THE OCEAN RACE.

Auckland Star, Issue 17, 21 January 1932, Page 15

THE OCEAN RACE.

WAIONE COMPLETES COURSE. ROUGH WEATHER AT SKA. Waione, the fifth competitor in the ocean race for the Balokovic Cup, sheltered at Whangarei Heads on Saturday morning, resumed the race at 9.30 a.m. on Sunday, and crossed the finishing line at 4h 4m 30e on Tuesday afternoon, gaining second prize, being the only boat to sail round the course except the winner, Victory. Waione was the first boat to cross the line at the start on Friday evening, and together with Victory she cleared North Head shortly after 8 p.m., Victory having the lead. Canoe Rock was passed about midnight. The wind was east-north-east and freshening. Pull sail was carried, but at 2 p.m. the topsail carried away. Sail Rock was made at 4.30 a.m. Saturday, when a heavy squall caused them to run for shelter under the Hen. The sails were lowered, and under staysail only the yacht ran before the gale, doing the 14 miles to Urquhart's Bay in two hours. The yacht was joined by Rangi, which left for Auckland the same afternoon. Waione lay at Urquhart's Bay until 7 a.m., Sunday, when the race was resumed under a double-reefed mainsail and staysail. The Needles, off Great Barrier, was sighted at 9.45 p.m. on Sunday, ancl with the wind lighter full mainsail and jib was set. Arid Island, at the back of the Barrier, was passed at 12.30 a.m. Monday, when the yacht was almost becalmed. Later, a fresh* sou'-west wind sprang up, and Cuvier Island was rounded at 8.10 a.m. The wind now increased, and again the yacht was reduced to a double-reefed mainsail, storm jib and staysail. A course was laid towards Mercury Island, and at 10.30 a.m. the yacht came about to the port tack and made a very long board for the mainland, past the Barriers, and fetched into Little Omaha Cove at 8 p.m. After clearing the Watchman Island, off Cape Colville, the wind eased up and full sail was set. The crew had a good rest on Monday night. Leaving Little Omaha at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday in a south-east breeze, Waione beat down the coast, arriving at 4.30 p.m. The only fair wind of the trip was from North Head to Judge's Bay, when the spinnaker was set. The crew were heartily congratulated by the officers of tlie club and personal friends were awaiting the yacht s arrival.