Sanders Cup.

Auckland Star, Issue 17, 21 January 1932, Page 8

Sanders Cup.

WON BY AVENGER. Exciting Final.—Betty Capsizes When Leading.—Other Boats Out of Running. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. After an exciting race, sailed in a fairly strong northerly, the Canterbury challenger Avenger won the Sanders Cup trophy to-day. Hard luck befell the Wellington boat Betty, for when within about a quarter of a mile of the finish, and about five seconds ahead of Avenger, she capsized, and as Avenger was the only other boat in the running the race was left in its hands. The course was a windward and leeward one. In the early stages Betty and Avenger kept each other company, and after the finish of the first lap it was evident the race was between these two boats. The Otago boat started, but withdrew on account of a defective rudder. The Auckland and Southland boats completed the course, but were well behind Avenger. The race became very exciting at the last lap, Avenger and Betty taking the lead alternately. In rounding the buoy for the run home Betty had a lead of about one minute. Johnston did not set his spinnaker immediately, but was forced to do so later by Brassell setting his. Avenger crept up on Betty, but in the excitement of Avenger's challenge Johnston looked around, and at the same time a squall struck the boat and lifted it. It rolled to leeward and then to the weather, and, Johnston being unable to control it as quickly as he had done on former occasions in the race, capsized to the weather. The finishing times were:— Avenger' 12h 38m 37s Val 12h 52m 40s Kangi lh 2m 30s