YACHT'S CRUISE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 121, 25 May 1939, Page 15

YACHT'S CRUISE

CALM AND HURRICANE

WELSH FAMILY'S VOYAGE

The 48ft ketch-rigged yacht Silver Spray arrived, at Russell shortly be* fore noon yesterday, flying the American flag, states today's "New Zealand Herald." The boat, which has come from San Francisco, .is owned by Mr. E. J. Thomas, who is.accompanied by his wife and 10-year-old daughter, JNTorma, and a 14-year-old boy, Bill Podbreger. ........

The party left . San Francisco last July and visited., the islands of the Hawaiian group, Christmas Island, Borabora, Utaroa, Papeete, and Moorea,. where they waited for several weeks for the conclusion of the hurricane season before sailing for Rarotonga. This was finally left on April 27, and the last leg of 1700 miles was completed yesterday. •■-.■•?■

For nine days, the ketch lay in a dead calm, but then a hurricane lasting for 48 hours was experienced north-west of the Kermadecsi Good conditions were experienced after this, however, Cape Brett being sighted soon 'after 7 o'clock on Tuesday night, and Russell being reached yesterday morning.

The yacht is of lOJft beam, 6ft draught, and has. an auxiliary engine, Which is only used for entering . and leaving ports, nil. ocean travelling being done by sail. It. is very well equipped inside, having electric light, wireless, water tanks, and sleeping accommodation for six.

Mr. Thomas is a Welshman who went to America after the war and took up dairy farming, and his wife comes from Liverpool. On account of what he termed the hopeless conditions for farming in America owing to very heavy taxation, Mi\ Thomas finally sold his farm and took over the yacht in which he is now travelling. ' ' . ■-....

Although the vessel has behaved remarkably well, the cramped space has reduced the party's enthusiasm for this style of travelling, and. Mrs. Thomas is definite, in her refusal to return to America .on it. No definite plans have been made for the future, but a visit -will ultimately be made to Auckland.