LYTTELTON’S CUP

Evening Star, Issue 21630, 27 January 1934, Page 17

LYTTELTON’S CUP

FINE EXHIBITION BY HENDRY BOAT LEADS THROUGHOUT TO-DAY'S RACE FINAL OF Z CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP By winning the fifth race of the Now Zealand Z class yachting championship in no inconclusive manner this morning the Lyttelton crew, Masters It. Hencliy and S. Sillars, will hold the cup. for the ensuing year. This was the third race in succession that the Lyttelton boys had won, and at no stage during the race did the issue seem in doubt. The draw for boats resulted as xollows :—Wellington, Buna; Plimnierton, Rascal; Porirua, Pupuki; Kaiapoi, Colleen: Lyttelton, Noleen; Christchurch, Wai Runa; Otago, Kathleen; Port Chalmers, Watti; Invercargill, Wet-U. The race was sailed in a puny southwesterly which at times blew with considerable force, but these squalls did not last for long, though they gave the crews plenty to do in keeping their boats afloat. The wharves were lined by spectators, and beside a number of launches which followed the boats there were several parties in cars on the Peninsula shore. The course was from the Victoria wharf round a mark oft the boat harbour to a buoy off Wayerley, and then to the starting line after rounding a pile off the Kitchener street wharf, three times round. THE RACE. With the exception of Otago all the boats made a good start. The local boys, however, fouled the buoy as they crossed the line and were disqualified. Christchurch was away first, followed by Lyttelton, Wellington, Plimmerton, Otago, Kaiapoi, Port Chalmers, and Invercargill. Spinnakers were set on the run and Porirua went into the lead before the first mark was reached. . Lyttelton rounded next, with Kaiapoi, ' Wellington, Plimmerton, Christchurch, Port Chalmers, and Invercargill following in that order. All the boats worked short boards up the Victoria Channel in order to gain the utmost advantage from the incoming tide. It was here that Hendry again proved himself. Sailing his boat with admirable skill, he soon -weathered Plimmerton and then set off for the Waverley buoy. For the remainder of the race he maintained his position; and, in fact, drew away. All tacked off Waverley and stood over toward the Victoria wharf. Wellington, Lyttelton, and Christchurch made only short boards, but the remainder went as far as the channel before going about. Lyttelton had worked out a very serviceable lead by this time, and was holding a good breeze. Rounding the Waverley buoy a spinnaker was broken out on the broad lead to Kitchener street, and when the latter mark was passed the leader had a margin of 3min SOseo from Christchurch. Then came Kaiapoi, Porirua, Wellington, Plimmerton, Invercargill, and Port Chalmers, following close together. After rounding the pile Lyttelton made a very fine gybe, the spinnaker being set .and drawing within a very few seconds. There was no alteration in the positions here, but just after rounding the Kaiapoi boat’s mainsail came down with a run, but she carried on under a spinnaker and the sail was soon set again. Crossing the line at the start of the first round the positions were Lyttelton, Christchurch, then Wellington and Porirua together, followed by Kaiapoi, Plimmerton, Invercargill, and Port Chalmers. At this stage the leading boat had increased her lead to smin 18sec, and was still sailing well. With sheets started and spinnakers drawing well, Christchurch made up 30sec on the leader by the time she turned the mark off the boat harbour. , The breeze now freshened considerably, and the crews were sitting well over the side to keep their boats on an even keel. A channel course was again followed, and the Lyttelton boys again proved their mettle by opening out from the others. The boat was footing it through the water beautifully and making excellent progress: A tussle was taking place between Christchurch, Wellington,' and Porirua for Second place, so the latter skipper resolved to break away from the other two, and went over toward the wharves; but this manoeuvre cost him the place, and he dropped back to fourth. Lyttelton was well ahead by now and foaming along “ like a steamer.” She was almost at the starting line for the final round when the second boat, Wellington, eased her sheets at the Waverley buoy. There were 6min 23sec between them at this stage. The remainder of the fleet was well strung out across the harbour. Spinnakers were again sot on the lead to Kitchener street, and this decision brought trouble when a stiff squall struck them, carrying the Wellington and Christchurch boats’ extra sails over their forestays. These two boats housed their spinnakers and allowed Plimmerton to sail into second place as they gybed round the pile. The Lyttelton boat had by now commenced her last beat to the weather mark, and had a lead of Bmin 35sec. Another squall sent the remainder of the little craft flying to leeward, and the majority took in their spinnakers. After hauling the wind Kaiapoi’s mainsail again came down, but was hoisted again. Christchurch went into second position at the entrance to the channel, sailing through Porirua’s lee. The boats were now strung out from Vauxhall to the Three Legs, and with plenty of time in reserve the Lyttelton skipper did not risk trouble by setting a spinnaker on the lead, as it was obvious that they could not be passed unless trouble was met with. A spinnaker was set on the final run, however, and she crossed the line "a winner by 12min 23sec. The final positions and sailing times were as follow : Lyttelton (Ih 38min SSsecj ' 1 Christchurch (Ih oOmin 30scc) ... 2 Plimmerton (Hi 52min 45sec) ... ... 3 Wellington (Ih 52min 48sec) 4 Porirua (Ih 53min 43sec) ... ... 5 Kaiapoi (Ih 55min 43sec) 6 Invercargill (Ih 55min 50sec) ... 7 Port Chalmers withdx-ew during the last round. RACE THIS AFTERNOON. In order that the public might see these boats in action the Otago Yacht and Motor Boat Association arranged a race this afternoon, open to all the Z class boats on the harbour, for a prize given by the association. PRESENTATION OF CUP. The championship cup is to be presented to the winners at a social to bo held this evening.