TASMAN YACHT RACE

Northern Advocate, 29 December 1934, Page 9

TASMAN YACHT RACE

TE RAPUNGA THE WINNER. NGATARI 11 HOURS SHORT. CREDITABLE PERFORMANCES. The Tasman yacht race from Auckland to Melbourne, which started on December 8, has been won by the German yawl Te Rapunga. A Press Association message from Melbourne says that the other competitor, the Auckland sloop Ngataki, entered the heads at 7 o’clock last evening. In order to win, the Ngataki would have had to cross the finishing line at 8 a.m. yesterday, allowing for her handicap of 17 hours. The Te Rapunga has won the TransTasman Cup, valued at £SO, and £7O prize money presented by the Victorian Yachting Association. Until yesterday it was not known in what pi’oportion the £IOO donated by the association would be divided.

Both yachts put up creditable performances in completing the 1630mile race in under 21 days, the time which both skippers estimated would be taken. The To Rapunga passed the finishing line after 19 days 2 hours approximate sailing time, equal to an average speed of about four knots. According to private advice from Captain George Dibbern, Te Rapunga. passed the Throe Kings on December 13 and then presumed that the Ngataki was 300 miles ahead. They set a course for Bass Straight and had' a good run. On the 18th they encountered wild, cross seas and cold, and the boat was leaking again. Christmas Day was beautiful and they had a typical dinner and thought of their friends. On Boxing Day they made a run of nearly 200 miles through rough seas to Bass St. Island. Captain Dibbern added that they got a great reception from the St. Hilda and Brighton Yacht Clubs where they spent 17 hours anxiously awaiting the Ngataki.