SAFE IN PORT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 119, 22 May 1931, Page 8

SAFE IN PORT.

RANGI REACHES RUSSELL.

HEAVY SEAS ENCOUNTERED. "BOAT BEHAVED SPLENDIDLY." Nineteen days after sailing out of Sydney Heads the Auckland yacht Kangi rattled out her anchor chain at Russell early last evening. Her crew, who were all in the best of health and spirits, received an enthusiastic welcome and were warmly congratulated on then feat of crossing and recrossing tne stormy. Tasman in so small a boat. "The trip home was made in tne iace of heavy weather, and except for two days we had to keep the yacht c hauled for the whole of ; the voyage, said Lieut.-Commander W. C. Juler, the navigator. "For the most part we had to contend with adverse winds, and only on one day did we have a followm o breeze."

No Accidents. It was late in the afternoon of Saturday May 2, ivhrn the Kangi'a crew farewell to Sydney, they had been made to feel perfectly at home On the first day at sea the weather was calm and then came a light easterly, Xh later freshened. When the yax*t ran into a strong south-easterly she double-reefed and stood away towards Lord Howe" Island. Adverse conditions and not a thing earned a«;y. Att boat mi fS first'S sighted was M—i Bluff, last Tuesday afternoon, when Ran<n had been 17 days at sea. Owing to heavy rain visibility was , the crew were very glad to - ~ , own land again. There was a light south-easterly for the run when the yacht passed the „ nr iv yesterday morning the wind was Movin^a howling gale, and conditions were most unpleasant. Running down the coast to Russell, the yacht encou tered frequent sou'-west squalls.,

Public Welcome at Russell. After medical inspection the Rangi berthed at the Russell wharf, where Commander Juler and the crew,:Mess:rs. D. Kirkcaldie, A. Clarke and S. arshal ]' were greeted by the owner of the boat, Mr W A. E. Leonard, Mr. Stencker, of 'Auckland, and the townspeople of Russell. In the evening the crew were entertained at The 'Gables, and is morning they were publicly at a gathering presided over by Mr. A. E. Bissett, chairman of' the Russell Town Board. "The Rangi behaved splendidly, and I can't say enough for her," said Commander Juler. He also spoke in warm terms of his crew, who, he said, throughout the long voyage were always a happy family.

Food and Water to Spare. In anticipation of a long voyage, Commander Juler had 80 gallons of fresh water put on board the yacht before leaving Sydney, but up till the time of the boat's arrival at Russell only 24 gallons had been used. There were ■ also plenty of provision? still to;. spare. * The sunny weather at Russeli to-day was greatly welcomed by the jcrew of the yacht, who, for over two Weeks liad been forced to accustom themselves to contrary winds and dull weather. Advantage was taken of the sun to dry sails and make things more comfortable on board. ' The Rangi was expected, to leave Russell this afternoon for Auckland. Mr. Leonard said that it was best to expect the boat on Sunday, although it was possible that she would reach port tomorrow. «