YACHTING AT MELBOURNE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13390, 19 January 1907, Page 5

YACHTING AT MELBOURNE.

THE SAYONARA CUP.

SAYONARA BEATS RAWHITI.

By Telegraph. — Press Association.—Copyright.

Mi:i.nofß.\K. January 18. It is doubtful whether the Heather will take part in the deciding heat for La Carabine Cup, as she has been dismantled.

The. first race for the Sayonara Cup takes place to-day. The Sayonara has been restored to her old Sydney trim.

(Received January 18. 10.41 p.m.)

Mkliiotthxe. January 18.

For the Sayonara. Cup, Sayonara heat the Rawhiti to-day by about four minutes.

The first race for the Sayonara (.'up was was over a course leu miles to windward and back. The star! was made almost in a dead calm. The Rawhiti was very slow in fetching, but a friendly puff or two enabled her to get over the line a. few lengths ahead of the Sayonara. Once fairly going, the wind served well, and the Sayonara, hoisting her jib-topsail, gradually forged ahead. Three times (he Rawhiti, whioh was finely handled, went to the front, but. the Sayonara recovered ' her place oil' Brighton. The Sayonara rapidly increased her lead, and for the first time during the present contests Uawhiti was seen in a stern chase. The New Zealander, as often as was consistent, went, about. making the Sayonara. follow suit. The former, being the faster in stays, thereby gained a considerable advantage. The Sayonara turned the ten-mile buoy in 4m. lis. ahead of the Rawhifi. There was little incident in the trip back, the Rawhiti managing to cut down the lead a little. The finishing times were : —Sayonara sh. 25m. 50s. ; Rawhiti. 51i. 22m. Deducting Sayoiiara's margin, she won by 2m. 575.