THE ENGLISH YACHT ARIADNE

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11534, 20 November 1900, Page 3

THE ENGLISH YACHT ARIADNE

The Sydney Daily Telegraph of the 12th inst. says:— Ariadne, the largest English sailing yacht afloat,, arrived at Sydney on Saturday afternoon, on a cruise. Under a cloud of sail (she carries 13,000 square ■ feet of canvas), the graceful vessel stood into the Heads, and sailed up the harbour to moorings in Elizabeth Bay, an object of interest and beauty. The Ariadne is owned by Mr. T. C. Kerry (well in Australia as an explorer), and comes here with a .party of guests, embarked at Southampton. She flies the blue ensign, and belongs to the Royal Temple Yacht Club, and has always competed - prominently in Home racing movements. On one occasion, two years ago, when racing for the German Emperor's cup, the vessel finished considerably ahead of the best class of yachts, but owing to her time allowance being slightly exceeded, was placed second. Later, when in the best of company, the mammoth cruiser was the only competitor to round the Eddystone lighthouse in a stiff gale.' Her fleetness was manifested in a cruise from Cowes to Gibraltar, accomplished in less than mail steamer time. Indeed, when off the Portuguese coast, and running with a favourable current, she averaged a speed of 18 knots. On the present cruise the Ariadne, after visiting Durban Port Darwin, and Thursday Island (where Mr. Kerry joined the party), has called at Sydney for the Commonwealth celebrations, and will remain here to take part in the yachting nianceuvres. Her after movements are not exactly decided upon, but they will probably embrace" a cruise through the Islands. Lying at her moorings in Elizabeth Bay the yacht impresses ; all visitors with the beauty of her lines, and her immense proportions. She registers 400 tons, and is replete with commodious and handsome cabin accommodation. The fittings below are of the finest description. The Ariadne was built at Grassport in 1874, under a higher class than Lloyd's. Her crew numbers 11 hands, exclusive of the captain and two officers. Captain Willis is in charge, and he reports having had unfavourable weather since the yacht left Southampton, seven months ago. This was particularly so off the coast of New South Wales, when some strong gales were encountered. The vessel proved her seaworthiness, however, and but little damage resulted. , ' <*•