TRANS-TASMAN VOYAGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 183, 4 August 1932, Page 5

TRANS-TASMAN VOYAGE.

AUCKLAND TO ADELAIDE.

FAMILY TRIP IN LAUNCH.

PREPARING THE BETH.

Work on the cruising launch Beth, which is being prepared for a voyage from Auckland to Adelaide, is proceedin" apace. The launch came off the Auckland Harbour Board's patent slipway this morning and her fitting out will be completed at her moorings at Northcote. It is expected that the Beth will sail about the middle of next month. A stoutly built cruiser of the raised deck type, the Beth is owned by Mr. T. H. Webb, who has been living at Northcote since his arrival from South Australia early last year. Business reasons have made it imperative for Mr. Webb to return to Adelaide, where he is interested in the grain trade, and he recently decided to make the Tasman crossing in his own launch, in preference to taking passage by a steamer. With him on the trip will be his two sons, Messrs. Reginald and Sidney Webb, and it is also intended to sign on a cock and an extra deck hand. Both Mr. Webb, sen., and his elder son are capable navigators, the latter being the holder of a yacht master's certificate. Addition to Keel. While the Beth was on the slipway her keel was deepened by one foot, increasing her draught to sft Cin, and the weight of lead on the keel was increased from 25cwt to 42cwt. A new steel rudder, stronger and larger than the brass one previously possessed by the launch, was also fitted. Time will be of little account on the voyage and elaborate preparations are being made for a leisurely passage. Six additional petrol tanks, the largest of which have been fitted under the bunks, will be carried. These will give a total petrol capacity of between 300 and 350 gallons. Several emergency fresh water tanks, to give a total capacity of 100 gallons, will be installed. Additional storm sails will be carried so that, if necessary, the launch, which is rigged as a ketch, will be able to make part of the voyage under sail alone. A sea anchor will be taken as a precaution against heavy storms. Forty feet six inches in length, the Beth has a roomy wheelhouse, glassed in on all sides. From here all the mechanical gear on board can be controlled, even to the raising and lowering of the anchor. In case the launch encounters heavy weather, the wheelhouse will be substantially strengthened for the trip. Equipment for electric cookin" will also be carried. Alterations to the launch have been carried out by Messrs. A. Cauldrey and A. Ellis, of Northcote. The exact course to be followed by the Beth on her voyage to Adelaide will depend largely upon the weather. It is likely that calls will" be made at Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island, and probably Sydney and Melbourne. Neither Mr. Webb, sen., nor hie sons regard the trip as very much of an adventure. Already the launch, which is driven by a 36 h.p. engine, has proved herself an excellent sea boat, and has made long cruises along the southern coast of Australila. The party will not be surprised if they encounter stormy weather after rounding Cape Howe for the trip along the south coast of Victoria. Mrs. Webb and the two younger members of the family—the launch is named after Mr. Webb's only daughter will travel to Australia by steamer at the end of the year. It is not known when, if ever, the family will return to Auckland.