our works if we could find the necessary space. That is what the motor-boat has done, and is still doing for us; the mosquito fleet you see anchored in nearly every bay and cove in Sydney Harbor during week days, and which on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, is so much in evidence cruising about, or conveying picnic parties either to their meeting places or for all day cruises, is a tangible result of this accession of activity. The development of the motor- speed boat in Sydney has been interesting. In the days of the old steam launch, with its heavy machinery, six or seven knots an hour was considered a splendid speed. 
So when the FIRST RACING MOTOR-LAUNCH, in Sydney showed a speed of about 10, there was great astonishment. But presently came along one that could do 17, and it was remarkable what an interest people on the ferry steamers took in this at that time astonishingly speedy craft. She used to go out and completely outpace the fastest Manly and Watson's Bay boats. Gradually we evolved one which could do over 20, and presently the speed crept up a little at a time; to over 28. Then came the discovery of the  hydroplane principle — flattening the boat's bottom, and putting steps or notches in it, causing her to lift the fore-part clean out of the water, so that she skims along on her stern, often impatiently skipping from wave to wave, raising a lot of spray and commotion, but achieving speeds at one time considered absolutely impossible. There, that will show you exactly how she does it.' Mr. Holmes, as he spoke, called attention to a tiny 20ft. ‘plane which, emitting a continuous droning roar, was hurtling at hair-raising speed across Lavender Bay in a cloud of foam. For apparently 12 feet of her length forward, the craft was clear of the water, and occasionally the complete craft would LEAP RIGHT INTO THE AIR, just as a flat stone hurled along the surface will do. 'That,' continued Mr. Holmes, 'is one of the very latest speed craft, constructed In Australia, and although so speedy — she is capable of a speed equal to 35 m.p.h., or over — she is only equipped with a 70 h.p. engine. You will appreciate why I say only 70 h.p., when I remind you that to achieve this speed with the ordinary or displacement type of bull the power might have to be trebled.
'That is very interesting, but has the hydroplane any practical every-day possibilities ? Is it not just a racing freak pure and simple, and thus only a rich man's toy ?
'Not necessarily.' Sir John Thornycroft,- the eminent English naval engineer, some time ago invented a hydroplane, and the design he then declared quite suitable for torpedo-boat construction. This brought hydroplanes well into the realm of practical boats. The hydroplane also forms the connecting link between the boat and aeroplane, as is proved by successful experiments with craft styled hydro-aeroplanes, which can achieve fine speeds on the surface of the water, and rise off it and fly in the air 
EXACTLY LIKE A SEA GULL.'
'Do you think finality in the speed of motorboats has yet been reached, Mr.Holmes ?’
'Certainly not out here. We seem to have ONLY TOUCHED THE FRINGE OF THE SPEED QUESTION so far; probably because there are only one or two big race meetings for motor craft in Australia in the year. The speed of fast cruisers, in fact has kept pace in a surprising manner with that of the out and out racing craft, and this is a proper thing, I think. The racing arena is an excellent field for testing inventions and Improvements as they can be in no other way, and when they have come through this severe trial satisfactorily It should not be long before they are in demand for cruising purposes. That is only keeping pace with the times.'
What do you think will be the limit of pace attainable by motor launches ?
'I would not like to say. It is only a very few years since 30 m.p.h. was considered a remarkable racing speed just for a short dash; but now in Europe boats with a speed of 35 are common, while there are individual cases of those of over 40, and. the present English champion, Maple Leaf IV., has an official speed of 45 knots to her credit. Then, it will be remembered that Ursula, the old champion, was reputed to have accomplished over 50 in a private trial; but all these are capped by the marvellous time of Tech, Jun., an American hydroplane.- whose official speed for a nautical mile works out at just a fraction over 60sec — or more than a land mile a minute.'
And you are satisfied with the prospects of the motor boat industry in Sydney for the future, Mr. Holmes ?
'Quite satisfied. The industry is of rapid growth, but that growth has been solid, and the large demand for motor craft shows no signs of slackening. A class of motor boat greatly growing in favor to-day is the auxiliary yacht, fully equipped with sails, but also carrying a moderately-powered engine and propeller for use in calms or for beating home against the wind. The most popular motor boat, however is a cruiser with comfortable accommodation for a day's outing, and powered sufficiently to give it a speed of anything from eight to 14 m.p.h  There are some luxurious craft among these cruisers, equipped with sleeping and saloon accommodation which, although on a smaller scale, vie with the ocean liner's for comfort.' THE INCREASED EFFICIENCY AND SPEED OF OUR MOTOR BOATS. (1913, January 12). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 16. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126450630

 Royal Motor Yacht Club – Broken Bay – Early Motor Boats and Yachts, their Builders and Ocean Races to Broken Bay, the Hawkesbury and Pittwater - threads collected and collated by A J Guesdon 2012-2014.