CAUGHT IN A GALE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17113, 19 March 1919, Page 6

CAUGHT IN A GALE.

LONG TRIP IN MULLET BOAT. WAIWERA MAN'S EXPERIENCE The Waiwera yachtsman. Mr. H. Duke, who left Waiwera in a 20ft mullet-boat on Saturday night, and for whose safety anxiety was felt, arrived in Auckland late on Monday night, after an adventurous trip of over 60 hours Mr. Duke left Waiwera a! 9.50 p.m. on Saturday, there boing a strung wind and heavy yeas. By careful sailing be reached tho Whangaparoa coast, but at about two o'clock on Sunday monrng the 'sea increased, and as squalls were frequent he was compelled to heave-to. For over an hour the boat remained at the mercy of the seas, then V. r. Duke "squared over," and by dii.t <>f much work managed to clear the Tiri Pa.-saje-After a few hours' hard sailing during which the yacht's dinghy hud to -e taken aboard, the yachtsman anchored in a small bay near Rakino. He left the bay on Monday, and the remainder of the voyage was uneventful, although severe squalls and choppy seas were encountered. .Mr. Duke had a similar experience some years ago. While on his way. in a motor, launch, to the Auckland Anniversary Regatta he ran into a strong gale ami t'-X'ght his way against a head wind and heavy seas to Auckland, when- fears- lad been entertained for his safety. Mr. Duke, who has raided at Waiwera for many years, has a wife and seven children.