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Regatta of the Northwestern International Yacht Racing Association on Puget Sound |
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1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition Regatta
Regatta of the Northwestern International Yacht Racing
Association on Puget Sound
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Attention was also drawn to Seattle as a yachting and motor boat center as a result of the outcome of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition races, which were held under the auspices of the Pacific International Power Boat Association on Lake Washington during and following the regatta on the Sound. Records were established for the Pacific Coast in the 12-metre class, the 10-metre class, and for a 60-mile endurance run.
Wolff II, owned and built by John Wolff, of Portland, proved a star performer for the 30-mile class. With Capt. E. W. Spencer at the helm and Johnny Wolff at the engine, she made a record for the course of 56 minutes and 25 1/2 seconds. The fastest lap of ten miles was done on 18 minutes and 23 seconds. Pacer, entered by Cox & Slattery, of Portland, won the 10-metre, doing the 30 miles in 58 minutes 13 1-5 seconds, which is the fastest time recorded for this event. To establish this record, the course will be re-measured and verified. Pacer and Wolff were the only entries for the 60-mile handicap race. Pacer led at the start and maintained her lead until the third lap, when her propeller struck some obstruction, stripping off every blade and leaving her helpless on the water. Wolff completed the course, making the 60 miles in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 35 4-5 seconds.
Wolff II is 39 feet 9 inches long by 4 ˝ feet extreme beam. She has a powerful six-cylinder Smalley motor, rated at 90 to 110 H.P., and turning a 22-inch, 45-pitch wheel 1,000 revolutions per minute. Pacer is a fraction under 10 metres, and is equipped with a six-cylinder Leighton, rated up to 120 H.P..
The officials in charge were: Referee, C. E. Plimpton; starter, Clarence Jones; judges, M. Robert Guggenheim, E. Forest Mitchell and Frank M. Foulser.
The owner of the Pacer is not satisfied that he has been beaten, and there are a number of others who have been inspired with a desire to wrest the laurels from Wolff II. With these indications, the prospects for some speedy racing on the pacific the ensuing year are bright. The Motor Boat Club of Seattle has also some plans under consideration which, if carried out successfully, will make the Lake Washington course one of national repute.
(Excerpts transcribed from Yachting, November 1909, pp. 372-374.)
[Thanks to Greg Calkins for help in preparing this page —LF]
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