AUCKLAND RETAIN SANDERS CUP

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 110, 3 February 1941, Page 8

AUCKLAND RETAIN SANDERS CUP

Three Successive Wins FEAT UNEQU A LLEDIN 20 YEARS Dominion Special Service. AUCKLAND. January 31. Ample proof of his right to the title of best small-boat skipper in the Dominion this season was given by W. Rogers when lie sailed tlie Auck-' land boat Caress to victory in the third Sanders Cup race this morning, thereby retaining tlie cup. Never before in tlie 20 contests for the trophy has the decision been so clear cut, mid Rogers' feat of winning the first three races in succession establishes a record for the contest. Land and harbour were en fete to watch tlie race, which was contested over a similar course to the first, A great ovation was given Caress as she crossed the finishing line one minute two seconds ahead of Otago, who bad put up a great effort with all the laid luck in the world, Canterbury were third, one minute forty three seconds astern, with Wellington one minute forty-five seconds further back. The race started right on the top of the tide, and the wind, from the south-south-west, though lighter than on the previous days, was a good sailing breeze. Canterbury led Otago with Auckland and Wellington together and South Canterbury last, as they cleared the clubhouses. South Canterbury caught Wellington endeavouring to pinch out to windward of Auckland. At the first mark Otago had the lead from Auckland, with South Canterbury third, a few seconds ahead of Wellington, with Canterbury close astern. On the run out to the leeward mark Auckland passed Otago in a smother of foam just as the southern boat carried away her spinnaker cleat, but her skipper make a good save. Canterbury planed across on top of the water to pass Auckland, but there was little between them at the windward mark, Canterbury having lost her spinnaker sheet as they turned., Wellington and South Canterbury had a luffing match; Wellington got the better of it, South Canterbury carrying away the bobstay, which caused her to retire. Visitors Caught Napping. Auckland got a lift off the clubhouses and drew away from Otago and Canterbury, and Wellington, sailing her best race of the three, gained on the leading trio. Sudden puffs of wind off Curran Street caught the visitors napping, and Auckland went to windward. Wind and tide were setting all to leeward, and Wellington and Canterbury threw round off the Watchman, but Auckland and Otago carried on to make a short board right on the mark with about ten seconds between them. Wellington caught Canterbury to round first, and with smart spinnaker work drew ahead, but there was too much movement by the Wellington crew and Tassie was not sailing freely. Auckland passed Otago about half way down the run and Canterbury were next, the Wellington boat being allowed to run off. When they rounded Otago had caught Auckland and stood on further to gain a good position. As they turned the top mark only about three seconds separated them. Auckland was smarter with hetspinnaker, and Rogers balanced his crew in the boat for her to plane to advantage. The Otago boat was sluggish. On the short beat to the finishing line Otago were driving hard, but Caress was sailing better and Otago had to put in a short board to lay the line. Wellington, as in the first race, dropped back after being passed by Canterbury and finished last. Auckland Never Troubled. Though it must be admitted that Otago and Canterbury got the worst of any breaks that occurred, it was generally recognized that Auckland were never unduly worried. The cup was presented at the Tamaki Yacht Club’s dance by the chairman of the Auckland Yacht and Motor Boat Association, Dr. F. Macky. The officials in charge of the contest were: Chairman, Dr. Macky; vice-chair-man, Mr. R. Belcher; secretary, Mr. W. Beanland; umpires, Messrs. R. Belcher, F, Dobbie and C. Pettit; course steward, Mr. A. J. Collings; starters, Me srs. G. Mobberley and B. J. Jukes; timekeepers. Messrs. J. J. Mackay and T. Dunn. The elapsed times for the course in rhe final race were: Caress (Auckland), Ihr. 24 min.; Wampa (Otago), 1-25.2; Ajax (Canterbury), 1.26.45; Tassie (Wellington), 1.28.15.