SANDERS CUP CONTEST

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 122, 21 February 1928, Page 15

SANDERS CUP CONTEST

THIRD RACE ABANDONED DAY OF LIGHT AIRS AND CALMS Dominion Special Service. Half-Moon Bay (Stewart Island), February 20. For the first time in the history of the Sanders Cup contest the third race in this year's competition had to be called off owing to the light weather which prevailed to-day preventing the boats from completing the course in the time limit of three hours. All the boats carried a small black pennant at the peak as a mark of respect to the late C. Speight, who was a keen supporter of Sanders Cup contests. The people ashore and afloat witnessed another splendid start, the five boats crossing the line within a few seconds of each other. Wellesley II was the last to cross, while Avalon and Eileen moved away with bows level. The fleet was beset by very light winds and calms on the second run to the mark off Price’s Point. Wjien about a mile of the journey had been covered the five boats barely moved. Betty was becalmed for some time, as was also Murihiku, Avalon and Eileen had just enough wind to fill the sails, but Wellesley came along carrying a light air. \t 4.15 p.m. it was realised that the two leading boats could not complete have to cross the line at 4.30 p.m., and hvae to cross the line at 4.30 p.m., and as Avalon and Eileen were still over a mile distant from the line, the starters and judges’ boats moved across the inlet and each skipper was informed that there could be no result. At that time the fleet was widely scattered When the time limit had expired, two shots from the gun was the signal for every crew to lower sails. The wind had almost dropped again and heavy rain had commenced to fall. Each boat was towed back to the haven at Thule. The fourth race will be sailed on Tuesday afternoon over a triangular course, starting at 1.30.