Canty yacht sets off on crucial race

Press, 31 October 1981, Page 64

Canty yacht sets off on crucial race

Special correspondent Wellington Southern Raider has won the race to repair and renew some of her essential sailing gear and last night set off on the biggest challenge yet to be faced by the new Canterbury yacht and its crew*. In the fourth and last race in the series to choose New Zealand’s team to race in Australia later this year, the 38ft Laurie Davidson designed keeler crossed the start line in third place, behind Wellington’s Ngaruru and Auckland’s Roperunner. The race started in light northerlies which are predicted to become variable during the early morning and change to 29 knot southerlies late this afternoon. Seas were said to be choppy, but moderating. After serious problems in last week-end’s three Southern Cross cup trial races the yacht’s mainsail and mast looked to be in much better shape as the boat set out on the 135-mile offshore race last night.

The mainsail had been recut in Auckland and the mast straightened in Wellington during the week. Sail slugs had been recast and the radio repaired.

This race is a vital one for Southern Raider—on aggregate points so far it lies third

with the closest boat for a challenge to her position quite a long way off. However,’ barring unfore- •- seen circumstances and accidents Southern Raider should be able to stay with Ngaruru and Roperunner to head off,. any attempt to become the third boat by Red Herring 11. From - Wellington Harbour •- last night the boats went to the Brothers Light, on to Kapiti Island, down Jag Rock and are due to finish at Ship Cove, Queen Charlotte Sound, early tonight.