RETURN FROM CRUISE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 70, 20 September 1939, Page 5

RETURN FROM CRUISE

THE YAWL MARIE

THREE MONTHS IN PACSFIC

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, September 19

After a stormy voyage from the Fijian Islands, the 34ft yawl. Marie, owned and commanded by Captain Frank Dona, arrived at Russell late this afternoon, having completed an enjoyable cruise of the Pacific, which began at Auckland on June 17.

Also on the vessel are Mr. E. Long, retired school teacher, of Whangaruru, and Mr. Neville James, Wanganui, both of whom left New Zealand in the yacht.

Captain Dona, who is a Netherlander, reached New Zealand from Seattle, via Australia, last March. The yawl was built at Seattle, and she was flying the United States flag oh her arrival this afternoon.

After leaving New Zealand in June, the Marie visited Sunday Island, and then spent considerable time calling at out-of-the-way spots in the Tongan Group. Subsequently she called at Suva, and then at Kandavu in the Fijian Group.

The crew heard of the outbreak of war by radio shortly after leaving Kandavu, and were able to keep . in touch with developments by means of tho vessel's receiving set.

The last lap from Kandavu proved the most difficult of the Tuise, lasting 13 days. The yawl was only 60 miles from Cape Brett six days ago, but a strong southerly storm was then encountered. The vessel was hove to, but the gale blew her 200 miles out of her course, towards the Kermadecs. The yawl behaved very well in spite of high seas, but a particularly heavy gust split the mizzen, necessitating the fixing of a spare one.

When the gale subsided, the yacht was becalmed for a day. Because of the time taken on the run the Marie arrived at Russell very short of provisions, little remaining except biscuits.