YACHT GIVEN TO THE DUKE

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28154, 18 December 1956, Page 14

YACHT GIVEN TO THE DUKE

MANDER DESIGNED X CLASS BOAT

When the Duke of Edinburgh was presented with an X-class Sanders Cup yacht on No. 4 wharf at Lyttelton yesterday morning the strong easterly wind made him turn to the designer of the yacht, Mr Graham Mander, of Christchurch, and ask him if he would like to try the yacht in the harbour. Mr Mander replied: “Yes, I’m game,” and the Duke laughed. The wind made conditions unpleasant and the white sails of the yacht crackled and flapped as the Duke inspected it. About 200 persons watched the short, informal ceremony from behind a police-patrolled barrier at the entrance to the wharf. At 10.15 the Duke came down the gangway of the Britannia and met Mr' P. Proctor, the president of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, and Mr J. Gillingham, the president of the New Zealand Yachting Federation, and members of the official party. The X-class yacht was within a few feet of the end of the gangway and even in the overcast conditions its white hull and varnished fittings gleamed brightly. A close inspection of the yacht was made by the Duke and he questioned members of the party about its construction and potential performance. “The Duke was very pleased, in fact, thrilled with the yacht,” Mr Proctor said.

“I had met the Duke previously at my place of work,” said Mr A. H. Lee, the president of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association. “He asked me if I had made the sails, and I had to reply, ‘No. I make. socks.’ ” “The Duke looked at all the fittings and talked about them,” said Mr Gillingham. “I would say he was critical, and very interested.” After 10 minutes, the Duke shook hands with members of the party and with a wave of his hand walked to H.M.N.Z.S. Endeavour at No. 5 wharf.