ATLANTIC CROSSING

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29860, 28 June 1962, Page 10

ATLANTIC CROSSING

New Record Likely (N.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, June 26. Francis Chichester’s chances of beating the record of 40J days for a singlehanded crossing of the Atlantic from Plymouth to New York were good, the “Guardian” reported. At noon yesterday the London mapmaker had about 1020 miles to go, Given exceptional weather, he could do this in about seven days, although eight to 10 seemed more likely. The newspaper said Chichester’s sailing and seamanship had been superb. A gale had cost him two days and he also gave- up sailing time in a devoted but unsuccessful attempt to rescue his pigeon companion when it went overboard on Friday. “The sheer seamanship of Chichester's efforts to save his pigeon merits a high place in the annals of yachting,” said the newspaper. “To be alone on a 13-ton-ner. to put her about and bring her alongside an object as small as a pigeon in the Atlantic swell, and to keep her there for 40 minutes until finally he managed to get the pigeon back on board—all this demands self-discipline, courage, and seamanship of the highest order. “After the rescue. Chichester spent the best part of another hour in trying to revive the pigeon with artificial respirtaion and hot water bottles.”