A TRYING ORDEAL

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 124, 19 February 1929, Page 13

A TRYING ORDEAL

YACHTS’ BATTLE WITH WAVES FURTHER DETAILS OF MISHAP RESCUE UNDER DIFFICULTIES The full story of the thrilling battle with the seas experienced by the yachts participating in the ocean race during the weekend, supplementing the account published yesterday, was narrated by Mr. V. G. Boulton, a member of the crew of Shamrock, in an interview with a “Dominion” representative yesterday morning. ' “The boats, Galatea. Mana, Shamrock, Windward, and the Nanette, left the Wellington boat harbour in a strong nor’-west wind, at 2 p.m. on Saturday,” said Mr. Boulton. “On the run down to the heads, the Windward blew out her headsail, and at the Pencarrow lighthouse the order was. Galatea, Shamrock, Windward, Nanette, and Mana. Crossing Island Bay, the full force of the wind was felt, it increased to gale force off Sinclair Head. Here the Nanette was forced to put back to Island Bay, having blown out her mizzen and headsail. A weather backstay was aiso carried away, and it was necessary to stand on to Fitzroy Bay before repairs could be effected in order to enable her io proceed to Island Bay. The Vagabond, which acted as mark-boat at Port Underwood, then cafne up to the otner boats at Sinclair Head, going well under reefed mainsail, but could not catch the Galatea and Shamrock, which were leading. Further out in the Strait, a long nor’-west sea was encountered, and good progress was made until about five miles off Port Underwood, -when the wind dropped. After drifting for almost half an hour, the boats were struck by the sou'easter, the forecast of which was broadcast from 2YA. An uncomfortable swell was now experienced. On entering Port Underwood a fairly large following sea was encountered, the Galatea rounding the point at 9 p.m., with the Shamrock following about a quarter of an hour afterwards, ’’’he Windward came in at 9.45 p.m. A Kock Struck. “The Galatea was unfortunate in striking a rock in one of the bays inside the entrance, and although no damage was suffered, she Was forced to stay there all night. Meanwhile Shamrock and Windward had proceeded to Guard’s Bay, where the Vagabond, the mark boat, was anchored. The broadcast message regarding the weather forecast was telephoned to Mr. Guard by Mr. Kenney, of Okukari Bay, Tory Channel, who had picked it up. and in turn passed on to the three boats lying in the bay. The Mana did not make the entrance until the early hours of the morning, having been forced to keep off shore on account of the heavy seas and. bad visibility. The Return Trip. “In the morning there was only a light breeze, so it was decided to continue the race. Mana did not start, her crew wanting a rest after their anxious passage across. The mark boat towed the three boats—Galatea, Shamrock, and Windward —to the entrance, and a stgrt was made at 11.27 a.m. in a full-sail sou’qasterly breeze. The wind and sea increased, however, until there was soon a good stiff gale blowing. About five miles out Galatea made for Tory Channel for shelter, Shamrock and Windward carrying on. ] Windward’s Mast Snaps. “Five miles further out, the crew of the Shamrock were horrified to see the mast of the Windward go overboard. Immediately the Shamrock, which was about a quarter of a mile ahead, put back and went to the disabled boat’s assistance. A towline was with difficulty got aboard, and a course set for Wellington. The conditions gradually got worse and worse, and it was considered wise to put back to Tory Channel. With the following seas, the towing became more difficult owing to the sudden strain placed on the line when the boats were in the troughs of the waves. It was soon after this that the three-inch tow rope parted. Another was taken aboard the Windward, but this also broke after being in use for a short time. “Unenviable Ordeal.” “In the meantime, the crew of the Windward were going through an unenviable ordeal, having nothing to steady them in the seas, this adding considerably to the difficulty of taking a line aboard. Two lines were finally made fast, and good progress was made to Tory Channel. Being on a lee shore, with a huge following sea, great care had to be exercised in making the entrance. To make matters worse, one of (he lines parted half way, through the entrance, and it was then necessary to reduce sail on the Shamrock, leaving her with only jib set. The remaining line fortunately held, and at about 4 p.m., the boats were safely inside. Mr. Perano’s whaling launch then came out and, taking both vessels in tow, brought them into Okuhari Bay, where the crews were hospitably provided for by Mr. and Mrs. Kenny. Arrangements were made to return ‘to Wellington by the Tamahine. Collision Narrowly Avoided.

“Both crews speak very highly of the | excellent work of the skipper of the )

Shamrock (Mr. Max Talbot), his excellent seamanship saving' what might easily have resulted in disaster. “Some idea of the seas may be gained from the fact that while coming through the entrance the Windward pooped several of the rollers. On another occasion going through the entrance the Windward was carried forward on one large wave, and owing to the towline being only about 150 feet in length, missed hitting the Shamrock by inches. Further, taking into consideration the fact that the last line was considerably stretched and frayed, the Windward and her crew are exceedingly fortunate to be safe and sound.

“The Shamrock will be returning to Wellington next week-end,” Mr. Boulton concluded, “while it is nrobable that the Windward will be towed to Picton to have a new mast fitted before she makes the crossing.”