Yachtsman’s lucky break

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33066, 6 November 1972, Page 28

Yachtsman’s lucky break

The preference that the Pleasant Point skipper, P. Folter, has for heavy conditions was most evident in the first O.K. dinghy yachting heat of the Canterbury championship on the Estuary on Saturday. Ironically, it was an almost complete lack of wind yesterday that assisted Folter to retain his over-all points advantage in the four-race series. Folter was in about fourth position when the time limit expired and officials abandoned the second heat. This was cruel luck for A. J. Wornall, who was within 30sec of the finishing line. It was also unfortunate for the consistent D. Le Page, the

holder of the Canterbury title. Le Page was second on Saturday and was holding a similar placing yesterday, the points from which would have promoted him to the lead at the half-way stage of the contest. The brisk north-easterly breeze admirably suited Folter on Saturday and he was able to display the form which earned him sixth ranking in the 1971 interDominion championship at New Plymouth. The margin between Folter and Le Page was quite decisive—just over 3|min —and Le Page was a comfortable 24sec in front of P. Lester. M. Johnston was next, ahead of Womall. Twelve helmsmen entered (the series, four withdrawing j during Saturday’s race. The conditions also had an effect

on the final heat of the Peter Mander inter-secondary schools J.C. championship, and of the six starters only the Hagley High School craft, Quiver, completed the course. Rough seas and the strong north-easterly wind also caused numerous problems for competitors in the Charteris Bay Cup (open handicap) and Noel Dickey Trophy (catamarans) races at Charteris Bay. However, Javelin crews managed to prosper, filling three of the first five placings in the 32-strong cup fleet. The winning partnership comprised C. White and L. Thurlow, with C. Smith the runner-up and the next Javelin skipper, R. Norris, being separated from his fellows by the Flying Fifteen of R. G. Moor and S. Wilson’s Zephyr.

Only four of the 25 catamarans avoided mishaps, the Sabre design of T. Koller leading home Paper Tigers sailed by W. Tentori, A. Maturin and P. Hurst. Results.— O.K. Dinghy . First heat (12 started): Mystique (P. Folter), 5:3:32, 1; Zodiac II (D. Le Page), 5:7:3, 2; Vainqueur (P. Lester), 5:7:27, 3: Kotuku (M. Johnson), 5:9:13, 4Constantia (A. J. Womall), 5:9:30, 5. Second heat (12 started): None finished within time limit Charteris Bay Cup , Open handicap (32 started): Ra Javelin (C. White and L. Thuriow), 1; Sundowner, Javelin (C. Smith, 2; Rhythm, Flying Fifteen (R. G. Moor), 3; Mirage, i Zephyr (S. Wilson), 4; Lady Kay, Javelin (R. Norris), 5. Noel Dickey Trophy Catamarans (25 started): Erbas, 1 £ abre 2? KoUer). U Martyn, l Paper Tiger (W. Tentori). 2; Whisper, Paper Tiger (A. Maturin), 3; Buccaneer. Paper Tiger (P. Hurtt). 4. v