LEISURELY OCEAN CRUISE

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 2 February 1934, Page 6

LEISURELY OCEAN CRUISE

AMERICANSi REACH RUSSELL. LONG, UNEVENTFUL TRIP. RUSSELL, Jan. 31. A stoutly-built, schooner-rigged yacht, a stranger to the residents of, Russell, dropped anchor off the wharf at 6 o’clock last evening. As the little craft was flying a yellow flag, the harbourmaster arranged for the port doctor to go out to her. The unexpected visitor proved to be the auxiliary yacht Bessie Girl, commanded by Captain Brisson, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who has with him as a. companion Mr Dean, also of Michigan. Two Pacific Island “boys” complete the complement of the 38ft craft. . , . . The yacht, which is on a leisurely cruise, cleared from Raiatea, in tbe Society Group, 33 days ago. On the run to New Zealand she passed close to the Kermadecs, but no stop was made there. Although the voyage from Raiatea was a long one, it was not eventful, the winds generally being light and favourable. The Bessie Girl is excellently vvell fitted out for long cruising, being beamy and comfortable. It was Captain Brisson’s original intention to make Auckland his first port of call in Now Zealand, but unfavourable weather experienced off the coast decided him to put into Russell. Now that he is here he intends to remain at the Bay of Islands until aftei the Waitangi celebrations. A stay of some days will be made at Auckland, and it is possible that other New Zealand ports will he visited before the little craft goes on to Australia. At the present time Captain Brisson is considering the possibility of entering his craft in the trans-Tasman yacht race.

From Australia, the yacht will probably be sailed to Singapore.