OCEAN VOYAGERS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 55, 2 February 1934, Page 3

OCEAN VOYAGERS

TWO AMERICANS. YACHT REACHES RUSSELL. RUSSELL, Jan. 3L. A stoutly-built, schooner-rigged yacht a stranger to the residents of Russell, a,nchor 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 lier. The unexpected visitor proved to he 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 “hoys” complete the complement of the 38ft. craft. ; The yacht, which is on a leisurely cruise, cleared from Raiatea, in the 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 well 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 New 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 after the Waitangi celebrations. A stay of some days will l>e made at Auckland, and it is possible that other New Zealand ports will be 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 bo sailed to Singapore.