Lone Raftsman Eluding “Pirates”

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30480, 30 June 1964, Page 1

Lone Raftsman Eluding “Pirates”

(N Z Press Association) APIA (Western Samoa), June 29. Under cover of darkness the lone raftsman, William Willis, aged 70, has left Western Samoa to try to lose “celluloid pirates” on an American yacht.

Mr Willis left on his raft. Age Unlimited, after rumours

that the crew of an American yacht intended to follow him to film his progress. This would have ruined the value of Mr Willis’s own film. Mr Willis set off on the final stage of his solo transpacific crossing without full food supplies of limes and coconuts, and his water supplies may be low. He preferred to take the risk to avoid unwelcome company.

Mr Willis expects to reach Sydney in about 12 weeks The Apia Harbour Development Board project tug, Apo-

lima, towed the raft to the start of a secret course, thought to be through the Manona straits. He will make for New Caledonia, then down the Australian coast, avoiding islands and reefs due south.

He left in such a hurry that there was no time for the official ceremonies, with a party, dancing, flowers and speeches which were planned for him. He left letters of apology for the sudden depar tore.

A few people on the wharf when he left were told he was

merely shifting across the harbour to a new anchorage. The suspect yacht sailed two days before and was believed to be lying in wait for Mr Willis, so details of his route were kept secret

The raft is well equipped, with new rudders, centreboards and sails. The radio has been overhauled. It has a mainsail, missen and jib, and Mr Willis may rig others at sea. He said he was not worried by the southern winter but may put in north of Sydney if the weather is bad.