YACHTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 304, 26 December 1933, Page 11

YACHTING.

RACE TO TAURANGA.

WON BY WAIONB. BEATS NGA TOA BY A BOWSPRIT. The race to Tauranga was won by R. J. Thompson's Waione, which crossed the lino at The Mount a bowsprit ahead of Winetone's Nga Toa, only one second on time in front after a sail of 121 miles. Waione wine the Colin Noiiis Gold Cup, £15, and the jhampion flag for fastest time. The winning crew is T. A. Thompson, A. M. Mnckay, J. C. Galbraith and E. Millett. The Nga Toa wae sailed by Eric Winstone. The spectacular finish between the two leading boats, who were almost level for the last five milee, was cheered by a large number of spectators who had assembled at The Mount. Waione, in the weather position, shot ahead on a following sea, to win by the narrowest margin on record for the Tauranga race. Tatteisiield brothers' Janet gained second price on handicap, and A. A. AngclFs Ida obtained third prize. The entries and handicaps were:—Nga Toa (Winstone Brothers), scr.; Ida (A. A. Angell), lh 50m; Waione (K. J. Thompson), 2li; Ladye Wilma (W. H. Newcomb), Tawhiri (R. Goodwin), 2h 30m; Queenic (T. Hill), 3h; Mahiiki (Wilson and Clark), 4h 30m; Janet (Tattersfield Bros,), .->h lorn. The Race. At gunfire Mahaki, Nga Ton, Waione, Queenie and Ladye Wilma crossed the lino almost together, with Tawhiri, Janet and Idu following, the latter being 2m 15e late. I The wind, which was of topsail strength, had a tendency to draw a point to the north of due weet, and all but Queenie ran down harbour with their spinnakers to port, Queenie carrying hers to starboard. The eight boats made good time down the harbour, and off Devonport wharf Nga Toa, Waione and Queenie were running level, with Tawhiri, Ladye Wilma, Mahaki, Janet and Ida following in this order, the latter gradually making up for the late start. At North Head Nga Toa was leading by a few lengths from Waione, with Queenie still close up, and Ida going well. This order was held as the yachts ran down through the Motutapu passage on their 36-mile stretch across the gulf to Cape Colville. The wind held steady in the north-west on the run to the Cape, where Nga Toa led Waione by ten minutes, with Ida third. Nearing the cape the wind eased up, and drew nearly due north, spinnakers being replaced by leading jibs. The two leading boats passed the Watchman at 9.30 p.m., and the wind became lighter, the Ngii Toa getting further away from Waione, with Ida, Ladye Wilma, Mahaki, Queenie, Tawhiri and Janet following in that order. Old Man Rock wae passed by Nga Toa at 5 a.m., and the Slipper Island was abeam at 9.30, when the wind changed and drew to the west. The Mount wns flighted at 12.30 p.m. Waione, nearer inshore, picked up a lot on the Nga Toa, which had lees wind further out. The wind increased to very hard for the last five miles, nnd tlie Waione, on windward, had a small advantage. After running for three miles almost level, the Waione drew a little ahead, and crossed the line a bowsprit in front. Finishing Times. The finishing times were:—Waione (2h), 2h 19m 40s; Nga Toa (ecr.), 2h 10m 41s: Ida (lh 50m). 2h 4. , 5 m 36e; Ladye Wilma (2h 30m), 3h 38m 50s; Queenie (3h), 5h 23m ss; Mahaki (4h 30m), 5h 48m 475; Janet (5h 15m). 5h 50m 455; Tawhiri (2h 30m), 6h 9m 41s. The result on corrected tiniee was: Waione 1, Janet 2, Ida 3, Ladye Wilma 4.