SAILING RACE TO LISBON

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28016, 10 July 1956, Page 16

SAILING RACE TO LISBON

20 Vessels Start From Torquay (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec 10 p.m.) TORQUAY (Devon). July 8. A morning sea-mist over Tor Bay was dispelled by sunshine yesterday in time for thousands of watchers on the Devon clifftops to see the start of the 800-mile international sailing race to Lisbon. A brisk breeze was blowing by the time the 20 competing vessels, which range from full-rigged ships to trim yachts, were in position for the early afternoon start. Meteorologists had warned that thick patches of fog lay in the English Channel in the' path of the ships, but it was thought that these would also be dispelled by the wind. As the windjammers and the schooners stood out of the bay—the ‘‘big fellows” leading the smaller, fry bv half an hour—the sight was one to recall romantic nineteenth Century pictures of “white wings.” There were six square-rigged vessels among the 12 large sailing ships competing in the main class for more than 100-ton craft.

They represented Norway, Portugal. Sweden. Denmark. Belgium, Holland Turkey and Britain. Argentina, France and Italy sent yachts to race in the small class. Most of the craft were manned largely by naval or mercantile marine cadets. The object of the international event —held this year for the first time—is to encourage brotherhood among young men training for a sea career.