Speedboat Racing GRIFFITHS CUP CONTEST

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28537, 17 March 1958, Page 13

Speedboat Racing GRIFFITHS CUP CONTEST

Redhead Retains Open Title t New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 16. Len Southward. of Lower Hutt, with his speedboat Redhead, yesterday retained .the Griffiths Cup and the Australian and New Zealand unlimited, unrestricted championship “.nly two boats. Redhead, and Slip Ray (B. Sterling, of Manukau) started in the second heat but Slipray also dropped out during the race. The Australian entry, Diane (Mrs Grace Walker, of Sydney! drew the sympathy of the crowd when her boat was withdrawn from the second heat because of a broken water scoop. The Auckland boat. Mystic (Miss F. Gatland, of Manukau)) was prevented by a broken rudder from starting In both heats. No severe competition was offered by Redhead's opponents in the first heat and Southward came home an easy winner from Susan Leigh (H. Rutledge) and Diane. Slipray withdrew after the first lap in the second heat, leaving Redhead a clear winner to finish the course. Redhead scored a maximum 800 points with Susan Leigh second with 300 and Diane third with 250.

Results were:— Griffiths Cup, two heats each of five laps of two miles: First heat. Redhead (L. Southward) I. Susan Leigh (H. Ruthledge and W Ruff ell) 2, Diane (Mrs G. Walker) 3. Winner’s time, llmin Bsec Second heat: Redhead was the only boat to finish. Time, 12min 49sec. Points: Redhead 800. Susan Leigh 300. Diane 225. Ford Cup, New Zealand unlimited unrestricted auto-engined hydroplane championship: three laps each of two miles: Diane • Mrs Walker) 1, Jason (J. Nicholson) 2. Time, Bmin 48sec. Masport Cup, New Zealand unlimited unrestricted championship eight laps each of two miles: Redhead (L. Southward) 1. Susan Leigh (H. Rutledge and W. Ruffell) 2, Jason (J. Nicholson) 3. Winner’s time, 20min 14sec.