OCEAN YACHT RACE

Evening Post, Volume XCIX, Issue 82, 7 April 1920, Page 8

OCEAN YACHT RACE

The Evans Bay Yacht and Motor Boat Club's ocean race for Mr. Jackson's trophy was held during Easter. The starters were :—Waitangi (scr), Atlanta (80 mm), Romp (180 mm), Viking (240min), and Seabii-3 (180min). A flying start on even terms was made from Evans Bay at 7.30 a.m. on Friday, and Waitangi led the Atlanta and Romp out of the heads. Seabird and Viking were well behind. All the yachts earned full lower sails. The Viking's leading jib was carried away off Sinclair Head, wheTe the wind had freshened. Across the Straits a strong N.N.W. breeze was experienced, and Waitangi, reached Cloudy Bay at 12 o'clock, the Atlanta and Romp arriving at 12 40 p.m. and 1.20 p.m. respectively. Viking and Seabird were well in the van. On the lead up to Port Underwood the wind started to drop, and topsails and leading jibs were set. Waitangi reached Port Underwood at 3.50 p.m.. Atlanta and Romp being close up. The Viking was becalmed, and did not an-ive until 6.45 p.m., while the Romp crossed at 7.4 p.m.. The Seabird was towed in at 8 p.m.

On Saturday a race was held in Port Underwood, the boys from the Rev. Mr. Crump's School being carried as passengers. The Atlanta (9min) secured first place, and the Waitangi (scr) was second. This race is Believed to be the first yacht event to be held in Port Underwood. The Rev. Mr. Crump and family entertained the yachtsmen on Saturday night, and on Sunday a garden party was held at Oyster Bay. The return trip to Wellington was commenced at 8.20 a.m. on Monday. A strong N.N'.W.. breeze was again encountered on the way across, all boats being reefed down. Waita-ngi and Atlanta took another reef in when halfway across, and Viking lowered her mainsail. The Waitangi crossed the line at 1.50 p.m., followed by Atlanta at 2.43 p.m., the Romp and Seabird at 3.20, and the Viking at 3.36. After the handicap adjustments had been made, the result was announced as follows: — Messrs. Smith and Rowell's Waitangi 1, L. and K. Ibbotson's Romp 2, Mr. Adams's Atlanta 3. A. special prize for the race back was won by Mr. H. Robert's Seabird (150 minutes).