Damage Done to Yacht

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 8, 10 January 1936, Page 8

Damage Done to Yacht

CORROSIVE FLUID ON RIGGING. AUCKLAND, Jan. 8. Damage done to the rigging and sails of the 18ft. yacht Velox, apparently bj sulphuric acid or some other corrosive fluid, was discovered while the boat was at Cowes Bay, Waihckc, during a holiday cruise. Several ropes snapped under the strain of normal sailing, and others, almost new, showed mysterious signs of stress, while the sails were found to be fraying iu patches. The Velox is owned by E. S. Brookes, 11. Fountain, and A. Hudson. While the yacht was at Cowes Bay all the crew' but one went ashore on New Year’s Eve and the man w'ho remained aboard was wakened some time after midnight by the sound of spray. He did not investigate, thinking the sound was that of the waves, but next morning, when the yacht had resigned her cruise, a rope snapped suddenly. Later other ropes parted and when the broken ends were inspected they were found to fray for some distance. Further examination showed that the sails w r ere affected in places. A detailed examination was made later with the result that deliberate use of acid is suspected. There were stains of acid on the deck.