FINE RACE AT AUCKLAND

Press, Volume C, Issue 29706, 27 December 1961, Page 6

FINE RACE AT AUCKLAND

Flying Dutchmen Trial (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. Dec. 26. Racing a Flying Dutchman for the first time, the champion 18footer skipper. B. L. Skinner scored a fine victory in the first Flying Dutchman trial sailed at Orakei today. D. Brooke, another 18-footer skipper, who has had experience in the Dutchmen, asked Skinner to take the helm of Duchss while he took the trapeze. They sailed a masterly race to beat the strongest Flying Dutchmen fleet ever assembled in New Zealand. Off the wind, the Duchess was more than matched for speed by several of the fleet. notably Aries (I. Pryde). Hau-o-tere iG. Smale) and Defiance (J Mackay). But on the wind. Skinner was perfection and his knowledge of the tidal variations was most useful The start of the race, with 18 vachts competing, was considerably confused, and the general recall was fired twice before the race eventually began. Finishing times were:—Duchess (B L Skinner). 4hr 26min 16sec. 1: Aries (I M Pryde) 4hr 27min 53sec. 2; Dolphin (W Moyes). <hr 28min 35sec. 3: Hau-o-tere (G. Smale). 4hr 28min Msec 4; Vanessa (R. Watson). 4hr 30min 6sec. 5: Phantom (R Wilkinson) 4hr 30min 20sec. 6: r 'alnreta (J. Bilger). 4hr 30min Wsec, 7: Quest (J. Taylor). 4hr 32min 46sec. 8: Flying Cloud (R. Roberts). 4hr 33min 20sec 9; Pandora (H. Pedersen), 4hr 33m in 35sec, 10.