SANDERS CUP CONTEST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19851, 23 January 1928, Page 12

SANDERS CUP CONTEST.

THIRD TRIAL RACE DECIDED. AVALON BEATS RONA. AN INTERESTING FINISH, The third Sanders Cup trial race, took place en Saturday and resulted in a win for Avalon by 23 seconds from Rona. The race was started at 1.35 p.m., the course being from starting lino off King's Wharf, thence round the Bastion beacon, thence round Sandspit, finishing at starting line. A wholesail bree/.e from the east was blowing, which gave the boats a long beat down the harbour to the Bastion, a broad lead to the Sandspit, and a run to King's Wharf. Only Avalon and Rona started, and on the fall of the last flag Avalon crossed the line about two lengths ahead of Rona. Both made a board on port tack into Mechanics' Bay, and then worked short tacks to clear the breakwater. Here Rona gained slightly on Avalon, but after clearing the deflector, Avalon £vew away from her rival. Rona started out with her mainsail and leader, but Avalon only carried her mainsail and working jib. Crossing Hobson Bay Rona again picked up on Avalon and for a time was pointing higher than the leader. Avalon kept right in toward Paul's Bay and Rona stood further out, both boats having to put in a short board to weather the Orakci Wharf.

Avalon rounded the Bastion beacon at 2ft 34m 31s, and Rona at 2h 35m 225. Spinnakers were set for the leg across to the Sandspit, and when Avalon had a lead of about a minute her spinnaker went overboard and got under the keel. Meanwhile Rona headed Avalon, which did not recover and reset her spinnaker until she had passed the Sandspit beacon. At the beacon Rona had a lead of 17 seconds from Avalon. With the wind now further aft Rona put more time on to Avalon, but shortly after passing the Sandspit the latter got her spinnaker drawing again. Rona continued her lead until off the cable depot, where Avalon ran up level with her opponent. A luffing match followed, both boats running far oft their course in toward Stanleybay. Rona was first to and ran for the line. Avalon's skipper was watching Rona very closely and placing his boat on Rona's weather passed clear, crossing the finishing line the winner by 23 seconds. Avalon was able to carry her spinnaker across the line, but Rona had to lower her light sail in order to clear the mark-boat. The finishing times were: Avalon (J. I'atrick), 3h 2m 17s; Rona (A. E. Matthews), 3h 2m 40s. Three trial races have now been held, Avalon winning two and Rona one. It has not yet been decided whether a'ny further trials will be held. According to the rules, boats taking part in the contest must be nominated by next Wednesday. ______