Schooner’s Rough Trip In Violent Tasman Storm

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28414, 22 October 1957, Page 12

Schooner’s Rough Trip In Violent Tasman Storm

(New Zealand Press Association)

NEW PLYMOUTH, October 21. The 50-ton 86ft topsail schooner, Fitheach Ban, reached New Plymouth from Sydney yesterday after an 10-day battle with the Tasman Sea at its violent worst. Gales up to 60 and 70 miles an hour tore her sails to ribbons. On board were the ship’s new owner. Captain A. Tregidga, Mrs Tregidga, Captain K. Wells, Mrs Wells, and Mr R. F. Heslop. All are from Nelson. The schooner had lost all her sails, except the jib, and one engine was giving trouble when she reached the New Zealand coast. With gale force winds blowing from the south. Captain Tregidga decided to seek shelter at the nearest port. They sighted Cape Egmont lighthouse and then headed for New Plymouth. The schooner struggled for four hours to get into the port yesterday. This afternoon the craft came alongside Moturoa wharf and her crew told of their ordeal. “She rolled badly but she handled the conditions well. We were desperately in need of shelter when we reached New Plymouth,” said Mr Heslop. The owner, Captain Tregidga. said he w'as never more pleased to see a port than he was to see New Plymouth. The ship had taken a “terrific” battering but stood up to it well. Inside the schooner beautifully appointed compartments showed signs of the storm. Furnishings and curtains were still wet and much of the food was ruined by sea water.

The schooner was formerly owned by’ Captain Alexander Watchlin. a well-known shipowner around the New Zealand coast. He is having a new yacht built in Sydney. The schooner will remain at New Plymouth for a few days while her sails and engine are repaired and she will then sail for Nelson.