Tragedy for N.Z. yacht

Press, 22 July 1976, Page 14

Tragedy for N.Z. yacht

NZPA staff correspondent ■ Montreal j The New Zealand yachtsmen had to settle for a fifth as the best performance yesterdav after Mark Paterson was disqualified in the 470: class, after coming second. ■ Jointly Farmer came home fifth in the Finn class. Paterson, of Auckland, was disqualified for an early start in the 470 class. The British crew, which won the race, was similarly disqualified, so the thirdfinishing Italians were tenUtively promoted to first.

i There are likely to bej several protests. Provision-! afly. Paterson has been placed! ' fifteenth on points in the 281 boat fleet as a result of his third place on his first day. Fanner was always between fifth and seventh in the ibig fleet in the Finn race, and ‘ finished a minute and a half -behind the winner, David [Howlett, of Britain. ’ Jock Bilger, of New Zealand, was eighth in the FlyLing Dutchman class and is in • equal seventh place on points - after two races. Spain won -; yesterday from the defending champion, Rodney Pattison,

of Britain, who leads on points.

The wind was stronger yesterday than on the first day, blowing 15 knots with a three-foot sea. Paterson said he did not see the recall signal at the start of his race. He thought both Britain and France were in front of him, and neither iof them returned. There had earlier been a general recall when many of the boats were over the line and there was a delay before the race was initially restarted. The wind moved in this time, causing the yachts to

crowd one end of the line and this forced both Paterson and the British skipper, Phil Crebbin, to be over the line at the gun. France was not disqualified and finished third.

The race was won by Roberto Vencato, of Italy, from Victor Potapov, of Russia.

The Italian actually finished more than a minute behind Paterson, who was 15 seconds behind the British. If he had not been disqualified Paterson would be leading the 470 fleet. Russia now leads from Germany and Italy.