Strong winds slow Kialoa’s record dash

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34046, 9 January 1976, Page 16

Strong winds slow Kialoa’s record dash

(N.Z. Press Association)

AUCKLAND.

Strong head winds have slowed Kialoa’s dash for the record in the 1570-mile HobartAuckland race.

James Kilroy’s 79-footer managed only 180 miles in her last 24 hours, compared with her average of more than 240 a day for the previous four days at sea. But Kialoa had still closed to within 230 miles of Cape Reinga and was well ahead of schedule to crack the course record of eight days. This time was set by Kilroy’s previous boat, the 73 foot Kialoa 11, -in January 1972. Kialoa yesterday reported 20-25 knot headwinds and moderate seas as she bashed on towards the north-eastern tip of the North Island. Closed The 73ft Windward Passage (Fritz Johnson) had closed up to be 37 miles behind the leader, 270 miles from the cape. Another 30 miles back was the New Zealand 73-foot yacht Buccanneer (Tom Clark), 300 miles from the cape and working further north than her two rivals. The fourth boat was the 50ft boat Cortinthian (Chris Bouzaid), 360 miles from Cape Reinga. Quando (Jim Edmonds) had the same distance to go but was still working the furthest south of the rhumb line course. The top English Admiral’s Cup yacht Noryema (Ron Amey), was hanging on and looking dangerous on handicap. Noryema reported her position only 15 miles behind Corinthian, 375 miles from the cape.

The windward work in the last 24 hours has really sorted the fleet out, with Windward Passage surprisingly gaining on Kialoa reputedly the fastest yacht in the world, and to date a superior on-the-wind performer to passage. If the wind holds in strength, Kialoa should be around North Cape this afternoon, with just over 200 miles to go to the finish

off Orakei. If the breeze stays in the east, the 79footer will fly down the New Zealand coast and looks set to carve up to a full day from her predecessor’s course record.