Yacht race to Lester

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33381, 13 November 1973, Page 18

Yacht race to Lester

I (From Our Own Reporter i AUCKLAND. The very promising Canterbury yachtsman, P. Lester, joined with another member of the New Zealand O.K. dinghy squad. H. L. Bennett (Auckland), to win the Rothmans 24 hour endurance race at Lake Pupuke during the week-end. Lester the only non-Auckland helmsman in the 10 man national [ squad chosen io travel to the World O.K. series at Adelaide in January, recently took up temporary residence in Auckland to prepare for the international contest.. i The victory achieved by Les-

ter and Bennett was a close one,|. and was also clouded in a little i controversy. R. Eade and P. Lory’, both of Auckland, were originally declared the winner*, . with Lester and Bennett shown In eighth position on the result < sheets. However, the two O.K. skippers lodged a successful protest, a recount crediting them with one more completed lap and extending their total to 81 Eade and Lory were the runners-up. ahead of the Whangarei crew. K Ward and B Tavlct Two other members of the I national O.K. contingent. G. Ber-' leme (fourth in partnership with! G. Stock. Auckland! and R. Lambl (who, with 11. Robertson, also of 1

Auckland. Has fifth), were proijinent in the endurance event.. Light ain prevailed on Saturday after n< on and for moat of the houia <S darkness These cob ditions did not suit Lester and Bennett who lagged well back in the fleiet • The winil freshened conaidyaWy on iianday and Lester aijp Bennett welcomed the change They were locked in a long tussle wi th Eade and Lory befogr taking th* lead—even if it w»% ;not officially recognised until after thej - protest. . | Bennett.’ s success was his firet ; in seven attempts in the annual leontest. while Lester was making his debut in this type of race.*