Kialoa has big lead

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32810, 10 January 1972, Page 12

Kialoa has big lead

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. The 73-foot American yacht Kialoa 11, looks likely to set a new race record for the Ho-bart-to-Auckland ocean race. For the 24-hour run ending at noon yesterday Kialoa II had logged 224 miles. When Kialoa II reported its position to the Royal Akarana Yacht Club last night she was still bowling along under spinnaker at a steady nine knots and was 245 miles from Cape Rienga. If the wind holds she should be off the cape this afternoon and might arrive in Auckland late tomorrow afternoon according to the R.A.Y.C. vice-commodore (Mr J. E. Allen).

Catching the winds on the fringe of a high-pressure area, the big yachts have cleared away from the fleet and are set to take out the major handicap prizes. “On the present positions,” said Mr Allen, “Kialoa II would be leading on handicap, with American Eagle second and Buccaneer third.” In the race for the New Zealand coast, Buccaneer has fallen 35 miles behind Kialoa II with another 75 miles back to American Eagle. The West Australian, Siska, has fallen 220 miles behind American Eagle, with another 110 miles back to Stormy and Ragamuffin. A further 65 miles astern, Satanita II reported to the club last night that she is sailing in sight of Pathfinder, Runaway, Whispers 11, and Wai-Aniwa.