Yachting FINN RACES UNFINISHED

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29728, 23 January 1962, Page 6

Yachting FINN RACES UNFINISHED

Gale Sweeps Evans Bay

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON. Jan. 22.

Gale force winds swept Evans Bay for the third day in succession today and skippers participating m ttie New Zealand Olympic Finn yacht - contest decided they would not risk further damage to their craft by racing.

Already three races behind sohedule. they have only Tuesday morning in which complete the contest, which was to have been decided over seven races.

More than the national title for the class is at stake. The corniest also comprises tris la to select the six beet skippers to represent New Zealand at the Inter-Dominion Finn championsheps on Sydney harbour m April and most competitors agree that the freak conditions an the last two days have done little more than sort out the heavy weather men—not a sufficient test for the allround skills required for an international event.

Skippers were prepared to start a race at 7 o'clock tonight after forecasters had predicted moderating winds, but the moderation was only from more Dhan 40 knots to about 30 and the skippers decided against the proposal. Southerly Predicted It is hoped to get in two more races tomorrow morning. Instead of the northerly gale which has blown since Friday night, a southerly storm is predicted. If no more races are sailed, the sixth position in the teem for Sydney is io doubt. It will be decided by drawing a name out of a hat. The choice is between L. Brookbanks, of Auckland, and the voting Christchurch skipper G G. D Hobson (Waimakariri Club). With worst performance# dropped, the other five skippers in the mter-Dormruon trials are P. G. Mender (Christchurch), R H. Roberts (Auckland), C. Roberts (Auckland), M. Pope (Nelson) and R. J. Watson (Auckland). Mander, the defending champion, is lying second to R. H. Roberts in the New Zealand title contest.