Big flotilla meets Britannia

Press, 23 February 1977, Page 1

Big flotilla meets Britannia

PA Auckland Fresh norwesterlies and a northerly chop did not daunt the hundreds of oat owners who greeted the Royal Yacht Britannia in the Hauraki Gulf yesterday. The Royal yacht first appeared out of a rain squall about five miles off the Rangitoto beacon, as several of the more adventurous mariners sailed out into the gulf in a lumpy sea. There were heavy rain squalls and plenty of white water to contend with as the small craft jockeyed for position alongside the Britannia. All manner of craft turned out, ranging from plush Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron keelers to a jury-rigged aluminium dinghy called the Flash Gordon, complete with two crew members and a dog. No-one cared too much for the official sailing regulations of the day, but common sense ruled the waves and there were no serious mishaps. About 200 small craft

braved the elements, and most were packed with family groups. A Rcyal Marine band on board the Britannia struck up just as she rounded North Head, and spectators on that headland were shrouded in cordite smoke as the firing battery saluted the Roval visitors.

Harbour tugs turned on their traditional water display shortly before the Britannia anchored off Devonport. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh boarded the Royal barge from the Britannia to be ferried ashore, and there were all the elements of a powerboat race as small craft accompanied it at speed to the D.vonport Naval Base.

Then followed the official welcome by the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) and a military pageant at the naval base, before the Queen and the Duke boarded the Roval barge to start the round the North Island yacht race. The Royal couple inspected the 38-yacht fleet, and the race started in a stiff breeze.