SANDERS CUP TRIAL

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 68, 13 December 1932, Page 10

SANDERS CUP TRIAL

Lavina Secures Win in First Race INTERESTING CONTEST In one of the closest finishes ever seen in a yacht race in Wellington, Lavina beat Betty by a bare two seconds on the line in the first of a series of races to determine the Wellington representative in the Sanders Cup contest to be held in Lyttelton next February. Lavina, which was sailed by Nigel Blair, had a slight advantage over Betty all through the race, and it was only as the boats neared the finish that Betty gained the lead. A few yards off the line, Lavina, which was running just behind Betty, received an unexpected puff of wind, sending her ahead to blanket Betty, and cross the line with a bare two seconds to spare.

The race was sailed in a light southeasterly wind, which fell as the race progressed. The course, a triangular one, was set from Point Jerningham, to the Defence Buoy on the eastern side of Evans Bay, to a buoy in the middle of the bay off Miramar Wharf, back to the finishing line at Jerningham. This gave a close haul across and up the bay, and a run back to the finishing line. Five boats competed: Betty, Peggy. Lavina, Sue-lem. and Miss Josephine. From a good start by the five-flag system, Peggy got away first, followed by Betty. Lavina went to the fore crossing the- bay, and rounded the Defence Buoy about 14 seconds ahead of Sue-lem, followed by Betty. Peggy and Miss Josephine.

On the long journey up to the Miramar Buoy, Lavina, Betty, and Peggy kept on one tack until just about off the Patent Slip, the first two boats appearing to be fairly level. After the boats went on another board, and reached the eastern side of the bay, a little battle of tactics between Betty and Lavina was seen. As soon as Betty went about, Lavina followed, Johnston striving all the while for first position, but he was being closely watched by Blair. Lavina had a lead of about 30 yards from Betty when the last buoy was reached, rounding it 22 seconds to spare. Peggy was next, followed by Miss Josephine and Sue-lem.

On the run back to the finishing line Lavina had her spinnaker out before Betty, but at about two-thirds, of the distance Betty drew level in a falling wind, and gradually established a slight lead. It looked as if Johnston was going to take the race, but when almost on the line a’puff of wind sent Lavina forward, blanketing Betty, and giving the race to Blair. It was a fine finish to an interesting race. Actual sailing times over the fivemile course, skippers’ names being given in parentheses, are as follow: — Lavina (N. Blair), 54miu. 20see 1 Betty (A. Jolinsotn), 54niin. 22sue. ...... 2 Miss Josephine (D. McKenzie), 56111111.

IGsec 3 Peggy (B. Parkin), OGniin. 45sec 4 Sue-Lem (B. White) 5 Another trial will be held to-morrow evening commencing at 5.30 o'clock from Point Jerningham.