WELLESLEY WINS.

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 10, 13 January 1926, Page 9

WELLESLEY WINS.

A STIRRING FINISH

LOCAL SANDERS CTJP TBIAL.

The seventh trial race of the series to decide Wellington's challenger for the Sanders Cup 14ft yacht contest at Dunedin next month took place last evening, and produced one of the most exciting tussles seen locally for a considerable time. There was a steady northerly breeze when Peggy, Wellesley, and All Black started on the dead beat to the steamer Rakanoa, moored off Kaiwarra. All three were under working jibs, and Peggy's performance without her leader was carefully watched. All Black was nearly on to the Clyde Quay Wharf and Wellesley and Peggy were up by the Taranaki Street Wharf when the last flag dropped. All Black immediately went about on a. leg into the wharves in search of a long slant, and she appeared to be dropping far behind while the others on the port tack carried well out into the harbour. Wellesley was slightly ahead of Peggy, and she maintained that lead until well up. Both made a couple of long boards, but All Black, which was still on the same long board, now came up. She had to pay off for Wellesley, but nevertheless was sailing well and got well to windward of the others. In a series of short 'boards to tho Rakanoa, All Black just got round first by ssee from Peggy, with Wellesley ssec behind. Spinnakers were out immediately for the dead run home, but All Black had a little trouble with her sail and Peggy took tho lead by a few yards. Wcllesley, to windward a little, did not^eatch the breeze which came down from Kaiwarra Bight, and lost gTound. At Lambton Wharf, however, she came up on a fresh puff of wind, and the threo boats planed down the harbour together, with not more than inches separating them. First one and then the oTher would draw ahead a little, only to lose the advantage the following moment. Coming up to the finishing line between Clyde Quay and Taranaki Street Wharves, Peggy forged a little ahead, but Wellesley was coming up fast, and a stirring finish could be looked for." Finally, Wellesley'just got over,tho lino first by a split second from Peggy, with All Black ssec behind third. It was certainly tho best 14-footer finish seen for a very long time in Wellington.

The eighth trial will be held to-mor-row afternoon, weather permitting.