PLUCKY VOYAGE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 80, 28 December 1928, Page 10

PLUCKY VOYAGE

AUCKLAND TO NORFOLK ISLAND IN YACHT

AUCKLANDERS’ FEAT

Dominion Special Service.

Auckland, December 27.

A plucky ocean voyage has been made by the well-known Auckland yacht Victory. When the little craft left port on Wednesday, December 19, provisioned for a long cruise, her ultimate destination was shrouded in secrecy, and it was not until to-night that the precise goal of her enterprising crew was made evident. A cablegram received in the city announced the arrival of the yacht at Norfolk Island after a light trip of 600 miles from New Zealand. On board the yacht is Mr. Harold George, her owner, of Northcote; Captain G. Gorge, master of the steamer Hikurangi, and Cecil Bowman, of Northcote.

Like many other Auckland yachtsmen, the crew have long entertained a desire to make the trip to Norfolk Island. Time was limited, howevar, and no determination to make for the remote island had been made up to the time of departure. After leaving Auckland the Victory experienced strong head winds and an anchorage was made at Whangapararoa Peninsula for the first night. She continued on her northerly course next day and made Whangaroa, where preparations were made for the final take-off. She put out last Saturday, but boisterous north-easterly weather compelled the crew to put back. The vessel seems to have slipped out again unobserved, for no further word was received of her whereabouts until all anxiety was relieved by the receipt of the cablegram. The message states that the vessel reached the island on Wednesday from North Cape. Norfolk Island is about 350 miles, and the trip would take four or five days in a yacht of the Victory type. The weather In the north recently has been quite unfavourable for undertaking such a voyage, and as there is no safe harbour on the island tlie cruise in every way was attended by ■> certain amount of risk. It is expee. I that the vessel will remain but a sho t time at the island, as the crew are nut anxious to be away from business for too long a period. The Victory is a first-class yacht ;>f about seven tons, and she has been owned by Mr. George for about 10 years. Her overall length is 38ft., and she is 29ft. long on the waterline, her beam being Oft. While Governor-General of New Zealand Lord Jellicoe cruised in the Victory.