ACROSS THE TASMAN

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 191, 2 August 1930, Page 7

ACROSS THE TASMAN

OCEAN YACHT RACE.

A NEW ZEALAND ENTRY

Efforts are being made to have New Zealand represented in the yacht race which is expected to take place across the Tasman in December. At present (says tho “Christchurch Times”) two Australian boats have entered for the event, and there is every prospect of a Canterbury crew taking part. Already the man who wants to enter for the race has s;>ent £5O on new nautical instruments. He is thoroughly qualified, having served his time as an apprentice in one of the biggest shipping lines. He has made seventeen passages across the Atlantic and two complete trips round the world, being a senior officer for some time on liners trading to New Zealand The vaebt in which it is proposed to malto tho Tasman passage is nearly fifty feet in length and is fully eouipped with the necessary gear for cruising. It can bo obtained for £350. and if this sum can be raised, the challenge will be accepted. It is hoped that if this is arranged, three vessels will take part in the race.

The prospect of New Zealand being represented in the race is made almost certain by an offer from Mr. A. F. Stacey, the well-known real estate dealer and yachtsman, to guarantee the financial side of the race. “It would be u splendid thing for New Zealand,” said Air. Stacey. “It can bo done and it should not ,

past Cliristchurcli. Wo don't want Auckland to slip in ahead. A race of this kind would be of far greater importance than the America Cup races because it would be a far more strenuous* trial of seaworthiness and seamanship. Yachting is tho finest sport iu the world and if New Zealand should win this race and the winner was a Christchurch boat, no sportsman could wish for anything more gratifying. If the boat and crew proposed are suitable, I will see that the money is found.” The proposal at present is to sail across the Tasman to Melbourne, the official point of departure being d’Urville Island. Cook Strait. The two Australian yacts would be met at Melbourne and the race would be from there back to d’Urville Island. The other two who have been selected to form the crew are enthusiastic yachtsmen, and for the past few months have received coaching in navigation. One of them has had wireless experience, and besides holding the position of second mate, he has been appointed radio operator. Some time ago, the late Sir Joseph Ward offered a gold cup for the winner of the race if it took place. An experienced mariner who now occupies a shore position in Christchurch took the matter up and secured a crew of two yachtsmen to help him. An option was . obtained over a suitable boat, but the necessary amount of money could not be raised. i CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. [United Press Association—By CableCopyright.] Sydney, July 30. Air. Bonnell, owner of the yacht Oimara, says a challenge to race across the Tasman has been accepted on behalf of Mr. Stacey, of Christ'-hiirch. A Victorian fisherman, Mr. Donovan, may also enter the race, which will probably be sailed in December.