TASMAN YACHT RACE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 131, 16 March 1931, Page 4

TASMAN YACHT RACE.

START IN GOOD WEATHER.

OIMARA LEADS OFF CAPE BRETT

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, March 15

The yacht race across the Tasman was commenced yesterday afternoon in perfect weather. * Conditions to-day are again, ideal, and the yachts should have 4 £o°d start on, the long journey. The Norwegian yacht Teddy crossed the starting line at *2 ©clock, followed a minute or two later by the Oimara. Forty minutes later the Auckland boat Rangi crossed the line after a hasty preparation, the local officers of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron having refused to delay the start of the race to enable the three yachts to cross the line together. A large crowd assembled on the .waterfront before the race, the competitors being given an enthusiastic farewell. Hundreds of yachts and launches followed the contestants down the harbour. Rangi, in racing rig, had already knocked ten minutes off her late start by the time she reached North Head. At the request of skippers Bennell and Tambs, the time of the late starter was recorded and an allowance will be made at the finish of the jraco. Tho light-keeper at Cape Brett reported to-night that the Oimara had possed at 11 o'clock this morning. Teddy and Rangi, separated by about a mile and a-half, had followed at 3 o'clock this afternoon. Teddy was close inshore, and the others about four miles out. The weather was fine, with a light wind from the south-east.