KAWAU REACHED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22331, 16 May 1947, Page 4

KAWAU REACHED

YACHT WAITANGI TRIP FROM_ GISBORNE BAD LUCK SPELL BROKEN Apparently having a run of good luck, after a long spell of bad fortune, the A class keeler yacht Waitangi arrived at Kawau Island, in the Hauraki Gulf, yesterday, only five days out from Gisborne. After spending nearly three weeks moored in the Gisborne harbour basin, endeavouring to obtain a crew to sail the vessel back to Auckland, the yacht sailed for Auckland at midday last Saturday. To supplement her crew she carried a Gisborne fisherman, Mr. Tony Benito, and three High School youths. Graham Wallen, Karl Houlihan and Peter Broom. They will leave the yacht at Auckland, and after spending a few days in the city return to Gisborne overland. The Waitangi was purchased in Auckland six months ago by Mr. J. R. Killian, who intended to sail the yacht to Lyttelton. Together with his wife and a small crew, Mr. Killian sailed in the Waitangi from Auckland about three months ago. The yacht was first in trouble off the East Coast when a heavy wind was experienced and the sails were blown out. The Waitangi was able to make Gisborne, and repairs were effected before the vessel set out for Napier. In Hawke’s Bay the yacht again ran into heavy weather and had to be towed into Napier by a fishing trawler following the receipt of an SOS message by radio. After further repairs were made at Napier, it was decided to abandon the southern voyage and return to Auckland. Leaving Napier on Saturday, April 19, the yacht was forced to put back three hours later to make repairs to her rigging. She left Napier again the following Wednesday, arriving at Gisborne three days later. Apparently on the last stage of her voyage back to Auckland the yacht had weather, wind and sea to her advantage for practically the first time since she left the northern port.